Many people use the terms spirit and soul interchangeably, yet there is a distinction between the two. Understanding the subtle but crucial distinction between these two will assist you in spiritual development and living your real-life purpose.
The Engine and the Driver
One method to understand the distinction between soul and spirit is to compare a person to a car. The soul is the engine, and it is absolutely necessary for the machine to function. The spirit is the driver, determining which way the vehicle or person moves. Of course, individuals are not machines, so this parallel is limited. Still, it’s a helpful concept to keep in mind as you try to understand the differences between the soul and the spirit.
What exactly is the Soul & Spirit?
The soul is the entity that animates and provides life to the body. Some spiritual teachers consider the soul to be a synthesis of mind, volition, and emotions. We think with our brains, but the soul determines the quality of our thoughts. The soul might be focused or distracted, energized or depressed. If we are unhappy with our lives, especially if we are continually looking for meaning but never seem to find it, we may be labeled as ‘ restless souls’ or, in extreme situations, ‘lost souls.’ Even though most of us would struggle to define the distinction between soul and spirit, our use of words shows an intuitive grasp.
The word spirit derives from the Latin word for air or wind. The soul is present from birth to death, has its own identity, and is separate. The spirit is a universal energy that pervades everything and is interconnected. When people lose hope and enter a fearful mood, they may experience a spiritual separation. When we are disconnected from our bodies and emotions, we are simply living in our heads and losing touch with reality. You can rebuild the connection with the spirit that replenishes your sense of hope and trust by using practices that help you reconnect with your body and emotions.
