Living From the Deep Center
In ancient Christian tradition, the concept of the soul transcends mere abstraction; it embodies the very essence of our existence. The soul serves as the core from which we perceive the world, make choices, and express love. To live authentically from this deep center means to navigate life with harmony, clarity, and a sense of holy desire. However, in a world filled with distractions, fragmentation, and a tendency to drift, how can we nurture such a profound existence? This inquiry invites us to explore the depths of our being and seek a more intentional way of living.
Plato’s Chariot and the Harmony of the Soul
Plato’s dialogue, Phaedrus, presents a compelling metaphor: the soul is likened to a chariot drawn by two horses. One horse symbolizes our appetites, representing our desires, cravings, and instincts, while the other embodies our spirited nature, encompassing our willpower, ambition, and courage. The charioteer represents our reason—the rational aspect of the soul that is responsible for guiding these opposing forces. When the horses pull in divergent directions, the chariot risks veering off course, leading to turmoil within the soul. However, when the charioteer exercises wisdom and control, the soul is able to move gracefully and purposefully toward the realms of truth, beauty, and goodness.
This classical metaphor resonates deeply within the context of Christian spirituality. It emphasizes the necessity of harmonizing the soul, where our desires, drives, and discernment must come under the influence of a deeper wisdom. This wisdom is not limited to logical reasoning; it is a transfigured vision that allows us to see beyond the surface. The call to nurture our inner life urges us to seek integration and balance, ensuring that our various facets align with a higher purpose and truth.
Pay Attention, Lest You Drift
The book of Hebrews presents a sobering reminder for all who seek to live from the soul: “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1). The process of drifting is subtle and often insidious. It does not typically occur through overt rebellion but rather through neglect and indifference. We may lose sight of our anchor, forget the voice that guides us, and ultimately relinquish control of the helm of our lives. This gentle warning calls us to remain vigilant and attentive to the spiritual currents that can easily sweep us away.
Yet, amidst this caution, Hebrews also extends a message of hope: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19). Living from the soul means anchoring ourselves in Christ, who speaks into our lives, steadies us in turbulent times, and draws us into a deeper communion with the divine. This relationship provides the stability and clarity necessary to navigate the complexities of life, ensuring that we remain anchored in love and purpose.
The Eye of the Soul and the Spiritual Senses
Jesus teaches us, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22). This statement invites us to consider the significance of spiritual perception, often referred to as noetic vision. This concept encompasses the spiritual senses that enable us to perceive divine reality. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment when he prays that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). Furthermore, Jesus highlights that while some eyes are privy to mysteries, others remain veiled and unable to see the truth (Matthew 13:10–17). Cultivating spiritual sight requires awakening the nous—the eye of the soul.
The Nous: Helmsman of the Soul
The Philokalia describes the nous as the faculty that governs the individual, determining our disposition and direction. It is the helmsman of the soul, steering us through the complexities of life. However, the nous does not operate automatically; it must be trained, healed, and reoriented toward Christ. The Apostle Paul asserts, “We have the mind (nous) of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16). This understanding of the nous goes beyond mere intellect; it encompasses a disposition, a unique gaze, and a particular way of seeing the world. Through metanoia—a transformative change of mind and heart—we can adopt the nous of Christ, learning to perceive as He perceives and desire as He desires. This alignment encourages us to steer our lives toward beauty, simplicity, and devotion.
As Paul warns, “I’m afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds (noēs) will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3). This caution serves as a reminder to guard our minds and hearts against distractions that can lead us away from our spiritual focus. The journey toward cultivating a Christ-centered life necessitates vigilance and intentionality, ensuring that our thoughts and desires remain aligned with our devotion.
Gaze on Something Beautiful
This brings us back to a fundamental question: What disposition is currently setting your course? If your soul feels scattered, distracted, or adrift, it may be time to redirect your gaze. Rather than fixating on chaos or indulgent cravings, consider focusing on Christ. The beauty of Christ is not merely ornamental; it possesses a transformative quality that reshapes the soul and reorients the nous. This beautiful vision anchors us in love and compels us toward a more profound engagement with life. “Want to change your course? Gaze on something beautiful with the eye of your soul.”