Are you an “old soul”?

Are you a curious, wise, or allaround calm person? You just might be an old soul. Whether you have been called it before, or always had a feeling you were, what does being an old soul really mean?

It is likely you will know an old soul when you meet one. They seem wise beyond their age, mature, grounded, and not interested in superficial things. The concept of the old soul is inspired by the idea that our bodies are containers for spirit, and an old soul is someone who continues to reincarnate to heal or complete karmic agreements. Not everyone believes in reincarnation, but you can talk about old souls without bringing past lives into the conversation. Of course, it depends on what you believe and how you relate to spirituality. Another way of thinking about old souls is the idea that we are all different incarnations of a universal life force, and those old souls are simply tapped into that wisdom on a deeper level during that lifetime.

Signs of an old soul include that they are compassionate and kind but should guard against a stream of arrogance. Old souls are philosophically oriented and strive to see the bigger picture. Their motto is “live and let live.” They believe that there is more to life than money and the relentless pursuit of material possessions.

Old souls can seem relaxed and unassuming, even in a crisis. They feel they are often considered eccentrics when compared to the rest of society, and with so many lifetimes under their belts, they possess many gifts and talents. Old souls are mostly detached from the drama of life and prefer to do their own thing.

Other characteristics of old souls include having an inquisitive mind, being able to see the big picture, and feeling deeply connected to everything. Also, feeling like a bit of an outsider and going against the status quo. And you are wise beyond your years but not very materialistic.

So, how do I thrive as an old soul? Surrounding yourself with like-minded people in terms of being aware and open is supportive. Bring a playful energy to life. It is usually a compliment to be referred to as an old soul as it implies grace and wisdom.

Daniel J Jachimiak, BA, is a writer and speaker. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419-787-2036.