by Mikalyn

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2009

Soul searching. What does that term actually mean? It's hard to search for something that one cannot see, touch or define. We often do one thing with the soul however that is unmistakable evidence and 'for me' proof of its existence. We feel it. That's what we do with the soul, we feel. Just as we can feel the wind and the sunlight, plants, animals, water and other people with our eyes, ears, nose and skin. We can also feel these things with our soul.

There is an interesting and age-old comic that depicts someone; often someone who has a choice to make, with two little people standing on their shoulders. One of them is characterized as the devil with horns and a pitchfork, the other usually wears a white robe and halo as an angel. They are our Jiminy Crickets, our conscience. Interesting that word, con-science, as if morality was in some way non-scientific or perhaps it means that within science there is no place for morality? Is it not a scientific fact that man is capable of such con-sciousness?

This cartoon tells us some things about the way that man views the soul. First, it tells us that the soul is capable of judging the difference between right and wrong. Well, of course we can tell whats right and whats wrong, that's what makes us civilized. For as much as we seem aware of that fact it is something that I believe we take too lightly.

Also, the cartoon tells us something a little less obvious about our souls and consciousness. It tells us that we are able to reason with it. The soul isn't just a flowing mass of emotions and pointless feelings. It's there to help us reason, not to hinder that process. Therefore, I must perceive the soul to be a tool for self betterment.

It is important to exercise and manage our bodies, minds and souls. Some may view their church time as an exercise of the soul...certainly spirituality is a useful way of doing that. There are so many ways from meditation to music. Because there's no calorie counter to see how much excess negativity or stress one has burned in an hour of deep meditation many people find it difficult to manage or, like so many calorie counters, they take a tally each time they 'work out'. At the end of the week as long as they have a minimum amount of hours put in then they figure it must be fine.

However you must, on an individual level maintain a healthy relationship with your conscience. Inevitably Pinocchio chose to ignore Jiminy Cricket, he may have enjoyed some short-lived worldly pleasures but ultimately true happiness is only found when in harmony with one's conscience and soul. Once one is able to stay between the lines and resist the temptation to ignore one's inner judgment, the seed of self exploration sprouts. This is only the beginning of a real relationship with your soul. Just like exercising, the first few weeks are rough. You limp away exhausted, sweaty and unable to think straight but if the work outs continue they become enriching.

In fact, exercising is a perfect way to begin learning how to explore oneself for it really takes self discipline. Especially in a world chalked with distractions and mind numbing entertainment; self exploration is something that someone has to take the time for anymore. Remember, just like Pinocchio...if you follow your heart and go where your conscience suggests you may be able to obtain true happiness. No more plastic, I want to be a real girl!

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