Differentiating Between Soul and Spirit

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

So, I've been thinking lately about essence mapping. One of the things Jay did when teaching us was define four 'main' categories which an essence map has. These are 'body,' 'mind,' 'soul,' and 'spirit.'

A lot of people, myself included, have often had trouble differentiating between 'soul' and 'spirit.' When I've used this format, I've sometimes lumped the two together just because I couldn't understand how they were different.

But they are very different. *nod nod* Very different. In fact, to lump them together can really knock an entire dimension out of your essence map. So, I looked them up in Mr. Webster's dictionary:

The Webster wrote:

Spirit: life force of individual: a vital force that characterizes a living being as being alive
will: somebody’s will, sense of self, or enthusiasm for living

The Webster wrote:

Soul: nonphysical aspect of person: the complex of human attributes that manifests as consciousness, thought, feeling, and will, regarded as distinct from the physical body

This helps clear some things up, I think. Spirit is more of a driving force - what makes us 'alive.' Why do we live? What do we live for? What drives us to do things?

Soul, on the other hand, is our thoughts. Our feelings. (And I'm just quoting webster

) Our soul is more than what we think, but what we know to be true - things that define us as a person.

So, maybe that's helpful to someone.

If not, feel free to ignore.

eru

Elly · **Joined:** October 22nd, 2010, 7:58 am **Posts:** 4197

Thank you, 'twas very helpful!

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

Thanks, Elly!

I looked up the words and I was like, "Oh! That's what it means!" so I thought I'd share.

eru

Seer of Endor · **Joined:** February 16th, 2010, 10:36 pm **Posts:** 2603

Jay addressed it pretty interestingly in this post aeons ago.

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

Ah, that was before I joined

- no wonder I missed it.

eru

Seer of Endor · **Joined:** February 16th, 2010, 10:36 pm **Posts:** 2603

And twas hidden in the depths of the theology room. Just thought it'd be handy to link to in this conversation.

Whythawye · **Posted:** August 27th, 2011, 2:34 pm

That's great, Eruheran, very good differentiation. And thanks for linking that, Seer.

Each potential Attribute can be defined or categorized or differentiated however you like. Just be clear what you're talking about, either in comment or via context.

Aeleknight · **Posted:** August 27th, 2011, 5:59 pm

eruheran wrote:

So, I've been thinking lately about essence mapping. One of the things Jay did when teaching us was define four 'main' categories which an essence map has. These are 'body,' 'mind,' 'soul,' and 'spirit.'

A lot of people, myself included, have often had trouble differentiating between 'soul' and 'spirit.' When I've used this format, I've sometimes lumped the two together just because I couldn't understand how they were different.

But they are very different. *nod nod* Very different. In fact, to lump them together can really knock an entire dimension out of your essence map. So, I looked them up in Mr. Webster's dictionary:

The Webster wrote:

Spirit: life force of individual: a vital force that characterizes a living being as being alive
will: somebody’s will, sense of self, or enthusiasm for living

The Webster wrote:

Soul: nonphysical aspect of person: the complex of human attributes that manifests as consciousness, thought, feeling, and will, regarded as distinct from the physical body

This helps clear some things up, I think. Spirit is more of a driving force - what makes us 'alive.' Why do we live? What do we live for? What drives us to do things?

Soul, on the other hand, is our thoughts. Our feelings. (And I'm just quoting webster

) Our soul is more than what we think, but what we know to be true - things that define us as a person.

So, maybe that's helpful to someone.

If not, feel free to ignore

eru

That was very helpful to me. I had trouble differentiating the two as well. Now it is a lot clearer. Thanks!

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

No problem, glad it helped.

eru

Green Mist · **Posted:** November 22nd, 2011, 6:18 pm

I think that I understand the difference between Soul and Spirit now! I was also having some trouble with the difference. Only now...I am a little confused about the difference between Mind and Soul!

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

*contemplates writing a post about that, now*

Suiauthon Mimetes · **Posted:** December 11th, 2011, 1:04 am

Please do!

Andrew Amnon Mimetes · **Joined:** May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am **Posts:** 4458

*chuckles* If I ever get around to writing a more complete guide to essence to stick with my SEM stuff I'll do this.

Differentiating Between Soul and Spirit

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