This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Many people find that relationships play a significant role in their lives. Although all people naturally experience different levels of interest in sexual and romantic relationships, many individuals seek connections.
How can we approach relationships in a healthy, mutually beneficial way? Can we positively influence relationships through our own behaviors and set them up for success?
Though there aren’t many hard relationship rules, there are some beneficial guidelines that may help some people. For instance, exploring and practicing mindfulness may help some relationships be more successful and satisfying. Practicing mindfulness can also increase general feelings of wellbeing and may help with emotional regulation.
Table of Contents
What Is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a term that describes a number of tools and practices that can help people be emotionally, physically, and psychologically present in the instant moment.
Although the term originally held associations to eastern philosophies, many people now practice secular mindfulness. Mindfulness has increased in popularity in the Western mental health field, particularly in areas involving anxiety and depression.
Counselors and therapists in traditional settings as well as many online therapy practitioners may recommend mindfulness to their patients and clients.
Some of the commonly understood aspects of mindfulness include:
- Being in the moment
- Taking responsibility
- Being more aware
How do these specific aspects relate to relationships?
How Being In The Moment Can Benefit Relationships
Appreciating the present, instant moment as a separate, holistic reference point can be powerful. This practice has the potential to provide some with a simple compartment for their thoughts and responses.
This perspective exercise may reduce the impulse to bring up old arguments and issues. It may likewise assist people in disrupting unwanted patterns of behavior. Both of these outcomes could be beneficial for some couples trying to overcome past experiences.
Additionally, appreciating the present moment helps some people slow down and notice pleasing things. This may have a positive effect on general wellbeing.
Taking Responsibility vs Taking Blame
Practicing mindfulness sometimes helps people realize they cannot control the world or people around them. This perspective can facilitate introspection and responsibility. However, in a relationship, responsibility for one’s emotions may not be the same as accepting blame.
While the former can be beneficial, the latter is often more nuanced and may require a mediator or therapist to help guide conversations about blame in a more positive direction.
It can be empowering to feel in control of one’s emotions and reactions. It may promote feelings of personal freedom and autonomy to consider that our feelings toward other people can be less conditional. Mindful awareness of one’s personal responsibility can foster positive feelings and growth.
This perspective may help couples view challenges in a more balanced way.
How Can Awareness Help Relationships?
Awareness is a central component of mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness requires a specific level of nonjudgmental attention or awareness to both one’s self (thoughts, feelings, etc.) and one’s surroundings.
When people cultivate awareness, they may become more self accepting. Practicing a non judgmental view of thoughts and feelings can reduce negative inner feelings in some people. Self aware and self accepting people may find it easier to handle the inevitable challenges and potential disagreements many relationships experience.[1]
Awareness may also promote more compassion and empathy toward other people. Compassion and empathy can lead to more successful communication between two parties.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is a once spiritual practice that has been embraced by secular society. Common beneficial outcomes from practicing mindfulness may include increased awareness, an understanding of personal responsibility, and tuning attention to the present moment. Each of these facets has the potential to improve interpersonal interactions between some romantic partners.