Good relationships don’t just happen. On the surface level it may seem like people involved in a happy relationship are truly a match made in heaven. In reality any relationship be it a romantic relationship or a friendship requires hard work and efforts. A happy couple continues putting efforts on a daily basis in order to keep their relationship going strong.
The pressing need to constantly take care of your relationship:
Though currently you may feel you have reached a dangerously comfortable level with your partner, the relationship is likely to go downhill if you don’t try stuff to keep the relationship alive. The moment you take your partner/ friend for granted, someday along the line your relationship may frizz out.
Conflicts are part of any relationship. A happy relationship isn’t associated with the lack of conflicts. It is about how the couple handles the conflict. You’ll have to set aside time to sort out issues using healthy communication. When things get intense, you’ll have to take a break and move away rather than argue further.
When we are angry, we are likely to utter stuff we don’t mean and act illogically. Words have the power to weaken any relationship. You can alternatively address the issue later when both are calmer. Meditation serves as another effective way to handle stressful situations. Meditation is powerful and is proven to have substantial, positive effects on the individuals.
The power of meditation:
Meditation has its roots in India and was in practice since around 5000 B.C. Studies on it revealed that meditation is packed with benefits and people all around the globe started practicing it since centuries. The current millennial generation is stressed out and is struggling with relationships. Meditation can serve as the antidote to their problem.
Some try their hand at meditation after having their family/ friends explain them the positive effects of meditation but end up giving it up too soon. It could be either because they find it boring or don’t feel it’s working out for them. When done right, meditation does wonders to your emotional health.
What do researchers conclude?
The rise in stress levels has triggered more research on meditation. There have been various studies carried out to test the effectiveness of meditation. For instance a study was carried out among PTSD students who experienced symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, hyper-vigilance etc. The participants practiced transcendental meditation on a regular basis.
After about 3.5 months the PTSD symptoms started receding thus proving that meditation works great for your mental health. The best part is that meditation doesn’t have any side effects and can be practiced at any place and at any time. All you need is consistent practice. It isn’t going to be easy in the beginning but over time you’ll start seeing results.
Meditation and healthy relationships:
Meditation helps to regulate emotions, lowers stress levels, and imparts a sense of positive attitude. It works great for one’s mental health. A cheerful and optimistic person will be more motivated to make his/ her relationship work. It indirectly strengthens the level of connection with your partner.
Couple meditation:
Couple meditation is a proven way to improve relationships. It promotes a sense of calmness and helps them to work together and strengthens romance. It takes at least a month to start experiencing the changes since meditation isn’t going to be easy. Setting aside time for meditating along with your partner will make sure you don’t give up on it. You can:
- Start with doing breathing practices together
- Gradually move on to advanced variations
- Take turns in choosing the preferred meditation variation to break monotony
- Use meditation apps which come with meditation music
Your partner isn’t enthusiastic about meditation?
Not everyone will be inclined towards trying meditation and that’s okay. It is understandable that you’d want your partner to experience the calming effects of meditation but if you start being pushy with your partner and keep urging them to try meditation, it would do more harm than good. It could even lead to conflict and push him to resent meditation even more.
If your partner isn’t interested in trying meditation, but you are finding it to be beneficial, it is time to drop your efforts of getting them to try meditation. They may find solace in some other experience. Accept it rather than trying to convince your partner.
- You don’t require others’ validation: It is fine if your partner refuses to even give it a try. It is okay of only one person pursues meditation.
- Avoid reiterating about how meditation makes you feel: Does meditation make you feel more awake and connected? That’s great. However, you don’t have to convey it to your partner since it is bound to get them irritated.
- Concentrate on the inner peace: Don’t keep holding on to thoughts of how meditation is helping you achieve spiritual superiority and how it is positively influencing you. This helps you explore a deeper connection.
Just like how physical training is essential for our body, meditation is essential for our mind. It is not that both of you have to practice meditation to reap the benefits. Even if one of you practices it, you can handle further conflicts that arise smoothly. You could still try other fun stuff together.
Engage in other common activities:
In general engaging in common activities brings a couple together. It could be anything -an art class or a sport. But when there is a clash of preferences, we’ll have to reach a fair agreement so that no one is left disappointed. Disappointment leads to resentment which causes problems in the relationship.
You could try different things and see which you prefer. If one of you is into camping, you can plan a stay in a log cabin rather than a tent, so that your partner has an enjoyable experience too. This attitude leaves your partner open to try new things.
Make your relationship a priority and always be kind and respectable to your partner. Keep on trying to make it work. Go on regular dates and stay deeply connected.
