A beautiful state of being is soul-consciousness, where your whole sense of self is shifted from a physical identity to a spiritual one. In soul-consciousness, you no longer feel yourself to be male or female, black or white. No worldly achievement forms your self-esteem. Instead, self-esteem is shaped by a deep, abiding experience of your intrinsic worth as a child of God. A lack of soul-consciousness puts your well-being at the mercy of your environment – you become a slave to the influences of the people and situations around you – you feel happy and good only when outside events warrant it. This kind of dependency leaves the soul weak and confused.
Soul-consciousness, on the other hand, frees you from external influences, allowing you to create an inner well-being which is totally independent.
Soul-consciousness is cultivated through deliberate practice and only those who have understood the need for this kind of true, inner self-respect will make the effort.
Difficulties will arise to test your resolve for self-upliftment – physical illness, relationships, memories of the past, and so on. Yet, with patience and introspection, you will come to see how these very tests are the means to strengthen your spiritual identity.