Family, Redefined
Your Soul Family Welcomes Your Return
If you subscribe to the idea of parallel universes existing, then you would also agree that these simultaneously existing universes speak different languages. See life through different lenses. Operate with different mindsets.
This past Thanksgiving, I made the choice to shift into a different parallel universe. A choice to sit back and really ask myself, “which family do I feel guided to spend time with?” Without obligation. Without guilt. Without the expectation of the should.
The holidays are among us. It’s a time of stepping into joy, magic and cheer – but also into an underlying energetic vibration of expectation and obligation.
Finding the perfect gift. Keeping secrets. Wrapping. Hosting. Elaborate food shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. Decorating. Spending time with blood-family. Being polite. Putting on a smile. Filtering your words. People-pleasing. Honoring tradition. Do what you’ve always done.
The idea behind parallel universes is that there many versions of you that are currently existing simultaneously, living completely different lives. Making different choices. Each version of self, experiencing a different existence of reality.
Although the concept may seem too far-fetched for some, consider the fact that even a mere entertainment of this thought shimmers with a feeling of hope, when all hope feels lost. A twinkle of inspiration, when life feels dull. A glimmer of freedom to choose, when we feel trapped by the obstacles of life. The concept of parallel universes existing, whether it’s been proven or not, reminds us that we have a choice in life and can attract different experiences. The first step to experiencing that freedom is being willing to change and experience change, and all that comes with it. Anticipation, but also fear. Expansion, but also uncomfortability (yes, now a word!)
Most of us are raised to believe that we only have one family. That friends are great to have, but that blood will always run thicker (implying that blood-family will always be more important than other relationships, including the relationship to self).
I used to believe that too. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that in adopting this belief, I’ve also subconsciously shut myself off from others. Placed a cap on relationship intimacy. Created separation between family and friends. Placed more value in one, than the other. Glorified forced relationships, over alignment. Confused controversy, for communication. In subscribing to this belief of having only one family, I had also chosen to live life in a box with a glass ceiling – shutting out different forms of unconditional love, belonging and connection. I had cut myself off from feeling what it’s like to be surrounded by a soul family.
Family can be defined in any way that you choose. The family you came down here on this earth with is a blessing, but so is the soul family we attract by being truthful and vulnerable with ourselves.
Photography by Garth Joseph @oneteamnodream
Our soul family has nothing to do with genetics in other parallel universes. Our soul family is made up of the people we feel called to spend time with. Sometimes, members of our family are also a piece of our soul family. Sometimes, our soul family shifts from year to year. Sometimes, attracting our soul family means you allowing them to reveal themselves to you. Sometimes, your soul family has been there all along – but living in a different parallel universe we hadn’t subscribed to yet because we feared the change it would require to meet them. The fear of the unexpected. The fear of being alone.
It’s difficult to feel like you belong when you don’t speak the same language, until you realize that your soul family never communicated with a language to begin with, and never will.
A soul family communicates energetically. It’s a connection. An unexplainable pull. Your soul family will see your truth no matter how many walls you put up, and you’ll still feel understood, accepted and loved. Nothing will feel forced, even among conflict and disagreement.
You could meet someone tomorrow and instantly know they are part of your soul family. You could spend time with someone you’ve known for decades, and suddenly realize that they, too, are part of your soul family. A member of your soul family could leave and never speak to you again, but you’ll both have this unspoken intuitive knowing that distance doesn’t change soul connection.
As we step into this holiday season, ask yourself who your soul family is. Ask yourself where you’re being guided to spend time. Who you feel called to be around?What draws you towards inspired decision making, instead of fear-based action?
It could be your family. It could be your soul family. It could be both. It could be neither.
Asking this question of yourself can seem like a daunting task because it’ll challenge you to be honest with yourself. Deep down, we know when we’re being dishonest and the only person who can truly call you out on it, is you.
If you do decide to sit down and pose these questions to yourself, then know that a part of you is ready and willing to embrace change. Whether the answers lead to change in action or a deepening of perspective, it is still the energetic embodiment of change. A signal of willingness to transform. That, in itself, is empowering. Inspiring. Expansive. That is true freedom.
May your walk into this holiday season be filled with authentic joy, surrender to your soul and compassionate acceptance of self.
In Love and Light,
➵ Katherine