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A Soul Care Meditation: Your One Word, An Embodied Etymology, A Spring Blessing - Autism Acceptance Edition (Part Two)
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
Today, we continue contemplating our journey with your one word, excavating its roots + branches—understanding how meaning, like a perennial plant, reemerges over time with new vitality while maintaining its essence
Excavating Etymology: The Root System of Your Word
Every word we speak carries ancient whispers. Like gardeners who understand that a plant's health depends on what lies beneath the soil, we explore the etymology of our chosen word—those linguistic roots that stretch back through centuries of human experience.
My word "Devoted" stems from the Latin "devotus" (deh-VOH-tus), which combines "de" (completely) and "vovere" (to vow). It means "to vow completely" or "to consecrate."
This ancient root speaks of a sacred commitment, a setting apart, a wholehearted dedication. When I trace these roots, I discover that devotion isn't merely affection—it's a solemn promise, a deliberate orientation of heart and mind toward what matters most.
Looking deeper into ancestral wisdom, I find resonance in the Swahili word "wakfu" (wahk-FOO), meaning dedication or consecration, and the Yoruba concept of "ìfarabálẹ̀" (ee-fah-rah-BAH-leh), which speaks to unwavering commitment and steadfastness.
These African expressions of devotion remind me that dedication has been honored across continents and centuries as a sacred practice of focusing one's entire being toward what matters most.
I encourage you to trace your word beyond European languages but through your ancestral tongues. What does your chosen word sound like in the languages of your forebears? How might Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu, or other African languages illuminate different dimensions of your word's meaning?
This ancestral excavation connects you to the wisdom of elders who understood the power of language to shape reality long before modern linguistics.
This etymological exploration provides solace in a world where communication often feels like traversing unfamiliar territory. There is something reassuring about connecting back to the original intent of words, uncovering their purest meanings, and the layers of social conventions that have changed their interpretations.
Embodying Your Word: From Concept to Practice
A word remains abstract until embodied in daily practice. Like seeds requiring consistent tending, your word needs intentional + intuitive integration into the rhythm of your days.
This embodiment transforms intellectual understanding into lived experience.
To me, embodying "devoted" involves nurturing my inner landscape—similar to a gardener tending their field. Every morning, I stretch my thoughts to loosen them and my body with the help of my morning playlist. With my fingers grasping a pen like a trowel to journal my morning gratitude, each stroke serves as an inky reminder of my commitment to remain receptive.
I've scattered subtle reminders of devotion around my home—using my chalk pen, I've inscribed my word on the mirror of my tea bar and at my favorite east-facing window in the room I've called Goldie's Oasis, accompanied by the prompt, "Devotion looks like..."
Additionally, I have it inscribed on the bathroom mirrors, which serve as gentle reminders to connect me to my sensory sanctuary.
What could it mean to define your word for yourself + embody it in your unique life garden? It might include a daily ritual, a physical item, or a particular space in your home.
Consider creating a physical gesture that represents your word—a simple movement that becomes a bodily prayer. Your word might invite a particular posture or action that embodies its meaning. For instance, when I step off my porch, I ring the wooden wind chimes and softly say, "devoted."
For those with sensory sensitivities, this embodiment honors your unique relationship with physical experience. Your gesture might be subtle or expansive, public or private—there is no prescribed way to live into your word physically. The beauty lies in making it uniquely yours.
A Spring Blessing
May the roots of your word grow deep, drawing nourishment from ancient wisdom.
May its meaning evolve in your understanding, like branches reaching toward newfound light.
May your body become a living expression of the truth your word contains.
May your hands, your feet, your voice translate concept into tangible grace.
May you trace your word's journey through time, and find yourself part of a larger story, connected to all who have embodied this truth before you walked this earth.
Amen + Asé
Reflection for Your Journey
What is the etymological origin of your chosen word? How does this history enrich your understanding?
How do you define your word on your terms?
Defining your word on your terms means making it meaningful for you. For example, if your word is courage, maybe it means “asking for support + accommodations even when I’m afraid” rather than being fearless. It’s about what the word truly means in your life.
Where do you sense your word in your body? Is it a heart-centered word, a mind-word, a hands-and-feet word? Let's explore this one in depth...
Understanding Your Word: Heart, Mind, and Hands-and-Feet
When you think about your sensory sanctuary word, try to notice how it feels in your whole self—your heart, your mind, and your body. This helps you connect with your word in a deeper, more embodied way.
Ask yourself: Where do you feel your word in your body?
If it’s heart-centered, you might feel warmth, tenderness, or a softening in your chest. These words connect to your emotions + spirit.
If it’s a mind-word, it might show up as images, thoughts, ideas, or a sense of focus in your head. These words engage your thinking + understanding.
If it’s hands-and-feet, you might feel it in your actions—your hands, your feet, your movement. These words come alive through what you do.
Knowing where your word “lives” helps you care for it in the way it needs. Just like a garden needs roots, sunlight, and water, your word grows best when your heart, mind, and body all nurture it.
Try this: say your word out loud, close your eyes, and notice where you feel it most—in your chest, your head, or your hands and feet. Let that feeling guide how you bring your word to life each day.
How might you create daily rituals that embody "holy ground" with your word in communion with God?
Can you discover how your word sounds in your ancestral language (or a non-European language)? How does hearing these ancient sounds deepen your relationship with the word?
Alright, SOULjourner, tomorrow, we'll explore how your word functions as a description of your journey rather than a prescription for performance—welcoming the gentle invitation it extends.
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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