DEAR BONNIE: I wonder sometimes if I was dropped into the wrong family sometimes? Can this happen? Thanks, Peter

DEAR PETER: Your family is your soul family so I hope as you read this column your life seems a little more clear as to why you might be in your soul family at this time.

Have you ever met someone for the very first time, yet felt an instant, overwhelming sense of familiarity? As if your hearts already knew each other’s rhythms, and no introduction was truly necessary? In the spiritual world this is not a coincidence. It is a reunion. You have just run into a member of your soul family.

Before we incarnate here on Earth our souls exist in distinct groups or “clusters” in the spirit world. Think of your soul family as your eternal spiritual community. We are cut from the same energetic cloth vibrating at a similar frequency, and bound by an ancient, unconditional love. While our human families are determined by biology, our soul families are determined by destiny.

But what does this mean for you right now in your everyday life on Earth?

Your soul family members are the individuals who enter your life to help you grow, heal and fulfill your spiritual purpose. They are the ones who hold up a mirror to your soul. Sometimes they arrive as a lifelong best friend who understands you without words, a mentor who steers you toward your true calling or even a romantic partner who challenges you to break old patterns.

Surprisingly, a soul family member doesn’t always stay forever nor are they always the people who make life easy. Sometimes, a soul contracts to play a difficult role in your life — like a tough boss or a challenging relationship — specifically to catalyze your personal growth. No matter the human dynamic, the overarching mission of your soul family is to wake you up to your highest potential.

A common question I am often asked is: who can be in your soul family? The answer is beautifully vast. They can be your human relatives, your dearest friends or a stranger you cross paths with for a single life-changing hour. Even our beloved pets who offer us flawless unconditional love are frequently core members of our soul circle crossing the Veil to comfort us.

And just how long have you been traveling together? The answer is centuries. You and your soul family have shared dozens, sometimes hundreds of lifetimes. You have swapped roles across the ages — in one lifetime a member might have been your mother; in the next your sibling your spouse or your dearest friend. We cycle through history together changing costumes but always recognizing the eyes of the souls we love.

As you walk your path this week take a moment to look at the people surrounding you. Notice the ones who bring you comfort the ones who feel like “home,” and even the ones who push you to grow. You are not walking this earthly journey alone. Your eternal family is right here with you just as they have been for lifetimes guiding you back to who you truly are.

Bonnie Page is a spiritual teacher and reiki master. If you would like to find out more about bonnie and what she offers please visit her website www.bonniepagemedium.com If you would like to send in a question for her column please send it to bonnie@bonniepagemedium.com