Are you a curious, wise, or all-around calm person?
You might just be an old soul.
What does “old soul” really mean?
It’s likely you know an old soul when you meet one.
They probably seem wise beyond their years, mature, grounded, and aren’t interested in superficial things.
Is it a good thing to be an old soul?
But there can be downsides to being mature beyond your years.
11 characteristics of old souls:
You have an inquisitive, curious mind.
Old souls very much prioritize truth and wisdom.
you’ve got the option to see the big picture.
If you’re an old soul, you’re likely able to see beyond appearances, Brailsford says.
You may feel like a bit of an outsider.
…but you know your fellow old souls when you meet them.
“A true old soul realizes they can’t be the only one.
This is where you see thoseinstantaneous soul connectionsthat run very deep.
You feel deeply connected to everything.
You go against the status quo.
“Old souls are rebellious,” Brailsford notes.
You’re wise beyond your years.
From an early age, you may have been told you’re wise beyond your years.
As Merzon explains it, “There is a knowing that they have been around the block before.
You may recognize an ‘old soul’ even in a newborn.
Their spirit’s wisdom is written over their entire body.”
You’re not materialistic.
One of those basic structures that we touched on previously would be materialism.
Simply put, old souls are not concerned with it.
Your inner world is more important than the outer.
“The soul is inside, and it’s about going within,” Brailsford notes.
You probably spend good amounts of time in reflection, deeply pondering your experiences and life lessons.
You have a particular gift from the past.
Were you always inclined to the violin for seemingly no reason?
Or maybe you have a proclivity for baking, even though you never baked with anyone in your family.
You often need to recharge.
And lastly, these deeply contemplative folks often need to “reset their batteries,” so to speak.
“They’re probablydrawn to meditationand solitude,” Brailsford notes.
They’re not living just an external life.”
Where these traits come from.
The more spiritual understanding of where these traits come fromrelates to reincarnation and past lives.
She compares being born to going on a tripa trip where many forget their luggage.
“We come into this world fully aware and awakened,” Brailsford says.
“It’s often society, our parents, and culture that makes us forget.
The journey becomes about unlearning these things.”
How to thrive as an old soul.
While being wise and uber-spiritual may sound great, as mentioned, it does come with some difficulties.
And in addition to that, she emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between wisdom and lightheartedness.
“Take delight in synchronicity and coincidence, and bring a playful energy to life,” she says.
“I think that helps one thrivebeing lighthearted about it all.
Hold the space of contemplation and deep thought, and also hold the space of levity and playfulness.”
As Merzon notes, “I believe an old soul has the ability to claim themselves more fully.
They want to tailor their life and experiences to something that really resonates with them in present time.”
The bottom line.
There are so many ways we can think about souls, old and new.
