“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
To support our own transformation, we must invite into our lives an energetic support team-people who love us unconditionally, without judging, enabling, or interfering with our choices. Such an energetic support team, or Soul Team, consists of kindred spirits who encourage the full expression of our true being rather than our ego-driven identity or the roles we play to survive in the world. As such, they motivate us to let go, follow our hearts and co-create a more fulfilling future.
When building our Soul Team, we sometimes realize that people with whom we have had the longest or closest relationships, including some family members or friends, may not qualify as team members. For example, our spiritual growth triggers resistance or defensiveness within them because they are invested in having us stay exactly where we are. Our changes especially challenge those who are afraid to see they are not living up to their fullest potential. Although our own clarity can catalyze everyone in relationship with us to confront their own patterns, some may disconnect from us, project their feelings of fear or pain onto us, or blame us for the unraveling of their lives. People with whom we in turn are inclined to suppress our needs or dismiss our desires are not candidates for our energetic support team.
I have found that a Soul Team is often revealed when we are moving through a transition or dealing with a difficult situation-times when others tend to show their true character. This requires careful consideration of people we know to decide which ones will unconditionally endorse our choices for a more fulfilling future. First, observe your relationships to identify individuals who can serve the most supportive functions. Many support systems are set up to perpetuate the patterns of struggle, failure, victimization, or even illness. Instead, select healthy support systems comprised, for example, by such people as psychotherapists, spiritual guides, or soul-hearted friends who encourage your transformation. Second, be sure your intentions are positive so that the people you gather around you will assist in sustaining your well-being. Then work on maintaining your Soul Team by periodically adding or eliminating members in keeping with your spiritual progression.
To manifest our intentions, we have to let go of our expectations of being supported in any way that is conditional, even by family and friends. As we continually evaluate our relationships to refine this Soul Team, we have to surround ourselves with others who guide unconditionally and assist us in manifesting our hearts’ desires.
Love the idea of the Soul Team and the understanding that this team will often mean letting go of the people who often think they know what is best for us and we have to let go so we can manifest our desires xoxo
One of the biggest achievements of my life is creating support and community around myself. I find that different people and groups fulfill different needs and I learned to accept what was offered, even from family and friends that are more “limited” in what they can give me. That means different circles, groups and people that I call my soul team that when intertwined, make my life immersed in support and a loving community.
What an affirming blog Dr. Debra. I have learned over the years to surround myself with a supportive team which I call my tribe. Some are in my life for a season and move on, others stay. Love my tribe.
Connecting with “I have found that a Soul Team is often revealed when we are moving through a transition or dealing with a difficult situation-times when others tend to show their true character.”
I am blessed to know and have true FRIENDS.
xox Lore
First of all, anyone who quotes Thoreau is No. 1 in my book (Walden is my bible). Second, I find that while my family means well, they aren’t on my soul team for all of the reasons you mentioned. Meditation teacher Davidji asks us, “Who is in your front row?” I count all of you ladies in that section!
I honor and love every soul that I come in contact with…as I feel they all make up my soul team. But yes, there are specific groups of souls that serve specific purposes…and I’m in immense gratitude that the Divine has been kind enough to surround me with such hearts.
This really resonated with me Debra.
xoxo, Z~