In our opinion, that just isn't the way it works. In our relationship, we are best friends--we have passion--we have joy--we are totally comfortable with each other and enjoy being together. Even with all this, we still have issues that challenge us and that "rock the boat."

We hate to burst your bubble, but we believe that soul mates come together to help each other to heal, learn and grow. It's what we and others, such as Gary Zukav, call Spiritual Partnership. Some people, such as Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks and Kenny and Julia Loggins, refer to it as "Conscious Relationship."

We also believe that you can find several "soul mates" in your lifetime. Wayne Dyer said that your soul mate can be the person who you can't stand but are in your life to teach you a powerful lesson.

Carolyn Myss says in "Spiritual Madness" that we are here to heal the parts of ourselves that don't know God yet. We believe that soul mates help us to heal those parts if we are willing to do the work and look at ourselves openly and honestly. Soul mates can trigger certain reactions in you that point the direction to what needs to be healed.

So what happens after you find your soul mate?

Remember the Zen proverb that poses the question of--What happens before enlightenment? Chop wood, carry water. What happens after enlightenment? Chop wood, carry water. We feel this is a good analogy of what happens in relationships. You still must face your personal challenges but if you're conscious and awake, you can realize that you have a powerful ally to walk beside you on your path to enlightenment.

Many of us are finding that perfect "Soul Mate" and many are searching for one. We suggest that you look at the people in your life--the ones who challenge you, the ones who love you. Say of prayer of gratitude for these "teachers." When someone close to you "presses your buttons," look at what you can learn from the situation. What parts of yourself need to be healed? What feelings come up for you?

Marriane Williamson has said that every thing we do is either an act of love or a cry for help. That's what a soul mate does for you--they are there to love you AND to help you when you cry for help. They also have the ability to "press your buttons" and this is for your highest good.

By: Susie and Otto Collins