Within the newly developing expanded sphere of the science we call psychology, there is growing acceptance and understanding of the existence of the individual directing consciousness - the component we call the soul.
Although remaining a vague concept in many minds, our soul deserves recognition as the profound component of the psyche beyond the body, emotions and mind. It is the immortal or enduring consciousness that we know as "I" or the true self.
Whereas it is well known that the personality can yield its moods, thoughts, attitudes, appearance and behaviour, the soul is not so quickly moulded or changed, but is the more permanent nature that grows and develops slowly, changing by life experience.
Like sheaths of ever subtler gradient, the different aspects of the individual function in different spheres, from lower or material to ethereal, each is of equal important to our person as a whole.
The physical body is tenanted by our consciousness and is our responsibility to care for it as an important visible expression of our nature.
Others see our body but cannot perceive as clearly our emotions or feelings that are very real to us.
Although some may come to perceive and understand our emotions and our changing moods, there are fewer who share our own thoughts and come to known our minds except in the measure we communicate them by our speech, writing and our attitudes. Our minds are more private a world and central to our sense of possessing an inner safety and place of refuge.
Our hearts and minds are the twin power centres of our being that together guide us through life. We tend to identify ourselves most with our thoughts, although our feelings are just as important.
Outwardly people may observe and assess our personality and relate to our physical, emotional and even mental nature but there are even fewer who are familiar with our central being - our soul. It is here that our own inner wisdom and truth resides. And it is when soul to soul relationships are made that the most profound friendships are formed.
We may be reminded of the ancient teaching "To thine own self be true". But in the midst of the complex and often conflicting components we possess in a human psyche how do we find our 'self' to which we are encouraged to remain true?
Some of us believe we should start with understanding the importance of physical culture and physical training and gradually integrate the emotional and mental aspects until we are at ease with life.
Others choose to take a more simplistic approach to rely upon their genuine affections and allow their emotions and the heart and as their 'self' and true life guide.
Others believe in the supremacy of the mind as the true 'self' and search through the labyrinthine ways of the intellect in the search for Absolute Truth.
However, when the body dies and we lose our physical form, we also lose our emotional self and our thoughts, leaving only our soul consciousness to journey on into future existence.
To understand each aspect of our nature develops self confidence but to know and focus upon our own soul being throughout our life is surely of supreme importance.
Sally Janssen is a writer, and Yoga teacher well known both in Australia and abroad for her skill in demonstration of the Hatha Yoga practices and her wisdom in applying the principles of Raja Yoga -the study of the mind and consciousness.
More details at
http://www.essence-of-yoga.net/
http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog
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