The Story Behind Nature's Journals
We are born into a world of mystery and wonder, a world filled with intricate workings waiting to be noticed and understood.
I have always been intrigued by nature and existence—the way they intertwine, revealing patterns in both the internal and external world. To me, every human is an artifact, a work of art, waiting to be unearthed. This innate curiosity led me to explore how personal experiences mirror the broader rhythms of life. I wanted to understand what it’s like to live as someone else, to make sense of other people’s existence, and in doing so, deepen my own…
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09/02/2025Soulmates exist, but not in the way most of us have been led to believe. I had a moment of realization on an ordinary day while taking a cool bath. A question slipped into my mind: “Do soulmates exist?” My instinctive answer was a confident yes. But almost immediately, I felt dissatisfied with my response—it seemed too generic, too rehearsed. Within seconds, thoughts cascaded into my mind, forcing me to reconsider what I had been conditioned to believe about soulmates. This contemplation led to a deeper understanding, one I now wish to share.
To me, soulmates are more than just romantic partners. They are souls who aid us in this lifetime in various ways. Mainstream Western culture often promotes the idea that soulmates are romantic partners destined to be with us forever, as though they are a puzzle piece uniquely cut for us alone. But if that were true, why do so many people divorce even after believing they had found “the one”? What truly defines a soulmate? What is their purpose? And can toxic partners ever be considered soulmates?In this post, we will explore these questions and the insights I gathered from meditation from and conversations with others.
Outline of the Questions That Flooded My Mind:
Do soulmates exist?
What is a soulmate?
Why do people get divorced even when they believed they married their soulmate?
What is the purpose of a soulmate?
Can toxic partners refer to each other as soulmates?
Challenging the Mainstream View of Soulmates
From a young age, many of us were introduced to the idea of soulmates through fairy tales, cultural traditions, movies, and books. Concepts like “Prince Charming” and “the one” were ingrained in our minds. Even today, countless TV shows reinforce the belief that each person has one perfect match who will understand them like no one else.
Religious and spiritual communities also contribute to this idea, using terms like “equally yoked” and “twin flames” to validate the belief that soulmates are destined romantic partners. But if this were an absolute truth, why do so many people who once felt they had found their romantic soulmate end up separated? Were their experiences not real? Were they just illusions? These questions haunted me, and I realized I had to let go of the old narrative to make room for a new one.
Redefining Soulmates
Yes, I believe soulmates exist—but not in the conventional sense. To me, a soulmate is any soul that aids in our personal growth and evolution. These connections can last a minute, a season, or a lifetime. Soulmates can be acquaintances, friends, family members, coworkers, pets, plants, or romantic partners. They enter our lives to teach us lessons, expand our perspectives, and sometimes challenge us in ways that push us toward self-discovery.
The English dictionary defines a soulmate as “a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.” This definition leaves room for interpretation and aligns with my belief that multiple people (or beings) can fulfill the role of a soulmate at different points in our lives.
Moreover, the belief that there is only one person in the world who can understand us fully reinforces a scarcity mindset. In reality, the universe is abundant. There are many people capable of understanding, appreciating, and loving us deeply.
Why Do People Divorce If They Thought They Found Their Soulmate?
If we define soulmates as those who aid in our growth, then even relationships that end in divorce or separation have served their purpose. Growth is rarely a smooth journey—it requires discomfort and change. Many marriages fail because one or both partners resist growth. When one person evolves while the other remains stagnant, the relationship often becomes strained. At the time of marriage, both individuals may have shared similar goals and priorities, but as they grow individually, those priorities can shift.
Therefore, rather than viewing a failed marriage as proof that the couple were not soulmates, we might see it as evidence that they fulfilled the role of soulmates for each other at that time. The marriage itself was not a failure; it was a success in that it provided the lessons, experiences, and transformations necessary for their individual journeys.
This concept extends beyond romantic relationships. Friendships that end do not negate the love, joy, and lessons that came from them. Every meaningful connection holds value, regardless of its duration.
Can Toxic Partners Be Considered Soulmates?
I debated whether to include this section, but I knew the question had to be addressed.
If a soulmate is someone who fosters growth, does that mean even toxic relationships serve a purpose? The answer is complex. Growth is often uncomfortable, requiring us to step beyond our comfort zones. Someone accustomed to toxic dynamics may need to experience them in order to recognize their own worth and make healthier choices. In this sense, a toxic partner could serve as a catalyst for personal growth—but only if the individual chooses to break the cycle.
However, it is crucial to distinguish between growth and entrapment. True growth involves making choices that serve our highest good. Staying in a toxic relationship out of the hope that it will eventually lead to growth is not the same as actively choosing to heal and evolve.
As for the question, “Can an abuser be considered a soulmate to the abused?”
Perhaps, in the way that challenges shape us. Just as hardships and traumas often lead to resilience, toxic relationships can force us to set boundaries and prioritize self-love. But this does not mean one must endure harm for the sake of growth. Growth is about choosing oneself, not staying trapped in suffering.
What Do Others Think?
After reflecting on my own beliefs, I decided to gather perspectives from others. I spoke with strangers and friends, asking them one simple question: Do you believe in soulmates?
To my surprise, nearly everyone said yes. One man hesitated at first but eventually agreed.
I then asked: How do you know when you’ve found your soulmate?
Most people struggled to give a clear answer. One man admitted, “You can’t necessarily trust your heart because it can lead you astray.” I followed up: “So what should guide you, then? Your mind?”
He paused before saying, “I don’t know. I never really thought about it.” At that moment, I saw him uncovering an uncharted space within his own mind, a desert he had not yet explored.
Another woman told me, “I know soulmates exist because I see people fall in love every day. My friend was in a toxic relationship last year, but now she has a partner who genuinely cares for her. That proves soulmates exist.”
How Do You Know You’ve Met “The One”?
Many of the women I spoke to said, “You just know.” The men were less certain. One man pointed out how tricky it is to be sure. “When you’re in the moment with someone, it feels like they’re ‘the one,’ but later, after you break up, it doesn’t seem that way anymore.”
Perhaps this is because many people equate love with fleeting emotions. When emotions are high, everything feels right. But does that mean love is just an emotion? Or is it an energetic knowing—a recognition that there is potential for mutual growth?
Conclusion
Soulmates do exist, but they are not limited to romantic relationships. If we take the time to redefine what a soulmate means to us, we may begin to appreciate the many forms of deep, transformative connections in our lives. The world is abundant, and I refuse to believe that only one person is capable of truly understanding me or you. However, that does not mean everyone will comprehend us deeply—only those meant to be part of our journey will.
While some believe the heart can lead them astray, I see it as a compass guiding us toward truth. The challenge lies in distinguishing between fear-driven desires and the genuine call of the heart.
So I leave you with this: How do you create unity between your heart and mind?
What Do You Think?
I’d love to hear your perspective! Do you believe in soulmates? Have you experienced a connection that felt destined? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to via WhatsApp us at , or email us at info@naturesjournals.com.—let’s keep the conversation going. [...]
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01/02/2025This week, we’re diving into the concept of social hierarchy to understand its roots and why humanity so consistently structures life around these systems. In the last post, we skimmed the surface of social hierarchy’s effects, but this time, we’ll explore how these structures infiltrate our lives, influencing our interactions and shaping our realities.
Consider society as a body where each person is a cell, contributing to the organism’s overall function. Just as a body relies on its cells to function harmoniously, society depends on individuals connecting and fulfilling roles. When people step out of their assigned roles—or resist them altogether—the “organ” begins to falter, and this ripple can impact the entire societal structure. How we perceive and treat one another often reflects an internalized set of hierarchies, placing us within these stratified systems willingly or unwillingly.
Growing up, I noticed that males and females were treated differently, and I didn’t fully understand why. I later realized that mainstream narratives encourage us to perceive people based on gendered stereotypes, often limiting personal potential. Women, for instance, are frequently perceived as “property” in some contexts, a label that constrains their freedom and individuality. This subtle yet powerful influence is just one example of how entrenched these systems are in our interactions.
What is Social Hierarchy?
Also known as social stratification, social hierarchy categorizes individuals within a ranking system based on factors like education, race, gender, wealth, and occupation. This ranking determines one’s socioeconomic class, which can act as a “ticket” for navigating societal systems. These structures can be either closed or open, with ascribed or achieved status. Ascribed status includes traits we’re born with, like race or gender, while achieved status includes qualities and positions gained through personal effort. An open system (like achieved status) allows for movement based on one’s actions, while a closed system is rigid and typically based on inherited traits.
Understanding society means understanding people, and each of us is a “mini-society” with our own objectives and values. Just as society has overarching goals, so do individuals. Here’s a question to consider:
Question: Is a person who occasionally exists outside their social group seen as weak or strong? Or is it context-dependent?
Answer: It depends. Some might view solitude as a weakness, leaving a person vulnerable to criticism. Others see it as strength, demonstrating independence. Solitude can be an act of defiance in a world that values belonging. Personally, solitude has been a powerful teacher, a chance to listen to my voice beyond social validation.
OPEN SYSTEM
Can you predict someone’s socioeconomic status solely based on physical appearance?
It’s possible, as people often use physical appearance to convey specific messages, whether consciously or subconsciously. In open systems, where movement between social classes is theoretically possible, one’s self-presentation can play a significant role in how they’re perceived and treated. Appearance becomes a form of expression—an outward portrayal of one’s inner world, values, and ambitions.
Fashion, for instance, is a language of its own, offering a medium to signal affiliation or rebellion, wealth or minimalism. For many, like myself, it becomes an extension of self, a creative outlet that speaks on our behalf. My choice of clothing is deeply personal, yet I recognize that society often interprets it within broader narratives—where creativity, status, and individuality intersect.
However, I’m conscious of how mass trends subtly push individuals to conform. People start to look alike, adopt similar styles, and lose their personal narratives to fashion’s cycles. This “sameness” is a form of silent conformity, and to me, it feels akin to a gradual erasure of self. When we blend into these collective styles, we risk losing an element of our unique story. Clothing, therefore, becomes more than a superficial choice; it’s a mirror reflecting our values and sometimes even our resistance to social pressures.
JUDGMENT AND PERCEPTION
Our assumptions about others based on appearance reveal more about us than them. Judgment is an inevitable human response, rooted in our experiences, values, and even unconscious biases. I, too, catch myself making assumptions, like when I see someone who dresses in a certain style, which may carry stereotypes of “thug-like” or “provocative.” But I also realize these are perceptions shaped by societal conditioning and personal experiences.
Judgments are both unavoidable and insightful. They’re a reflection of our inner world, our value system, and our past experiences. Recognizing this is the first step toward questioning and reframing these preconceptions. Most of us are unknowingly playing out scripts written by others—media, culture, family. It’s only when we question these assumptions that we can start to author our own story.
CLOSED SYSTEM
Closed systems, like caste structures, enforce strict limitations on social mobility. Your birth determines your position, making it nearly impossible to change your place within the hierarchy. Individuals in lower castes are deemed impure, while higher castes are associated with spiritual “purity” or worthiness, reinforcing an immovable social divide. While we might view this system as outdated, echoes of it persist in modern society, where wealth or “class” often dictate perceived worth.
For instance, we often view people experiencing homelessness as “less than,” equating lack of resources with a lack of worth. It goes beyond just appearance; it taps into deeper issues around how we equate financial status with human value. Cleanliness, social presence, and even the ability to engage in typical daily activities become markers of “acceptability” or “normalcy.” Yet, this judgment is often devoid of context, ignoring the systemic barriers that trap people in these lower socioeconomic positions.
HIERARCHICAL IDEOLOGIES
Historically, ideologies have underpinned social hierarchies, justifying inequalities as part of a “natural” order. In caste systems, for instance, the belief that lower castes are fulfilling karmic debts from past lives serves as an ideological anchor, cementing the system in place. In our current world, different ideologies continue to justify hierarchy, from meritocracy (the idea that success is based solely on personal effort) to more insidious beliefs that wealth reflects moral or intellectual superiority.
It’s easy to dismiss these as archaic ideas, but even today, people subtly or overtly judge others’ worth based on their socioeconomic status, race, and gender. Society programs us to view the upper class as “more capable” or “more deserving,” and it can take years to unlearn these biases. This realization has been eye-opening, reminding me that what we see as “natural” in hierarchy is, in fact, largely a construct—one that could look entirely different if different values shaped society.
SOCIAL MEMORY AND INHERITED TRAUMA
Another layer to social hierarchy is the historical memory stored within our communities and even our bodies. As a person of color, I’m deeply aware of how trauma from past generations influences the perceptions of Black people globally. Media has historically cast Blackness in a negative light, associating it with danger or deficiency, often without any direct justification. The consequences are both personal and communal.
Growing up, I saw how these subtle and overt messages of inferiority permeated not just external interactions but also internalized beliefs within Black communities. In many societies, Blackness has been tied to inferiority, a script passed down generationally, laden with inherited traumas that still affect how we see ourselves and are seen by others. But recognizing these messages allows for healing—a chance to rewrite the script in alignment with our true identity and strengths.
THE VALUE OF REBELLION AND SELF-DEFINITION
Why do I value rebellion? I think it’s because rebellion allows me to strip away society’s expectations and uncover who I truly am. Being rebellious isn’t simply about rejecting norms; it’s a form of liberation, an act of self-love. Rebellion is the courage to exist authentically, resisting any mold that doesn’t resonate. For me, rebellion means having the freedom to craft my identity, shedding the layers of conformity that society often pressures us to accept.
My choice to drop out of university is one example. This decision challenged society’s expectations and the values around education and status. Many people around me saw this as a failure to fulfill a prestigious role, but for me, it was an act of self-preservation. I chose to define my worth based on internal standards, not societal prestige.
INTROSPECTION ON VALUE
Reflecting on social hierarchies, I realize much of what we value is inherited from the world around us. We place importance on wealth, appearance, and titles, but rarely do we question if these values truly align with our sense of self. What does my community value? Prestige, perhaps, or financial success. But are these values mine? Do I truly resonate with them, or am I merely carrying them forward without question?
Value, I believe, is deeply personal. It shapes how we navigate life, how we judge others, and how we evaluate our own worth. In the end, living authentically requires introspection—a willingness to challenge what we’ve been told is “valuable” and redefine it for ourselves. Only then can we step outside the confines of social hierarchy and live as individuals, not as labels.
FREE-FORM
It’s interesting how thoughts control and influence the way we conduct our lives. The way a person thinks impacts their behavior, but what about people who don’t have an internal monologue? Where do they get their inspiration from? Do they simply act on urges out of nowhere? And how would a person know they are truly their own person and not an NPC? Because an NPC would simply respond based on the programming in their mind. I reckon they don’t even question the nature of reality. But what if some NPCs are designed differently? Each one has a specific role or occupation. Some are designed to be rebels, others loyal members of the community.
But the bigger question is: what is the creator’s aim in all of this? Why create a system that would lead to its own downfall? And how would a bunch of puppets destroy the puppeteer? They can’t. The puppeteer remains untouchable.
Are you the puppet or the puppeteer? For you need to pick a role and act on it.
All photos are captured through the lens of Jeneska [...]
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01/02/2025The Outset
Promise to Challenge
In my previous blog post, I made a commitment to challenge myself by actively engaging with people. I promised to “set the stage” for human connection since I was the one longing for it. By assembling the necessary props and adjusting my frequency, I embarked on this journey toward building my social life. Along the way, I became intrigued by the concept of attraction. This led to an essential question: What draws me to certain people and what pushes me away? Does it happen randomly, or do we have full control over who we choose to interact with? I couldn’t ignore these questions—they felt too important to leave unanswered. In understanding them, I believed I could gain a deeper insight into human nature.
A week later, my self-exploration deepened as another question arose: Do humans have value? This came to mind when I realized how differently I interact with various individuals. From there, more questions followed:
Do all humans have value?
When interacting with others, do I subconsciously place people in a mental hierarchy?
Do you see people with high social standing, based on their presentation, as more valuable than others?
If so, do you think this ranking system is something we’ve learned, or is it just human nature?
With that, here’s an overview of the questions I’ll explore in this post:
What is attraction and what propels us toward others?
Does fate play a role, or do we have full control over our connections?
Do all humans have value?
Is a social hierarchy real, and should we follow it?
Are social hierarchies a product of nature or nurture?
Thee Bridge
Diary Entries on the Findings
First Entry: Week 1
I decided to take my own advice and truly listen to myself. There’s a previous entry I published titled Set the Stage where I spoke about how essential it is to get started. Setting the stage is about creating the environment you want to experience. It’s like gathering all the ingredients needed to make that recipe you’ve been craving—creativity in motion.
In my podcast, I emphasized the importance of human interaction and how vital it is to connect with others. So, I followed through and began striking up conversations with strangers. It felt refreshing to break out of my shell and engage with new people. To my surprise, I started enjoying the experience and even felt a sense of adventure. I noticed I was no longer afraid of initiating conversations, but here’s something I need to work on: carrying the conversation.
Here’s how it typically plays out: I greet someone, perhaps mention the weather (it’s been scorching hot lately), then ask a follow-up question. The person answers, but I struggle to keep the flow going after that. It’s something I’ll continue to improve.
Second Entry: Week 2
Hello again! I hope you’re well. This week has been quite insightful as I’ve been reflecting on the interactions I’ve had. These encounters won’t just leave a short-term mark on me; they’ll likely have a lifelong impact, no matter how small or significant. One of the main realizations from this week is that everyone is selfish, including myself. And you know what? That’s okay. Whether we admit it or not, we all act out of self-interest in some way. As a recovering “people-pleaser,” I now advocate for a healthy sense of selfishness.
Let me make a distinction between selfishness and greed. A selfish person focuses on their well-being with the intent to eventually help others. On the other hand, a greedy person drains others without any intention of giving back. If you find yourself taking more than necessary, without a plan to replenish or share, then that’s when you crack open a dozen cans of greediness—brewed to perfection, might I add. Don’t worry, I’m not here to judge. After all, we’re dualistic beings, living in a dualistic world.
How does this tie into human interaction? Well, understanding selfishness helps explain why we sometimes feel disconnected from one another. Our minds tend to see everything outside ourselves as “other,” which is perfectly natural. We need individuality to maintain unity. But, like everything else, it’s a double-edged sword. Living in an era where people aren’t encouraged to form meaningful connections contributes to both personal and collective downfall. We’re not just humans because of our physical bodies; we’re human because of our emotional, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions, among others.
Remember, the world we see is a reflection of the internal one. What we perceive through our eyes is merely a manifestation of the mental plane—the true origin of our reality.
Attraction and the Role of Fate
On the question of attraction, I do believe fate plays a role in aligning us with certain individuals, but how we choose to interact with them depends on us. It’s not just black and white; there are many factors that guide these decisions. Our past and subconscious mind often play a vital role in who we’re drawn to and how we interact with them.
When discussing attraction, we can’t ignore energy. We are electromagnetic beings having a human experience, and how we vibrate sends out signals that others pick up on. Those who vibrate at a similar frequency are drawn to us. But what creates those signals? Every word, thought, emotion, and action emits vibrations. Our body stores memory, just like the brain. It’s an archive that holds both past and generational experiences, captured in our DNA.
Some of these inherited experiences lie dormant, while others are active, shaping our behaviors, habits, and even our physical appearance. We often attract people who reflect parts of ourselves because our bodies and minds are drawn to familiarity. This is where attachment styles come into play. Your attachment style is essentially the blueprint of your nervous system, often determined by your upbringing. If you’re interested in learning more, check out The Attachment Project.
Our vibratory state, shaped by internal and external experiences, attracts similar energies. Many of us unconsciously attract versions of ourselves, which is why we often encounter the same people in different bodies.
Findings on Human Value
In Week 2, I also gathered people’s thoughts on whether every human has value and whether they believe in the concept of social hierarchy. Surprisingly, many people answered, “It depends,” which makes sense—the world isn’t black and white, so why would I expect clear-cut answers?
Here’s a glimpse of my first interview:
“Everyone has value—that’s why we’re all here, right?”
This response came from a guy who, interestingly, didn’t mind the ranking of individuals. He explained that his past experiences, particularly betrayal, made him put up defenses, making it hard to trust others. “You always have to question people’s intentions,” he said. He prefers not to form connections easily, which contrasts with my desire to meet and engage with new people.
During our conversation, I became aware of how my mind was processing the interaction. I subconsciously analyzed his body language, social cues, and searched for common ground. I believe this stems from our survival instincts—we value familiarity because it feels safer. Recognizing patterns allows us to predict outcomes, making connections less risky. In a way, it’s like we’re always searching for reflections of ourselves in others.
Other interviewees shared similar thoughts. While they believed that everyone has value, they emphasized that not everyone realizes or utilizes their full potential. That got me thinking about a book I’ve been reading called Lila: An Inquiry into Morals by Robert M. Pirsig. The main character questions whether a woman named Lila has quality or value after a heated argument. Without spoiling too much, I’ll summarize it like this: Everyone possesses quality, and quality encompasses us all. Value isn’t black and white, and we can’t define it rigidly.
According to metaphysics, value is divided into dynamic and static qualities, with further subdivisions such as biological, intellectual, and social patterns. This philosophy has deeply influenced me, helping me understand that while everyone is valuable, the degree to which they contribute to the world varies. And yes, I agree with my interviewees—unfortunately, not everyone taps into their full potential.
Ponder Seat
Final Thoughts and Ongoing Research
Although I’ve gathered some information, I haven’t fully explored the nature vs. nurture aspect of social hierarchies. That’s where the remaining days of October come in—I’m dedicating more time to researching this topic.
Do you think social hierarchy is something we’re born with, or is it taught? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free comment down below your thoughts or to send your responses to admin@naturesjournals.com.
All photos in this blog are captured through the lens of Jeneska [...]
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28/01/2025Self-actualization is not a single event, but a continuous process of learning and unlearning. I’ve noticed a recurring pattern in my life that has kept me from stepping into my full potential—second-guessing my decisions. This habit, while rooted in the desire for safety, has prevented me from taking action when it matters most.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in indecision, waiting for a sign to tell you it’s okay to move forward?
Over time, I’ve realized that whenever I want to try something new, there’s a part of me that seeks reassurance. I end up questioning myself or the universe, waiting for a sign to confirm my decision. This constant search for validation becomes a cycle, leading to self-doubt and inaction.
Recently, I faced a dilemma about whether or not to leave the house and meet new people. My desire to form new connections was strong, yet I found myself stuck, overthinking the decision. This led me to self-sabotage and avoid taking action altogether.
I believe this internal battle stems from my inability to step into the role of the observer. When we don’t observe ourselves objectively, we become easily influenced by the voices in our head. Old habits, like seeking external validation, start to dictate our actions.
As I reflect on this, I recognize that I’m in a state of transition, battling the habits of my old self while trying to cultivate new ones. The concept of “as within, so without” comes into play here—my internal indecision manifests externally as derailment or self-sabotage. This is the reflection of my inner conflict.
I’ve found that the solution lies in building a deeper relationship with myself. Knowing oneself allows for clarity and certainty in decision-making. Meditation has been an essential tool in this process.
Meditation helps me quiet the mental chatter and reconnect with the observer within. By focusing on the internal world, I can change the nature of my reality. Rather than looking for external signs to guide me, I learn to trust my own inner knowing. As I’ve experienced before, it’s through changing my inner world that my external reality begins to shift.
The journey of self-actualization isn’t about reaching a final destination, but about continually learning and evolving. The more I understand myself, the more I realize that self-doubt and second-guessing are just remnants of old habits.
But with each step I take toward self-awareness, I see a clearer path ahead. This is not the first time I’ve faced this internal struggle, and it likely won’t be the last. However, with meditation and self-reflection, I’m learning to navigate the journey with more ease and trust in myself.
Self-actualization is a journey of progress, not perfection. Each moment of doubt is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and realign with your purpose.
The more we nurture our inner world, the more empowered we become to shape our external reality. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a loop of indecision, remember that the answer lies within.
CALL FOR ACTION
I encourage you to reflect on your own journey of self-actualization. What old habits are holding you back? How can you use meditation or self-reflection to build a stronger relationship with yourself?
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let’s continue to grow together. [...]
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Meet Your Host
Who am I?
I am that which is undefinable by nature—just like you. But for comprehension’s sake, Jeneska is the name that identifies my current character. A multi-dimensional earthling navigating existence with intention, acting as a conduit for those in need—and most importantly, for myself.
Nature’s Journals…