When it comes to caring for others, especially the wider world beyond our loved ones, can we hear the call from our soul? To care for more than just our own?
Every day, we make decisions based on what we feel in our “heart.” That deep, gut-level instinct often guides us in moments of uncertainty. We believe it’s coming from the best part of ourselves—rooted in love, care, and compassion. But what if that “heart” we rely on, which guides so many of our decisions, isn’t quite what we think it is?
What if, instead of pure love or empathy, we’re really hearing an ancient protective instinct designed to safeguard our closest circle—the people we love most, the ones we feel directly responsible for?
This protective instinct—this “heart”—has served us well in ensuring the survival of our immediate families and communities. It’s kept us safe for millennia, but it’s also been shaped by a narrow view of the world. It naturally directs our attention to those nearest to us, urging us to protect the familiar to preserve what we know and love. And in doing so, it can unintentionally limit our vision of the wider world.
The consequences of this tunnel vision? A failure to see the suffering of those we don’t know, the struggles of people in our community, and even the broader needs of the planet. Over time, this instinct has contributed to the crises we face today — environmental, political, or social.
What if we were to move beyond the traditional notion of the “heart” and introduce a new definition, intertwining it with the meaning of “soul.” By “soul,” I mean something larger than our individual or familial concerns. I’m talking about the collective well-being of humanity and the planet — the interconnected web of life that ties all beings together everywhere. You might have your own words for this deeper sense of interconnectedness, and that’s perfectly fine.
What matters is the question: Can we expand our circle of concern beyond those we love to include all people, all life, and the future of our planet?
And then, a follow-up: Are you open to making this shift in perspective?
Can you, in these challenging times, choose to engage with a deeper, more expansive sense of compassion — one that extends not just to the ones we know but to every living being on the planet? What might that look like in your daily life, and how might it influence your decisions and actions?
The Gut vs. The Soul: Expanding Our Focus
We all know how powerful our gut instincts can be when protecting those we love. It’s natural to feel a strong emotional pull toward those closest to us. But for some of us, a more profound, urgent question arises: How can I also best serve the greater good of humanity? It’s a question that seems especially pressing today, where so much feels at stake.
Take, for example, the shifting geopolitical landscape. The war in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel, the growing influence of authoritarian powers like Russia and China, and the economic inequalities widening across the globe — these are all issues that challenge us to think beyond our immediate circle of care. If the United States continues down a path of less support for Ukraine, or if we become more aligned with countries that have histories of human rights abuses, what does that mean for the broader world? What does it mean for future generations?
At the same time, we must acknowledge that within the U.S., the rich are getting richer, and the poor are facing even steeper struggles. How will our society look if this continues over the years? Will our hearts continue to pull us toward those closest to us, or will we find the wisdom to connect with something deeper—the soul’s call for justice, equality, and collective well-being?
We need to create space for a deep, honest reflection on the difference between acting from a narrow, protective instinct — the heart — and acting from a broader, more inclusive vision — the soul. The soul calls us to care about the world as a whole while still allowing us to love and care for our families. It’s about recognizing that our instinct to protect those we love doesn’t have to blind us to the needs of others or to the greater needs of humanity and the planet.
Shifting Our Priorities: Family, Politics, Education, and Religion
If we truly embrace the wisdom of the soul, it would profoundly impact every area of our lives—how we parent, what kind of jobs we choose, what political candidates we support, and how we engage with our education and spiritual communities.
Today, many parents focus dominantly on raising children who succeed—who get into good schools, land stable jobs, and live comfortable, secure lives. But in these uncertain times, we must ask:
Are we preparing our children for the world as it is and the world it will be?
Are we equipping them with the tools to navigate a future threatened by climate change, political division, and global conflict? The question isn’t whether to shield our children from the harsh realities of the world, but rather: How do we help them grow into compassionate, discerning individuals who understand the interconnectedness of all life?
As children grow, conversations need to evolve, too. They have a stronger need than we did to become aware of global issues — the challenges facing humanity, from the climate crisis to geopolitical tensions. This isn’t about scaring them but empowering them to make choices that contribute to their fulfilment, security, and a more just world.
Our education system plays a pivotal role in shaping the values of future generations. But what values are we actually teaching our kids? How much of the curriculum focuses on understanding global issues, the history of inequality, and the interconnectedness of our world? Are we helping our children develop the critical thinking skills needed to make informed decisions about the future of humanity? Or are we sticking to outdated systems that fail to address the pressing issues of our time?
Similarly, each of us needs to reflect on what’s happening in the world and consider how our political choices will shape the future. Will the United States align more closely with authoritarian regimes like Russia, Netanyahu representing a dominant Israel, or Saudi Arabia? What will that mean for democracy, global peace, and the people already suffering from conflict and oppression?
We can no longer afford to be blind to the consequences of our choices. We must ask: Does my vote reflect the values of compassion, justice, and global responsibility? And if we see that wealth is increasingly tied to political power, are we ready to stand up and question whether this is the kind of world we want to create—for our children and grandchildren?
Are our political leaders motivated to increase their wealth or to truly serve the needs of America and, in the process, also care for the world?
Finally, consider the role of religion and spirituality in today’s world. The major world religions all emphasize fundamental principles of equality, respect, and compassion for all people. But are religious leaders today living up to these ideals? Is there an overemphasis on divisive issues, like abortion, at the expense of broader concerns about equality, justice, and global well-being? Religious institutions must also confront the growing influence of nationalism and materialism. Will they continue aligning themselves with political powers perpetuating inequality, or will they speak out for justice, compassion, and the shared humanity of all people?
The challenges of our time require that we discern between the narrow focus of the heart and the expansive vision of the soul. It’s a call to rise above division, to think globally, and to act with compassion and wisdom. And it’s a call we can’t afford to ignore.
Take a moment to reflect: How can you live more deeply from the soul in your own life?
What changes can you make in your actions, values, and choices to contribute to a more compassionate, interconnected world?
It’s high time we listen to the wisdom of the soul.