What is the Soul and How Can We Connect?
I am not going to claim to have a neatly packaged interpretation of the “soul.” As one could imagine, the meaning it has amongst us could vary greatly depending on things such as religion, culture, or experience. While others may not acknowledge the soul at all. If the soul is individualistic, perhaps the variety is part of the beauty - an opportunity for connection that is all our own; a unique relationship from within.
As I consider the soul through a personal and professional lens, I have many questions and contemplations. The debatable answers would undoubtably span far more than a 500-word blog. So, what I hope to do here rather is provide one possible framework for how we could understand the soul, and offer a few ways that I have found to be helpful in connecting to the soul. The soul may be considered as including the:
"nonphysical aspect of a human being…. to mean the deepest center of a person’s identity and the seat of his or her most important moral, emotional, and aesthetic experiences." ~ APA Dictionary
From my perspective, our deepest center can have a hard time shining its brightest light without intentionally nurturing it. To support the deepest self in shining, I have found these ways of connecting with the inner self to be helpful at times. These may or may not feel like the right fit for you. If these aren’t it, that’s okay! How else may you connect to your soul?
Meditation
Meditation is a time of focusing our attention. It can come in many forms. We could focus our attention on something specific (like the breath). We may practice mindfulness of thoughts, emotions, or sensations as they arise. We could also practice having an open, broad awareness of ourselves (e.g., thoughts) and our environments (e.g., sounds).
Perhaps one of my most valued parts of meditation is the time it offers for contemplation; a time to encourage stillness so that knowing from within can rise. Meditation may serve as a road to the inner self.
Caring for Yourself
How we relate to our inner self matters. If the soul is the deepest part of our identity, doesn’t it deserve to be deeply cared for in every way possible? You may consider your relationship with yourself to assess how you care for yourself. Considering questions like these may be helpful in your assessment:
How do I talk to myself throughout the day? Is it kind?
Do I do things that make me feel well?
How do I support myself?
Here are some ideas that may help you care for your inner most self:
Practice self-compassion
Practice “letting go” (thoughts, emotions, unhelpful beliefs)
Do what helps you feel well (nature, movement, sunshine)
Engage in meaningful behavior
Spirituality
Spirituality is another term that can be difficult to define, as it can encompass any number of beliefs, practices, etc. Spirituality is sometimes studied in research using words such as ‘meaning, purpose, and connection.’ It may also include an awareness of the soul.
Spirituality can be a source of healthy functioning and adaptive coping. It can help to calm fear and increase confidence (Koenig et al., 2009). If, for you, spirituality includes an awareness of the soul, spiritual practice could be a second road leading to your deepest center. Consider:
What does spirituality mean to you, if anything?
How do you practice? Rituals, prayer, service
How do you feel during and after practice?
Why nurture our deepest center? Since the “soul” can vary greatly amongst us, I will share why I want to intentionally cultivate my relationship with my deepest center. Because I believe that therein can rest my truest self. When the stormy waters of life calm – I trust that my soul can show me truths. The truth is wisdom; the truth about goodness and authenticity; the truth that allows connection to myself. From this perspective, connecting with the soul can be an important part of your relationship with yourself.
Learn More
If you would like support in cultivating your relationship with your deepest self, or support while you navigate a path of personal growth, be in touch. Let’s connect for a free 15-minute informational phone consultation to see if holistic therapy at Grow True Psychology may be a good fit for you.
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References:
American Psychological Association. APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/soul
Koenig, H. G. (2009). Research on religion, spirituality, and mental health: A review. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54, 283-291.
