Christ said, “‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.’” (Luke 10:27)
I'll suggest that this separates our heart (emotional body), soul (essence of self?), strength (physical body) and mind (spiritual body) - which does seem to cover all the bases - to be utterly and totally devoted to God and God's creation.
Long ago, someone described romantic love to me as loving in some to all of the ways suggested above. And that if you had connections with any two of those levels, you'd probably have an okay relationship, but not one that would last. And if you found someone with whom you felt connected on any of three levels, you would likely have a long-lasting relationship, but still would feel something missing. And if you found someone who connected with you on all of the levels, you had found your soul mate. Soul mates, of course, are an entirely separate topic, but still, deal with the soul.
In Mark 8:36-37 , Jesus said "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Obviously, the soul is of utmost importance for man. It is implied that it will live after the death of the physical body. Some find soul and spirit to be interchangeable.
Interestingly, the Episcopal Cafe has a blog called Speaking to the Soul with many entries on what speaks to the part of us that doesn't die.
When you meditate today, think about what the soul means to you. What picture comes to mind? What is the first thought that tips your brain?
Activity for Today: Today's a day to say "Thank you" to friends, family members, mentors, teachers - anyone for whom you are thankful for their place in your life - give them a well-meant "Thanks!"
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