Essence and the Soul: When we speak of essence having no qualities or attributes, we’re often referring to a fundamental, unchanging core that is beyond description—something that simply is. The term "soul" is often used as a way to capture this idea, though it comes with its own cultural and religious baggage, including notions of individuality and personality. Describing essence as "soul" might indeed be limiting if we assume the soul has specific qualities, as this could impose constraints on something inherently formless and undefined.
Soulmate and Specific Traits: The concept of a "soulmate" is typically understood as someone who complements or completes another person. This idea inherently involves specific traits or qualities, which seems to contradict the idea of essence as formless. This discrepancy highlights the tension between romantic ideals and philosophical understandings of essence. The notion of a soulmate may therefore be more about human desires and the search for connection than a reflection of an ultimate, formless reality.
Fixation and Mental Health: Fixating on a belief or idea, especially one that is abstract and potentially beyond our full comprehension, can indeed lead to mental distress. The human mind craves certainty and understanding, so grappling with something as elusive as the essence or the soul can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or even despair if one becomes overly attached to a particular interpretation. This can, in extreme cases, manifest as neurosis, depression, or other mental health challenges.
Depiction of the Soul: As for showing or describing what a soul looks like, this is something no one can truly do. The soul, if it exists, is likely beyond physical or sensory representation. Any attempt to describe or visualize it would inevitably be shaped by personal and cultural influences, not by some objective reality.
In essence, the journey of understanding these concepts is deeply personal and subjective. While these ideas can inspire profound reflection and connection, they can also lead to confusion or distress if one becomes too rigid in their interpretations. The key may lie in embracing the mystery rather than seeking to define it too strictly, allowing for a more fluid and open-ended exploration of what it means to have a soul—or to be one.