6 April 2008
It’s Eleven pm – Do You Know Where Your Soul Is?
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
SOUL DEFINED BY www.dictionary.com:
1. the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part. 2. the spiritual part of humans regarded in its moral aspect, or as believed to survive death and be subject to happiness or misery in a life to come: arguing the immortality of the soul.
FROM THIS POINT ON:
You are NOT reading a definition of soul or even what I believe “the soul” to be – I don’t believe it to be anything specific. Nor do I have any need to give it static definition. Stasis would go against my experience of soul. “Freedom is to allow myself a forever changing perception in an infinite world” ~ R.E. Today this is simply an exploration. “Soul” can mean many things to as many people. On this small page I humbly share only a brief bit of my life with “soul”.
ROBIN’S SOUL:
Once while sitting alone in the Australian rainforest these words passed through me. I never forgot them. And the Soul said, “I shall never be stopped. I am forever. I am without time or distance. I am in love with all of existence. I am everything. I am not hidden and mysterious. I am fully present and wonderfully delirious…drunk on life. I am silent galaxies of endless stars mated with noisy kaleidoscopes of Mardi Gras dancers. I am everything.”
My soul rides upon surging tides that ebb and flow because they have no choice. It moves with sun and moon and stars in inexplicable ways that sustain life. It is a roaring tornado too powerful to harness, a force that will NOT be denied. It is silence so vast I lose myself in it and become everything and nothing.
My soul wraps around towering trees and sinks into massive mountains. It is greedy for Earth and rain and snow and wind on skin and feet and hand and face. It salivates over flowers, sunsets and emotions. It has no ego. It is too busy living and knows only LIFE…even in death. It knows where it comes from and where it’s going…hungrily into unknown places.
My soul does not know past or future….only pulsing present. It doesn’t care about makeup, combed hair or cool sunglasses. It doesn’t care that others might judge. Nor does it care about keeping tidy emotions. It vigorously explores ALL emotions without judgment. It rages over white-bread mediocrity and will settle for no less than wild raw life filled with grit and gristle. It never stops its panting-quest to fulfill its wildest most astounding dreams.
My soul easily spurns convention and social edict, and does things others (or my own “conditioned” self) might not approve. While I try to do the “right thing” and answer dozens and dozens of phone calls and emails, my soul rises from my desk, looks at me and says, “No more. Are you coming?” It confidently strides out the front door in search of wind-worn canyons and clean air. It will not stop until it finds freedom in wild desert places.
I follow. Hiking higher and higher through slot canyons and yucca, I climb to the top of heaven, walk to the edge of infinity, leap into blue sky….and soar. As guiding-wind lifts my wings I screeeeam from my heart, “I AAAAAAM SOUL.”
And the Soul said, “…I am without time or distance. I am in love with all of existence.”
REQUEST: I would love to hear what your soul is like…NOT your definition or theories of soul, not something drawn from books you’ve read or gurus you’ve followed….but what YOUR soul feels like. If you don’t believe in “soul” I still eagerly embrace what you feel and would love to hear from you.
PS. THANK YOU: As you can see I decided not to continue with last weeks post as my soul was yearning for expression all week and would not be denied. Thank you for your understanding and the encouragement you give. You all have touched me, inspired me or made me laugh. I am truly blessed.
May your soul flourish…always,
Robin
This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
29 Comments so far...
amzolt Says:
7 April 2008 at 12:15 pm.
My Soul?
The indescribable essence of my true existence.
It’s so above words yet I actually published a book about it. Free to download:
http://amzolt.googlepages.com/home
That pic on your website is magnificent!
These quotes brought “Women Who Run with the Wolves” to mind.
Deep in our core lives the magnificent wild human-animal,
passionately yearning for relationship with the living Earth.
~ Copyright: Robin Easton
When we remember our own wildness…
We value all wildness.
~ Copyright: Robin Easton
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thefearlessblog Says:
7 April 2008 at 2:30 pm.
After your stupendous description of “soul” I was left speechless, so I don’t know if I can do this. I will try, however.
For me, soul means essence, the me without disguises and without pretence. In fact, my soul repudiates the falseness in me, and challenges me to rebel against it. I detest lying and pretending; I am not very good at it either, and so my soul seeks freedom from the have to’s. My soul is plain, simple but proud. My soul finds peace in the silence without ever feeling alone. It yearns for what is real, God made and ever changing.
Although not perfect for at times it has behaved dark and cruel, my soul strives to be good.
In the end, I know my soul and would recognize it anywhere.
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lizh Says:
7 April 2008 at 5:27 pm.
I too, like Fearless, am speechless for comment. After pondering this for a time, I’ve concluded that my soul is the core of my being. Sensitive to all things, it is touched easily and always responds emotionally. It is my inner ‘push’ to endeavors that my mind might find daunting…leaving me always satisfied. It seeks out and revels in all things simply beautiful and reminds me constantly that this life was meant to be ‘lived’… Thanks Robin, for this thought provoking post..
ROBIN WRITES:
No, you weren’t speechless…you went straight to your soul and recognized it and knew what it was/is immediately. : ) : ) Good for you. It’s beautiful. I feel heartened as my soul too responds emotionally. I love that! Nice confirmation for me. Oh…and yes, Life was definitely meant to be lived. Nothing less. Thank you.
Go to Lizh site and check out her art. It is incredible and beautiful. Very talented. She can be found at: http://www.pencilpaws.net/wpblog/
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SeedsForChange Says:
7 April 2008 at 5:30 pm.
I remember as a kid being taught in religion class about the soul. In our religion book there was this drawing of 2 milk bottles, depicting what our souls looked like… one representing purity, being an Empty milk bottle, the other with black spots all over it, representing me when I sinned . As a little kid, I really thought my soul was some cosmic milk bottle, flecked with soiled black spots, floating around in the universe…only my milk bottle had wings.
Now, as I have aged, I have expanded my perspective…
Soul for me is the many rays of light my Being fractures into all at once…my awareness now in this space is on this vehicle…this body, mind, spirit package I inhabit for this incarnation…which is just one of the many points of light I am …my soul I believe is ever seeking, expanding, searching and developing in a myriad of directions…all bringing back the experiences to my central core …which becomes integrated…. I feel when I have completed a given lifetime, I return to my core, to allow the awareness of integration to fill me…while here on this earthly “gather and seek” mission, so to speak, I can have contact by connecting with my higher self, by astral travel, by meditation, in dream state, etc. It is a delicious journey!
ROBIN WRITES:
I laughed out LOUD over the milk cartons. That is one of the funniest, cutest and endearing stories I’ve heard in a long time. And is exactly how kids would think given milk bottles for souls. : ) : ) I am SO glad that yours had wings…they obviously took you a LONG way! I your words: “ever seeking, expanding, searching and developing in a myriad of directions…all bringing back the experiences to my central core …which becomes integrated.” Yes. evolving…aaah such a good thing, huh? Thank you for this wonderful sharing.
seedsofchange can be found at: http://seedsforchangewellness.blogspot.com/
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Robin Easton Says:
7 April 2008 at 5:36 pm.
amzolt: Thank you. : ) What wonderful words you used for your soul, and you did it with SO few words. It takes me pages…and I still have not describe the indescribable. But then I was pleased when you said you’ve written a book about it. Am going to download it . Wonderful!
amzolt’s blog is uplifting, even if you only have a few minutes. I love his post GREEN MOUNTAIN…oh so beautiful. This site is honest and brave and the photography uplifts all on its own. You can find it at: http://amzuri.wordpress.com/
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Robin Easton Says:
7 April 2008 at 5:48 pm.
thefearlessblog: I LOVED your line: “In fact, my soul repudiates the falseness in me, and challenges me to rebel against it.” Also: ” My soul seeks freedom from the have to’s” I could so relate to these feelings. Just BEAUTIFUL I also deeply appreciate the honestly about the dark-side-of-the-soul, and striving to be good. I can relate to that as well. I think if we are honest we ALL can relate to that. Oh and to recognize one’s soul….ooooh yes. So beautiful. Thank you.
thefearlessblogs’ passionate writing can be found at: http://www.thefearlessblog.blogspot.com/
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horatiosalt Says:
7 April 2008 at 7:37 pm.
my soul is a luminously evanescent slice of universal smile.
my soul is rejuvenated by the kinetic energy released by the gently waving leaves on the maple tree on the hill as i pass by.
every day, my soul rides the high north wind, crawls seven ocean floors, explores distant moons and stars — and still gets home in time for dinner.
ROBIN WRITES:
hoatiosalt, I am tickled pink! You did it! And I am loving it! Beautiful, warm and funny. My face has a HUGE grin on it. : ) I Especially like: “…my soul…crawls seven ocean floors, explores distant moons and stars — and still gets home in time for dinner.” Aaah, YES!
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soulMerlin Says:
7 April 2008 at 10:01 pm.
Like the singularity that started the Universe, my soul has zero volume and Ultimate density
How can so much Love fit into nothing?
henry
ROBIN WRITES:
Henry, my friend, it is beautiful. Your question stunned me by its power. “HOW CAN SO MUCH LOVE FIT INTO NOTHING?” That is one of those questions that leaves one breathless. Thank you. So good to see you here.
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SeedsForChange Says:
8 April 2008 at 9:09 am.
Wow.. deep and profound! It will take me a while to ponder this “how can so much love fit into nothing?” This will have me journeying for awhile today.
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Lilly Says:
8 April 2008 at 8:45 pm.
Robin
This is tough and it shouldn’t be should it? Now I know why I blog about the erotic sex lives of octopuses. So much easier.
What reminded me that I needed to get back to post a comment was that someone just left me a comment on my blog to say ‘they really like souls like me’. I still don’t know what it means exactly.
I had to think of it this way, if my body was taken away what would ‘the essence of me’, at this present time, represent? That is kind of scary. It’s not what I want it to be but what I think it is.
I would say a kaleidoscope of brilliant yet subdued colour wrapped around a solid kernel of authenticity and humility, coated with large splashes of vulnerability, torment, empathy and humour mixed with a yearning to listen and learn from wiser souls. My soul just wants a place to ‘be’.
I sound like a bitter chocolate with too many ingredients and a hard centre that needs to melt a bit. That might sum it up better.
OK I loved this Robin because it really cuts to the heart of who we think we are. I need to work on soul. Can we revisit this subject again? I have some way to go to explore my essence.
Great post, as per usual.
Hey, how about we all do that long walk you were talking about and call it the Soul Train. We are in training already.
Lilly
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rverspirit Says:
8 April 2008 at 9:57 pm.
Your soul reveals what your mind and body cannot….
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rverspirit Says:
8 April 2008 at 9:59 pm.
Postscript. Thank you Robin for your gracious comment on my photoblog: http://theliffwalk.com
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Robin Easton Says:
9 April 2008 at 9:11 am.
Lilly, Absolutely loved it. So you. And incredibly honest and outspoken . I really admire that. But then that is part of your charm in both your personality and your writing. And by the way I LIKE your name for our long walk…”The Soul Train.” That’s it! It’s a keeper. : )
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Robin Easton Says:
9 April 2008 at 9:14 am.
Hey! : ) Welcome “riverspirit”. Nice to see your soul here. A delightful surprise.
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Switters Says:
10 April 2008 at 12:11 pm.
Hi Robin, We just connected via BlogCatalog thanks to your lovely note and review of my blog! Thank you! I already feel like I’ve met a kindred soul! For me, soul is the quiet, still small voice within. It’s the witness to it ALL, looking through your eyes and mine. It’s also the expression on Prince’s face when he plays guitar. ~Mark
ROBIN WRITES:
Nice to see you here Mark. Welcome aboard! Mark has site called CREATIVE JOURNEY CAFE. Being a late bloomer myself (in some areas of my life) I was inspired by his piece “10 CREATIVE LATE BLOOMERS” at http://creativejourneycafe.com/2008/04/09/10-creative-late-bloomers/
[Reply]
opheliarising Says:
10 April 2008 at 4:59 pm.
I love your post on the soul! It’s funny, because I’m reading “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert right now, and it’s creating some much-needed self-reflection. This pondering what the soul means to me is right up my alley, just about now.
I think I feel my soul the most when I’m creating something, whatever that might be. I feel most connected to the universe and to myself in these instances. These experiences occur unexpectedly, for the most part, and afterwards I am almost baffled as to who it was that just did that. Certainly, it wasn’t me! 
But also, I think that I am most “in” with my soul when I get plugged in by meditation or yoga, when I’m in that moment, in there with myself, but also calmly observing, a detached presence that feels right inside but also strongly universal. Wish I could experience that joy all the time.
I’m glad I found your blog! I’ll be back, for sure.
ROBIN WRITES: Mary, I went to your site Ophelia Rising at http://www.ophelia–rising.blogspot.com and really liked your writing, very rich and thoughtful. I relate to your “pondering” ways. Could also relate to your connection to nature…so enjoyed the photos. Thank you for finding me…I too will be back to Ophelia.
[Reply]
brainteaser Says:
11 April 2008 at 6:16 pm.
Ah, Robin! YOU are an inspiration.
My soul…
She flies like a bird
And whispers like the breeze.
She soars like hope
And is calm like peace.
(If I can develop it into a full poem, I’ll let you know. It will always be thanks to you!) Thank you so much. This is easily the best post I’ve ever read in the entire blogosphere! It got me aware of and in touch with my soul. Amazing! —Sherma
http://www.brainteaser.wordpress.com
[Reply]
An Ode to the Soul « BrainTeaser Says:
12 April 2008 at 12:55 am.
I did it, friend! I was able to turn it into a full-length poetry. Thank you for the inspiration! —Sherma
… Inspired by a great post. Read it here…
http://brainteaser.wordpress.com/2008/04/12/an-ode-to-the-soul/
Robin Easton Says:
12 April 2008 at 7:58 am.
Hey Sherma! Am so glad to see you here. I read your poem; it is so lovely! I left you a comment. I too am very inspired by your writing. You are full of optimism and a vitality that jumps off the pages.
Sherma can be found at: http://brainteaser.wordpress.com/
Her writing is inspiring, fresh and healing. A wonderful place to go to revive.
[Reply]
justwrite Says:
12 April 2008 at 1:59 pm.
Mystique of Participation by Linda Marie
In the end there are no words of Comfort
And in the beginning there was no word
Before the beginning, as it was,
And will be again, but different.
For better or worse, cruel or sweet, sickness and health
Until new life do we never part
from our humanity
Words discriminate, Life does not
Time and Space quiver in waving particles of sameness
They have always been Lovers
Living in the creative weaving and webbing
Of alchemical contractions
It is kaleidoscope-clear now
The unspeakable has spoken
The waters of wine have broken
And carry the caterpillar-coffin
Down straming and screaming
White lightning Love strikes again
in the Mystique of Participation
The quietus of endings and raw beginning
Recoil in the Sacred Taste
And Sound of Light in the Darkness.
-1 March, 2008
[Reply]
Robin Easton Says:
12 April 2008 at 2:25 pm.
Linda Marie who wrote the poem above is not only a writer but is also a brilliant artist. Actually she is a “creator of dreams”. I would normally send you to a website so that you might experience her paintings, but she is not one to be tied to mere technology. She floats in more ethered worlds and brings back dreams that magically turn into reality. Thank you dear friend.
[Reply]
Argos Says:
13 April 2008 at 7:53 pm.
Now I can consider it a fact: girls can talk, especially you! This post is really inspiring and you beautifully described what some philosophers call an “experience of universal unity”, feeling a part of everything, becoming everything even the very creator entity of all things in which you might believe. And sometimes people like me feel so disconnected from such oneness, harmony and peace. I think I have felt it at least for moments in the past. Geez… I need vacations. Take care!!
ROBIN WRITES: Welcome Argos! Me thinks you can talk VERY well yourself. I went to your site some time ago and it is stunning. Argos is at: http://weiberjager.blogspot.com/ For those of you who have not seen AGROS’ WHITE FROZEN PATH in Japan it is worth a look. His photos of white wolves, white snow and white mountains are stunning. He expresses himself through wolves and other animals. A unique perspective.
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skynymph Says:
15 April 2008 at 2:20 am.
Namaste’ dear soul! Well you got me registering to comment here, you must “Use the force young grasshoppah!” ;0) to draw the other grasshoppahs in. I felt the pull!
It is 3 in the morning, and I come upon this huge discussion on soul. WOW, Linda Marie’s work certainly pulls me into an energy unto it’s own. BEAUTIFUL. I felt honored reading such a passage. I would find something like that on Robins site too. ha ha. Robin your beauty simply jumps right through the computer. I honestly don’t have much to add to what has been said here. I couldn’t give it much justice right now. I feel just a calm and peace after visiting. I don’t read a whole lot, never have read self help books, or books where they might add to too much brain noise and complication within myself, including books on soul, spirituality, etc. My “soul” at 3 in the morning is simply one thing…simple. :0) Maybe tomorrow it will be another way. But since I don’t know if I have a tomorrow gifted, I allow the right now simply to do. ;0)
Peace
sky
[Reply]
Whiteotter Says:
16 April 2008 at 12:37 pm.
Wow Robin! First off, “How can I follow this”…the replies to your request are staggering, beautiful and so unique.
My soul? Just to think about it brings tears to my eyes.
I too, don’t read self help or guru books. Those are written by man.
I “feel” my “soul” in the real and natural world. Through the wind, and in the kiss of the sun on my skin. Through the comfort of the trees, and the mother supporting me from below. I am never alone, but I do get lost to myself now and again.
I felt your words when you said, your soul is saying “No more. Are you coming?” ….That is so truthful at times in all our lives, it is just great that you were able to “hear” and listen to the warning. I guess to sum it up my soul is usually a quite and watchful place within, that has to stand up and restrain “me” once in a while. Not something I can really put into “words” More felt and experienced than said.
Circles within circles,
We are all related.
Thank you Robin,
Stacey
[Reply]
Mel Says:
19 April 2008 at 6:48 pm.
Dear Robin,
I haven’t thought about my soul in a looong time, since I was in an all-girl-Catholic-school almost 15 years! I mean within ‘the definition’… It is so hard to explain (soul) in a language that is not mine… will think of a way to explain it and will come back
[Reply]
Memorable Blog Posts « BrainTeaser Says:
24 June 2008 at 1:23 am.
[...] Robin’s It’s 11pm Do you Know Where Your Soul Is (This post inspired my Ode to the Soul [...]
BARD & BRAIN | A Hymn for the Soul Says:
14 October 2008 at 4:48 pm.
[...] Inspired by a great post. Read it here. http://bilingualpen.com/brainteaser/?p=65 [...]
ROBIN EASTON WRITES:
This is a truly lovely and moving poem that my dear friend Sherma wrote.
You will love her site. Her writing is profound, emotional and always makes me think.
Visit her here: http://bilingualpen.com/brainteaser/?p=65
