4 Areas of Soul Care for the Writer

"One of the most neglected areas of a storyteller's world is the internal arena of the soul. Nothing has a greater impact than soul-care on an author's identity."

~ Allen Arnold

I sat in on a great workshop last weekend that talked about the 4 areas of soul care for a writer. But even if you're some other kind of artist -- or just plain human -- this is good advice for anyone.

Spirit
The care of your spirit is spending time alone with God. Spend time enjoying God's presence via God's word and prayer. Your characters cannot have more depth than you do, so practice being still with God.

Soul
The soul is the seat of affections and will. What do you feed your soul? What you put into your soul affects what will come out.

Body

"Whatever their bodies do affects their souls." 

~ Screwtape (from C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters)

Simple reminders but very important:

• Drink water
• Remember to stretch
• 1/2 hour exercise EVERY day

Community
Writing is a solitary pastime but no man is an island. Your soul is meant to be in community (even Adam had his Eve). Jesus didn't spend the majority of his time ministering alone in the dessert. Community keeps you connected to what God is doing and has done.

How are you doing in these 4 areas? Balance is key.