I will often times refer to someone as one of my sages.  They are.  Plato defined a sage as someone who did not seek wisdom because they already have it.  Having wisdom, though, is not a “yes” or “no”.

wisdom (wiz·duhm) n. – knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action

Wisdom can be held in a vast myriad of situations, areas, or styles and any combination of them.  We all have knowledge.  It is our ability judge a situation and suggest action based on our knowledge that makes us wise… in that arena.

All around us are family, friends, acquaintances.  We have people that are there for a moment… a season… a lifetime.  Then, there are those people who were literally dropped into our lives… to provide support, compassion, perspective and love.  But most of all… they offer wisdom. The one true “thing” to obtain. These Sages WILL be there at the perfect moment. The perfect season.  And throughout your perfect life.

We all have such Sages.  The Cathars believed a perfect balance or union required a seeker (you) and three other parties: the lover, the work mate, and the soul mate.  When you recognize these qualities in those around you, know you are among your personal Sages.

The Lover

You will easily know your lovers.  These are the first to tell you what you’ve done is beautiful, successful, or perfect.  They will listen to your ideas intently and tell you how great they are.  The lover’s wisdom will come when they are not being complimentary.

The lover’s care for you is deeper than immediate gratification of a compliment.  They truly believe in you.  Pay attention when they think something is ill-advised, and will often describe it as “not your best work”.

The Work Mate

The work mate will be quite fun indeed.  They will collaborate on your ideas, brain storm, and often partner up with you to see things through.  Work mates will process through your ideas, adding input or working on them during times you are apart.  They will also be the first to jump-on-board your idea, even if it isn’t something they would have done on their own.

The work mate believes you’re the person who has their “house in order”.  The work mate’s wisdom will come in the form of past experiences or previously done research.  Do not be surprised to find your work mate(s) have no idea they’re helping you.  They will likely believe you are helping them… because the work mate relationship does not function unless it is mutual.

The Soul Mate

Sneaky and divine.  Your soul mate will not be immediately apparent.  Often they will come into your life in another form and flitter into the role of soul mate.  The soul mate will be at the same place you are, either professionally or emotionally, depending on their role.  They will be working through the same struggles as you have… or are going to be.  There will be coincidences and striking similarities between you two.  You will find a desire to simply be with them, talk to them, or even mention them to others.

The soul mate’s wisdom comes as a reflection… a mirror.  You will easily be able to see the solutions to their issues or problems while somehow “not” seeing they are the same solutions to your same problems. The relationship is more of a give-and-take.  You will be strong when they are not; they will carry you when you cannot bear your own weight.  A soul mate relationship survives when both parties recognize and have an innate desire to perform, their duties to one another.

It is often misunderstood that the soul mate is to be forever.  They are not… well… all but one of them is not.  Soul mates may come and go.  It is the nature of balance.

Often, we allow our lives to be overrun with fodder… with errands… or parties… or dinner and drinks.  But we forget.  We forget to take time to be at peace with our sages.  We forget to speak about larger things. Things like our place in the world, the depth of faith, the dreams we’re trying to create.

Do yourself a favor. Take one minute. 60 seconds.  Recognize your Sages.  Know they may overlap.  Know you may have more than one of each.  But most of all, know where they are …and the next time you see one of them, ask them something deeper than “How was your day?” Give them permission to be more than just surface flesh. Be THEIR sage.

Be wise,