8 signs of a truly beautiful soul, according to psychology

There’s a profound difference between outer beauty and inner beauty, or as I like to call it, having a truly beautiful soul.

This difference is all about depth. Outer beauty is skin-deep, fleeting, and subjective. But a beautiful soul? That’s deep, lasting, and universally recognized.

As someone deeply entrenched in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve come to recognize that identifying a beautiful soul takes more than just a gut feeling. It’s something that psychology can help illuminate.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 signs of a truly beautiful soul, all grounded in psychological research. These aren’t just whimsical thoughts but are backed by science.

Let’s get started. 

1) They exude empathy

If there’s one trait that truly reveals the beauty of a person’s soul, it’s empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and truly grasping what they’re going through.

Psychology backs up the importance of this trait. Numerous studies have shown that empathy is key to forming meaningful connections with others.

As Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned research professor, says, “Empathy is feeling with people.” It’s an essential ingredient in compassion. 

In my journey through mindfulness, I’ve realized that empathy isn’t just about feeling bad for someone else. It’s about understanding them so deeply that their happiness becomes your happiness, and their pain becomes your pain.

But here’s the thing: being empathetic doesn’t mean you’re always a pushover. It simply means you’re tuned into the emotions of others, and you respond with kindness and understanding.

When you encounter someone who radiates empathy, take note. They might just have a truly beautiful soul.

2) They practice mindfulness

Another sign of a beautiful soul is a commitment to mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, of anchoring yourself in the ‘now’ rather than getting lost in worries about the past or the future. It’s about truly experiencing life as it unfolds.

As a mindfulness practitioner myself, I can attest to the transformative power of this practice. It not only brings peace and clarity to your mind but also fosters a deeper connection with those around you.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Zen Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of mindfulness.

Those with truly beautiful souls understand this. They cherish each moment, savoring it instead of rushing through it. They understand that each breath, each sensation, each interaction is unique and precious.

Being mindful doesn’t mean they’re always calm or serene. They experience stress and anxiety like anyone else. But they’ve learned to handle these feelings in a healthy way, staying grounded in the present rather than getting swept away by negativity.

If you meet someone who embodies mindfulness, who truly lives in the present, appreciate their beautiful soul. And consider adopting this practice yourself – it could be a step towards discovering your own inner beauty.

3) They embrace impermanence

In Buddhism, the concept of impermanence is a fundamental truth. It’s the understanding that everything in life—our experiences, emotions, and even ourselves—is constantly changing.

Those with beautiful souls have deeply internalized this truth. They’re not afraid of change; instead, they embrace it. They understand that nothing stays the same forever, and this understanding allows them to let go and flow with life rather than resisting it.

Psychologist Dr. Susan David explains, “Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” This perspective highlights the acceptance of life’s constant flux as a path to deeper fulfillment.

This doesn’t mean they are detached or indifferent. On the contrary, they feel deeply and fully, knowing that each moment is fleeting and precious. They understand that pain and pleasure, gain and loss, are all part of life’s rich tapestry.

And because they understand impermanence, they’re also able to let go of grudges and negative feelings. They don’t hold onto bitterness or resentment because they know these feelings are transient and ultimately damaging to their peace of mind.

The acceptance of impermanence can be a hard truth to swallow. It’s raw and honest, and it means facing the reality of our mortality and the transient nature of our existence.

But those with truly beautiful souls see the beauty in this transience. They live more fully, love more deeply, and appreciate more sincerely because they know that every moment is temporary.

4) They are non-judgmental

A key aspect of mindfulness is the practice of non-judgment. It’s about observing our thoughts and feelings without labeling them as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. It’s about accepting things as they are, not as we wish them to be.

Those with beautiful souls have mastered this practice. They approach people and situations with an open mind and heart, free from prejudice and preconceived notions. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, and they offer understanding instead of judgment.

Psychologist Carl Rogers emphasized, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This insight underscores the power of non-judgmental acceptance in fostering growth and transformation.

This non-judgmental stance extends to themselves as well. They accept their imperfections and mistakes, understanding that these are part of being human. There’s a raw honesty in acknowledging one’s flaws without judgment.

It’s important to note that being non-judgmental doesn’t mean they lack discernment. They can still recognize harmful behaviors or toxic situations, but they do so without condemnation or scorn.

Practicing non-judgment is not easy. It requires a level of self-awareness and emotional maturity that takes time to develop. But those who manage to cultivate this trait radiate a kind of warmth and acceptance that is truly beautiful.

5) They live with a minimum ego

Buddhism teaches us about the concept of “anatta” or “no-self”, which is the understanding that the ego, the ‘I’ that we associate with, is not the essence of who we truly are.

Those with beautiful souls have recognized this. They’ve understood that their ego is just a collection of thoughts and beliefs, and not their true self. This realization allows them to live life with a minimum ego.

This perspective helps explain how living with a minimum ego fosters genuine self-love and humility.

Living with a minimum ego doesn’t mean they lack self-esteem or confidence. Instead, it means they’re free from the need to constantly defend their self-image. It means they can be genuine, humble, and open to others without fear of damaging their ego.

Psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff notes, “Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and concern you show a loved one.”

In my own journey through Buddhism and mindfulness, I’ve found that managing one’s ego can be one of the most challenging but also most rewarding aspects of spiritual growth.

In fact, I’ve written extensively about this in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s an exploration of how we can live fulfilling lives while keeping our egos in check.

If you meet someone who seems to have their ego under control, who lives authentically without being driven by a need to protect their self-image, you’re likely encountering a person with a beautiful soul. And if you’re interested in learning to do the same, consider giving my book a read.

6) They practice compassion

A fundamental principle in both Buddhism and mindfulness is the practice of compassion. It’s about understanding the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate it.

Those with truly beautiful souls don’t just feel sympathy for others; they actively strive to relieve their suffering. They reach out, they listen, and they care. They understand that we are all interconnected and that helping others is also a way of helping oneself.

Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, says, “Compassion involves the recognition and clear seeing of suffering. It also involves feelings of kindness for people who are suffering, so that the desire to help – to ameliorate suffering – emerges.”

This insight underscores the active nature of true compassion.

However, practicing compassion isn’t always easy. It involves opening oneself up to the pain of others, which can be emotionally draining. It requires a strong sense of selflessness and a willingness to put others’ needs before one’s own.

Moreover, it’s not just about offering help when it’s convenient or easy. True compassion means being there for others even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.

This raw honesty in their compassion is what makes these individuals truly beautiful. They don’t shy away from the harsh realities of life but instead face them head-on with kindness and understanding.

7) They cultivate inner peace

Inner peace is a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. It’s a key teaching in both Buddhism and mindfulness.

Those with beautiful souls understand that true peace comes from within, not from external circumstances. They’ve learned to quiet their minds, soothe their emotions, and maintain a sense of calm no matter what life throws at them.

This doesn’t mean they’re always serene or unflappable. They experience ups and downs like everyone else. But they’ve learned to navigate these waves with grace and equanimity.

The revered mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the idea of cultivating inner peace amidst life’s challenges.

Achieving inner peace is not an easy task. It requires honest introspection, letting go of past hurts, and accepting the imperfections of life.

But those who strive for it, who work tirelessly towards achieving this state of tranquility, these are the individuals with beautiful souls. They radiate a calmness and serenity that is both inspiring and contagious.

8) They embrace their shadow

It may seem counterintuitive, but those with truly beautiful souls have a deep understanding and acceptance of their shadow self.

In mindfulness practice, the ‘shadow’ refers to the parts of ourselves that we might try to deny or hide – our fears, insecurities, and perceived weaknesses. Mindfulness encourages us to acknowledge and embrace these parts of ourselves as a part of our whole being.

Those with beautiful souls don’t shy away from their shadow. Instead, they accept it, learn from it, and use it as a catalyst for growth. They understand that the path to wholeness is not about ignoring or suppressing these aspects but embracing them.

Carl Jung, the renowned psychiatrist, said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” This highlights the importance of acknowledging and integrating our shadow selves to achieve true personal growth.

This takes courage. It’s not easy to confront the parts of ourselves we’re not proud of. But it’s through this raw and honest self-awareness that true personal growth and transformation occur.

If you encounter someone who doesn’t just show their best side but also embraces their shadow with openness and acceptance, you’ve likely met a person with a truly beautiful soul. Their ability to accept all parts of themselves – light and shadow – is a testament to their inner strength and beauty.

Conclusion

These traits are all marks of an individual who has delved deep into their inner self and emerged with a radiant soul.

These traits aren’t exclusive to some enlightened few. They’re attainable by anyone willing to undertake the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s undoubtedly a rewarding one.

If you’re interested in embarking on this journey yourself, or if you’re already on the path and looking for guidance, consider checking out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It provides a practical guide to incorporating Buddhist principles into your everyday life.

Remember, beauty isn’t just something you see; it’s something you feel. And a person with a truly beautiful soul is someone who can touch the lives of others in profound and meaningful ways.