MINDFULNESS PRACTICE FOR COUPLES

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE FOR COUPLES

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE FOR COUPLES: KEEPING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN AND MAINTAINING A DEEP, LOVING CONNECTION 1) Begin by sitting silently together for 10-20 minutes, as time allows. 2) Next, take turns telling each other what you’re grateful for, what’s enlivening your heart at present. This is called gladdening the heart and serves as a good way to open the channel of communication. 3) Next, take turns naming any particular challenges you’re dealing with that are currently causing you stress. These are difficulties you’re facing apart from your relationship. 4) Then, deepen your inquiry by taking turns noting anything that might be restricting the sense of love and openness you feel toward your partner. First, you might ask yourself: “What is between me and feeling openhearted and intimate with my partner?” This is potentially the stickiest part of the practice, as well as the most rewarding. Naming difficult truths is the best way to bring more love and understanding into a relationship. For this step to be productive, it’s essential for both partners to practice speaking and listening from a place of vulnerability, without blaming the other person. 5) Next, expand your inquiry to see whether there’s anyone in your wider circle who also calls out for your attention—in your family, friend circle, or society at large who’s important to you as an individual or as a couple. Take turns identifying them, and sense what might serve well-being in this larger domain of relationship. 6) Lastly, enjoy some moments of silent appreciation together, ideally in a long, tender hug.