If you know me, you know I
have an affinity for Greek mythology. I want my children to grow up learning
the ancient myths and stories - I may ever go as far as giving my
children middle names from Greek mythology - (Perseus, Achilles, and Pericles are my
favorites...)
One
of my favorite Greek myths involves the concept of soul mates. The Ancient Greeks believed the world is inhabited by
people. But these people weren’t what we would consider to be “normal”
- each “person” had two heads, four arms and four legs. These “people”
were powerful. So powerful in fact that Zeus and the other Gods feared their
strength. Trouble arose when the Gods heard that these beings that they
had created were thinking about climbing to heaven to replace the gods
themselves.
Of
course the gods were upset. Some of them said that the easiest thing to do
would be to destroy humankind. But Zeus, patient and wise, listened to
their gripes and groans and malicious plans, and then came up with one of his
own. He proposed that they should cut all these human beings in half. This
would benefit the gods in many ways. First it would immediately double the
number of people making offerings to the gods. And secondly, it would weaken
the race. Effectively cutting their strength in half.
All
the gods loved the idea and the humans were divided in two. The human race
was confused, upset and feeling empty. Zeus, was filled with compassion and
made a decision to help ease their pain and suffering. He made
it so that each half was able to have sex with their opposite. And in their
brief moments of love making they would be able to return to each other,
becoming lost in their symbolical oneness if only for a short while. And
since that day the human race has been in search for their soulmate.
Do
you believe in soul mates?
I do.
I
believe that I have another half out there - Someone that completes my soul. A
soulmate that I am deeply compatible with in disposition, point of view, and
sensitivity - someone for whom I have a deep affinity and a profound
connection with. Someone that brings out the best in me and someone that I can
relish the little moments with. Someone that I share an unspoken familiarity
and mutuality with.
I
believe, as Richard Bach described, "A soulmate is someone who has the
locks to fit our keys, and the keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough
to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and
honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and for who we're
pretending to be. Each of us unveils the best part of one another. No matter
what else goes wrong around us, with that one person were safe in our paradise.
Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of
direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances
are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who make life come to
life."
Granted,
I don't think being in a relationship with your "soulmate" makes
everything smell likes roses and leads to a relationship free of
struggles or trouble. I believe that soul mates must work hard at their
relationship and there are many unique challenges. If the essentials of love,
respect and communication aren't present - any relation ship will fail,
including one between soul mates. A soulmate relationship should lack
intimidation, manipulation or abuse - should make you feel safe.
Do
you believe in soulmates?
