RELATIONSHIPS

Meditation is generally seen as a solitary pursuit, but the benefits can extend far beyond ourselves.

The effect that meditation can have on a relationship generally comes from focussing on improving the individuals within it, rather than focussing on the relationship as a whole. Often when we look at the faults in a relationship we detach them from ourselves and our own behavior, when that can be if not the core, then a contributing factor.

Gaining insight into our own behavioral patterns and understanding how we are acting is one of the enormous benefits that meditation has to offer. Science is evermore piling on the evidence in support of the idea that increased self-knowledge can help defeat self-destructive patterns, and thus preventing them from impacting relationships. [2]

Insights that lead us to empathy

But it is not just damage prevention that increased self-knowledge can provide – the more we understand about our needs, the better we can cater our relationships to fulfilling them. Whether its affection, responsibility, or direction, when we know what we need to feel fulfilled to be able to build a positive relationship around it,

Alongside our own needs, the more we understand about ourselves, the more we are able to empathise with others, especially our partners. This empathy helps us see what they might require in order to gain the fulfilment they need from the relationship too.

How to be better, together

In essence, relationships are always an exchange. The more we can realise what we and our partners value, the better we can operate in that exchange. This may seem abstract, but studies are showing [3] that meditation can be a great catalyst for behavioral change. Accepting that sometimes we might need to change to create the perfect relationship is a challenging but rewarding concept to enact upon.

This may all seem like difficulty and effort, but one of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to foster optimism. [3] The happier we are, the happier our relationships will be.

"Practising meditation every morning has given my life structure. The discipline that I cultivate with just 10 minutes every morning spills into every other aspect of my life. I undertake tasks and challenges with a new sense of focus and confidence."

"10 years ago, I was suffering from extreme anxiety. I was recommended mindfulness from a friend. At first, I was unsure, but being at breaking point, I thought I'd give it a try. With a few weeks of practice, I was sleeping again and had a skip in my step. For me, it was a game-changer."

"After two decades of dealing with insomnia, never being able to achieve a restful nights sleep, I knew there had to be a better way. Meditation allowed me to feel like someone who can sleep through the night and approach the new day feeling restored and full of energy."

And here’s for the science, take a look in full:

[1]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

[2]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

[3]journals.lww.com/