The Soul and the Spirit Part 2

Spirit can be used to mean the spirit given us by God that animates us, houses our inner-motives and emotional expression.

In the New Testament, the spirit "is the realm where relations between God and a human being can take place (Philippians 3:3)."  It is "that aspect of human personality or self through which these relations are possible (http://www.gci.org/spiritual/soulspirit)."

The Soul and the Spirit Part 1

I'll not quote the cliche, but I do get a definite sense about a persons eyes.  Most of the time, I just pick up on the degree of clarity which I take as an indicator of overall health, but every so often, I get a really strong sense, usually in the positive.  Those are the times that my impression is of something greater, more along the lines of (I use these terms creatively) a pure or vibrant spirit, a kindred spirit, a young soul or an old soul.  It's unmistakable when it happens, or is shown to me (it doesn't happen at my will).

What is the soul?  Is it separate from the body?  Does it depart the body when we die?