Meredith describes the
beginning of her relationship with Marc, straightforwardly, "There was a
spark from the start! We had many things in common... I remember saying... 'You
are the male version of me!'"
Meredith was referring to an
ancient notion that existed in diverse cultures to explain the idea of romantic
attraction, in general. These cultures, the Jewish tradition among them,
imagined a primordial being, both male and female, that the Divine separated
into two. It is that separation that causes each of us to yearn to connect and
become whole.
However, if we listen more
closely to Meredith and Marc, they add something that these ancient myths leave
out. Marc says, "I felt such a strong connection with this beautiful lady,
which I have never felt before with anyone else. I never knew what was missing
in my life until I met Meredith." And Meredith adds, "I want to marry
Marc as I feel like I have known him forever... I had never understood the meaning
of soul mates until I met him."
What Meredith and Marc are
saying here echoes the words of Rabbi Shlomo Aviner in an address to his
students. He imagines that before coming into this world every couple was this
one whole primordial being, which coming into this world was separated into
two. They then unconsciously search for that long lost half. When they find
each other, each joyously connect to that primordial partner.
Finally, Meredith and Marc
introduce one more element beyond Aviner's elaboration. Rejoining one's long
lost half has a multiplying effect. You learn from your other half, and that
makes you better. In turn, together you equal more than the original whole. As
Marc observes, "The love and devotion I see Meredith shows Brynn
challenges me," and as Meredith says, "I am a better person for
having Marc in my life. He... inspires me to be my best."
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