Mindfulness For Couples | Practices for Strengthening Connection Through Presence
Relationships are constantly growing, changing, shifting, and evolving as time goes on and life happens around us. No matter how strong your relationship is, there are bound to be ups, downs, changes, and challenges. The real test of a relationship is how you move through these things together and come out the other side even stronger and more connected. One of the key parts of being able to work through these moments together is mindfulness. Mindfulness of your own and your partner’s emotions, words, feelings, experiences, needs, and desires is so important for building trust, connection, and intimacy in a relationship. In this blog post, we’re tapping into the importance of mindfulness for couples and sharing a few great mindfulness practices you can implement to strengthen the connection in your relationship through presence.
The Importance of Mindfulness for Couples
Now, you might be thinking that mindfulness is all about meditation, inner peace, and total harmony - you know, the “woo-woo stuff.” While these are aspects of mindfulness, it’s so much more than that. Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged with your partner, attuned to your own emotions and those of your partner, and able to connect on a deeper level to develop that trust and intimacy. Mindfulness for couples is key for a ton of reasons, so let’s dive into them, shall we?!
Emotional Navigation
The more mindful we are, the better we can navigate emotions in our relationship, both our own and those of our partner. By becoming more self-aware, we can respond to situations and show up in more positive, regulated ways (instead of blowing up or going into fight or flight mode!).
Compassionate Communication
The way we express emotions impacts our relationships and the ability to receive it with love. Mindfulness allows us to express our emotions and communicate them to our partner with honesty and compassion, which is important, especially during tough conversations or conflicts.
Conscious Behavior
Mindfulness shines a light on our unconscious behaviors and the things that lie beneath the surface, that we may not even realize or be aware of. The more we can become in tune with what we’re feeling and doing, the more we can make conscious decisions and efforts in our relationship. This also helps uncover habits or conditioned beliefs that may be impacting our relationship and how we show up. You can start to pinpoint what is not healthy or not serving you and make changes for the better.
Gratitude and Appreciation
Practicing mindfulness cultivates an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for your partner and your relationship as a whole. This increases the connection, bond, and intimacy with your partner.
Stress Reduction
Life is crazy, this we all know. There are bound to be external pressures, stress, and anxiety, which can take a toll on you and your relationship. Mindfulness helps ease the stress and anxiety so you can show up as your best self and be more open with your partner - whether that’s open to a tough conversation or open to receiving their love and support.
Mindfulness Practices for Couples
As you can see, mindfulness for couples is a BIG deal and something you shouldn’t skip over, roll your eyes at, or put on the backburner. And again, this doesn’t have to look like sitting criss-cross applesauce and meditating with your partner daily (unless that works for and serves you both!). Mindfulness can happen by implementing simple practices into your everyday life!
Here’s a few mindfulness practices you can implement to become more present and connected as a couple:
Start with Kindness
Approach each interaction with your partner with kindness and compassion. Create a supportive and nurturing environment with your relationship so it is a safe haven and a judgement-free zone that you and your partner can turn to anytime.
Say Goodbye to Toxicity
Whether it’s toxic people, toxic relationships, toxic habits, or toxic influences that are hindering your happiness and connection, say goodbye to them to create more space for positivity, growth, people, and things that are in alignment with your shared values and vision for the future.
Focus on Similarities
We’re all different and unique as humans, this we know (and celebrate!). So instead of dwelling on your differences, focus on the common ground you share with your partner, especially during conflicts or hard conversations. Celebrate the values and experiences you share and be mindful of how your differences complement and complete each other.
Intentional Eye Contact
Eye contact is HUGE and something you should aim for intentionally during conversations. This nonverbal communication lets your partner know that you care, you hear them, you see them, and you want to know about their thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Plus, it might just be the thing that sparks that physical intimacy that you both crave. *wink, wink*.
Practice Gratitude
Take some time each day to practice gratitude and share what you’re thankful for in your partner and your relationship. Point out the blessings, joys, and what makes you truly happy in your life together. Focus on the GOOD and more good will come.
Stay Curious
Stay curious about your partner and open to new thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Always seek to learn more about them and understand their perspectives, thoughts, feelings, and dreams. This keeps your relationship fresh and helps you connect on a deeper level.
Mindfulness is not just a solo practice that happens in a quiet room or studio. It’s a powerful tool that can truly transform your relationship and deepen your connection and intimacy. Mindfulness will be the key to navigating all that life throws you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re looking to create a thriving relationship and implement mindfulness practices with your partner, check out our Thrive Together program, where we’ll help you build the relationship you desire to live the life you deserve!