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"I go towards my likeness
And my likeness goes towards me.
SHe embraces me and holds me close
As if I had come out of prison."
Manichean prayer
But this begs a further question: where does this feeling come from? If it comes from beyond the heart, beyond time, do we perhaps wonder if we feel such an immediate familiarity with that person, could it be because they already are familiar to us? Have we indeed met that person before? Have we indeed known them through time and over other lifetimes? Whether this is so or not, it can certainly be the feeling which such encounters give us.
A true contact with a person whom we feel to be our soulmate is not a common thing. If we are lucky, very lucky, it might happen once or twice in a whole lifetime. And when such an encounter happens, it can be so emotionally overwhelming that we also feel that to ignore such a powerful signal is somehow against the laws of nature, and that if we ignore it, we do so with a consequence which can only damage ourselves.
We can wonder what purpose is served by these rare encounters. Perhaps they are intended to provide us with experiences we further need, but in such situations again we feel that our soul knows more than we do anyway, and so we willingly allow ourselves to be guided by the knowledge which our own soul seems to have about the situation, and so we surrender.
It could well be that it is because such contacts are on a deep soul level that explains why they can be beyond the physical. A physical relationship might be a consequence when that soul level is also felt with the heart, but the soul not being part of the physical body does not necessarily need this aspect of a relationship for two people to feel complete and fulfilled with each other.
The very word itself - 'soulmate' - is the clearest indication that such a relationship has already passed beyond the physical world, and such encounters bring a sense of joy and wonder because none of the extra baggage which comes with the physical realm is necessary. Our true selves as beings of the spirit is confirmed.
Painting (detail) by Evellyn de Morgan
This is a most insightful and intelligent exploration of the what is referred to as "soulmate." There have been many books and articles written about soulmates and what is referred to as the "twin flame." And definitions of what is a soulmate appear to differ. I like how Emma explores the question of what is the experience of encountering a soulmate. She does not give us direct answers or seeks to define what a soulmate is. I think this is the beauty of true inquiry. By remaining open and truly looking one is closer to the truth. I feel too many define a soulmate to be something specific and I find this limiting.
ReplyDeleteSome people feel that they must search for a soulmate to be truly fulfilled in life. They are convinced that wiithout this entity they cannot be happy in life. This of course is a great recipe to create unhappiness! To be always seeking for happiness outside of oneself is the antithesis of peace and fulfillment. However, this is not the type of soulmate Emma is referring to. She is referring to the experience of encountering a person and feeling a deep connection that simply transcends our dimension of time and space. She acknowledges that such intimate experiences do occur and searches and explores why we may have such a connection with certain people. I like her honest and open approach.
Between soulmates there is a deep and often instant recognition of something that can be described as spiritual, and the recognition is often mutual. This deep recognition is made possible because the two souls have opened a part of their inner dimension, a type of spiritual awareness within themselves such that these two people are able to recognize this in each other. In the deepest sense the Self is soulmate of the Self.
Emma asks "If it comes from beyond the heart, beyond time, do we perhaps wonder if we feel such an immediate familiarity with that person, could it be because they already are familiar to us? Have we indeed met that person before? Have we indeed known them through time and over other lifetimes?" It may be possible that there are past connections but this isn't always the case. For example, some say we have past life connections with our family members. This may be true, but if this is true then why do we not always find the type of deep connection with have with soulmates in family members? Past connections are certainly intriguing but I feel that it is better to focus on the present, the here and now.
She states, "We can wonder what purpose is served by these rare encounters. Perhaps they are intended to provide us with experiences we further need, but in such situations again we feel that our soul knows more than we do anyway, and so we willingly allow ourselves to be guided by the knowledge which our own soul seems to have about the situation, and so we surrender." This is beautifully expressed. When we embrace life with an open heart we surrender to life itself. Sometimes what life teaches cannot always be put into words.
"When we embrace life with an open heart we surrender to life itself. Sometimes what life teaches cannot always be put into words."
ReplyDeleteAnd so be it!
So true!
ReplyDeleteI've been so lucky to find these special people.
The one or two, as you have described. But also my soul family.
People thatI knew, upon meeting them, that they were significant to me. This includes you and David.
xxoo
Our soul knows more than we do, which I feel is something to be grateful for. Thank you, LeeAnne!
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