Soul Vs. Spirit

 (Photo by Roberto Nickson)

Figure 9.   Infinity

The words ‘Soul’ and ‘Spirit’ are often used interchangeably. Throughout the ages both have been commingled with the other to describe human thought and existence. However, what’s filtered through today, are distinctly different roots: Soul is ‘psyche’ and Spirit is ‘pneuma’ [3].

 (Photo by David Bartus)

Figure 10.   Origins

Soul

Psyche has three elements: Intellect dissects the relevant information; Emotion evaluates our mood; Will processes both inputs to assign our behaviour in any given situation. Here we define Soul.

I think, therefore I’m human.

The tool of thinking is a gift. Thinking is what makes humanity unique on Earth; however, thinking has been abused. In thinking’s quest for prominence we’ve learned to ignore feeling. This in turn has been defined as thought. We are conditioned to think about how to react; yet, when we plan our responses, the less instinct we possess.

 (Photo by Simon Berger)

Figure 11.   Being

Spirit

Pneuma is the breath of life—the ‘space-in-between’ where everything connects. This space is not thought—it’s feeling. Hence feeling provides Intellect, Emotion and Will with our ability to think. Here we define Spirit.

We must be before we think.

Feeling comes from the heart: the core of our being. It’s the essence of nature. Feeling is our gut. It’s the first inclination of knowing. It does nothing, but, we know it’s there. We feel it. This is how we know truth. Truth is known—not told. Feeling cannot lie—lies are told. Lies come from thought, which is secondary to feeling, secondary to nature. Our heart guides us in truth and knowledge; it’s the thermometer of our feeling: the basis of reality.

When observing animals, one may well question, if existence means thought. Animals do not think—they react. Their instinct determines their actions. An animal's response to feeling is evident in how they instantaneously reciprocate one to another. Instinct is feeling.

I feel, therefore I am.

To feel is to be alive. Humanity is Earth’s creation imbued with the ability to think—beyond feeling. Therefore, the essence of humanity is not found in thinking and talking, but in feeling and reacting—cognition is secondary to existence.

[3] H. B. Woolf, et al., eds., Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1979), s.v. “soul”, “spirit”.