Discovering Your Soulmate: A Journey Within
Time and again, I entertain the idea of a soulmate. What does it mean? Who is it? How do we know when we find them? Can you have more than one? These questions often swirl in the depths of our minds, seeking answers, seeking validation, seeking completion. And then, today, as I thought about it again, I had an epiphany.
I am my soulmate.
Yes, you heard it right. I possess everything I would want in another human being. I'm a good listener, empathetic, interesting, wise, curious, loyal, kind, love without abandon, open-minded, non-judgemental, believe in self-care, care for the well-being of others (two and four-legged), environmentally conscious, self-motivated, love to learn, love to move.
It took me a few decades to see myself for who I am, not some image of who I think I should be. Most of us, including myself, tend to judge ourselves so harshly. We say things to ourselves we would never say to someone we love. We see ourselves as deficient, so we look for someone else to make us whole - hence, our soulmate. We think our soulmate is the piece of the puzzle that will make us who we desire to be. They complete us... Stop!
Let's break it down ... You are born with a soul. Your soul is your essence. Nobody can take that away from you. It is your true and best mate. No need to look any further. You and you alone complete the puzzle.
I am proud to say that I like who I have become. It takes a Brave Heart to look deep into yourself and discover who you truly are. To know and accept all of you and that the best of you is always in you.
There are several tools you can use to discover your soulmate self. Having consistent mindfulness practices like mindful movement, a nature walk, and meditation can all help bring you to the present moment and clear out those gremlins in your head that keep you down.
Doing a Brave Heart movement practice that includes gentle backbends such as supported Bridge Pose to help you open your heart space to giving and receiving love.
Another exercise is to write down a list of all the things you would want in a soulmate. Then look at the list and match the traits you currently embody, and which you would like to work on. Over time, as you improve on those desired traits, you might find that you're the soulmate you have been looking for all along.
Diving deep into your essence requires a Brave Heart to be vulnerable. Know that what you will likely find is far from perfect. But to be imperfect is to be perfect. You are your perfect match.
*Supported Bridge Pose - Recline on your back, bend your knees, feet flat on the ground, place a block or sturdy pillow under your hips, draw your shoulder blades toward your spine, bend the elbows, and lift your fingers to the sky. Keep shoulders down towards your hips. Note: This could feel scary because it is a vulnerable position, so try and breathe through the fear. Feel free to come down if you are too uncomfortable. You can always try again another time.
The mission of Live Free Mindfully is to educate, inspire, motivate, and empower individuals and communities to enhance their lives through mindfulness practices that cultivate social-emotional wellness and a better world for all. Click HERE to discover more about Live Free Mindfully and the programs they offer.
Author: Phyllis Smith - As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Live Free Mindfully (LFM), Phyllis Smith has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's mission and expanding its reach since its establishment in 2016. Phyllis is a certified Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) and children's Yoga Instructor (RCYT-95). She has also undergone training as a mindfulness teacher, specializing in delivering mindfulness-based programs to both youth and adults. Her dedication to mindfulness extends beyond individual practice, as she has been instrumental in Live Free Mindfully's growth. The organization now offers a range of programs, including mindfulness and movement initiatives for youth, professional development for educators, and training and support for school staff, communities, and businesses.
