title: The Old Soul's Guide: A Handbook for a Joyous Existence, Vol. 1
author: Carolyn Hawkins
description: This book communicates profound truths. The teachings enter at a deep level and assist the natural process of unfolding. -- <i>Lisheyna Hurvitz, M.A.Ed. Psychotherapist, Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Psychology, Divorce Mediator, Mental Health Consultant</i>
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  ![9781443451086_Cover.jpg](../images/9781443451086_Cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [![](../images/Titlepage.jpg)](9781443451086_Contents.xhtml#rtitle)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## [Dedication](9781443451086_Contents.xhtml#r_idParaDest-1)
  
  
  _To my partner, Tamara, and all the kind people I’ve met_
  
  
  _who make this world a better place._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## [Chapter One](9781443451086_Contents.xhtml#r_idParaDest-3)
  
  
  ## [A Question of Kindness](9781443451086_Contents.xhtml#r_idParaDest-3)
  
  
  **Am I a** kind soul?
  
  
  As an existential question, it’s right up there with _Why do I exist?_ and
  _How do I know if I’m doing the right thing?_
  
  
  Up until a few years ago, the question of kindness was way down on my bucket
  list. I had what I believed were much more important things on my mind, such
  as being a competent emergency room physician. Like many of my colleagues, I
  worried about every mistake I made on the job, big and small. Medicine is a
  profession where every error carries the risk of serious c