This is a fun philosophical exercise- one that is ultimately unknowable. The consciousness field permeates through the universe- like gravity. My belief is that field is what animates life itself. A soul (insofar as I understand it) would require a level of consciousness high enough to be aware of its own existence- something a blade of grass lacks, but a crow absolutely has in spades.

I really have no idea if that’s where the line gets drawn (or, to your point, if there’s a line at all between consciousness and presence of soul), but it makes logical sense (to me, anyway) that a soul would have to be aware of itself to exist beyond this realm once it’s physical vessel perishes.

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this subject.