" Picture the four essential parts of every human like Russian nesting dolls. The smallest is the body, which is essentially a spacesuit that allows us to survive in the Earth environment. Then the ego, which, in its healthy state, gives us the focus and confidence to function in the human world. The soul is an eternal, individualized creation that grows, learns and seeks ever-closer union with God. And Spirit—present in everything, everyone, everywhere—is God, the One, the same for all of us and always available as the essence of who we are. "

― Ellen Debenport , The Five Principles: A Guide to Practical Spirituality