According to mystical and spiritual traditions each human being is a multidimensional being. We are not just the physical body or ego/personality but a composite of various energy bodies such as etheric, emotional and mental. These energetic bodies all have their own patterns and distinct characteristics and it is up to the individual to dismantle the layers of each body in search of understanding of his or her true nature.
When these various bodies are in alignment then soul integration is made manifest. If the ego/personality refuses integration -- if the various bodies do not achieve equilibrium -- then it remains separate and divided. This is precisely why the soul is nowhere to be found. We do not see the works of the soul on a grand scale, we get a few reminders or evidence of extraordinary souls who demonstrate what the spirit of man can achieve, do or be, but a few here and there will not transform a planet in desperate need of peace and healing.
The ego/personality has absolutely no interest in higher consciousness and this disinterest prevents the soul from using it as its instrument to influence change or demonstrate love, compassion and goodwill to the world at large. A few examples of heroism will not stir the masses to emulate a higher version of itself -- it merely admires, applauds and fails to see itself mirrored back. It does not recognize that the same greatness or heroism lies dormant within them waiting to emanate its power in the world -- but what is that greatness? Where does it come from?
We question the validity of the soul or even if it exists. The only way we'll ever know the existence of the soul is by demonstration in word and deed. We need more evidence of soul demonstration, higher forms of conduct that comes only when the ego/personality is integrated within the soul. When a person extends generosity, I see the soul. When a person extends compassion, I see the soul. When a person extends love, I see the soul. The soul cannot be understood theoretically but must be lived and expressed in this three dimensional world.
Until the ego/personality has exhausted its obsession for money, greed and power the soul will not receive the platform that it deserves to express itself. As we all know, when you challenge the ego, the ego becomes threatened and will not surrender control. However, there is always a stage in the process of spiritual development where a battle between ego and soul will ensue. One minute, a person may be expressing the altruism of the soul, and the next minute retreat to a cynical self-centeredness. An ego-centered person only thinks of itself and its own needs -- this is as far as its capacity can reach and therefore is finite.
The ego feels separate, the soul knows its connection to everything. The ego takes, the soul creates. The ego acquires, the soul shares. The ego is obsessed with competing, the soul cooperates. The ego expresses self will, the soul expresses God's will. The ego is often aimless, consumed with latest surge of desires, gadgets, fads and the like. The soul has a clear sense of meaning and purpose. Essentially, the soul is the observer or witness, the higher consciousness that watches the train wreck that is the ego.
Unfortunately, ego demonstration is running rampant in the world today. Self absorption, self entitlement, self importance based on material evidence such as money, power, beauty, popularity and a host of other nonsensical criteria is leading the masses to the land of privation and despair. Have any of the egoistic pursuits produced one single happy person?
When the ego is not illumined by the light of the soul, it can be very unhappy. It is so cunning in its deception that we only see and value the material world of forms. It refutes the sublime and higher aspects of self in favor of the lower self that is always grasping for things, people and experiences. Such things are merely a substitute for the soul and in no way leads to inner fulfillment. When enough people choose the inner life of the soul then this demonstration will become the antidote to the toxic consumerist materialism that has poisoned so many people's lives and led them astray in recent years.
How can we tell the difference between when we're in expanded soul consciousness and when we're in a more limited ego/personality consciousness? The first demonstration of soul awareness in a person is the spirit of service and the sense of responsibility for oneself and for others. A soul-infused person doesn't play the victim or victimize others, but rather works to change his or her consciousness to create better experiences and outcomes for all involved. How often do you see such demonstrations from the people around you or people in general?
When we are in soul consciousness, we experience our brilliance and gain the greatest fulfillment by being in service to others. Fundamentally, the soul is concerned with what is occurring for the whole because it one with the whole. Its exemplary characteristic is the urge to serve and restore sanity and order on the planet. Why aren't we allowing this to happen? With all the turbulence in the world. are we seeing evidence/demonstration of the soul anywhere? All we see and hear are excuses, deceptions, distortions, lies and more nonsense. When will we give the soul a chance to thrive and set things right in this world?
All the soul is concerned about is being of service, loving others, radiating light, treating all beings with respect. This is the yardstick we must use to measure the validity of the soul and its presence in the world and any other method, way or means will fall short in comparison.
The battle of soul vs. ego will continue, until a person has clearly experienced or discerned living a life based on ego separateness and soul unity, and is drawn to regular spiritual practices, such as self reflection, study and service. Through cooperation the ego/personality eventually becomes the soul's instrument of expression in the world. This is when we will see demonstrations of a high caliber permeate the world through people, leaders and nations.