September
3, 2001
Soulful Connections
Recognizing
your dependence on others is the first step to becoming a true student of life.
As
part of a group of like-minded seekers, your learning will increase
exponentially.
A
spiritual group consists of students and teachers who share the common goal of
wanting to know God, love, or peace within.
They acknowledge their interdependence and work together in their quest
for higher possibilities.
Jonathan
Robinson – The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Awakening Your Spirituality
Each
fall seems to bring with it our desire to learn regardless of how many years we
have been out of school. Some of my
younger readers may not have a choice about going back to school, but many of us
will look at it as a blessing to learn and commune with others.
My wife, Janice, and I have been reviewing information from the local
community college, our recreation district, and our church to see what classes
or groups might interest us. Unlike
me, she has been more active in women’s fellowships, classes, and retreats
each offering opportunities to learn. Many
of these activities have been informal, but all have provided her with a spark
that I envy.
To most people I appear to be very outgoing and would
thrive on being part of a class or group. In truth, I can be very introverted and thus not much of a
joiner. As I continue to explore
the doors that have opened to my soul through Awaken, I have deepened some
existing friendships and plan to forge some new ones within select groups.
This desire began while recently watching Joseph Campbell’s The
Power Of The Myth. In the final interview with reporter Bill Moyers, Campbell
looked into Moyers’ eyes, smiled and talked about the “spark of the
Divine” he saw. I began to yearn
to see that spark more often.
This
week Janice and I have been fortunate to be on the ground floor of becoming part
of “groups” of people getting together for the purpose of fellowship.
In my case a very good friend is entertaining the idea of a business lead
generation group and asked if I am interested.
What evolved is her desire to bring together several people who she has a
soulful connection with to share their lives each week.
Business may be the premise, but don’t be fooled, it is all about
celebrating our interdependence and the soul work that the group can accomplish.
Janice became reacquainted with a friend whom she
took a class with last year based on the book, The Artist’s Way.
Her friend went on to teach her own class based on the book and when that
group completed the course, they wanted to stay together and continue their
fellowship. Fortunately, they want
to expand their circle and Janice is thrilled about the possibilities this
gathering can offer her in her spiritual journey, including the connection with
other souls.
Without getting to know someone very well, how can we
recognize that spark of which Campbell spoke? I think one way is to take the risk to join with others in a
common bond. It may be disguised as
a business, service, or other group with a theme, but the potential to have it
mean more exists. If you are like
me, you may have to seek out something that “feels” right before you commit
to being part of this community. But
if we recognize that the spark of the divine is within us all, then imagine what
happens when many sparks come together to learn and teach each other.
Sounds like an awakening to me!
With respect, acceptance, and love,
Richard
©
Richard D. Olson and Awaken The Soul, 2001; Edited by Janice E. Olson