Mindful tip of the week with Randi-Mae

In your intimate relationships, mindfulness can be an excellent tool to deepen and strengthen your connection. Mindfulness invites us to speak gently and tenderly to our partners. It invites us to be fully present. There are three critical components to maintaining a healthy relationship; seen, heard, and cared for. This week we will explore how you can invite being seen and deepen your connection in your relationship.

Seen: You may see your partner daily or often. You eat dinner together or see each other in passing in the morning. Do you create space to see each other from within? Is there space for authentic vulnerability?

Often when relationships deteriorate, one individual may say, “you don’t see me.” A great way to create a sacred bond together is to make time at least once a week to engage in soul gazing with your partner.

This exercise requires you to sit across from your partner as close as you can. Place your hands within the other’s hands. Take a few deep breaths in together, and a few gentle breaths out together. After you align your breathing, lift your gaze to your partner’s eyes. Keep your gaze locked on each other for 3 – 5 minutes. When you are looking at your partner, it may feel uncomfortable for the first minute.

It is common for people to laugh and cry throughout this activity. People cry during this exercise for many reasons. One of them can be that it’s the first time they remove the mask that they show the world all day and let someone connect with their truth.

Another reason could be that they feel emotionally open and connected to the person they allow to see them. Notice how you feel. Notice what you can feel and sense from your partner.

If you need a little help, listen to https://insighttimer.com/randimae/guidedmeditations/mindfulness-for-couples-looking-deeply.

Removing the walls and masks that we wear all day long and inviting our partner’s into our vulnerable space can deepen your intimacy. It is a beautiful way to invite mindfulness into your relationship. Make time to see and be seen by the one you love.

Randi-Mae is a writer and well-being teacher. She is the founder of Mindful Living Barbados. Her business, Inspired Journeys, supports people organizations, educational institutions, and communities on their wellness journey. You can find her at info@ randimae.com or www.randimae.com.