Each of the Zang Fu organs are thought to “house” a spirit. The human body is thought to be animated by five different spirits, each one inhabiting a different Zang organ, and each representing a different aspect of human consciousness. The Shen is the spirit that resides in the heart. Being awake, aware, and conscious of your surroundings, and interacting with other people are things associated with the Shen. If a person is mentally unsound, it is said that their Shen is disturbed.