Some people look at other people in terms of maturity levels. And, let’s face it, age doesn’t mean a hill of beans when it comes to maturity. We’ve all met folks who, no matter their numeric age, still act not so grown up. But I look at people in a different way — and here’s why.
There’s this concept of old soul and young soul. Ever heard of it?
Well, it’s something I believe in. I can meet some people, a toddler or a teenager or someone in mid-life or later, and immediately know they’re an old soul. I don’t know why or how, it’s just a sense that I have, but I get the feeling that these people have something different from everyone else. It’s in the way they carry themselves or react to situations. It’s in the peace and tranquility that hallmarks their personality. It’s in the way they face challenges and setbacks. It’s in the way they deal with other people.
These old souls have a sense that they’ve been through life before and have come back with a perception that exceeds the norm. Where young souls will find ways to mock others, or say things to make themselves feel better, or battle overwhelming insecurity and try to bring everyone else down with them, old souls will listen and guide and often let all the negative stuff roll off their back. Very little fazes them, but it’s not out of indifference. It’s from understanding and a true sense of self.
Is it because they’ve lived before? I don’t know. The idea of having lived before and coming back to learn more so we can move on to another plane of existence is an intriguing one. It’s also the theme of my Past Life Series. This isn’t to be confused with being young at heart, though. I mean, I want to be young at heart for as long as I live this life. But there’s something indefinable about certain people that just oozes inner peace that has nothing to do with being young at heart and everything to do with understanding the bigger picture and how everything is interconnected.
It’s something to think about. And something to learn from — at least for me. My best friend, I’m convinced, is a very old soul. So is my son. I know a couple of old souls in my extended family, and have met other people throughout life who exhibit a kind of spirituality that I want to integrate into my own life.
What about you? Do you believe in old souls?
Whatever your answer, one thing is certain: embrace the life you have and the beautiful journey ahead of you. There’s so much to learn and enjoy along the way!
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Terri Herman-Ponce 
Interesting take on this topic, Terri. Never thought of a soul being young or old based on inner peace, sense of self and the other characteristics you mentioned. My older son is a lot like that, just a peaceful, calm 17-y/o who handles himself with quite a bit of grace and poise no matter who he is up against. Would have been nice to be like that myself growing up, lol.
Nice post and thank you 🙂
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Hi, Terri,
I like your description of old and young souls. One of my long-term friends (now gone) was very much into the metaphysical movement of a few years ago. A successful businesswoman/entrepreneur/college administrator, she also did public channeling in appropriate settings. She was my introduction to the idea. I was open minded but inexperienced; she called me her “resident skeptic.” I identify one of my husband’s first cousins as an old soul–so steady, interested in everyone, not ambitious enough to be insecure anywhere. Thanks for the reminder.
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I love people like that. They’re just SO grounded and have a way of making you feel positive and good without having to try or work hard at it.
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Very good thoughts to chew on… I feel like an old soul at times, others, like a kid… and I think this is probably true with many people who interact a lot with others, and especially writers.
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Writers do see things differently, don’t they?
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Terri,
I kind of believe in reincarnation. I say “kind of” because it’s in the back of my mind but not something I think about all the time. I think Old Souls are souls that have gained more wisdom than most of us have.
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I’m kind of with you on that, Marilyn. It’s back there, and something I think of for myself sometimes. But almost always for my stories!
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One of my sons, as a toddler, had very wrinkled hands, like the skin was too big for them. A friend told me that was a sign of an old soul. And he did have a free, old soul as a youngster but school, art training, and a demanding business have gotten to him. i still adore him but he doesn’t ooze calm or spirituality. Yes sometimes his wisdom–about relationships, people, and the world–tales ,u breath away. His older brother is actually much calmer–probably the old soul in the family. Their sisters? I’m not going there:-)
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Judy, thanks for stopping by. Love the story you’ve shared, too, especially the anecdote about the girls. 😉
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