Choose what is good for your soul

Let us first understand what is "good" for the soul is life experience. The soul needs experience to grow and evolve. I think of the soul as the cosmic 'seed spark' of huge potential. The soul is packed into this final packing we call a human body; We animate the body, and the soul steers the consciousness, mental functions, emotions and body. And just like a pile of literal negativity helps seeds grow, we grow from adversity.

Why do we only truly understand how it feels to be humiliated, if we experience it ourselves. We understand the depths of loss, by experiencing loss ourselves. I know that sounds really crappy, but we are experiential learners. Life gives us the experiences to learn and grow up, and our souls need experiences for opportunities of growth.

I remember having told my toddler son over and over again not to touch the hot lightbulb but until he actually touched the damn lightbulb, and burned himself did he finally started to comprehend. Experience can be a cold, hard unmerciful teacher, but it sure helps to develop compassion for your fellow man if you have suffered. Only if you have suffered, do you really understand compassion.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

And when we can choose to exercise restraint-- because we know how it feels to have someone throw words like daggers at us. When someone humiliates us, we can choose to forgive-- because we understand the deep shame of being publicly humiliated by someone. When life doesn't go our way and we face disappointment, we can choose to persevere and be courageous-- because we know the elation that comes from overcoming challenges.

And the soul is forged by our actions as we create ourselves, our souls. And it is a daily focus and awareness to develop self- restraint and discipline. Life has good, and bad, and all of those experiences help shape who we are.

Remember this lovely poem by Vivian Amis, the Author of 'The Lotus'.

Be truthful to yourself

Love yourself and others

Be kind to all living things

Be grateful for everything you have

Do not judge what you perceive through your senses

Look beyond the appearance of things

Do not worry about today or tomorrow

Don't wait to be happy...be happy now

Stop believing in duality: there is only love and love takes up all space

See every experience as a blessing

Finally, what your soul needs badly is forgiveness- Forgive every one no matter what and acceptance which means accept every one the way they are. Don't try and change them. Let them be what they are. Alas you are what you are so are others and the unconditional Love- Love every one unconditionally. No conditions. Just love irrespective of what they give back or don't. Keep these Emotions always. Express them as per your discrimination. But, for keeping these emotions always one needs no external push. Cheers!