Soul
Connections
“Soul refers to our
mysterious depth and substance, what remains after medicine and
psychology have analyzed and explained us. It is a profound sense of
self, far beyond what they call ego, and it helps us connect with
others.”
Thomas Moore (interview
with Jim Walsh, Southwest Journal)
For many people, the notion of what
constitutes the soul is hard to understand or explain. It's
ephemeral, and we sometimes picture soul as a white, transparent,
barely visible shroud that leaves our bodies when we die. But the
soul is very much part of us now, existed before we were born, and
does not evaporate when we die. The soul is eternal, is with us for
this lifetime and will exist when our bodies are gone. Our soul is
part of, connected to, the greater soul; that which we call Divine in
many languages. We experience soul most easily in silence, when we
settle, become still, and focus our attention within. Once extraneous
thoughts and distractions are quieted, we become aware of a deeper
presence inside, one that is solidly there, witnessing. It is as
though another consciousness resides within us; one that is quietly
alert. It is us, but it has a different feel to it than our thinking
brains, or our breathing bodies. It is very much alive, ageless,
timeless and connected with all things, but it is not our
personality.
We also encounter our soul when we
connect at a profound level with others. Souls seem to merge, and
communicate with one another without words. Thomas Moore suggests
that this happens most often in times of trouble. When we experience
danger or loss, we move toward one another more deeply than when our
lives are going well. When things are good, he says, we tend to be
more unconscious. But when times are difficult our awareness is
honed, we pare away that which is unimportant; our priorities become
clear and focused. We pull together, share in a way that is not
superficial, take comfort in, and feel solidarity with other souls on
a common journey. Moore suggests that perhaps we share one soul. Being able to
connect with others in this way gives our human life a depth that our
personalities cannot. We experience our humanity in a larger sense,
as part of something greater than ourselves—because it is.
By making the presence of our
soul a conscious reality we become most profoundly ourselves. We
feel solid, grounded, and strong. Clearly we know, because the soul
knows, that we are eternal. Whatever is happening now will pass,
because it exists in linear time. But the soul will not pass. It will
be here today, tomorrow and forever. It is the alpha and the omega.
You can depend on it.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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