BLISS: Our Connection to the Divine
Symbiosis was first identified as a developmental experience by Margaret Mahler, an Austrian-American psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and pediatrician. Her pioneering work on the concept of symbiosis and symbiotic relational dynamics came out of her observations of the mother-baby relationship. Her work was later adopted by psychotherapists who applied it in their clinical practice with adults.
Symbiosis is a unique and powerful psychological, biological, emotional, energetic, and spiritual experience that happens between the mother and child around the age of seven months. It is best described as a “fusion of souls” between the mother and child, one that allows the child to connect with psychological, biological, sensory, and soul parts of the mothers, and use these parts to build his or her own unique sense of Self.
The deep soul fusion experience between mother and child is a state of bliss so sublime that touches the realm of the Divine. This experience is so sacred that it has been immortalized for millennia in various art and art forms. The many Madonna and Child images have portrayed the divine nature of the mother-child attachment system and the experience of symbiosis.
The oceanic feeling of oneness that characterizes the completed symbiosis experience is considered the psychological and spiritual capstone event for mother and child during the first year of life. Symbiosis is the first step in the “psychological birth,” and necessary if children are to become a psychologically and emotionally separate person with a unique sense of Self. This process is also known as “individuation,” allows people to pursue their own interests and goals rather than going along with what others want them to do.
I believe we are all unconsciously yearning for the bliss of symbiosis, of reconnecting with our Divine Child self. I also believe it is this yearning that drives us forward on our journey of awakening.
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