A basic explanation would be that an old soul is a person who seems wise beyond their years and has a deeper understanding of people, life and the world or greater universe than the common person. They are naturally sage, deep thinkers and seem to have acquired knowledge from many lifetimes..
Have you ever been told that you are an old soul?
Everyone knows at least one person who was considered an outcast, an antisocial – that one person (or perhaps child) who always stood out from the rest. Someone who would somehow always find themselves isolated. Maybe you were that person who did not share the interests and thought patterns of those around you and in your age group.
There is a very unique and special type of person who finds themselves in this situation, usually from a very young age. Not because they harbor reclusive tendencies or any social anxiety disorder, but simply because they are an old soul. They walk a separate and solitary life which is different yet very peaceful and fulfilling.
Here is a list of 8 tell-tale signs that could help you identify one.
1. You enjoy being alone
Since the people of your age group tend to have interests and pursuits that are of no interest to you, you find it difficult to make friends with and keep long-lasting relationships with them. Of course, as a result, you would rather keep your own company and do your own thing.
2. You realise life is short
Because you have a good grasp on reality and life as a whole, you often think about death and how fragile life really is. This can sometimes make you seem depressing or withdrawn, but in actual fact, it means you enjoy life more. You live in the moment and appreciate it to its fullest.
3. You love pursuing knowledge
Old souls love learning. They are attracted to pursuing the truth and gaining as much wisdom as they can from their life experience. For them, knowledge is power and they would much rather spend their time learning anything they can, as opposed to wasting time on superficial things like reading celebrity news or gossiping with their neighbors.
4. You lean towards spirituality
As their title suggests, old souls show levels of sensitivity and great maturity in comparison to their age. Since they constantly pursue peace, spirituality is a huge attraction to them. Spiritual teachings and disciplines that could take a lifetime to understand (such as enlightenment and taming the ego) an old soul can grasp naturally and effortlessly.
5. You have an introspective nature
Old souls are deep thinkers. They talk less and think more – about every little thing. Not only are their heads filled with all kinds of knowledge but they also reflect more on their experiences and surroundings. Because of this, they learn so many valuable life lessons at a younger age, which of course makes them feel older.
6. You are not a crowd follower
Blindly following is not your style. You won’t mindlessly conform and comply with things, you will always question and explore at your will before committing to a cause. And if you do not agree with the majority, you are not afraid to stand out.
7. You did not fit in as a child
As a child growing up you always knew you were different from the rest. You may have been labelled as rebellious, but, in fact, you were just overly mature for your age. Your intelligence shone through by genuine understanding and questioning but adults saw this as resistance that needed to be disciplined.
8. You are not materialistic
Old souls have no interest in things that can break or be taken away from them. They focus on irreplaceable things that bring them lasting fulfilment and joy, not just temporary pleasure. Anything that is short-lived, it’s likely that an old soul will not care for it.
https://www.learning-mind.com/what-is-an-old-soul/