Blended Reality : My Anam Cara by JLR Soulmate contest entry |
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Through-out history, especially in the Celtic tradition there have been persons called "Anam Cara." This phrase, Anam Cara is the beautiful Celtic phrase which loosely translates as 'Soulmate.' 'Anam' is the Irish Gaelic word for 'soul,' 'cara' translates from Irish (Gaelic) to friend. Hence, one could refer to the literal meaning as that of soul friend. Soul friend doesn't merely refer to the union of a couple of acquaintances; instead, it signifies a unique and exceptional bond between any two people. A best friend, any family member, and certainly your lover could well be your soul friend, your Anam Cara. Since the beginning of recorded history, Anam Cara is a known complement to the Celtic people. otenan early start of this bond would be that of a midwife. However, there are also distinct similarities drawn from many cultures. A relationship in which two people deeply are drawn, like magnets, to one another. So it was, for our two souls to have naturally experienced our paths crossing, 38 years ago. My wife has been my soulmate from the very first time I set my eyes upon her. I distinctly remember telling myself, "I feel as I have known you somehow!" Preciously, 13,140 days (36 years) + and counting, the number of days that I have the profound satisfaction of being married to the best women of my life. Now, anyone who reads this is going to say, "yah right women, ha!" In truth, in thirty-six plus years, my soulmate has presented me with many women contained in one earthly vessel. I can't imagine a day that I would choose to have it any other way. In a respectful, fully charged and sometimes quiet lifetime, I have been witness to every facial emotion I believe a human being has both in the egoic sense, as well as a spiritual mind. Indeed, some faces are most welcomed others not so much, but the fact remains, I have been present to every aspect of my life mate, my soulmate's quirks, foibles, and exquisitely beautiful qualities. By way of reflection, my bride was one of those exceptionally well-dressed, business professionals in the 1980s. Her substantial business presence, tailored clothes, and a powerful and professional presentation skill set. Okay, yes! She was smart, gorgeous, with a college degree, she owned her PR agency, and all this came packaged with very shapely legs and curves in all the places! We met during a business meeting, where she was presenting an industry marketing spread, that fell under my domain. I had been married and failed in that marriage returning from Nam in the 1970s, and I wasn't shopping. She, too, had been in a problematic marriage, and it also was not the journey that she was willing to travel any longer. Neither one of us was on the prowl. Long story short, after two years, our business meetings turned into business lunches turned into business dinners to finally our first official date. I remember we both looked at one another on that dinner date, and nearly at the same instance said, "I don't believe in marriage." We both chuckled at this coming from both of our mouths at the same moment -- two years later, on the date of our first dinner date we married. We both knew we were destined to be traveling partners at this time. She has always been a sharp and engaging conversationalist. She has been a dynamo in the C-suites during her career. Complete with all the peculiarities of breaking through the glass ceiling. Then knowing the precise time to chose to leave on her terms. She laughs at the most straightforward things and can shed a tear at the look of a dramatic sunset. She has and remains to be a sexy woman. The many faces of moods projected by a large percentage of these are great traits. However, more than any of these, my soulmate is the salve on my injured ego. My wife comforts the wounded shadows that sneak out from under the covers; my soul mate knows instinctively when just a touch, not words are a soothing balm. She has been by my side when my broken body needed mending. She has gripped my hand when my parents, brother, and both sisters have died. She has been my material girl and Brinks Armored truck when the boy's toys syndrome snuck out. She has been a spiritual guide when I lost my focus on the divine. She has allowed me to say no, as a complete sentence. She has been my social counterweight when I would rather be alone. She has been my most trusted critic. She has been the most trusted friend. A hard truth about arriving at the term "soulmate" is that it has been earned, by way of fully being present in my life from day one. Well deserving by having these specific assets in our union: We just instinctually knew we had a connection, a deep bond. We both came to the same conclusion that our souls were crossing at the same intersection, at the same time. Our togetherness is a peaceful and inviting space. She holds the keys to my heart and my closed doors, and I have keys to hers. We can sense each other's silent thoughts; it is that unique curve of her lip, the rise in the brow, the tilt of her head. She has been able to feel my pain, and I feel her pain. Over the years, we had been able to shed tears. She has seen my flaws and I know hers, and we seek the knowledge to benefit from growing stronger bonds with the flaws visible.
So in closing, my soulmate, my wife, my spouse, my mate, my friend, my confidant, my sex partner, our children's mother, is the best "Anam Cara" a husband, friend, mate, spouse, father of our children, confidant, sex partner one should, could or would ever hope to have walking side by side with our toes deep in united step in life's cosmic dance. For my Anam Cara approximate word count: 1013
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