In this age of social media and technology where we can connect with each other in real time, I think many people take for granted the opportunity to connect with each other in person, be fully present and exchange energy without documenting and updating their cyber communities. There are many people who want nothing more than the opportunity:
- to spend time with their loved ones and look into their eyes hear their voice and hold them again those loved ones who they lost
- to listen to their mom tell the same story for the 1000th time
- inhale their wife’s perfume linger as she walks by
- or to listen to their child ask numerous questions
Perhaps people who neglected or took their romantic relationships for granted which resulted in the relationship dissolving (i.e. divorce or breakup) now with hindsight and perspective realize the gift they had or how they could have prioritized differently.
One of the goals of these Love Grows blogs, tips and my lectures and therapy sessions is to provide a different perspective in which to view your life and to serve as a mirror to reflect your image back to you.
- Are you REALLY doing all you can to nurture and cultivate your relationships, including the relationship with self?
- Are you honoring love by being gentle, kind, patient, supportive, compassionate and practicing forgiveness?
- Are you cherishing each moment, knowing it is a gift, one which you will never experience exactly the same again or are you trudging through life complaining or racing to some particular end point?
Today on this Slow Down Sunday, I encourage you to slow your pace in order to gain a new perspective. Here are a few activities you can do to become present and grateful:
Place your first and index finger on your neck and find your pulse. Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly. Feel the rhythm of your heart. Your heart beats regardless of your thoughts and the quality of your life. As long as your heart is pumping you have an opportunity to grow, heal, improve, and forgive.
Sit in front of a loved one (friend, family, romantic). Hold hands. Set a timer for 1 minute. Gaze into each other’s eyes without speaking. Once the buzzer chimes, discuss what you felt to each other. Set the timer for 3 minutes. Repeat. Can you make it to 10 minutes? What do you feel? What thoughts do you have? Something magical happens when we give each other undivided attention. It is powerful and can actually elevate the frequency of your relationship.
Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS Exclusively for Love Grows