What kind of soul are you?

At one time or another, I am sure that we all have evaluated ourselves on which virtues we have acquired and our personality type. Have you ever thought about your soul type, and is there really a difference amongst souls? I would like to think that due to the unique interactions which each soul deals with in its environment all souls become unique overtime. I also think that each soul has the capacity to achieve greatness.....or holiness. An American evangelist, D.L. Moody, once stated that like lighthouses, a holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses don't blow horns, they just shine.  


So how does your soul shine?  What kind of colorful impression does your make?  Take the following unscientific quizzes for fun to initiate your soulful evaluation:  
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_color_is_your_soul_5
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_kind_of_soul_are_you
http://www.soundstrue.com/quiz/instruction/index.html
http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/atufj3C/Discover-Your-Soul-Type

The Soul Types

Soul Type	Focus	Traits
Helper	Service	Dedication, stoicism
Caregiver	Nurturing	Empathy, loyalty
Educator	Teaching	Erudition, eloquence
Thinker	Knowledge	Restraint, rationality
Creator	Creativity	Sensitivity, idealism
Performer	Communication	Passion, playfulness
Hunter	Activity	Determination, practicality
Leader	Authority	Charisma, wisdom
Spiritualist	Improvement	Compassion, spirituality
Transformer	Unity	Inspiration, love

Excerpted from The Instruction by Ainslie MacLeod

There are many "experts" in this field of "soulology" and a lot of varied descriptions of soul types, so as you evaluate your soul remember to use your own discriminative intellect, beliefs, and intuition to develop your conclusions. The process is only to help you to decide if you are on the correct path of God's intended purpose for you.  

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:1).

When I took the quizzes, I found that they were not 100% accurate with who I know I am, but probably, it is difficult to guage or predict the wide variety of uniqueness to souls. Not every soul fits into a box neatly.

(http://personalityspirituality.net/articles/the-michael-teachings/the-seven-roles-in-essence/ )

It does amaze me how the experts of "soulology" have come up with the different categories of souls.  Where and how did they research this information?  Was it a scientific study, enlightenment, or intuition?  Either way, I find the categories interesting. Although, I am not a true disciple of the discipline. 


Daily, I will continue the quest for the light of my soul to shine.  May you do the same...so one day, you make a virtuous and colorful impression! 

L'anima

Until you know that life is interesting - and find it so - you haven't found your soul.  ~Geoffrey Fisher........
Most of us have lived long enough to find that life is interesting even if it is not all of the time.  The things in life which can make it interesting stem from interactions with our environment.  Since souls do not exist in our environments, but within our bodies.....what is the connection of finding our souls to the details of our lives?

To find our souls, don't we need to understand what it is first?  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a soul as being the spiritual principle embodied in human beings or the universe while also being the moral and emotional nature of human beings which arouses sentiment.  W.M. Paul Young, author of The Shack, states that emotions are the colors of the soul. According to Aristotle, the soul is the capacity of a living thing to engage in the activities that are characteristic of its natural kind.  He described the activities as being related to growth and development; locomotion and perception; and intellect which pretty much sums up the details of our lives.....well except for the routines of dealing with traffic jams, female drama, neighbors, laundry, grocery shopping, pesky rodents, uncooperative students, and neglectful spouses.  Could it be that the soul can determine how individuals interact with their environments to create interesting and colorful lives?  How does the soul arouse sentiment to the interactions?

Questions, questions, questions......more research, meditation and prayer may never lead me to the answers that I am looking for about what souls are.....but may be that is the problem......I am looking for something.....like I know what I am looking for.....


Despite my weak understanding of l'anima, I think I will rely on eight Greek word concepts to help my soul's capacity to arouse sentiment to my environment: 

     1) Faith (pistis) - firm conviction linked to genuine trust
     2) Courage (tharseo) - cheerful confidence and boldness in the face of fear
     3) Overcome (nikao) - victory by upholding the principles of righteousness, justice, and fairness
     4) Patience (hupomone) - ability to not give in to the powers of situation over ourselves through
                                                          endurance and perseverance
     5) Royal (basileion) - being wise (prudent, learned, philosophical, and enlightened)
     6) Living Sacrifice (Zosan Thusian) - dying to oneself  (putting others before ourselves)
     7) Slow Down (bradus kato) - keep a slower pace than the world in order appreciate the small simple
                                                                  things of life
     8) Thanks (eucharistia) - being grateful and cheerful


My understanding of  "l'anima" will just have to bloom as my interesting life becomes more colorful. Through faith, I will have the courage to overcome my life's busy activities while being patient and wise with the details that are out of my influence.  I will continue to be thankful for the blessings and graces which God has bestowed upon me.....especially the ones which don't appear to be blessings in the beginning.  With perseverance, I will continue to slow down in order to appreciate my interactions with others; and I will do better at being a  living sacrifice for my family and dear friends along with others whom I do not know as well.  After all of this interaction, I just may be able to know my soul.......even if I don't understand it.







References:
http://faculty.washington.edu/smcohen/320/psyche.htm
http://www.notable-quotes.com/s/soul_quotes.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Great-Greek-Word-Concepts-For-the-Soul&id=1570756
http://www.quotegarden.com/soul.html

Angels among us

Relationships are complicated arenas of interactions each with their own unique characteristics.  From kinfolk to friends to collegues to neighbors to strangers on the street.....the connections can run deep or flow through shallow crevices. How we choose to initiate and respond within these relationships can determine the outcome of our souls. The interactions of these relationships can be quite the climb up "le montagna", but along the way surprising sweet petunias can enlighten and refresh the soul. These petunias can be anything from a character's statement in a fiction novel to a brief encounter of an angel among us to a chance meeting of an old friend to a hug from from one of your children to a lick from your chocolate labrador retriever to a spontaneous afternoon delight with your partner. Petunias can not really be plucked and kept in a vase, but they can be savored in the depths of your heart and nourish your soul.  It all depends on whether we are paying attention, and are in tune with our surroundings. How observant are you? Do you notice the little nuances which God reveals to you?  The little nuances can lead to richer relationships.......to deeper connections with the other souls in your life. What is your desire when relating to the souls whom you encounter?  Consider this..."The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul." (Proverbs 13:19) May the angels among us guide your travels up 'le montagna" to the desires of your soul.