Making eye contact with someone can relieve stress and create a deeper sense of connection.
Even making eye contact with a stranger can soften your heart.
When you talk with someone in person, notice the posture and body language of the other person. Focus on the tone in their voice. Consider the meaning of their words.
Touch is a way we communicate and essential to our development. Touch makes us feel safe and encourage trust, love, and compassion.
Reach out to your loved ones and see if you notice a difference.
We often fall into a habit of thinking we know someone so well that we can predict their behaviors and responses.
Instead, be open and interested in those close to you as if you just met them.
Nothing breaks bonds like postponing or canceling commitments.
Be honest with yourself and make or accept appointments you can commit to. Your relationships will flourish when you take the time to know others better.
Most of us have been vague about what we really need in the moment.
When you learn how to identify and express your needs clearly, you will be better understood and connect with the people in your life.
People are drawn to kind people because they feel cared about and safe with them.
When we practice kindness towards others, we help to build positive connections.
We should make an effort to be thoughtful with our words and actions. Before speaking to someone, consider:
- Is it True
- Is it Helpful
- Am I the best person to say it
- Is it Necessary
- Is it Kind
Humans are 99.9% the same. We all want to feel cared for, be understood and belong somewhere.
When you see someone you think is different from you, say, "Just like me." It may foster a better sense of connection in your life.
Make a point to notice others taking care of themselves, experiencing success, or having a good day. Be happy for them. You can even tell them, "Good job" or "I am so happy for you." It can boost your own good feelings.
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When we react to fear by shutting down the channel of communication, we’ve put up a defensive barrier that divides us from the world.
Signs you’re in the red light zone:
- Our values shift to me-first. We tell ourselves that relationships are not that important.
- Closed communication patterns are controlling and mistrustful. We see others as frozen objects that have importance only if they meet our needs.
- We feel alone and emotionally hungry. Then we look to other people to rescue us from our aloneness.
- The sense of isolation that our defensive barrier triggers is subconsciously terrifying. If we are indeed isolated individuals, how do we get our supplies? How do we ward off enemies?
- Suppressing these inner fears makes us even more rigid and out of touch. We tighten our muscles and thoughts; we harden our hearts.
- Know what you like and what matters to you
- Don't be afraid to ask for what you want
- Spend time with friends and family
- Continue pursuing your personal goals
- Be mindful of your values
- Make time for hobbies and interests
- Don't be afraid to say "no"
- Don't keep yourself small or hidden to please others
Allowing your partner room and opportunity to do these same things will be the key to establishing a healthy, interdependent relationship.
Black Friday can involved a lot of unexpected and unwanted pauses, whether in traffic or in line. Use the pauses to practice being in the moment.
Check out the setting around you. How do the people look? Even notice the products displayed in the stored. Really take it all in. Then notice your breath, how you feel. If you’re shopping at home, pause while the images load to gaze out a window, take three deep breaths, and notice the world outside the screen.