I’ve started seeing people in a whole new light. Instead of focus on age, gender, race, and culture, I try to categorize myself and others as old souls and new souls. This helps me remember that we are all one.
To help make sense of this new vision, I created the following chart. It should be noted that these are just opposite poles on a spectrum. There are huge gradations between an old soul and a new soul–a teenage soul, a twenty-something soul, a mid-life crisis soul, a matriarch soul.
| Old Soul | New Soul | |
|---|---|---|
| History | Been here many times before Far along the cycle of rebirth |
Been here before, but not as long or as many times |
| Life Energy–Chi, Ki, Prana | Great channel of chi—Huge potential. Might be blocked. Needs some huge event to clear channel and realize potential |
Lots of natural chi Sucking in all the chi around them Lots of kinetic energy |
| Profession Not necessarily what one does for a living, rather one’s passion. An old soul may be a soldier by day, but a poet at heart—Wilfred Owen comes to mind. Note that some professions can occur in both categories. For example, some politicians may be helpers/ teachers, while other politicians may be trying to experience intense power. The same can be said of artists and musicians. |
Helper, teacher, writer, poet, monk, bodhisattva | Experience intensive activities—smells, sights, sounds, feelings, power. Chef, Athlete, Sex Trade, Entertainment industryHands-on work–builder, farmer, soldier. |
| Seminal Event | A traumatic life changing event is often necessary to “awaken” the old soul up to his/her true being and purpose. Old souls often cast themselves into the role of the innocent victim. The obvious example is Jesus on the Cross. Many old souls cocoon in prison—Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, Aung San Suu Kyi, St. Francis de Assisi, Anne Frank, Viktor Frankl. Sometimes old souls suffer traumatic abuse and/or illness like Louise Hay and Oprah. |
New souls hit the ground running. They are quicker and more sprite than old souls. They often accomplish amazing feats that inspire the world. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie, Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston, Kelly Slater, Nadia Comaneci come to mind. At some point, new souls ask the question “Is this all there is?” This can lead to a transformation that serves as an example for the rest of humanity. |
| Potential Weaknesses | Cynicism, Ego, Hubris, Thinking they know it all—forgetting to maintain a Beginner’s mind | Egocentricism, Selfishness, Addiction, Vanity |
Being an old soul is not necessarily better than being a new soul. If we recall Spinoza’s quotation, “We are all cells in God’s body,” then we realize that we are all part of the same whole. New souls can be sensory cells, while old souls might a cells in the immune system. Neither is better than the other. Both have a place and a function in God’s plan.
Seeing others as old and new souls allows us to treat them with respect, empathy, and patience. We can see our weaknesses reflected in their actions and words. We can understand our purpose and accept the trials and tribulations of our life as part of the process.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and/or smiling.
Do you feel like an old soul or a new soul? Would you add or change the chart? How? Please share.
p.s.
Ever since I shifted to an early morning meditation practice, I have had a number of powerful insights which I share with you off the cuff. I do not claim any historical or spiritual expertise. Feel free to disagree, modify, or correct these visions in any way, shape, or form.
Related articles
- Ezekiel 18:4-5, 9 He Is the Owner (calvinistview.com)
- Plato’s Most Beautiful Myth (psychologytoday.com)
everyday gurus 
I feel I might just be a nebarious old crook. Haha. That sums it up right.
At least your an old crook instead of a new one, Sarah. You can imagine yourself as the Cat woman in the new Batman. haha. Can’t wait to see what you evolve into after the cocoon. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Haha oh it must be fate then, I remember the first time I watched cat woman as a child I had nightmares about her. Maybe I can join the parades of the avengers or x-men. 😛 {{Hugs}}
Sarah
Reblogged this on Beginning My Journey As A Nursing Student.
Thanks for the reblog, Soon2BNurse. I can’t seem to log onto your blog. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Not sure if I’m an old soul or new soul, but it’s interesting to think about. Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading 🙂
Which of the names I listed above do you want to be like? Is it Whitney Houston or MLK? Some people want to be the next Michael Jordan while others want to be the next Mother Teresa. Here’s a hint, Crystal, Tom Robbins readers are usually old souls. haha. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
haha, im an old soul 😀 great pst
Have you had your life-changing moment yet? Just curious. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I think I have, it was the moment I found a connection with a higher being. Also any moment in my life when that connection gets stronger is another life-changing moment.
AH! I love this, Kozo. This a conversation often replayed with my best friend and myself.
I think you know which I am. I tend to both gravitate towards and attract this same type as well.
Perfect post to ponder away about as I drift off to my sleepy Wonderland. *Goodnight*
& *big hugs*
I agre, DDiW, we do gravitate towards others like us, but sometimes we can learn a lot from others who are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Somehow I’m reminded of the movie Cocoon. NOt sure if that makes any sense. haha. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
It makes sense. 😉
*hugs*
I always can count on you Kozo to give my neurons a solid work out and this post is no exception. I am wondering which on I am…How about the soul in search of herself 😉 I love the chart you have created, it is giving me an interesting new perspective. Thank you for the hugs, they always feel so good 🙂
Hey, Anyes, I love the soul in search of herself. We are all souls in search of our true selves which is God. I have a feeling you are in a dormant period that is about to birth a beautiful butterfly. Like I’ve said on your blog a number of times, Let’s get ready to fly. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Is it what is going on? I feel so lost lately and I thank you for giving me another view point…Very astute I must say Hugs back to you Kozo 🙂
This is great!
Thanks, Julie. Hope it helps make sense of some of the trials and tribulations you have to endure. God definitely has a plan for you, my dear friend. Check out my friend Gina’s post–http://professionsforpeace.com/2013/03/23/inner-chaos-births-stars/ {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I love your thinking, Kozo. This daily meditation is producing very powerful insights indeed. {{{Hugs}}} 😀
Thanks, Dianne. Wasn’t sure if they were powerful insights or just morning gas. haha. I love being able to throw things out to the blogosphere and have others give a thumbs up or down. {{{Hugs}}} right back attcha, Kozo
I loved this! I’m an old soul on my way to find enlightening during my earthly live 🙂
You hit the nail right on the head, Angelwhisper. That is what we are all here to do. Funny that you commented right after Dianne Gray. I just read her book The Eleventh Question where she envisions animals playing a huge role in the future enlightenment of humans. Maybe Little Binky is the path to enlightenment. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Please always share your off the cuff inspirations! Those early meditations of yours— are touching all of us with inspiring thoughts to ponder. I’m not sure where I am old or new? Hmmm I that’ll think on it some more.
Thanks for the feedback, 1G4AW. Like I was telling Dianne, I’m not sure if those early morning insights resonate in reality, so your comment means a lot. I was going to say that Joy-givers have to be old souls, but that is not necessarily the case. Many new souls give so much joy to others–Michael Jordan, Whitney Houston, Tiger Woods. I would say that you are more of a teacher, however. Either way, watch out for ego. haha. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Great post Kozo 🙂 I feel pretty old, though not as old as some I’ve met, like my dad. I get along a lot better with older souls. There’s that knowing connection, like you’ve both been around for a long time. Younger souls find me boring and slow lol, but older souls enjoy talking and working with me 🙂
I feel like I know just where I sit on the spectrum.
Thanks for sharing! It’s definitely great to get to the point where you view people at soul level rather than all those other meaningless dividers.
All the best, hugs!
Rohan.
I totally agree, Rohan. I have met some old souls who make me feel like I was born yesterday. They just get it. I like to remind myself that we are all necessary.
I love your term “other meaningless dividers.” That is a great way to look at differences. If more people used the term, we would be closer to world peace. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Hi guys! Nice post Kozo, while we’re on this topic of categorical “dividers”, “old” and “new” souls only has meaning/ revelance in polarity consciousness. We all manifest in physicality in order to experience whatever we need to experience. If we start categorizing a range of souls within this spectrum of “human” consciousness, then we first need to define what a “soul” is.
Perhaps that’s part of the problem, using language and cultural context to define something that’s inherently subjective, and trying to make sense of this using conventional “logic” or “reasoning” which are contextually relative. Hahaha, what a messy world we’ve constructed using our “intelligence”. In the past, before ration-alized thinking, people actually knew who they really were, and their purpose of existence. This was before we over anal-ysed everything to death.
There, I’ve qualified my answer. Perhaps I’m beyond category, since I’ve noted traits in both columns simultaneously, without undergoing any traumatic life changing event, lol.
I think I’m here for no other reason than to enjoy your divine presence and company folks. 😀
That as good a “reason” as any, while realizing we actually don’t need any reason to enjoy this present moment – life! ☼ ♥
Leave it to Maddy to take things to the next level. Yes, you are right, that this spectrum is yet another divider in a world where we are all the same. It may be a lifeline for those who are trying to find their way back to their godliness, but those who are able to see clearly don’t really need a lifeline, do they?
I would agree that you don’t really fit in the chart, Maddy, but you have to admit you are a very unique case. Sometimes I don’t even think that you are real or that you are a construction by 100 different people in a grad-school experiment. I don’t know too many people who skip back and forth across this divide, but you seem to do it quite easily.
As for the rest of us lost souls, I think the chart might prove useful. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
You’re exactly right Maddy. As soon as we put a concept like this into words it instantly becomes confused and “impure”. As soon as we enter “duality” (old/new etc) and create a spectrum using our limited cultural beliefs we of course create a very limited way of looking at things. Perhaps a more apt way of looking at it is in terms of “psychic groups”. This is a term I’ve used to describe why some people are attracted to each other. There is no hierarchy, only different types of equality.
Still any form of categorization is ultimately limiting. But I do enjoy the “old soul” model, it gives a fun and simple explanation for the kind of incredible wisdom some people just seem to be born with, like they came from somewhere far away and have been hanging around the universe in one form on another for a long time.
In the end we can’t break through the Maya by using the Maya (the dualism), but we can have fun with the illusion haha 🙂
Anyway you put it best: “That as good a “reason” as any, while realizing we actually don’t need any reason to enjoy this present moment – life!”
Amen 🙂
Rohan.
“We are all cells in God’s body” is not a quote I knew. Thank you for it is akin to a favorite Deepak Chopra quote of mine, “We are all God in different disguises.” Yet, the cells in God’s body seems more intimate, a way to appreciate the intelligence inherent in the Oneness of us all. Lovely post, Kozo, and your soul chart provides truly thoughtful ends of the spectrum of soul experience. Morning meditation is such an “eye-opener” for me as well, so beyond the usual awakening for the day.
Karen
I’m not surprised at all that we both posted these quotations a day apart, Karen. I also love the idea of God in disguise. We are disguised from our true self/our godliness or as you put it so eloquently “the intelligence inherent in the Oneness of us all.”
{{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I’m not surprised either, Kozo. I so love what is happening. Thank you for being you.
Karen
Hi Kozo, I really enjoyed your post, from your description I think I must be an old soul, Although sometimes I steam in without thinking as I suppose a new soul might. You are right where ever we are on the spectrum is fine, as we all all part of the oneness. Thanks for sharing such an interesting subject.
Yeah, Athena, you are definitely an old soul. The free counseling you offer on your sight seems like an old soul kind of practice. I feel the same way about steaming in without thinking. I guess that is why it is a spectrum. Some of us are balancing in the middle. haha. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I’ve wanted to get a regular early morning meditation going as well. The idea of starting my day from a place of peace and clarity is appealing. I find it hard to regulate my sleep though, and being too tired interferes with my meditation.
I agree with this Oneness you describe. I find it disarms my own arrogance and anger- I am not better than anyone, because we are one and the same. I can’t be angry at them, because, like me, we are all just trying to function properly in this system- this whole- and that’s hard when I need to coordinate with 7 billion other parts of that system.
As always, your site inspires. Reading about your insights from early morning meditation makes me want to try that practice again. Cheers.
I find that I am more awake in the morning, but that may just be me. I was meditating right before bedtime, but I would often be overly tired in meditation if I did not start early enough. I like the quiet peacefulness of dawn.
I love your idea of coordinating with 7 billion other parts of the system. I guess the easiest way to do that is to realize we are One Whole. Great point. Anger and Arrogance are my weak spots as well. I guess you could chalk them both up to ego.
Thanks for reading and commenting. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
how interesting. I like this philosophy. I always thought of myself as an old soul. But i think I’m like a pendulum that swings back and forth. Yes, i do have maturing and growing up to do so I don’t think I would fall under an old soul. It’s something to grow into, aspire too.
What i like about this is how it removed alot of negativity in looking at people, removes all those predispositions and judgement. We are all souls and neither is necessary wrong and it leaves room for growth. I think that’s important for humanity. To makes us all equal and even though we aren’t there yet we CAN be if work hard to grow and earn it.
You know, that’s kind of why i like blogging so much. You meet all these amazing people and basically you are just meeting a piece of person’s soul through their writing. It creates bonds and openness we otherwise reserve or withhold in “real” life.
Tasha, I love what you just said. YES, blogging is a meeting of the souls. We put our heart and souls on our blogs and wait for a bite. When we do connect it is rarely on a racial, gendered, cultural level. It is usually heart to heart or soul to soul. I am so grateful for your presence in my life. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I feel so very, very old. 😉
haha, Goldfish. You are definitely an old soul. Like the others I mentioned, you are definitely an innocent victim who has cocooned in order to transform. One day we will look back and say, I knew her when she was only a cute little Goldfish. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Well, here’s hoping I won’t remain a caterpillar forever. 🙂
It’s wonderful to return here for a spiritual booster to help get me all revved up again! Thanks Kozo! And I have to say… I love your early morning meditations. Please keep bringing your insights here. I feel I’m an old soul and the palms of my hands are incredibly wrinkled with stories. I have a strong tendency to ‘hermit’ away which I feel comes from past lives of being an actual hermit monk. Now I am a ‘Western Woman’ and the Dalai Lama is expecting a lot from the likes of me in this lifetime so I have to crawl out from under my books and reach out more to neighbours and new friends, to lonely elders and neglected children. I am creating a front yard wilderness garden and I dream of having schoolchildren and seniors come tour it. So here’s to old souls feeling renewed, continuously learning and keeping a Beginner’s Mind, and remembering to reach out to others and offer more light in the world.
Thank you Kozo for being the wonderful Light-Worker you are, brightening our world!
Warm Hugs, Gina
Oh, Gina, a front yard wilderness garden! I’m so coming for a visit. I love how you feel a responsibility to those in need, Gina. It is this desire to serve that makes the world a wonderful place. Thank you for coming back to human form to help us on our Way. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Your charts are great! I once heard that old souls came here to blaze a trail for the young souls, and so the old souls had to break out of and destroy every box they could find so I must be an old soul, because I don’t see myself as a soul at all. How’s that for a paradox? Thanks for a great contribution to the enlightenment of the 7 billion! I love the responses! ♥♥♥ tomas
Really do like the chart. Gives me new perspective.
I must say, however, I find myself immersed as an old soul only to celebrate a new soul, discovered. That new soul continues, becoming an old soul destined for a new manifestation. ……And it continues.
Old? New? Yes, no, and not necessarily.
Good point Dave, we’re always evolving even as souls since nothing is static by design. And do it goes round & round. 😀
Thank you. And, yes, it continues. I am both, and one or, the other as each old soul celebrates the new within only to continue…each new celebrates the arrival of the old within….
This was certainly a lot of work in this post Brother Kozo! I find your descriptions very accurate and find that I hit many of the attributes of both old and new souls. This was a very interesting read and gave me some good insights into myself. Thank you. I think the idea that we need a traumatic event to “wake us up” is entirely accurate. I was not aware at all five years ago, in fact semi aware two years ago. Most of my growth has come since then. It is like I lived most of my life in status quo but then developed as I started to notice all of the things around me that were not really to my liking. But most importantly I saw what was inside myself and there was a definite need for change. So I changed.
Thank you for the food for thought today!
As usual, we have lived very similar lives, Jon. My need for change came less than a year ago. I am so grateful for the opportunity to change. I am also grateful of friends like you who support my change. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
You are the man!
Sometimes I feel like an old soul who is really inexperienced and unprepared for this world. Or an old soul with young eyes.
Can’t think of a better way to be, Dieu–an old soul with a Beginner’s mind. I know it can be tough on the heart, but the growth potential is exponential. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Good news, I’ve almost reached “mid-life crisis old soul” status! Wait, no, that’s not good news at all, but it is informational!
I’m just happy to be out of my teen soul years, Adam. I would argue that no matter where you are it is always good new–s (as in new plural form).
p.s. Got a post coming out that will be right up your alley. Look for it on April Fools. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Way beyond “old” — older than dirt. 🙂 and hugs to you, Kozo. You made me smile on this one — a lot! Alia
When I think of dirt, I think of Gaia, which makes me think of you, Alia. So I guess you and dirt have a lot in common. That was meant to be a compliment. haha. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
I took it as a very high compliment my dear Kozo. I am honored, Alia
i love your charts, Kozo. so like school. ha ha. having to put something into a category makes it rough on some people. i will go with the balance between both category, please. oh, and make that with a hot cup of deep roast coffee…. to go…gah! you just reminded me. i fell off the wagon. yesterday was the first time i missed my 15 min sit! going off now to make up for lost time. love + peace ♥
It’s not how many times you fall off, Sunshine, it’s how many times you get back on. I fell off for years, but am grateful to be riding again. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
…and thank the Universe you are back on the saddle and enlightening us all. ♥
Very nice. I think I’m a bit of an old soul, but I got warped by a dysfunctional childhood. Am only now becoming myself – an old soul. I’m interested in what you think about learning, or curiosity as it relates to new and old souls. I’d like to see that in your chart. Seems to me that old souls, while they may be mentors or teachers, can be very open to things, nonjudgmental if they stay in touch with their beginner’s mind, while new souls may or may not be open to learning. What’s your take?
I love, love the shoe pictures.
My take for what it worth, Melanie, is that new souls are here to learn, while old souls are here to first remember, then teach. A dysfunctional childhood would be a perfect stimulus for an old soul to remember. Life constantly throws us what we need. Sometimes dysfunction is the fastest track to spiritual awakening. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for reading and commenting. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
You really are a guru, my friend!
Well done.
along my path
I’ve slowly distinguished
my own terms
as well
~
I’ve noted
my personal truths
in all instances
aren’t necessarily
universal truths
~
and that
is okay
~
the journey
is sometimes more
important
than receiving correct
answers
Wow I love this chart! I’m not really sure where I fit, I see a little of both in me. Sometimes I feel like an old soul because I care about things which other kids my age aren’t interested in and sometimes I feel like a new soul because I do experience intensive activities, I’m driven by sight most of all and I also feel selfish at times. This is quite a fascinating way to look at people, I’m curious how did you come up with the distinguishing characteristics of between old and new souls?
Raimy,
Don’t take the division too seriously. As Maddy said above, we are all one soul–duality is an illusion. I do find that it is useful sometimes to view others in relation to where they are spiritually rather than what they are physically. This chart “came to me” during morning meditation. I don’t claim it to be the end all, be all on old souls or new souls. I just thought I would start a conversation.
If it helps at all, I often acted out the actions of a new soul in the chart, but a traumatic event helped me shed some bad habits and realize my passion and purpose. I would say that we are all works in progress, so it doesn’t matter what kind of soul you are or where you are at on the journey, since we are all going to the same place. Perhaps this chart can be seen as a rest station along the way. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
This was a great conversation started, definitely got me thinking. I wondered if perhaps we start out as newbie souls and develop into old souls in one lifetime, or is it like an evolving consciousness that happens over several lifetimes? I don’t know, what are your thoughts on rebirth?
Given that the foundational story of Christianity is about rebirth and rebirth plays a major role in Hinduism and Buddhism, I would tend to think that rebirth exists. Also, I believe that all souls are eternal, while the body obviously is not. BUT, I would also admit that I don’t have any empirical evidence of rebirth.
I think your other idea is more relevant. Even if rebirth exists, we don’t have any real confirmation or control over this until we die. I would say that our lifetimes are part of the process of evolving souls. Whether these souls were reborn is not really the issue. As humans, we want to take advantage of this moment in this lifetime to develop, grow, awaken, and evolve as much as possible.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “God only gives you what you can handle”? I tend to think that older souls can handle a lot more. So if your life is giving you all you can handle, then consider that a gift from God. I know from reading your blog, Raimy, that your life is not easy. You were not born with a silver spoon. Yet the struggles you have been through have brought you to a place where you are asking questions about spirituality, justice, consciousness, and souls. You may feel like you are behind others in the rat race, but you are so far ahead on the Way home–our real home. Keep being you. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Thanks Kozo, I appreciate your kind and inspirational words.
I loved the post! The thing about souls’ age has been allover my mind lately. Hahah the first thing i notice about a person is the approximate age of their soul! :)) It’s fun and so true. Great table there! I will even put down some notes from it 🙂
I already know the age of your soul, Sofia. You are here to help us see the Light. I would love to read your memoir some day. I want to know when you realized who you really were. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
I’m still in the process of remembering 😉 just occasional scattered pictures come out for now.. But remembering our past lives is massively interesting!
Maybe we used to draw pictures on the walls of a cave together back in time! 😉 Cave-blogging community :))
If you are an old soul, you are far less likely to make mistakes in life when it comes to dealing with other people. You are conscious of how you affect others. It is sad that people first need to suffer before they know the difference between right and wrong.
What we are naturally only shames us.