“You don’t direct the soul, you feed it, then the soul directs you.” – Dallas Willard, PhD (quoted in Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy)
I came across this quote in Inner Excellence, and it hit me like a perfectly placed strike in sparring—unexpected yet deeply resonant. It aligns with something I’ve learned over decades of training, teaching, and living strong: You don’t force growth; you nurture it. Just as you can’t demand mastery in martial arts without years of disciplined training, you can’t command your soul to lead you without first feeding it what it needs.
Feeding the Soul
The soul thrives on what we give it—our experiences, our struggles, our moments of gratitude. It’s fueled by the books we read, the conversations we engage in, the disciplines we commit to, and the way we show up for others. The question isn’t if your soul will guide you, but what you’re feeding it so that it has the strength and clarity to do so.
Dallas Willard, a renowned philosopher and theologian, emphasized that true transformation comes not from trying to control outcomes but from cultivating an inner life rich with meaning. In Chapter 6 of Inner Excellence, Jim Murphy expands on this idea, showing how athletes and high performers can shift their state by focusing on what they nourish their minds and spirits with. The real power isn’t in directing the soul but in providing it with the right fuel—faith, discipline, wisdom, and self-awareness—so that it naturally leads you where you need to go.
Living Strong: Let the Soul Direct
Living strong isn’t about bulldozing through life with blind force; it’s about cultivating inner strength so that when the time comes to act, you move with purpose. This quote reminds me that discipline isn’t just about control—it’s about alignment. When you feed your soul, it naturally aligns with your highest self, and suddenly, the path that once seemed uncertain becomes clear.
For me, that’s what martial arts has always been about. It’s not about forcing technique but about developing a foundation so solid that movements flow instinctively. It’s the same with life. You don’t demand purpose—you nurture it, and in return, purpose reveals itself.
Take Action: Daily Practices to Feed Your Soul
If you want your soul to lead the way, you must take action to feed it. Here’s how:
- Read & Reflect Daily – Read something that expands your mind and reflect on it. Don’t just consume information—internalize it.
- Move with Intention – Whether it’s martial arts, a workout, or a mindful walk, physical movement feeds the soul by keeping the body strong and the mind sharp.
- Practice Gratitude – At the end of the day, take five minutes to acknowledge what nourished your soul that day. It keeps you aware of what’s shaping your inner world.
- Surround Yourself with Strength – Seek out conversations with people who challenge and uplift you. Iron sharpens iron.
- Trust the Process – Stop trying to control every outcome. Take the right actions, and trust that your soul will guide you toward where you need to be.
Final Thoughts
You don’t dictate the soul’s path; you empower it. Feed it well, and it will take you places you never imagined. That’s the essence of living strong—it’s not about just existing; it’s about thriving with purpose, resilience, and clarity. And when the time comes to take action, you’ll know exactly what to do, because your soul has been leading you all along.
What are you feeding your soul today?
