How to Bring Mindful Awareness and Improve Your Relationships

A healthy relationship requires true communication, listening, understanding, and a growth mindset. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep the lines of communication open when our natural responses are to either fight, flee, or shut down. Developing mindful awareness can help remind us to take a step back before we respond. By focusing on becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings, and being conscious of our choices and behaviors, it is possible to come together in meaningful conversations and ultimately nurture our relationships.

Relationships can be painful and difficult, but with mindful awareness, we can learn to move through such challenges with grace. The key is to focus on creating safety in the moment and find ways to connect with each other in a respectful, non-judgmental way. That said, it’s never too late to start developing mindful awareness and strengthen your relationships for the better. Here are a few ways you can start.

The first step to becoming mindful is to take a pause. Instead of reacting without thinking, listen to yourself and take a moment to process what is happening before responding in a rushed and impulsive manner. Our generation has come to expect quick and timely responses, but honoring your need for time and understanding will create space for thoughtful, considerate exchanges. When things start to feel overwhelming, allow yourself the opportunity to distance yourself from the situation. Take a few deep breaths and give your attention back to your body and mind, noticing any changes that are occurring inside and out.

Practicing honest communication requires us to be vulnerable and speak our truth. Becoming a mindful communicator starts with assessing how willing you are to connect authentically. Working to build trust and understanding cannot be achieved overnight - it is through consistent attempts of expressing your truths and willingness to connect wholeheartedly that relationships really begin to blossom.

At the same time, it is important to be aware of your emotional limits. When things start to feel overwhelming, become conscious of the discomfort and start to question your emotional boundaries. It is necessary to recognize when these boundaries are reached in order to take care of yourself as a priority and practice appropriate self-regulation. Once you take a second to note the reactions that arise within, you can become mindful of the choices you make and acknowledge the option for growth.

It is often the small things we do regularly that make the biggest differences. Setting reminders throughout your day to slow down and check-in with your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly helpful. Writing in a journal, meditating, yoga - whatever practice brings you presence - can help you distance yourself from the randomness of active life and bring your awareness to the now.

By developing mindful awareness and learning to pause, we can try to create understanding in our relationships. Our natural reactions may not always be helpful but with intention and effort it is possible to work towards establishing meaningful connections and strengthening our relationships.