We are living in difficult times and it can sometimes be challenging to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle while juggling our various responsibilities. While it might seem easy to focus on the health of the body by eating healthy foods and exercising, our spiritual health is often neglected in our fast-paced times. With so many things vying for our attention throughout the day and late into the night, we can lose sight of our priorities and what is truly important. Many people turn to self-help books which can offer insights and help us keep things in perspective. 

Caring for the Soul: The Journey to a Healthier and Happier Life by Peter M. Kalellis is one such self-help book which focuses on giving the reader a better understanding of the inner part of a person’s being, the spiritual self, the soul. The need for spirituality in our present day lives is clear and Kalellis highlights his book with quotes from the Bible.  

The book is easy to read and begins with A Prayer for the Beginning of the Day by St. Philaret (1867). The first chapter explores what the soul is, while the second chapter discusses Your Immortal Self. Also included in the book are sections “for further consideration” which offer insights and thoughts to spur the reader on to deeper reflection on their journey through life.  

Besides being an author, Kalellis, a former Greek Orthodox priest, is also a psychotherapist, marriage and family therapist, lecturer, and retreat director with a doctorate in clinical psychology. He has written several books including Paths to Inner Peace (2018), Finding God’s Presence in Our Life (2016), and Living in Difficult Relationships (2012) all published by Paulist Press.   

As noted in the book’s description, “when we feel empty, alienated, or overwhelmed, we usually don’t listen to our soul. It is panting, parched for a drink of God’s love and life but we drown our thirst for God with distractions such as television, shopping, music, a cold beer, the internet, texting, hobbies, parties, an over-scheduled existence.”  

The book also includes insights from the author’s own personal life experience and years of helping others as a therapist. With practical steps to guide the way to finding balance in life through spiritual and psychological support, Caring for the Soul is a timely book as well during the pandemic when so many are struggling. 

Kalellis writes, “take a few seconds today to be aware of how you shine in the world. Your true beauty dazzles the eyes and quickens the heart. When you live into that beauty, when you realize you own it, that’s when the magic happens. Let go of your worries. You’ve been stressed. It’s okay. Forgive yourself. Be kind to yourself. Today, you are not the person you were yesterday. Today, you can do better. Yes, you will do better. You can’t screw up this life even if you tried! Relax, knowing that you are an exquisite expression of divine love and grace. Nothing could mar this perfection. It is your truth to accept and allow it in your life.” 

Caring for the Soul: The Journey to a Healthier and Happier Life by Peter M. Kalellis is available online.