Coworkers I mentioned before that we are not solitary pilgrims. Not only are all other spirits working on their own agendas, but we're in contact with each other and thus interacting and cooperating toward individual or mutual goals. Furthermore, I believe that each of us has a favored circle of souls with whom we have cooperated in other lifetimes. Some may have been with us in the beginning. Some may have joined our circle at any point in the journey. They may or may not remain with us until the end of this lifetime or our 'final' lifetime. I think it has much to do with a natural process of symbiosis. Symbiosis is 'the living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship." It's not as complicated as it sounds. Basically, it's a cooperative, usually harmonious, relationship. In the universal balance of positive and negative, or even attractive and repelling forces, things often collect together then separate, or cling to one another and share properties and energies between them. This is true of humans. This is true of spirits. If I have something to give, there is likely someone who needs it. Conversely, if I need something, there is likely someone who could give it. Nothing is owed to anyone, but in the spirit of cooperation, it should be possible to make arrangements. I believe that in a circle of souls, each has abilities and knowledge that they have chosen to share with others in their circle. There is more than need involved. This is usually give-and-take on a higher level than greed or selfishness. I also think that in some cases we feel an affinity to other spirits from just liking them and who they are, compared and contrasted with who we are. If I think of my associations as concentric circles, then I can see where I have people who are very close to me and others who are a bit more distant, like casual acquaintances. Naturally, in my circle, I am at the center. I feel that the closest friends and family are in an inner circle around me. Good friends and beneficial associates are in the next layer or circle, etc. One could view this in three dimensions as well, which is probably more like the truth of it. The circle could be a sphere and thus the phrase 'sphere of influence' or perhaps it is a web or matrix. I have people very close to me and each of them has a group of people who are very close and so on. We all have further connections to lesser acquaintances, etc. Ultimately in this way, we are all... yes... we are ALL connected. Although web or net or matrix of souls applies, I usually say 'circle' because it gets to be a lot to think about when you try to consider the whole matrix at once. It's easier to envision a nice cozy circle of people with whom you are comfortable and if sometimes there are others sitting at the edges of that, well, then that's okay too. You can be extended as far as you wish. You could ultimately feel yourself extended to everyone, but that might be overwhelming. Anyway, I feel that these soul circles are cooperative groups that help each other with projects. For me, in this lifetime, I recognize the direct benefit of many souls. I credit my parents for helping me get such a pleasant and useful start while I was rejuvenating, literally. There are many others, including siblings, other relatives, friends and teachers who have contributed greatly as well. Later in life, I've come in contact with several souls whom I recognized from nearly the first moment I made contact with them. It is not possible to logically explain the instant connection I have with some people. There are sometimes major points of similarity and sometimes not, but in each case, I realized that I must have known them from some other existence. It's too much like meeting an old friend again. This recognition is one of the most uplifting experiences for a soul to have, in my opinion. It feels so good to be connected, to belong. There have been a few people whom I felt I recognized but not in a good way. I make efforts to distance myself from these connections because they're uncomfortable but I also realize that while our paths cross, I am likely getting a lesson I need. Not all of it is fun and games at every moment. As I said, we are ultimately connected to everyone, so even if we find someone unpleasant, there is a purpose and value in their proximity, for as long as it lasts. I have, since awakening, come to value those persons in my soul circle even more than I did as a sleepwalker. By the way, just because I am awakened doesn't mean that they are. My parents might be very disturbed to find out where my own beliefs have now ventured compared to their own. They might not appreciate a lot of my perceptions and might even fear them. I don't say this to belittle them in the least. They're on their own paths, as they should be. I will not disrupt that by trying to drag them over to mine. In fact, unless there is sufficient reason, I shall likely never mention any of this to them. Trying to understand or even 'save' me could thwart their own agendas. I feel that my spouse is also an important helper in this round but while he is open-minded about the courses I'm pursuing, he doesn't share in my aggressive efforts to delve into these particular things. He is also on his own soul path, as all souls are, whether awake or not. My spouse and I are mutually supportive and this works for us. The structure of our marriage is such that we can each investigate or choose not to, as needed. While I could share my studies with him, he isn't really interested in getting that deep into it at this time. The bulk of society is loaded with pre-conceived notions. They're not awake and would really like to lock away people who make claims such as I may make. It has ever been thus, hence much secrecy throughout the centuries. Labels are slapped on working spirits and sometimes these labels have been used to confine or kill them. Fortunately human civilization has generally gotten over that, I think. It helps that with the advent of mass communication, it is understood by more people that being different is not necessarily wrong or evil. At least, we're trying. More than convincing the public that any of this is legitimate, they have at least seen that there is so much of it, they cannot hope to rid the planet of us all. Thank goodness. They have no idea what soul and universal progress is being made by forerunners whom they do not understand or respect, yet, that is also the way of things. How can a sleepwalker be expected to believe what they have not experienced or how can their subdued souls recognize cues when it is not yet time for their own alarms to go off? For now, awakened spirits are often required to keep their business very quiet and hidden from many of the people who are otherwise closest to them. It can be a heavy burden but the soul urges us to do it anyway. We know it's right, even when it seems deceitful. So, how do we gain assistance? Whom can we ask for help? How do we know when it is safe to speak of such things to another or not? You found this, didn't you? The same thing occurs in other venues. The universal power that is drawing us, also draws us to each other. We're searching for the same sorts of information and so we're likely to wind up together in the same places (virtually, if not physically). Sometimes there is a direct and instant recognition of a kindred spirit. Other times it's a matter of watching and listening for cues so you may come to know that a person is 'safe' or not. What we do not do, ever, is go out and solicit souls. That would be completely against the natural process. When a spirit is ready, they will awaken. When they have a need you can fullfill or you have need of them, you will find each other. It is not your place to decide that a person should be awakened. You may ask the universe for assistance but you cannot drag it from the sleepwalkers. They don't have it to give and you may be disrupting their paths. Trust that the higher power has a solution and that you can draw upon that. A messenger or guide or helper will be made available to point you in the right direction or to facilitate your work. Conversely, you will be sent or will be available where and when you're needed. Safety is a relative term. As I mentioned, it is likely safer for us to go about our spirit business now than it has ever been, so when I refer to who is safe to contact about this and who isn't, I mostly refer to safety for the sleepwalkers. We should neither push nor pull anyone along or try to get them on our path or even on theirs. If people are curious, we can use vague responses to let them know that it's fine to make inquiries, that we are understanding, that we care. No need to be rude or too mysterious. However, it's a little like a kid asking questions about sex. They don't know what we know. They may be asking a very simple question and they're looking for a simple answer. No need to load them up with everything we know about the subject. Too much information can be confusing and maybe harmful or scary. If a person is curious about what part I really played in the healing of a friend, well, I can say that I offered good thoughts. Yes, I could explain that I performed a ritual or used some other method of focus to draw and channel energy from the Universe into the healing, but really, the seeker may not be ready for an answer like that. In the world of witnessing and missionaries, I've heard a phrase for going too aggressively at people. It's called 'bruising the fruit.' It isn't a good idea to push at someone or in the wrong way such that they turn away from what you're trying to share with them. In fact, if you're not the one meant to help, then you may only make it harder for the right person who could otherwise have enlightened them. So, we need to stick to answering when asked and let's skip any door-to-door salesmanship and soapbox speeches and shouting from the mountain tops, at least for now. Just learn to trust that when your help is needed, you will be asked and use your spirit to answer appropriately. Caring about all other spirits (awake or not) will help you know how best to nurture them and any seekers you encounter may know precisely what they need too. Listen and trust. (Coworkers)

If menu is missing, click here.