A CONSCIOUS LIVING PRACTICE FOR TODAY – OCTOBER 9

Tell me whom you love, and I’ll tell you who you are.
— a Creole proverb

SOUL-MATES

Laura writes: For a reason I haven’t been able to identify, my seven-year-old has been somewhat obsessed with the concept of soul-mates lately. At dinner, driving in the car, in the quiet, before-sleep moments, he asks me about the whole idea: whether he’s met his soul-mate yet (I tell him it’s unlikely but possible, feeling vaguely wistful—remembering that in his first years, I, of course, was his soul-mate), how he’ll know when he does. And then, as I fear, the question comes: Mom? Who is your soul-mate?

It is a dilemma in relationship. I have always tried to be clear and honest with my sons. Yet now I suspect that I know the answer he wants to hear me say.

“Who do you think is my soul-mate?” I ask, stalling for time.

“I was hoping,” he says, “that you’d say you have one, but I don’t think you do. You should, though.”

“Yes,” I answer slowly, smiling. “I should.” And I should, and I will, I think to myself—the more conscious I have become, the more sure I am that a soul-mate is somewhere ahead of me. I continue, “I am surrounded by love, Christopher, and that is all I ask for right now.” This seems to be enough for him—as it truly is enough for me right now—and he lets the question go for the time being. I am amazed once again at the depth of knowledge and knowing that exists between us. And I am saddened, too, because I can’t give him what I know he knows doesn’t exist—but what I think he must wish for. A soul-mate in every home, bliss in every heart. Someday, I promise him—and myself.

A CONSCIOUS LIVING PRACTICE FOR TODAY – OCTOBER 9

Think about something that you’ve been sad about recently—something you’ve not yet let go completely. Spend a few minutes wondering about your sadness, and its real roots, and why you’re not choosing to let it go yet.

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