NEVER neglect the contents of your soul.
The word soul is often used in a spiritual context. We pray for its repose for the dearly departed and we pray for its unburdening in the living. The soul is also tied in with regards to one of Christianity’s favorite mantras, about “gaining the entire world and losing one’s soul,” second only, in my opinion, to the oft-quoted Austin... John 3:16.
And I think that the soul is also something that people reflect on during this season. We are just a few days removed from All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, so it’s inevitable that many of us would have mulled over death and the soul’s place in that. I think that, free of any religious overtones, the idea is that we confront our inner self and ask if we are being true to him/her.
Our family has had time to think about this in large part because we lost a dearly beloved just days before. My Ama was undisputedly the hearth of the home and I think I speak for all my relatives when I say we all miss her warmth very much. If my Angkong was the brains of our whole family operation, my Ama was the hand that guided it and nurtured it. My Angkong was the tough, unyielding one (he needed to be in order to start a business from scratch), and my Ama balanced him out perfectly with her compassion, which she showed to the family and to employees in the organization. She always implored to give people second—or more—chances because she always believed in the redemptive power of someone putting their faith in you. In a sense, she put her “inner woman” first and developed the traits that time can never erode: generosity, empathy and unity among loved ones.
She did not allow material wealth and success to cloud the contents of her soul, in that sense. Her favorite thing to tell me was to “keep things simple,” whether that was throwing a party or resolving a difference with someone. “Simple” here always meant going back to the heart of life, which is to be a human being harmonious with everyone. Without meaning to, she was basically living out the Golden Rule, which is to do unto others what we want them to do unto us.
So always be reflective, always check the condition of your inner self. Remember that the things that really matter aren’t things. Never forget that as we accumulate wealth and wisdom, more important is still being able to look at “the man in the mirror,” as Michael Jackson says and being proud of what he/she has become as a citizen in the world.
Always check and double-check the contents of your soul.