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A Soul Care Meditation: An Embodied Recipe for Childlike Wonder, A Spring Blessing - Autism Acceptance Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
Today, we contemplate "an embodied recipe for childlike wonder"—a soul care practice rooted in Yeshua's words: "Let the children come... the kingdom belongs to such as these."
Childlike wonder is not about being naive; it is a holy immersion—a soul that is baptized into marvel, question, and discovers peace in belonging.
Whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, at this table, creativity transforms into communion: each scribbled prayer and every inky "Amen" serves as a love letter to the God who names us beloved children.
A Blessing - Childlike Wonder
SOULjourner,
May the child within you recognize wonder in the sacred-ordinary.
May your neural pathways light up with holy possibility and pleasure.
May your attention find what nourishes.
May spring's renewal remind you that every embodied expression emerges from a playful spirit.
Amen + Asé
The Essence of This Recipe Offering
This spring, as we honor both neurodiversity + the art of handwritten connection, I invite you to a touch-sensitive meditation that reconnects you with wonder. This recipe doesn't just feed the soul—it awakens the often-overlooked neural pathways that help us filter the world + find meaning in the everyday.
Ingredients for Neural Nourishment
1 open heart, ready to explore
Several blank pages (stationery, journals, or cards)
An assortment of writing and art tools
1 space for reflection (indoors or outdoors)
2-3 moments of flow state
A dash of sensory awareness
Childlike curiosity, to taste
Preparation Time
15-45 compassionate minutes (adjust according to your unique rhythms)
Method
First: Create Your Sacred Space
Begin by recognizing your brain's brilliant filtering system—the Reticular Activating System (RAS). This neural gardener decides what information deserves your precious attention.
Today, we're inviting it to focus on childlike wonder.
Good to know: The RAS responds beautifully to novelty + handcrafted experiences. As you prepare your space, notice how your attention shifts when you deliberately slow down.
Second: Awaken Your Senses
Choose your tools mindfully. Feel the texture of the paper beneath your fingertips. Notice the weight of the pen in your hand. Breathe in deeply, allowing your body to fully arrive in this moment.
Third: Pour Intention Into Form
Select one of these soul-nourishing approaches - there's no "right or wrong" way to embody your intention - let it be a judgment-free zone:
Wonder Wandering: Without planning, allow your pen to dance across the page. Draw lines that become shapes, shapes that become stories. Your RAS delights in this freedom.
Sensory Correspondence: Write a letter describing what spring feels like in your body. Address it to your childhood self or to someone who needs a moment of connection.
Color-Coded Emotions: Create a personal legend mapping colors to feelings, then express your emotional landscape using only these colors on your page.
Textured Timeline: Craft a visual journey of your day or week using different materials—smooth tape for calm moments, rough textures for challenges, bright colors for bliss.
Micro-Gratitude Mapping: On small pieces of paper, capture tiny moments of wonder from your day. Arrange them in patterns that please your eye.
Fourth: Fold in Presence
As you engage with your chosen practice, notice when your attention wanders. Gently guide it back, whispering to your RAS: "This is what matters now."
Remember: The neural pathways activated through handwritten expression differ from digital communication.
Fifth: Allow Space for Sacred Integration
When you feel finished, sit with your creation. Hear the Spirit of Illumination, speak to you. What does God's heart reveal about the qualities of attention you're cultivating?
Serving Suggestion
This recipe yields best results when practiced regularly, creating a rhythm your nervous system can recognize + welcome. Savor alone or share the experience with trusted others.
Variations
For heightened sensory input, try embossed cards or scented papers
For reduced sensory stimulation, choose muted colors + smooth textures
For communal practice, swap handwritten notes with a friend to appreciate the distinct beauty of each person's expression. Occasionally, I invite SOULjourner's on my email list to participate in a community card exchange, using stationery designed by me.
This meditation practice honors the beautiful diversity of human neurology while creating space for connection and expression beyond screens. Whether you identify as neurodivergent or not, the deliberate act of putting pen to paper invites your whole being into play + presence.
Reflection for Your Journey
As you embrace this embodied practice, consider:
What might change if you approached each day with the expectation of wonder? How might your RAS—that faithful gardener of your attention—begin to seek out beauty in places you've overlooked?
When was the last time your hand moved across paper without destination or demand? How did it feel to create simply for the wonder of creation itself?
In our digitally saturated world, the countercultural act of slowing down to write by hand becomes a form of resistance. It declares: I will not be rushed. I will not be distracted. I will be fully here, in this moment, with these hands, with this heart.
For the neurodivergent soul, these practices offer a particular gift—the freedom to engage with the world on your terms, at your pace, with your own beautiful sensory experience.
There is no right way to wonder, no correct method of marveling.
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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