is there an individual soul?

[isabel]

 

there is an idea of me that exists in my mind

consciousness identifies with that me (I am a person)

when I die that me in my mind will disappear

but consciousness continues on in the minds of others and in trees, the sun, and everything 

so if it's the mind that creates the idea of individuality then where does that leave the individual soul, is there one?

and how would the idea of past lives then work, if there is one consciousness then haven't we all lived all the past lives?

thanks!