What is a 'Soul Place'? And 5 ways to know if you've found yours
Anyone who follows me on Facebook, might have seen this week that I found an amazing quote about 'Soul Places' on Pinterest, and reposted it to my Facebook Page (because I loved it so much!). It went like this:
Pretty cool, huh? Well I'll admit, when I found this, I'd never even heard of a 'Soul Place', but it got me thinking and doing some research...And here we are! I've never really considered myself a particularly spiritual person, but the more I go through life, the more I think that perhaps I might be. I'm certainly not religious, not because I don't believe (because I definitely do), but more because I haven't found a religion yet that works for me. I am however, finding myself more and more believing in a path to spiritual enlightenment, and I find the whole subject pretty fascinating. In fact, I seem to use the word 'Soul' more and more often these days, usually when I'm referring to something I'm particularly passionate about, and very often in reference to creativity. I do without a doubt believe that a good piece of design connects with our soul, often on a level that we can't really put into words.
I guess looking back on my life so far, there have been a number of moments where I've felt really connected to my soul, I just probably haven't realised it at the time. When I was younger, I was bullied in school, which led to a pretty miserable upbringing. Every evening after school, I would shut myself away in my room, put music on my Mp3 player, and draw and paint. I used to draw my favourite places, favourite people, and places I wished were real, or that perhaps were real in my head. It was pure escapism. I think this part of my life helped me really connect my soul with my creativity, and it was probably a really necessary part of my creative growth.
I have always tried to produce creative work based on emotion and feeling, because those things are very important to me, and I think that's even more true of my jewellery work.
Jewellery is all about emotion, feeling and individuality. I think a good piece of jewellery really should speak to your soul, and that's why the idea of a 'Soul Place' really spoke to me. When I think about it, almost all of my jewellery work is inspired by one of my 'Soul Places' (I definitely have more than one!) and my future collections which are still floating around in my head, are all based on 'Soul Places' too! So this idea was a real moment of enlightenment for me!
So, what is a 'Soul Place'?
A 'Soul Place', is a space or place that you feel particularly drawn to, and that makes you feel 'at home'. It is your soul's true home in nature, a place where you feel as much a part of it, as it does of you. This is a place that you feel completely at peace, it could be a forest, an ocean, a ruined castle, or even the city...But wherever it is, you get a spectacular sense of belonging when you're there.
I guess right now, you're either instantly thinking of where your 'Soul Place' is, and wishing you were there right now...Or you're thinking "I have no idea where my 'Soul Place' is, how do I find it, have I already found it?"...And that's fine, I think I can help:
5 Ways to know if you've found your 'Soul Place':
1) You feel Inspired. This one is a pretty big deal for me, because this has happened so many times at my 'Soul Places'.
When you are in your 'Soul Place', you should feel inspired to be creative. You might suddenly remember lines from a song, or a poem, or a book and you may feel the need to be creative in order to express and process the overwhelming emotions you feel, being in this place.
2) It feels like a familiar place, even if you've never been there before. There is nothing here that your soul finds stressful, you recognise everything, and everything feels completely homely. You're familiar with all the sights, noises and textures, and you feel totally comfortable with it. You're home.
3) You feel completely at peace. You don't feel the need to talk, or even to move around. This is a place where you are completely content. You are protected from all of your worries and stresses, and the space allows you to feel rejuvenated and look at your problems from a different perspective when you return. This is a place where you know you can relax.
4) You feel overcome with emotion. It may be because you feel you never want to leave the place, or because you feel so at one with where you are, but something about your 'Soul Place' stirs emotions in you. You feel connected to something, part of a bigger picture, but at the same time it makes you realise how insignificant your problems are in the grand scheme of things.
5)You feel kind of nostaligic for the place. Even if you've never been here before, theres a sense of nostalgia telling you that you have. You are completely familiar with everything here, and when you leave you know with 100% certainty that you will return,
And that's how you know!
So...Where is my 'Soul Place'? Well, I have a few, but I'll narrow it down to two for you.
The first, is on the Cornish Coast, at Trebarwith Strand. It's the most beautiful beach full of sea creatures, rock pools, and caves, I could explore there forever. If you ever go there, there's a lovely pub at the top of the cove, which overlooks the ocean. It's perfect. I love the sea, and so much of my work is inspired by the sea, and how I feel when I'm there. You can check it out here
The second, is Rome. My Husband proposed to me in Rome the second time we visited there, but I felt the connection to the place the very first time we went. Perhaps that's why he chose to propose there. I love everything about that city, the sights, the noise, the food, the culture, the history...I feel totally relaxed and completely at home there...Even though I don't speak a word of Italian!
So, do you have a 'Soul Place'? Where is it? I'd love to know!
P.S, If you'd like to check out my 'soul place' inspired work, you can find it at www.gemmatremayne.com
And, for more creative musings, early access to new designs, my inspiration, beautiful nature images, notes on eco-consciousness, musings on mindful living and of course helpful jewellery tips and tricks. I'd love to invite you to join my Email Friends I promise my email letters will always be inspiring and informative!
Gemma
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32 Responses
Samantha
So glad I found this article. My soul place is the desert. Joshua Tree in California to be exact. I cry every single time I go. It doesn’t matter if I’m only there for a few hours or a few days. I always feel refreshed and at peace. I’ve been inspired lately to bring the things I love about the desert into my home.
marchelle
Mine is the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (the entire region surrounding Yellowstone National Park, located in WY, MT and ID.) My first time going was an emotional, moving, spiritual experience, and I have thought about it every day since. Actually even before going! I even posted a photo of it one day prior to my first trip with the caption “homesick for a place I’ve never been”… now that I’ve been twice, I know without a doubt I will live there someday. Its like when I get there, all is right with the world.
Chloe
First of all, I really love this article.
Second, I love these responses!
My soul place is most definitely Iceland!
I have never been there, but I have always been incredibly drawn to that country and land, even as a young child. And that feeling has amplified as I’ve gotten older.
Something about the land, culture, the people, just everything about Iceland is sooo captivating, beautiful, and mesmerizing to me.
K
some deep spiritual feelings I have towards Sorrento, Italy make so much more sense after reading this post. I’ve never been to Italy once, but have always been attracted to the culture, music, and scenery…and ever since randomly coming across a tour of Sorrento on YouTube, it’s like.. I instantly recognized the place-every street corner, alley and shop, the seaside views and city sounds… it’s like I thought “that’s it. That’s my home” and had no idea why ? Of course I’d sound absolutely crazy trying to explain this to any of my friends, so I didn’t yet. All I know is that the video made a part of my soul wake up that I didn’t even know I had and now there is a strong magnetic pull, taking me towards Sorrento. In order to find myself and understand better, I’m going to work on trying to go there in the near future :) thanks for writing this post and letting us know that there are special connections to places in our lives and that I’m not alone
Sandi
Like others I found this post searching for understanding of my deep connection, interest and fascination with a place I have never been for as long as I can remember. Mine is Scotland!
Kai
Murmansk.
Ananda
Wow. Reading so many comments made me feel the message for the collective “We are going back (or forth) to the place where we are supposed to be” just like how puzzle pieces are ready to get back to the original soul place. I am from Japan but whenever I land in Los Angeles I feel I’m finally home. Seeing someone else resonating so much with Japan gives me an interesting feeling.
Lisa
I’ve had a reoccurring dream about a beach. It’s just after sunset and the water is an electrifying blue color. Everything feels soft. I thought for the longest time it was my imagination, and then last summer I found a photograph of the beach. The photograph title just said Beach, and there wasn’t a location where it was taken so I have no ideas where it is, but I know I need to find it.
Toni
I have two places, the first, the river I grew up near, Sandy Point NSW Australia. But the second was so unexpected, Sorrento, Italy, I visited there in 2006, and everyday ever since, I am there, physically – in my mind, constantly it is like a veil comes down over my eyes & I am there, my heart & soul ache to be back there. At times it is exhausting my longing, the veil & time. Until I read this article, I thought there was something wrong with me, thank you ♡.
Maliyah
I feel like my soul place is NYC, I’ve never been but I’ve had almost a lifelong passion to visit the city. I wonder if I will feel at “home” there if I get to visit one day?
Shari
I came across my Soul Place on the East Coast of Canada. I didn’t know the term until today. The feeling when I found my place was so overwhelming and emotional. It brings me to tears every time I think about it. Now I truly understand what I felt.
Lana
My soul place is Lake Superior in Ontario Canada. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about being there and I make sure I drive there at least once a month no matter what the season.
Jessica
My soul place is Italy. I have never been there, i know my family is from there somewhere down the line. But i feel as if i am meant to be there for some reason. I know that place better than anywhere in the world and i have no clue why. Is that crazy?
Brogan
My soul place is York, England. I went for the first time 7 years back and have been several times since. The first time being there I felt at home, I felt like I knew the streets and stories of the city. Whenever I’m away I long to be back there, it’s a surreal feeling and strange how often I think of the place.
Ellie
My soul place is Iceland. I haven’t been back in 10 years but I feel an intense pull almost daily to go back still.
KARRA VONA
this concept is new for me, but i dound mine last week. bar harbor maine, im from nj. i just had this extreme overwhelming feeling i belong there. everything was so firmiliar although i have never been there. maine was completely magical. i teared up when i left there. although i cant eat seafood, the food, vibes people were so amazing
Jesse
My soul place is New York City. I’ve been there 4 times in my life and I gotta say, Every time I’m there, I get a sense that I’m at home, I feel at peace, I feel free and extremely happy my heart is here. And everytime I leave I’m depressed and cry for a while. I can’t say the same for my hometown in Arizona, where I was born and raised. To me its just depressing, its not much of a life here for me. I’m hoping sooner than I think that I can leave this place and go to the city where I truly feel at home even if its not my own.
Ana
Rome is my soul place. I was there for a year 2017-2018. Then I went back for two months in 2019. Haven’t been back since the pandemic shook the world. My soul craves Italy. I can see myself walking the streets of Rome, feel what I felt when I experienced the city. I remember everything like it was yesterday. It’s crazy.
Kay
OMG I found your site because I was searching for something to try and explain this strong and very meaningful connection I have to a City and was blown away when I saw another comment above from Amelia because like her, my “Soul” place is Seoul, South Korea!! I live in the US and have been intrigued beyond words about Seoul and I have even booked a trip there for May 2022 !!! Your information above truly helped me understand that places can be your “Soul Place” – and I’m not alone in feeling this way about a destination I have never been to before – but I have such a connection to – and I honestly can’t wait to get there in 9 months !!! Thanks so much !!!!
Will Bunnell
For the longest time I’ve wondered why I’ve had such a spiritual, emotional connection to Canada. When ever O Canada would be played I would just light inside. If Canada was hurt in some way it hurt me. Same if something like a gold medal happened I would feel great pride. I could never figure out why. I am French Canadian on my dads side but it always felt like something more. Reading this article had answered all the questions I’ve ever had. I now know and understand myself mentally and spiritually. Thank you endlessly for writing this. Thank you❤️🇨🇦
Kat
I grew up in a sheltered life in Central California, lived in Los Angeles/OC for most of my adult life. But found that French Quarter in New Orleans has that pull on me. Visited three times already, and still plan to go back. This place checks off everything on your list for me.
I feel somewhat connected to Charleston SC, but not as strong as NOLA. I’m very curious to learn about past lives.
Regina Dillard
The Low Country in the southern part of the U.S, Savannah, GA/Hilton Head Island. I become overwhelmed with so much emotion, even crying at times. It’s not because I’m sad, but I feel the whispers of the trees calling my name, almost welcoming me. When I visit the 200-300 year olds homes and slave quarters, I feel as if I’ve been there before. I’m actually in Savannah right now.
Shonda
Mine is Scotland I’ve always dreamed of going so I finally did it. I cried the minute I got off train in Edinburgh and seen the castle. I can’t wait to return. It felt just like I dreamed it would. The buildings the food the music the people it all felt perfect.
Alice
My soul place is Hawaii. I have never been but feel drawn to the feel of the place just from my imagination, videos and photos. I’m longing to go there and always get a rush when I think about it. I also loved Fiji, the general remoteness of the place and whole atmosphere
Michele
When I was in Greece 12 years ago I felt so comfortable and felt as if I had been there before several times..dejavu feelings. I was purposely shown a particular Doric carved face at the Acropolis of which I uncannily looked just like. My entire trip was completely magical!
Nicola
It’s Japan for me. I’ve never been there, but the language, art and food just resonates with me on a wholly different level to anything else I’ve ever known.
So much so that, when I tried to resist the pull, I felt sick from rejecting it – it’s important to accept your soul places, wherever they might be.
Mary
I found my ‘soul space’ this weekend. The French quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m originally from a little town about 4 hours north of this place. I never really felt a connection like that until I was down there! My soul just felt at home! I finally felt that’s where my heart wanted to be! I never heard of anything like this before now!
Amelia
My soul place quite literally, Seoul, South Korea! I feel so at home there even though I’m from a whole different part of the world!
Katrina Moore
Venice is my soul place.
Brandon
I’m 31 now and all my life I have never had a feeling I need to go someplace But just recently I am feeling excited and nervous do you have going on oh a trip and for some reason I just can’t wait to get there what do you think I could mean any advice would help thank you
Elle
That’s cool! My soul place is Sydney, Australia!
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March 09, 2022
My Soul place is Penarth, Wales.
My parents moved over to the States in the 80s, and i was born and raised in america, but we went back over to see family in the UK about every other summer growing up.
Ever since i was a very little girl, I have wished to be in Penarth- other partts of the UK are special to me too, but really specifically Penarth. Theres nothing particularlly exciting or special about it to the normal person, which always added to my (and my familys) confusion. My grandparents moved there, but otherwise we dont have any ancestry in that town specifically)
I have extreme depression and Generalized Anxiety disorder, and when Im in that place, i feel a sense of peace i feel no where else. Its bizarre!
To add to it, I currently am living with my SO in a RV, moving states every 3 months for his job, (currently on state #8)and while I really love traveling, i have never felt so drawn to somewhere as I do there. I litterally get so emotional about it i will cry, missing it so much. I havent been able to go back since 2014, and i always feel the deep rooted desire to be there….always….