Relationships are the lifeblood of human societies. The first thought might be intimate relationships but you are a part of several types of relationships in your life at any given moment.
We have our spouse/partner/significant other, of course, but we also have family relationships with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. We have friends that we have a different type of relationship we cultivate. If you are in an office or business setting, you probably have lots of co-workers, bosses, etc. whom you interact with on a daily basis. These are all different forms of relationships.
With so many different relationships, how are you supposed to juggle each and every one of them? It is hard to pay attention when there are so many other distractions occurring in your world.
You can get so caught up in all the other demands in your life that you do not focus your complete and undivided attention to those whom you are closest to in your life.
Try to be present when you are interacting with the person in the relationship you are trying to mend or make better. What are you thinking? What does this person need from you right now? Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to see what they see and might think about you.
Were your expectations met in this relationship? Are you accepting of the person or did you expect change? Were you demanding? Are you being positive and clear about your intentions? Did you treat them with compassion? Are you taking care of yourself so you can put your best foot forward in the relationship?
Try Mindful listening when you speak with the other person. There is nothing like feeling like you are being understood. In order for you to make someone feel that way, you have to be totally willing to stop everything else and really listen to the other person. Focus your full attention and don’t let your mind wander off. Do you think they felt understood and appreciated?
Journal about the last time you “felt” like this. What did you notice as far as emotions while you were practicing Mindfulness in a relationship? Did you stay focused on this person and this person only? Were you thinking about someone living or someone who has passed? What did you feel? Did you have feelings of sadness, loss, or regret
