Soul Mates
Eros: Greek God of Love
Isis and Osiris: Egyptian Gods
/ HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Throughout ancient history, there have been many myths surrounding "soul mates." It's understandable because as humans, regardless of knowledge or culture, we all want someone with whom to share our deepest feelings and desires because it offers us understanding, love, and security. The ancient Greeks created a myth which expresses how humans were once two beings connected as one. Zeus ordered them cut in half for misbehaving. Ever since, we all spend our lives searching for our "other half" as those once did.
The ancient Egyptians even created another myth of Isis and Osiris who were born with a single soul and grew up with a deep spiritual connection. As the myth entails, they were designed by the gods, from the beginning, to fall in love.
Aphrodite: Greek Goddess of Love, Beauty, Pleasure, and Procreation
/ MODERN PERSPECTIVE
Most of us today understand that relationships are more difficult to maintain than ever before. And understandably, the idea of finding our "soul mate" or "other half" is not as simplistic as often depicted in ancient times. What we do know is that we have the ability to grow as individuals to learn how to compromise. Compromise requires humility. Learning this important trait allows us to value and honor our partner's desires and opinions as equally as our own. This is paramount to relationship success and longevity.
Although human-nature hasn't changed much since ancient times, these days we have a better understanding of it. Let's think back to when we were children. When we first discovered romantic love, many of us started out with the same intense, deep-seeded, and naive desire to find our "one true love" or "soul mate." But as we grew older, we began to understand life isn't about finding the "one" but discovering "a person" with whom we can develop mutual love, respect, understanding, and loyalty—all of which provide security.
While our love-lives often evolve in different directions, we all remain searching out this same basic human necessity—security. It's important to remember that this necessity is an integral part of who we are as human-beings. As we age, we realize that our "soul mate" is not a person but a set of core values which, if constructive, can offer security. It's something we all should apsire to remember because our values are what define us at our deepest core.