Do you ever wonder why our closest relationships can be so full of misunderstandings and disappointment?
Conflicts are common in any relationship. Ultimately, we may love someone and want what is best for them, but it’s easy to be blinded by the pain or emotions that we hold inside. It’s also easy to develop dysfunctional habits and perceptions based on past experiences, which act as filters influencing our daily lives.
By learning to stay present, open, and sincere, you can change the energy of your relationships, no matter how difficult they have been. Let’s examine some of the most common mistakes people make in relationships and how we can shift towards more positive interactions.
Misunderstandings often arise when we fail to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and begin to blame the other person for the pain we may be holding inside. In heated arguments, we may speak from our pain and say things we later regret. Or we may avoid difficult conversations and hold onto resentment deep inside.
• Practice active listening: truly listen & make space to empathize with your partner before responding. • Take ownership of what you feel, and express it from that space rather than placing blame. For example, express your thoughts and feelings using “I feel” statements. “I feel xyz; this situation is making me feel xyz.” • Practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is not only for the other person but also for yourself. When we practice forgiveness, we are not letting go of accountability; we’re letting go of the pain and negative emotions that would otherwise be held in our hearts. The ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono, in which you say, “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” and “I love you,” is a simple but effective healing meditation that incorporates this practice.
Sometimes, we place too many expectations on our partner; if I do ‘x’ for you, you should do ‘y’ for me. This type of love or friendship easily becomes transactional and conditional.
• Meditate on unconditional love. What does it feel like to love without conditions and expectations? • Connect with that sense of pure love & energy inside. Body tapping can effectively strengthen your mind-body connection, release negative emotions, and sense unconditional love and acceptance. • When you feel infinite love inside of you, you can share love unconditionally with others without fear or attachment about what you’ll receive back.
It’s easy to lose ourselves in relationships. When we get wrapped up in the other person, we can lose our sense of self in the relationship. Over time, this can lead to unhealthy boundaries, false expectations, and resentment.
• Strengthen your relationship with yourself first. The more you improve your relationship with yourself, the more energy you’ll have to improve your relationships with others. • Practice regular meditation, self-love, and self-care. • Become observant of how your pain, preconceptions, and emotions may affect your relationship with yourself and others.
By incorporating these principles into your life, you can cultivate deeper connections, navigate challenges, and experience greater fulfillment in your relationships with yourself and others.
If you feel that negative perceptions, habits, or emotions make it difficult to form positive relationships, consider setting aside some time to explore and practice shifting your energy. Dedicated self-care time with an expert can help you find the awareness you need to be present, open, and sincere in relationships.
If you’re ready to take a journey of self-awakening, we recommend starting with the True Self Awakening Retreat. You can find out more about this empowering program by clicking here.
If you have any questions or you’d like to learn about other self-healing programs and retreats, email us at retreats@bodynbrain.com.