In Chapter One, we explored the threefold nature of the Soul and described the three motivating and orchestrating impulses that shape her responses. In this chapter, we discover the triad of the Soul, the Spirit, and the Self. We are seeking to attune ourselves to their intimate connections and relationships. We also offer several pathways and practices to cultivate your Soul connection.
Whatever we do, wherever we travel, and however far we expand, we remain forever within the realm of the Soul and her ecology. Because the Soul encompasses infinite realms, no single description can draw firm boundaries around her. Instead, we focus on one aspect or configuration at a time before expanding beyond it to explore the diverse natures and functions of the Soul. These meditative explorations will help us connect deeply with the intelligence of the Soul.
The Soul, the Spirit, and the Self
Before we immerse ourselves in the subtle, amorphous qualities of the Soul, the Spirit, and the Self — and before we embrace the breathtaking wonder that may arise as we begin to sense and understand the contours of their conduct and influence — I feel compelled,
as we enter this chapter, to pause and reflect on what might stand in the way of understanding and appreciating both the Soul and our spiritual nature. What range of responses might arise when the Soul becomes a topic of conversation?
To help us get into the frame of mind needed for these explorations, here is a little story about a simple yet remarkable man and the mystery of the avocado orchard.
I was thirteen when I began working in the kibbutz’s avocado orchard, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that these trees were alive in ways I hadn’t fully understood before. Even more extraordinary was the elder man who led our team. Vitzo, then in his sixties, was part of the group that left Europe just before World War II. Their foresight propelled them to depart prior to the Holocaust and establish the kibbutz. My father’s older brother was among them, while my father, seven years younger, remained behind with their parents and siblings. He navigated the war as a teenager, escaped labor camps twice, eventually arrived in Israel, helped establish another kibbutz, and later joined his older brother. I have often pondered the karmic differences between those who escaped Europe before the war and those who stayed and had to flee under Nazi occupation. These two experiences forged distinct soul archetypal paths, which I decided, even in my youth, to keep in active memory and surveillance.
Vitzo, who had planted many of the avocado trees with his own hands, demonstrated an uncanny knowledge of the orchard. He seemed to know each of the more than 2,000 trees as if he remembered them individually. As I watched him move through the orchard, I noticed he perceived each tree as though it had its own story or personality.
His detailed knowledge of the orchard was a mystery I couldn’t comprehend. How was it mathematically possible for him to remember so many trees in such a personalized way? This was the mid-1970s, before the digital revolution, and it seemed impossible for one person to track such intricate details. Yet, he could recount each tree’s history, noting which produced abundant fruit, which had broken branches, and which needed extra care and support. For him, it wasn’t merely data; it was as though he held the living story of each tree. This enigma puzzled me greatly.
Two decades later, as I reflected on my experiences through the lens of a contemplative inquiry into the Soul, I began to
understand what might have been happening. When one invests deeply and devotedly in a particular domain, their Soul seems to expand beyond the confines of the physical body. Much like a farmer who walks the perimeter of his land, the Soul extends to encompass that entire space, becoming attuned to even the smallest changes along the orchard’s edge. Vitzo exemplified this kind of Soul coverage. It was as though his Spirit and Soul, through his daily work and effort permeated the orchard, enabling him to intuit when a tree needed attention or support. In contemplating this, I have come to see that the Soul can stretch outward to envelop the world it cherishes, forming a living connection between a person and the domain they nurture.
I invite you to hold this image in mind as we proceed with this chapter. It is one reason I have described the Soul at the outset of our journey as an intelligence loom. Understanding what sources of intelligence and knowledge feed that loom is a question we will explore further.
Barriers to Knowing and Appreciating the Soul
As this Soul journey continues to unfold, I am reflecting on the variety of responses that emerge when the soul is introduced into a conversation. The more I dwell with the Soul, the deeper the mystery unfolds, bringing with it an ever-growing compassion and appreciation for the human condition and its predicaments. I’ve come to see that we are merely touching the edge of a much greater potential. The Soul opens an infinite universe of possibilities – a reality that is transfinite.
Still, our response to the Soul and its potential is shaped by many factors: formative experiences, life conditions, vitality and health, resilience, our living inquiries and quests, and the specific time and place in which we find ourselves.
What are the obstacles to fully appreciating the soul in our modern and now post-modern context?
Chief among these barriers are dominant cultural ideas that shape how we see ourselves and the world, particularly when our vision is guided by myopic materialism and brain-first intellectual dominance.
- Myopic Materialism views physical and material reality as the bedrock of existence, largely excluding spiritual dimensions.
- Brain-First Intellectual Dominance sees knowledge, consciousness, and any notion of Soul purely as products of the physical brain, discounting other ways and dimensions of knowing.
Together, these biases lead us to view the
Soul as something merely added to the physical body, and to dismiss consciousness as simply a byproduct of brain chemistry. Such beliefs pose significant obstacles to recognizing our deeper spiritual nature and to embracing the trinitarian cosmology of our being – the interplay of Soul, Spirit, and Self. By naming and reflecting on these barriers, we can begin to disarm and release them, opening ourselves to a deeper understanding of who we truly are.
From Materialism 1.0 to Quantum 2.0
A striking aspect of the current cultural mindset is that, in many ways, we still operate under the influence of 19th-century “materialism 1.0,” a conceptual relic that emphasizes bodies, objects, and mechanistic causality, largely overlooking subtler, less immediately observable phenomena.
Yet physics has advanced well beyond that worldview, venturing into what we might call materialism 2.0 – or, more aptly, quantum 2.0. While the quantum paradigm still describes physical mass as a foundational element of the universe, its principles of entanglement, probability, and uncertainty reveal a reality less bound by predictability – a realm where gaps, spaces, and fields of potentiality hold sway.
Despite these scientific breakthroughs, our cultural orientation and how we approach daily lives, relationships, and social phenomena, remains predominantly rooted in the older, mechanistic worldview.
Quantum Worldview and Beyond
Quantum field theory does not, in itself, offer a spiritual perspective or an inherent sense of the soul’s interconnectedness. However, it dismantles the rigid assumptions of materialism 1.0, opening up conceptual space for a more nuanced understanding of reality.
Even though this quantum worldview does not directly point to spiritual actuality, it loosens the grip of outdated body-and-object-centered thinking, offering a richer, more dynamic framework for exploring the nature of existence.
By recognizing this distinction, we can move beyond an overly simplistic, deterministic view of the world and begin to embrace a reality that is profoundly open, interconnected, and teeming with potential.
Spirit Embodied in Matter (Quantum 3.0)
Where is the next frontier emerging now? It is a space that transcends both traditional materialism, which sees matter as primary and self-sufficient, and also transcends spiritual idealism, which separates spirit from matter. Instead, it paints an integrated vision: matter is spirit slowing down to become embodied in a tangible realm where transformational processes and expression can be catalyzed and found.
(We are using here “spirit” in a generalized context as an overarching location to describe the motivating and energizing essence of the subtle invisible worlds. Shortly we will describe the human Spirit in a much more specific and precise context.)
Quantum 3.0 invites an awareness of matter not as an inert substance but a condensed, tactile manifestation of invisible subtle realms that have densified to condense in a physical form – a medium through which the subtle realms of Spirit and Soul can experience change, variance, transformation, and creative expression. In this perspective, the material world, including our physical bodies, is not a limitation to overcome but a sacred vessel, a living crucible where spiritual essence is refined into wisdom, greater versatility, love, and purpose, through the fire of embodied experience.
At the heart of this appreciation is the understanding that the subtle realms of Spirit and Soul and the realms of denser physical biological bodies exist in a reciprocal relationship, each relying on the other to fulfill its purpose. Spirit animates matter, infusing it with life, purpose, and consciousness, while biological form offers Spirit an ecology in which metabolic processes can unfold, creating the precise conditions necessary for transformation.
Humans, as conscious living conduits between the spirit realms and the world of bodies and matter, embody this sacred interpenetrating and permeating union. Our lives, struggles, and joys are not accidental but are opportunities for the realms of the Soul to refine and evolve within the dense medium of biological experience. The invitation is to embrace the world of form, not as an illusion to transcend, but as a sacred ground for spiritual evolution, where every moment holds the potential for alchemical transformation and spiritualization. In this vision, the world of matter is not a prison – it is the temple, the workshop, and the dance floor where spirit and matter co-create a symphony of emergence.
Bringing up the Soul in Conversation
Often, bringing up the Soul in conversation produces one of several distinct responses.
The survival mode
The first kind of response often arises from someone in a “survival mode”, a state where the conscious focus is solely on making ends meet, navigating daily demands, and sustaining themselves and their loved ones. In this state, the first impulse of the Soul – the guardian of life – works tirelessly to keep the person moving forward, leaving little room for introspection or conversation about the Soul.
The awareness of a Soul naturally surfaces only during extraordinary experiences – moments that defy explanation, miraculous instances of synchronicity and serendipity, or periods of profound struggle. For the most part, however, they remain too busy and preoccupied to contemplate such possibilities. Still, the Soul continues its work faithfully, whether or not it is recognized, acknowledged, or appreciated.
The go-getter
The second response emerges from someone actively striving to improve their situation – a go-getter dedicated to creating better circumstances and opportunities for themselves and those they
care about. Their primary drive is guided by the Soul’s steward of learning, an impulse that nudges them to acquire new skills, pursue personal growth, and achieve tangible benefits and upgrades in life.
Similar to those in survival mode, go-getters have little space for conversations about the Soul amidst their focused pursuit of goals. However, glimpses of the Soul may emerge during moments of intense crisis or, conversely, in times of overflowing well-being, profound success, and elation. These edge experiences, whether born of struggle or triumph, briefly pull them away from their forward momentum, affording them to catch glimpses of something deeper and a momentary recognition of the Soul’s presence.
The scientific orientation
The third response often arises among individuals who approach life through a modern scientific lens – a perspective shared by many, where the actuality of the Soul is generally dismissed or regarded as merely metaphorical. Many trained in scientific disciplines, as we just described, prioritize the physical and measurable aspects of reality, focusing on the brain and on observable phenomena.
While they may occasionally use the term “soul” metaphorically – to describe a state of deep passion, immersion, or dedication to their work – they typically do not consider it a tangible actual reality. Nevertheless, their ever-active industrious Soul continues to operate behind the scenes, empowering creativity, insight, and perseverance in ways they might not consciously recognize.
The poetic sense
This fourth response emerges from individuals who embrace a broad openness and a poetic perspective on life. For them, the Soul naturally finds its way into conversation as a means to express intuition, a sense of calling, or wonder about the possibility of one’s higher or true self.
They tend to approach the topic of the Soul with curiosity and reverence, allowing their reflections to flow organically into deeper inquiries. For some, this openness becomes a gateway, tuning them to the third impulse of the Soul – the champion of higher purpose, which guides them toward meaning, transcendence, and a deeper connection with life’s mysteries.
The developmental inquiry
The fifth response pertains to those whose natural inclination centers on reflective inquiry
and a deep commitment to personal development. For these individuals, life becomes an introspective journey – a quest to turn inward and explore the subtleties of their inner world.
They focus on cultivating attunement, a resonance that aligns their inner and outer lives. Through this process, they seek to understand, connect with, and make direct contact with the Soul, even when they refer to it by different names. This reflective and intentional approach creates fertile ground for profound insights and nurtures an ever-deepening relationship with the Soul’s presence and guidance.
Serving a cause
Beyond these five responses, individuals may embody countless other configurations, inclinations, and life situations, each offering a unique relationship with the Soul.
Consider, for example, the dedicated and caring nurse and the devoted and inspired teacher, who love their work so deeply that it transcends a mere occupation to become a profound calling. Through unwavering commitment and devotion, their chosen field becomes a theater for the Soul – a space where their deepest essence is liberated to guide every action with care, precision, and grace.
For such individuals, whether the Soul explicitly enters the conversation is secondary. What matters most is the lived experience of their calling – a dedicated labor of love that creates a rich and magnificently conductive field for the Soul to express herself fully and meaningfully.
Along my journey, I have come to deeply appreciate these diverse experiences and the unique sensibilities behind each of them. I have experienced the survival mode, thrived as a go-getter, embraced both scientific and poetic sensibilities, and devoted my life to the developmental inquiry and its cause. I sympathize with the practical perspective and persuasions of each, perhaps because, indeed at various points in my life, I’ve been in all of these situations myself.
Still, through all these phases and moments, I have never lost sight of a vaster dimension – an ever-present potential that felt nearby, just beneath the surface of ordinary experience. This subtle but undeniable presence has remained a guiding light, a quiet assurance of something more expansive, profound, and enduring.
What Portals Into the Soul Hopes to Offer
This work does not seek to persuade you that you have a Soul, nor does it claim to prove anything definitive about its way. Instead, it offers a series of doorways and pathways for discovery – gentle invitations to wonder about the Soul and to consider what might be sensed beyond the physical and material world. These pathways are yours to explore and experience.
In this chapter, I invite you to deepen your inquiry and continue your journey of discovery, noticing and appreciating the distinctive configuration of the Soul, the Spirit and the Self. One of the most remarkable qualities of the Soul is her unwavering loyalty. She continues her work even if we deny her presence. Whether we acknowledge her or not, she remains steadfast, quietly devoted to supporting our lives. Yet her potential multiplies and expands into infinite possibilities when we choose to attune to her, build trusting relationships, and engage in a communion of shared inquiry.
The Inner Trinity
Deepening our inquiry into the Soul cultivates a growing sense of awe and reverence for this unseen companion. She is both a central part of the human orchestra – a conducting agent that never abandons you, even at your final breath and beyond – and the very ground and ecology of your entire human experience. How exquisite it is to journey through life accompanied by this faithful guide: the Soul.
The mystery deepens because the Soul is a multifaceted, interconnected ecology. She communicates effortlessly with every part and system of your
body, as well as with the broader planetary theater that surrounds you. The Soul also dialogues with the Self, a configuration arising from her to express your uniqueness. Moreover, she maintains an intimate connection with your Spirit, and, through the Spirit, with the vast universe and its ever-evolving potential. In this way, your Soul embodies a threefold awareness: of the Spirit, of the Self, and of herself along with her function field, which includes the network connecting to all Souls.
The Soul encompasses all that you do and more. You cannot experience life in the flesh without being accompanied by a Soul; the Self cannot arise without the Soul’s enabling presence. The Soul is the vessel and the ecology that allows the Self to emerge, configure, mature, and gain experience. Despite some descriptions that conflate the two, the Self is not the Soul, even though she is always nearby, surrounding and guiding the Self.
Each of us is a unique triad – a living trinity composed of the Soul, the Spirit, and the Self. The Soul acts as the planetary orchestrator, carrying a general-purpose interfacing operating system rooted in the vast collective learning and memory of all Souls. She serves as the carrier and the ecological grounds of the totality of the human experience and its many dimensions.
The Self is a unique Soul-and-Spirit-like formation of qualities, potencies, and properties, a once-in-history cosmological event through which life experiences the wonder and novelty of a new configuration, one that emerges in relationships with other Selves.
The Spirit is a spark of universal consciousness – a luminescent sequin woven into the fabric of human existence. It serves as a tethering presence that enlivens us and acts as a constant compass, drawing us toward a luminous cord or ray from the emanatory creational field of the universe, what we might call God.
In the following chapters, we will further develop the compound natures of the Self and the evolutionary promise of the Spirit.
The Quickening
From the modern physicalist perspective, we tend to see ourselves as merely a complex and sophisticated body from which consciousness emerges. The actuality described here turns this perspective on its head.
As the fetus develops in the womb, it eventually reaches a point of readiness – a moment when its inner configuration, facilitated by the mother’s soul, inducts and allows it to receive its own distinct Soul and Spirit. At that moment, the fetus comes alive in a far deeper sense than mere biological function.
This quickening occurs between the 16th to 20th week, when the fetus is enlivened, having been ensouled, by receiving the Soul–Spirit compound. From that point forward, it grows and develops within its own Soul’s presence. 
Prior to this, during the first 16 weeks, the formative development of the fetus was enabled and accompanied by the mother’s soul, which facilitated the miraculous generation of a conductive ecology within the amniotic sac and its fluids.
When the mother’s water breaks, signaling that birth has begun, the radiance of the fetus’s Soul, once contained and nurtured within the amniotic sac, expands into the mother’s body. The mother’s Soul recognizes it as a distinct Soul presence, activating a natural rejection impulse that catalyzes contractions and initiates the birthing process. This moment marks the start of the newborn Soul’s individuation journey on Earth, already accompanied by its Spirit, and carries the initial layers of the Self that began forming even before birth.
From this point onward, the triad of Soul, Spirit, and Self deepens its companionship and engages in maturing an intimate conversation, where knowing and knowledge transference is instantaneous (*). Although only a small portion of this conversation and knowledge exchange is consciously decoded, the Soul hosts and communicates with both the Spirit and the emerging Self – constantly reconfiguring herself in response to their cues, and varying presence glow, adapting and guiding the unfolding journey of human life.
(*) We will develop the appreciation of Soul knowledge in later chapters.
Cultivating Your Soul Connection
The Soul enables and permeates every aspect of our experience, mediating each feeling, sense, and perception. Each sensation, in its own way, is a message from the Soul. Yet, directly experiencing the Soul can be elusive, as she is subtle, amorphous, and seems to hover just behind our everyday awareness.
One way to sense the Soul is through somatic attunement – tapping into the vibrant field of presence that envelops and permeates us. By deeply relaxing into our body, breathing life into
our sensory and somatic portal of knowing, we open the door to a realm of spiritual actuality where the Soul’s presence can be directly experienced.
Another path is to immerse ourselves in a series of meditative images, each revealing a different facet of the Soul’s nature. Through this practice we use the mind’s portal to approach the spiritual realm, allowing a direct sense of the Soul to emerge.
How can we begin to imagine the Soul? We do so by engaging with the imageries presented below, gently abiding in each one and allowing it to permeate our senses and mind. Over time, these imagery practices activate our intuitive connection to the Soul – especially when we return to them day after day, granting ourselves and the soul the time needed for a new kind of access.
To support this exploration, set aside a dedicated 10- or 20-minute daily practice for connecting with your Soul. By carving out this time, you signal both to yourself and to your Soul that you are earnest in your intent. Through this commitment, you nurture the temperament needed to attune to the Soul, while simultaneously cultivating the sensitivity filaments for a deeper communion.
(In the Portals gatherings we host, and through various recordings on Portals of Perception, you can explore additional pathways and practices to enhance your daily soul connection.)
A central element of attunement is bringing the entirety of your being into a point of focus, thereby regathering yourself unto your soul. This is markedly different from our typical state of fragmentation, where our minds are besieged by a barrage of thoughts and distractions. In that scattered state, both the Self, and consequently, the Soul become dispersed, their presence dimmed and dysregulated.
In contrast, when you gently center your awareness on a single object, scene, or inner sensation, you reassemble yourself in a way that awakens and potentizes your inner presence. This reawakened interior presence enables you to perceive the Soul’s way and power with renewed clarity.
Four Imagery Starters
Begin with the imagery that resonates most naturally with you. As you cultivate your daily Soul connection, remember to slow down and listen inwardly. Unlike the untrained brain, which jumps from one idea to the next, the Soul’s rhythm is steady, magnetic, and regulated, always working to keep you intact and whole.
Set aside time over several days to revisit the imagery you choose, allowing it to become an integral part of your Soul-connection practice.
Imagery One: The Murmuration of Birds
To tap into the Soul’s adaptive,
shape-shifting, and dynamic nature, begin by observing (or recalling) the phenomenon of the murmuration of birds. In some regions, like in southern Florida, where I am as I write this, you can witness live murmuration. If not, try watching a short National Geographic clip on Starlings in murmuration.
- First Viewing: Observe how the birds continually reorganize, shift direction, and reshape their flight while maintaining a fluid unity as a single intelligent entity.
- Second Viewing: Watch again, this time allowing yourself to feel the Soul’s fluid, responsive, distributed and emergent ecology, much like the birds’ synchronous flow.
- Third Viewing (Eyes Closed): Instead of watching, close your eyes and imagine a similar shape-shifting presence moving within and around you, as your Soul adapts and responds moment by moment.
Return to this three-step process for at least four consecutive days. Over time, you’ll sense a deeper awareness and a stronger connection to your Soul’s ever-evolving inner presence.
Imagery Two: The Flowing Clouds
Focus on observing the changing formations of clouds
or nearby mist as your second imagery. Depending on your geographical location, you may be able to witness clouds that continuously appear, dissolve, and rearrange themselves. In Florida, for example, I often see clouds move and flow into form only to reconfigure moments later. There’s something captivating about the way they shift and transform, as if clouds are living beings engaged in a graceful dance.
In much the same way, the Soul exhibits a fluid adaptability – continually moving, evolving, and reshaping to meet new needs, respond to emerging insights, and accommodate changing circumstances. Her movements are organic, responsive, and finely attuned to the moment.
When possible, find a scenic spot to observe the drifting clouds or rolling mist. Relax into the experience and let their flowing, ever-changing presence guide you into a deeper experience of your Soul’s dynamic and responsive nature.
Imagery Three: The Ocean
This third imagery draws on the immensity of the ocean.
As I narrate this, I find myself standing on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful, sunny day. The water is calm and peaceful, with gentle waves rolling in one after another. The endless blue stretches beyond the horizon, and beneath the surface, powerful currents move steadily, occasionally revealing their presence in the subtle rise and fall of the waves.
Imagine yourself standing at the shore on a similarly peaceful day. Observe the gentle waves as they arrive, one after another, allowing yourself to feel the vastness extending far beyond your line of sight. Sense the deep, hidden currents flowing just beneath the surface, steady and persistently moving.
These subtle, deep currents mirror the Soul’s boundless depth and far-reaching presence. Envision your Soul embodying this continuous, wave-like pulse – vast, steady, and ever-responsive to the shifting tides of your life. With calm assurance and immense power, she holds space for you, enveloping your evolving journey and rising to meet each moment as it unfolds.
Imagery Four: The Garden and the Forest
This fourth imagery invites you to walk along a forest trail or sit quietly in a beautiful garden. Slow down and notice the intricate interconnectedness of plants, flowers, trees, animals, and the elements around you. Observe how they all belong to the interwoven living ecology, much of which remains invisible to the naked eye: root systems, microbial networks, and subtle energetic exchanges are constantly at work beneath the surface. These unseen connections create an ecology that anchors and attracts special energetic and healing properties, often described as nature spirits.
Similarly, your inner ecology, nurtured and generated by the Soul, encompasses an incredibly sophisticated system. It includes your respiratory and circulatory systems, your kidneys, liver, and heart, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and countless internal processes that sustain life. In many ways, the human body is a dynamic intricate garden – a complex, self-regulating system emerging and thriving within the Soul’s conductive field.
By attuning to the natural ecology around you – whether you’re sitting quietly, strolling mindfully, or even lying on your back on the forest floor – you open a meditative portal into your own inner ecology. In this stillness and presence, let the outer harmony of nature guide you to sense the profound interconnectedness and intelligence within your own Soul-hosted ecosystem.
Observing the Range of Inner States
There are many ways to attune to the multiple facets and functions of the Soul, and to the Self – a unique configuration enabled by the Soul that you come to recognize as uniquely you. Part of discovering the Self involves noticing what energizes and liberates you, versus what confines your freedom and dampens your vitality.
Much of what inspires us artistically – a beautiful dance, moving music, elegant design or architecture, or outstanding teamwork in sports – resonates with the natural qualities of the Soul: unison, harmony, flow, creativity, connectivity, renewal, fortitude, beauty, intelligence, generosity, forbearance, peace, resilience, flexibility, trust, and care.
Another way to experience the versatility and adaptability of the Soul is to observe the vast range of inner states you move through in daily life. For example, consider the focused concentration you summon when solving a math problem or puzzle – feel the laser-like intensity and clarity of that mental effort. Then, imagine yourself listening to a piece of music that stirs and moves you. In that moment, entirely different aspects of your consciousness and bodily awareness are engaged. In the first scenario, both you and your Soul’s supporting presence are concentrated “in your head,” while in the second, you might sense activation in your chest, throat, shoulders, or elsewhere.
Now, picture yourself engaging in your favorite physical activity,
whether it’s running, playing tennis, or swimming, and notice the difference between a relaxed pace and an all-out effort. Pay attention to which parts of your body and energy systems activate in each state. Then, envision a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend, where empathy, compassion, and attentive presence guide your interaction.
Each scenario taps into distinct facets of your inner kaleidoscope, offering a glimpse into the Soul’s boundless range. By noticing how you enter and inhabit these varied states, you begin to uncover the many dimensions of your Soul’s nature. Through this exploration, the Self starts discovering its natural inclinations, capacities, and the spaces where it thrives most effortlessly.
Similarly, reflect on the countless colors and hues present in the external world, and consider the equally vast spectrum of “internal colors” expressed through feelings, ranging from excitement to despair, strength to fatigue, inspiration to sadness, expansion to contraction, joy to grief, confidence to anxiety, agility to rigidity, humor to seriousness, and beyond. Each feeling, sensation, and state is a distinct brushstroke on the canvas of human experience, often carrying subtle messages from the Soul.
Some of these states arise spontaneously, while others emerge through focused practices – such as, cultivating “plasmatic neutrality,” a state in which you observe feelings as they pass through without letting them color your internal world. Together, these moods, feelings, and states form an expansive Soul palette, one that also includes awe, reverence, and countless other shades of inner experience.
The Soul constantly communicates through these diverse channels. The art lies in learning to listen, to notice the subtle hues and differentiate the voices, recognizing where they originate within you. This attuned listening can profoundly deepen your connection with the Soul and enhance your ability to respond to its quiet, ever-present guidance.
The Next Portal Into the Soul
In this chapter, we reflected on the barriers to realizing our
spiritual nature. We then began to map the interior landscape of the Soul, the Spirit, and the Self, introducing several practices and calibration pathways assembled to enhance intentional listening and connection to the Soul.
In the next installment of Portals Into the Soul, we will build on these starters to further appreciate the emergence of the Self and the function of the Spirit. We’ll embark on a meditative journey that traverses both past and future, reaching an inflection point that empowers and liberates the Soul.

Aviv Shahar
Aviv serves as the Portals' sherpa. He curates transformational journeys and is a storyteller of the epochal evolution culminating at this time.
Aviv is the Founder of Aviv Consulting, helping leaders unleash strategic innovation, and is the author of Create New Futures: How Leaders Produce Breakthroughs and Transform the World Through Conversation.
Visit: Aviv Consulting