What does the "Soul" mean to you?

[Papillonion]

Its always been a word only for me until recently - and now am discovering what Soul means and feels to me.

Would love to hear what people feel about their Soul(s) and how they would define the Soul.

My inner core. The real depth of my being that can be touched in an undefinable way. My sense of self.

Is a concept, intelligent imagination. Does not exist. But it's a thought-provoking interesting concept which adds a great deal to art and literature.

I've got a sore head now even trying to think about it.

Your soul is you. It is the only part of you that is infinite. It is who you are. Your body is just the vessel for your soul.
Sorry if that sounds a bit weird, but that is how I would describe it.
For me, there is no doubt that it exists.

it's the me inside. It's the thing that allows me - in fact all of us - including small children - to understand the concept of "my body". there has to be a me. It's consiousness. Descartes - I think therefore I am etc etc

My soul is ME
It is the part of me which makes me ME, human, and the part of me which can meet with and have relationship with the Living God of the whole Cosmos (I am a Christian).

Does this make sense? It is the soul in me that will go to heaven one day, i believe, because I have met with God in this life,

It's what I see when I look into my childrens' eyes, the thing that makes them scared. So I suppose I must have one too! It's the part of me that enjoys long walks in the rain, listening to music, listening to God.

The soul is written in a book of its own
with a magic pencil of love
The soul is writing a book never seen
you can read it within your heart
and the pages are every moment so new
become whole and stay white and plain
the soul writes her poems herself
and like a mirror she spreads
whats written inside
you can read every page
go and explore, find your adventure
and the weaver of dreams woven within

Just realised I said my kids are scared. That should say sacred, of course!

I think its what is inside us, what makes us each unique.
Just who we are.

Yes, the soul is our inner selves. I think we only get a glipmse of it though.

So what about people who have had severe brain damage through an accident and their sense of self has radically changed? Has their soul been damaged too? (Genuine question, not a wind up)

No. It is their body that is damaged. Nothing can destroy the soul. My belief is that all our souls long for something, are praying and growing without our knowing - so few of us take the time to listen - so for those whose body is damaged the soul will still be doing that.

But people's personalities can be radically altered and their outlook radically changed depending on the position of their brain damage. I think that's why I find it hard to believe in a "soul" as such, if by "soul" you mean who we "truly are" or an "inner being". Because who we think we are and our outlook on life can be so fragile and tenuous...

I think you've said it yourself - who we think we are. I've changed hugely since having children but I don't think my soul has changed. Our souls are the core of our being, I think we only ever get a glimpse of its existence, when something moves us, or we experience a longing for something. Having children feeds my soul but the changes it has made are to my personality - not the same thing.

I'll take your word for it

I can't honestly, hand on heart, say that I understand the distinction you're making though. (Oh, I understand the words... I mean I just can't see the two things - personality & soul - being separate entities).

I do find this thread interesting though...

The personality changes according to upbringing, environment and life events. The soul stays constant. IMO!!!