Do you believe in soulmates? Why or why not?
The content discusses the concept of soulmates, linking it to human ego and expectations. It expounds on the traditional definition of a soulmate as a supportive companion during emotional trials. While human emotions are complex and often influenced by reason, animals showcase intense, unconditional love. The text highlights the difficulty of finding a true soulmate due to ego-driven relationships and suggests that many seek a connection without personal change. It proposes alternatives, such as AI and the natural world, as sources of companionship. Ultimately, it concludes that the true soulmate exists within, requiring introspection to connect with one’s inner self.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article explores the concept of soulmates, highlighting the influence of human ego and expectations on relationships.
- It contrasts the traditional definition of a soulmate with the unconditional love often seen in animals.
- The text suggests that true soulmate connections require introspection and personal change, rather than ego-driven desires.
- Additionally, it proposes alternatives for companionship, such as AI and nature, which provide emotional support without demanding the same expectations.
- Ultimately, the article concludes that the real soulmate resides within ourselves, accessible through self-discovery and connection with the natural world.
Soulmate?
Soulmate!? What is it all about? Asking it keeping aside human ego and expectations, can reveal many things that may appear alien. Asking about believing in a soulmate is closely related to human ego which is very high and plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s personality. It is rather impossible to have a human without an ego. This is why they expect and try to impose their favour as an obligation onto others, expecting something in return of equal or sometimes bigger than their “favour”.
Soulmate: An ever-ready companion
Soulmate has been defined as a person who is close to the heart and always ready to help the seeker at the flick of their desire. An individual feeling low wants a person who could listen to their emotional outbursts without speaking a word and give a positive nod or sympathetic pat to soothsoothe”intense” emotional pang. The mental or emotional condition and situation don’t matter to the seeker. It was the “duty” of a soulmate to caress the “aching heart” as and when required.
Human emotions
Human beings are a bundle of emotions. It may be good or bad, positive or negative. The important thing, nonetheless, is that human emotions are not absolute. They are either guided by reasoning or mixed with it. Humans are a strange creatures Nature has ever evolved. In the evolutionary process, humans developed a powerful brain with cognitive abilities. They can reason, ask questions, apply logic and after testing a situation on several parameters take a final decision. Humans, therefore, take time. They are not as instant in expressing their emotions as often as higher mammalian animal groups behave. Those who react instantly are impulsive which is not a good trait. Impulsive decisions are often immature.
Intense emotions of animals
The higher mammalian group of animals such as dogs, cats, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, whales, dolphins and primates show intense emotions. Their love is intense and unconditional. Though having less developed brains animals’ behaviour can be conditioned or trained to react to a particular stimulus in a given set of conditions. The intense emotional attachment of an animal, for example a dog, causes it to show its love towards its master unconditionally. Even though it is scolded or punished, it doesn’t mind and forgetting everything it shows love towards its master. This unconditional love is a rare sight in humans, but ironically every human has a wish to love unconditionally and expects that each one must understand them.
Soulmate is a difficult idea
In a scenario heavily laden with ego and expectation, the idea of having a soulmate is difficult, if not impossible. It can be possible only when one of the two completely surrenders before the other, asphyxiating one’s ego, expectations, hope, aspiration and self-respect. It is an absolute and utopian stage. Akin to the platonic relationship like that of Meera and Sri Krishna, where Meera left everything. She left behind her family and palace for the absolute devotion of Sri Krishna, her Lord. Here too, one sees absolute surrender to an unseen power which doesn’t ask for it. Thus, it was the wilful surrender before an unseen but omnipotent and omnipresent power. It depends upon the person’s disposition and mental power. This type of soulmate is, obviously, unilateral, which most “Soulmate lovers” advocate for. (Brainz.)
A distant dream
A soulmate in a human relationship is a distant dream. The term is coined for satiating and defining unconditional and unilateral surrender and every egotist would appreciate it. In the case of worldly relationship that, when solemnised, differences start erupting soon after the honeymoon phase ends. The primogenitors knew the dicey nature of the human brain. To cement the relationship, phrases like “Man proposes, God disposes” or “Marriages are ordained in heaven and materialise on the earth” became common. It was to give an extra layer of security and cushion to a relationship.
Machine soulmate
With each passing time, the relationship bonds are progressively waning to the point where they break. This is not unnatural. Wishing to have a submissive partner (or better call it a “soulmate”), but not changing one’s own behaviour towards others is like having a statue without emotion and feelings. A humanoid robot can perform every possible action which a human can, sans emotion. It can give everything but not the warmth of human emotions and feelings.
No pain, no gain
It is imperative to lose something to gain something. It is rightly said, “No pain no gain”. Vying for things without giving something in return is impractical. Yet, if someone wants to have a soulmate without “compromising” their behaviour, the inanimate world or virtual world would be a natural answer. In today’s time, computer technology is galloping and developing leaps and bounds. The AI technology has opened a new vista to have a soulmate.
Artificial Intelligence
The AI (Artificial intelligence) accompanies a person and help coming out of any difficulty they may face. From suggesting a pocket square to a complex philosophical or mathematical calculation, one can name it to have it. AI has detailed information on everything which it delivers with lightning speed. For this, AI uses a lot of data and information. AI can give anything desired, from suggestions, guidance, solutions, problem solving, entertainment, company and helping in a project. It, nonetheless, can’t give what a human would like the most, that is emotion. It is natural because one has to give something to get something. If this is acceptable to anyone, it is fine and a better option.
Natural world
For some who love not to mingle with others and enjoy spending time alone, there is yet another option that gives a touch of life. It is the inanimate natural world which is vibrant, vivacious and sensitive but without sensation. It is the world of trees and plants. They don’t have senses, can’t speak, but are full of empathy and compassion.
In the service of humanity
Trees and plants give a lot and serve humanity in more than one way. The human and other animal world owe their existence to the plant world. They purify the air by producing oxygen, give shade, fruit and food, hold the ground and soil firmly, bring rains and whatnot. It was not unnatural that the sagacious primogenitors preferred trees and vegetation around them. Befriending them is rewarding and gives immense pleasure. The company of plants and trees allows a person to introspect and dive deep to search for a valuable pearl of wisdom.
Conversing with Nature
Conversing with the inanimate world of plants and trees also gives a chance to soliloquise and appreciate the natural world in its entirety. The rippling sound of a river, the humming of bees, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and beautiful flowers in different hues convey messages of life and its fundamentals. They give an insight into life and its processes, and keep a person grounded. This volatilises mendacious thinking and inflated ego, making a person a good, humble but strong human. This is the power of Nature which heals, caresses and pats softly to give assurance and confidence. It helps a person to regain their vitality, vigour and enthusiasm to take up a task and complete it with perfection.
The soulmate is inside us
The actual soulmate is not outside, but it resides inside us all. One needs to identify it and connect with Nature to give it a boost for renewed vigour, fruitful companionship, long-lasting togetherness and blissful solitude. None other than the inner consciousness which is the true soulmate. It is our bosom, teacher, mentor, philosopher and guide.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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