What Is My Soul?

At my twice monthly Deep Ecology discussion group, we’re reading Spiritual Ecology, a collection of essays from various perspectives that assume the interconnectedness of all life, human and non-human. The article we discussed last evening was by Bill Plotkin (who has been a research psychologist studying non-ordinary states of consciousness, professor of psychology, psychotherapist, rock musician, and whitewater river guide).

In his essay, Plotkin articulates a definition of “soul” that’s got me thinking. He describes soul as the “role, function, station, status, or niche it has in relation to other things.” This place, in its truest sense, is the very core of one’s identity, it’s significance, purpose, raison d’être. He describes the soul of Jesus as love and the soul of the Buddha, emptiness.

All of this heavy-duty thinking calls me to ponder my own life. What is my place in this world? My significance and purpose? What is the essence of me that contributes to the world? In the background I hear a voice saying that I am broken and can’t contribute. I hear an existential voice that says there is no significance; it’s all a crap-shoot. Still, part of me yearns for a truth that includes meaning. And if there is meaning, what is my soul?

Since passing my 50th birthday, I’ve thought more and more of my journey, my path. Frequently I think: Cripes! I’ve been through all this sh*t and have only gotten this far? More and more, I am aware that I have developed, am developing, an understanding of myself in relation not only to myself but also my world. Even as a blogger, I am part of the community, and I’ve struggled to find my place.

What is at my core? What is my true essence? And how does that soul contribute to the Earth community?

"Our own life has to be our message."
― Thích Nhất Hạnh, The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology

What’s your essence?