Consider a man sitting quiet and contemplating, with no purpose or aim except that of experiencing himself and his oneness with the world. He is considered to be “passive,” because he is not “doing” anything. In reality, this attitude of concentrated meditation is the highest activity there is, an activity of the soul, which is possible only under the condition of inner freedom and independence.”

― Erich Fromm

“An activity of the soul.” I like this phrase. When I sit quietly in prayer, stilling my mind and opening my spirit to whatever my come—this is definitely not passive. It takes a lot of focus and effort to do this. And in the best experiences, there is definitely an invigoration of the spirit—an enlivening experience. 

A quieting of the mind. And energizing the soul.

And in this period “activity” you brighten your soul, your spirit, your life energy.

Prayer and meditation comes in many forms. Sitting with the sunrise. Chanting prayers or mantras. Misogi on the beach/river/waterfall. Walking with purposeful silence in the forest. Sitting in meditation on a cushion. Leaning into a tree. Creative arts—music, drawing, pottery.

How do you activate your soul?