Gazing 

Inhabiting your soul. I heard this phrase recently from a paraphrase of the teachings of a 14^th Century Mystic, Meister Eckert, a Dominican priest and much sought-after preacher of the time. A non-spiritual take on the same phrase is listed below: 

“According to Psychology Today, inhabiting your soul means living in the deepest essence of who you are, your authentic self, or your spirit. You can recognize this aspect of you by its longings, by its deep soulful desires, by its creative impulse, by its desire to really live life.”

In my juvenile formation, facilitated by nuns from Ireland and the congregation of St. John of God, it seemed clear to me that my soul was important to me for salvation, but also it seemed it was inaccessible to me as a mere mortal. However, it needed a lot of care, and even at the time, I knew that to be true. 
Meister Eckert beautifully describes the soul as a location within where we could encounter the beauty, peace, and glory of God. If only we could feel that and experience it. In our secular world and experience, we often make the point that we can see “someone’s soul” by noticing the way that they are in the world. A little glimpse of the beauty which lies within, but is often hidden, unrevealed. 

We are oft instructed that our conscious is separated from our unconscious mind, and yet they are connected. Our soul, however, is often described again as being separate, but not accessible. But does that make sense? Can we, through discovery and plumbing the depths of our existence, gain entry into our soul? To see who we truly are? 

Many of the mystics seem to have made this transition. Where they boldly, or rather gently, go where we are not often invited. To look for the soul, to discover the doors that may open and close behind us, bringing us to newfound peace-filled locations where God resides deep within us. This mystical journey is where Eckert and others invite us … to take the long walk within to inhabit our souls. 

Clues that we may be making progress in this, are subtle. Often the changes in us, as we move deeper within, are less noticeable to us, and more recognized by others. We become more reflective than responsive, less judgmental, more loving, and more present to ourselves and others. 

If you find yourself beginning to make decisions, yet you don’t feel you are the decision maker, this may be evidence something is changing. Perhaps, you are starting to inhabit your soul. And that some other force is driving the car you are in, you are in the same vehicle, but not in control. 

Where might you be on this journey? To this interior place within, where our souls and God exist in harmony. 

Artwork and reflection Copyright 2024 Michael Cunningham OFS