your soul 360º

We use the word soul for things that touch us in a deep place. When we experience music or art that seems to set off an electricity inside us, this is how the human feels the soul move.

The first mention of the word in the King James Bible was on the occasion of the creation of man. It was when God breathed the breath of life that man's soul came alive. The same Hebrew translation uses the word differently in a holistic context:

1) breath

a) the breath of life

1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing

a) of animals

b) of men

b) life

c) that in which there is life

1) a living being, a living soul

2) the soul

a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)

b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life

c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)

We think of breath as a physical thing, yet it's the seat of creation and an ongoing vital force. It's no coincidence that our vital functions are tied to our breath. Our emotions and passions,  as well. How many times have you heard, it took my breath away, when someone was talking about an expression that moved or inspired them?

Our breath is linked to our mind as well. How many times have you been concentrating on a problem and didn't realize why you were growing a headache until you noticed you were holding your breath?

If we starve our soul in favor of intellect or physical accomplishment, we're living a life half full. How do you feed the soul? It begins with stillness. Selah.