We all have that friend who is a devoted “Yogi” and spends countless hours per week practicing yoga. They go to the studios, take classes, practice their poses, and always seem to talk about how great yoga makes them feel.

Whether you're a skeptic of their claims or someone whose interest has been legitimately piqued, you'll probably be interested in knowing that there are a plethora of benefits. Yoga can positively impact the mind, body, heart, and more! In this article, we'll cover an extensive list and show you exactly how yoga can transform your life and what all the fuss is about.

The post The Scientific Benefits of Yoga: An Extended Look appeared first on Love Meditating.

No matter who belongs in your definition of a family, what we share in common is that a family means a person or a group of people who love us unconditionally and whom we love too. They may be connected to us biologically or even through just a shared experience and history. Nonetheless, there are a ton of reasons why a family bond is strong, and that is what we aim to discuss.

What Makes a Strong Family: The Five L’s

To simplify what makes a family strong, we believe that there are actually five L’s and they are:

#1 Learning

It is only in a family where we first learn about all of our skills, values, and behavior. A strong family can manage and control these learning experiences, and they are able to establish a far better pattern for life at home, by selecting the appropriate books, TV shows and so on. Also, a strong family can guide a child into the outside world and not let social forces rule their life as they can teach everything by example.

#2 Loyalty

A strong family always comes with a sense of loyalty and a strong devotion to every member of the family. Meaning, the most basic characteristic of a strong family is that they stick together no matter how troubling the times are and even when attacked by someone from the outside. Loyalty also means being together during failure, sickness, and bad fortune.

#3 Love

There will be nothing called a strong family if there is no love present. Every human wish to love and to be loved, and the very first place where you will find unconditional love is in a strong family.

Patience, understanding, honesty, and forgiveness is the atmosphere of genuine love, and these things don’t just happen overnight. It takes time, a positive attitude, and a whole lot of attention.

#4 Leadership

Leadership is a must for any strong family, and typically, the adults must take charge of leading the whole family. If there is no one in the family who would take leadership, the entire family will weaken.

So, in order to have a strong family, they should have their own set of guidelines and rules. These rules are created on the basis of understanding each member and is not something that is forced on anyone.

#5 Laughter

It is a known phrase that laughter is the best medicine, and this applies to strong families too since humor is the best escape valve for any tension in the family. Through laughter, it is possible to see everyone more honestly and objectively.

What are the Patterns of a Strong Family: The Six Essentials

Different patterns are essential for a strong family, which creates a great environment for every member. These include:

#1 Affection and Appreciation

These two qualities are necessary for any strong family as they show that the individuals care for each other. Sharing positive feelings with one another and also being nice to everyone in the family are just a few of several ways to show affection and appreciation.

#2 Positive Communication

Communication is a key to having a strong and well-grounded family. A family must have open, straightforward, and honest conversations with each other.

When we talk about positive communication, we mean by telling exactly how you feel and not putting down anyone for their thoughts and opinions. There may be compromises made through conversations, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

#3 Commitment

Only family members who are truly committed to each other can have a strong family. Strong commitment to everyone in the family involves spending time and energy in all the family activities and not allow outsiders to take priority over family members. In short, commitment means truly respecting, accepting, trusting one another, and putting your family first in every aspect.

#4 Successfully Managing Stress and Crisis

It is a given that there are ups and downs in every family. Sometimes, there are periods in life that are testing. A strong family must be able to manage all the stress involved with it and be positive in times of crisis in every possible manner.

Troubling times are meant to pull family members apart from each other, which is why it is essential to work hard together and not let outside forces affect the strong family bond. On an upside, all the crisis and stresses are a brilliant way for a family to help each other and further strengthen their bonds by coming out of such times victoriously.

#5 Enjoying Time Together

A strong family will devote particular days in a month for fun time. As adults, we often tend to look back in time and think about our own childhood and all the happy memories. We also look back and think about all the mistakes we made and how things could be different. Use all of them to bring your family closer together.

Build new customs and rituals that are fun for every member of the family, and these don’t have to involve you spending a ton of money. It could be as simple as getting together over the weekend to play board games and so on. Spending more enjoyable time together is a guaranteed way to build a strong family.

#6 Spiritual Wellness

This refers to the faith, hope, and all the optimism that a family shares. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a religion. It is just a sense of greater power or good in life. This is often described as a force that can help every member of the family to reach beyond just themselves and allow them to become a part of something larger.

Conclusion

All the variables mentioned above are what makes a strong family. It is a given that you must spend a lot of time with your family and be understanding with everyone in it for it to be strong.

The post What Makes a Strong Family: The Factors Involved appeared first on Love Meditating.

When we talk about children, it is quite easy to say that family is a child’s very first relationship because right from the very first moment in their life, they depend on their parents and family for protection and to provide them with all their needs. Every member of the family also acts as a teacher and a role model.

On another note, in the most basic terms, a family is defined as a group of individuals that share a bond either genetically or legally to each other, but not everyone can agree to this.

With that said, let’s dig deeper into the concept of family.

What is a Family?

Before we can talk about the meaning of a family in a broader sense, let’s briefly look into the basic definition of a family and also the different kinds of a family today.

The Basic Definition

As we mentioned earlier, when we talk about the most basic definition of family, it is often said that it is a group of people who share a legal or blood bond.

• Blood Bond

These are individuals who are related directly through a common ancestor. They include close as well as distant relatives like parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and so on. An ideal way to know about all your familial blood bonds is by creating a family tree.

• Legal Bond

Individuals who are bound through adoptions, guardianships, and marriages, including duties, rights, and the obligation of those legal contracts, in particular, are called a family through a legal bond. Unlike blood bond, legal bond families can be expanded, changed, or even dissolved.

However, as mentioned earlier, family means far more than just this, especially in this day and age, where the meaning of family constantly seems to be evolving. For many, a family goes above and beyond legal and blood bonds.

The Types of Families

The meaning of a family for an individual wholly depends on the type of family he or she belongs to. There are a lot of different types of families these days, and each of them is equally a supportive and viable caring unit. Some of these include:

• Nuclear Family

This is also known as a conjugal family and composed of parents and their children who live together under one roof and share a close bond.

• Extended Family

Extended or joint family refers to the family that includes all of the relatives in close proximity which include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and so on. In an extended family, all these relatives live together under one roof and share all the daily household duties together.

• Foster Family

This kind of family involves either one or more parents that serve as a temporary guardian to either one or more children. They may or may not be biologically related, but in most cases, they are not. It is possible in time for a more formal arrangement to be made, wherein the foster children will be legally adopted.

• Step Family

People with kids who have remarried after a divorce or after a death of a spouse and bring their children together to form a new nuclear family is called a stepfamily.

• Complex Family

This kind of family is a fairly new concept. This typically is a family where there are either three or more adults along with their children. This kind of family may be formed either through remarriage or divorce or polygamy in certain societies. Such families can be complex even without any formal legal bonds.

• Adoptive Family

Becoming increasingly common, an adoptive family is a family that does not share any genetic bonds but only legal bonds. This is where two parents are able to adopt a child with whom they do not share any blood relationship with.

In certain countries, it can also be just a single parent adopting a child. These families can also be formed without legal bonds and solely on the basis of emotional and a spiritual bond.

• Traditional Family

This kind of family is what you would call the textbook definition of a family wherein the father goes to work and the mother is a housewife and tends to the children. This strict definition of a family is not as common in urban areas or a modern society.

What Does Family Mean to You?

It can be said that there is no such thing called a “normal” family anymore because today, everyone’s preference and lifestyle are very different from one another. To say that a family consists of a mother, father, and their children have now almost become a stereotype and are not entirely true.

A family is one where you are with a group of individuals or even a person, and you are truly happy with them. These individuals are those whom you can share your deepest and darkest fears and yet not worry about receiving any shame or humiliation back in return. A family even doesn’t necessarily need to have parents since some people call their very close friends, with whom they do not share any legal and blood bonds, a family.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you should be truly comfortable with who you are with and also feel safe and secure with them. As such, when we talk about what does family mean to you, they are basically the individuals who we accept wholeheartedly in our lives and who accept us without hesitations.

No one can define a family for you other than yourself, and for every individual, their family is normal since it is them who live their lives. So, it is essential to be proud of your family no matter what and even if it does not ever classify as a normal kind of family. Additionally, with the many definitions and types of families, what is essential is to respect each one’s opinion.

The post What Does Family Mean to You: The Multiple Definitions appeared first on Love Meditating.

Starting a relationship in real life can be tricky for many people, especially in this day and age. Thankfully, multiple ways will help you start a new relationship. All you need to do is understand them and know exactly what you are looking for. That being said, it is attainable to have a happy and healthy relationship, and we will tell you exactly how to do that.

How to Start a Relationship?

Before you think of starting a relationship with somebody, it is absolutely essential to question yourself first. This will help you know what exactly you are looking for. Is it an actual relationship or just something short-term and fun?

#1 Find a Partner

People often tend to jump into relationships because they do not like being single. However, that is wrong as you have no clue whether that person is right for you in the long run. Hence, if you know you are looking for a relationship, then the first thing you need to do is to reflect on what you need from your partner.

What are the qualities of a person that attracts you? Some common ones would be whether they are career oriented and their physical features. Make a list to have a better understanding.

An interesting way to meet people is by finding people who share common interests with you. For instance, if you like reading books, join a book club; if you love playing sports, join a sports club; if you love working out, seek someone at your gym who shares the same passion. This is a brilliant way to start to a relationship as you’ll already share common interests.

You can also consider someone from your own social circle, but don’t force a relationship with a friend. It should be a two-way street. Lastly, you can also choose dating sites or apps. While this may be difficult, there are always some genuine people out there whom you could possibly click with.

#2 Create a Connection

Once you feel there’s something between you and your potential partner, you will need to create a connection. Start by spending as much time as possible with each other and even speak on the phone. Make sure you two talk about your life, ask genuine questions, and ensure to pay very close attention to all answers.

The more you listen and learn about a person, the stronger the relationship can be. It also shows that you care for the person. As much as possible, focus more on knowing the individual as a person rather than getting in bed with them.

Most important of all, create ample trust, so always be consistent with your behavior and be there whenever your partner needs you, physically and emotionally. Also, only make promises that you are certain you can keep, and always be truthful, so if you find something uncomfortable, be open about it. The more honest and vulnerable you are right from the start, you will allow the relationship to last longer and grow deeper.

#3 The Commitment

Always express your interest in a long-term relationship. No matter how often you’ll meet, always be vocal about the fact that you want to be with him or her as the other person may not necessarily know about your intentions. Be open to their opinions too.

Once you have officially started a relationship, make sure you’ll talk about boundaries. Everyone’s different, so certain rules should be made so that both of you can be happy.

These may include whether it is okay to be friends with an ex and things like that. Discuss this right at the very start of the relationship.

Additionally, be fine with the fact that there will be compromises since no relationship works without a certain level of compromise. This may be hard, and you may have to do things you don’t like. If you are totally uncomfortable with something, in particular, have an open conversation about it to find a middle ground.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of New Relationships?

Although you may already have rules and compromises, here are some of the things to keep in mind to have a healthy relationship:

#1 Don’t worry about labels

It is very easy to be labeled or to label things, but there are times when there may still be some ambiguity in a new relationship. So, to avoid awkwardness, always stick to introducing them by their name as that can never be misconstrued.

#2 Do reduce stress to meet parents

Meeting parents is always an awkward thing in any new relationship, so don’t wait for your partner to do so. You start off the conversation about meeting your parents; thus, reducing the whole stress behind it.

#3 Don’t move in too fast

If you want a relationship to work for the long-term, it is crucial that you do not move too fast. This includes moving in right away or being engaged in just a few months. A relationship will get stronger only when you’ll take the time to understand and learn about each other over the course of time.

#4 Do learn to divide your time

You cannot be joined at the hip in a relationship. There needs to be a certain amount of space between the two of you’ll.

Ideally, the 50-30-20 rule makes perfect sense for everyone. This means that you can spend no more than 50% of your time with your partner, 30% of your time with family and friends, and 20% of your time by yourself. This division avoids the relationship from burning out or losing your identity or your friends.

Conclusion

While this may not necessarily be the only way on how to start a relationship, following these guidelines will definitely help you find a long-term relationship. No matter what, always learn to be patient and understanding since that’s where you win most of the battle. Also, make sure you follow the do’s and don’ts we have mentioned earlier for a relationship to last long.

The post How to Start a Relationship: Things You Need to Know appeared first on Love Meditating.

In a very strict sense, we often tend to believe that families as either biological or as nuclear families that consist of a married man and a woman and their children. But, in this day and age, the whole definition of a ‘traditional’ family seems incorrect.

Today, there are many different formats of a family. Some kids are taken care of by their grandparents, some raise their kids singlehandedly, and some are same-sex couples. What truly matters though is the people within that unit truly love and take care of each other. 

Why is Family Important?

There are several reasons why a family is important, but the ones we will mention are the most common ones that we often fail to recognize.

• Gives a Sense of Security

All of us in some way or another need to feel a sense of security, especially while we were young. It does not matter how many members are present in your family; it can be three or even ten, but just being in one gives us a feeling of being safe.

This occurs due to the fact that you are always aware that no matter what happens to you, your family will always stand by you in any and every circumstance. Having your family by your side makes battling any obstacle easier, and this helps us grow into strong individuals. Also, during our younger years, we depended on our parents, and we sought protection from them when someone tries to bully us.

• Identity and Personality

For a child, the members of the family, especially the ones who are directly raising them, provide the single most influence to them. It is from them that the child finds their own identity and personality as they start to grow and become independent.

• A Reason to Love and Live

As humans, we are all social animals that desire company. Though there are moments where we like to spend our time alone, that does not mean we can always be happy by living in solidarity. A family provides us with countless reasons to be happy, which in turn makes us feel that there is a purpose why we are alive and why we should spread the love.

• Acceptance and Lifetime of Love

Only our family members can truly love and genuinely feel for us and care for us. They exactly know and understand all of our habits and are also aware of all the trials we have gone through in our life. In spite of it all, they will choose to stand with us and love us for the rest of our lives.

• Teaches Life’s Basic Values

In a child’s life, a family is basically the first school wherein children get all of their basic values. The child is able to learn good manners from their family.

All these values and morals that the child learns through the family members become their guiding force. It is what helps them in building their character and even lays the foundation for their thinking. Even in terms of social life, a family plays an important role and is a strong unit of the society.

• Provides Protection from Bad Influences

Peer pressure is known to have quite an impact on teenagers as well as adults. So, when someone tries to pressure us into doing something that is not morally right, they are basically making an effort to penetrate our family values.

Hence, a person with strong family values is headstrong to know what is right and what is wrong and, thus, can save themselves from becoming sufferers to such deviant influences. Additionally, the members of the family, especially grandparents and parents, will be the first individuals who will nip the bud before the worst thing happens.

• Provides a “Center”

What we mean by this statement is that you can be anywhere on this planet, but you are always aware that you have something called a family and a home, whom and where you can always go back to. This means that you can be physically in any part of the world working, studying and so on, but you are never truly alone, and no matter what happens you always have somewhere to fall back on.

• Helps in Making Decisions

Family values can affect all the decisions that an individual makes both in and outside the family. So, when we are deciding on very crucial issues that can be challenging, it can make us feel helpless at times if we do not know which direction to go. Having a family with strong values can help us in finding a better direction with our issues and also allows us to make the right decisions in life.

• Provides Relief from Stressful Situations

Being part of a caring and loving family has shown to provide people with stress relief as it boosts their self-esteem. It further lessens their anxiety, too. This is especially relevant for young individuals who could be exposed to violence. As such, a strong family bond acts as a protective shield in troubling times.

• Ultimately Makes You, You

Right from the time you take your first breath to the moment you are provided with all the love and education as well as when you have gained all the moral values, your family is the one that made you into a person that you are today. They are the reason for your personality and beliefs, even for all the years that are yet to come.

Conclusion

Being part of a family means that you are loved, it boosts self-confidence, and gives all the moral values we need in our lives. In a manner, when it comes to why is family important, a family teaches us to be good individuals and how to deal with the outside world head-on.

The post Why is Family Important: The Undeniable Reasons appeared first on Love Meditating.

Good relationships take hard work. These relationships last because the people involved chose to make them work. Sustaining a relationship is not for the weak-hearted. Do you know why? It is because as growing individuals, as well as a couple, you will constantly encounter change whether you like it or not.

With change comes adjustments that require two different individuals to make an effort to meet each other halfway in order for the relationship to move forward and succeed.

The Three Main Ingredients Of a Relationship

Relationships are a lot like recipes—you have to have the right ingredients to complete it. Below are the three important ingredients in any relationship:

• Chemistry

This is a mutual feeling you share with another person that you have a special connection with. It doesn’t necessarily mean your lusting over someone, though. Instead, you like the person enough to make you feel interested to know him or her more.

• Compatibility

Being compatible means that you share common interests, the same beliefs, and values. It also means that you support each other’s individuality and you feel safe with each other. Lastly, being compatible also means that you share enough similarities and opposites to get along.

• Communication

The ability to talk openly about your concerns and your dreams as well as to voice out your desires and anything under the sun without being held back or judged is what honest communication is all about.

What Does It Take to Make a Relationship Work

Successful relationships are cared for and nurtured by committed adults who acknowledge the mutual benefits they receive from being part of one. Below are 8 essential tips you need to know if you want to create a healthy relationship that works for you and your significant other:

• Regularly evaluate your relationship

Every relationship require some sort of maintenance or check-up, much like cars have their routine checks. As an individual, you constantly change, develop, and grow, which may also affect your perspective regarding your relationship.

By checking in on your relationship, you give yourself and your partner the chance to express your current feelings. This is also the time to reflect on what behaviors or patterns you want to continue as well as the negative things that you want to change.

• Appreciate each other

Remember when you were still dating—how you would get excited at the thought of spending time with your partner, and how you would compliment even the tiniest detail about him or her that you like?

Sadly, as couples get comfortable with each other, they unknowingly take their partners for granted. Since the need to win over a person has been accomplished, they lose the spark. However, when you actively appreciate each other, you keep the fire burning. You strengthen the bond.

Showing appreciation doesn’t need to be fancy, small efforts like complimenting her looks or her cooking, his being responsible in the house, his successes at work, etc. are enough. Do whatever it takes to keep the passion alive.

• Embrace each other’s individuality

Being in a relationship doesn’t mean that your world will only revolve around your relationship and your partner. Maintaining your individuality is very important as well. Always keep in mind that being happy starts within you.

Spend time with your own friends. Or better yet, maintain a hobby outside the relationship. Some alone time keeps you from getting burned out, and it also refreshes your spirit. At the same time, it teaches you to become self-reliant too.

Alternatively, you can also practice interdependence, which is when you are supportive of each other without compromising yourself for the relationship. Interdependence is finding the right balance between being together and finding time to take care of yourself.

• Accept conflicts

Disagreements happen even in healthy relationships, so don’t sweat the small stuff. What you need to learn is how to accept the fact that mistakes happen and be able to move forward without holding a grudge. No one’s perfect, not even you.

Moreover, you can’t change your partner. Learn to let go of the small stuff that doesn’t really matter. Instead, focus on the ones that matter, and that is your partner and the relationship that you two have.

• Communicate openly

Good communication is key to a successful relationship. Most of the time, relationships die from lack of communication. Openly communicating requires guts and honesty on your part and an open mind and listening ears on your partner’s, and vice versa.

Knowing what ticks off each other, likes, goals and dreams, frustrations, etc., can strengthen your relationship because you’ll be able to sort things out as a team.

• Be positive

Staying positive can be hard especially in times of trouble. However, this is the time that it’s crucial to think positive because your partner may be drawing his or her strength from your positive attitude. Also, with a positive attitude, you’re most likely to get along harmoniously with each other.

• Be honest about what you expect in the relationship

People have their own ideals on what they want in a relationship. Because no person is the same, these ideals may not be the same as well. So, voice out your expectations to make sure that you are on the same page. There’s no point in continuing a relationship that you know will only end up in failure.

• Trust your instincts

Sometimes, when your relationship is seriously struggling, you ask for your friends’ advice. Surrounding yourself with a reliable support system can be really helpful during times like these.

However, the possibility of getting more confused and flooded with contrasting opinions is very likely too. If this happens, pray and meditate. Clear your head and listen to what your instincts tell you.

• Be committed to loving each other unconditionally

Remembering to love each other can be hard when your relationship is on the verge of falling apart. However, when both parties are committed to loving each other despite the struggle, making a relationship work is always possible.

Final Thoughts

So, what does it take to make a relationship work? Well, for starters, a little TLC can go a long way. When you take care of a relationship and give it everything it needs to flourish, then it will thrive and grow—beautifully.

The post What Does It Take To Make A Relationship Work: Essential Secrets Of Happy Couples appeared first on Love Meditating.

Each of us wants a different kind of relationship because each person has their own ideal of how the right one should be and what it shouldn’t be like. Usually, these ideals are greatly influenced by personal history such as childhood experiences, past relationships, goals in life, and so much more.

Before we delve further into the kind of relationship you’re looking for, let us first get to know the different kinds of relationships there is. In this way, you will have a clearer view as to what your heart truly desires.

Four Basic Types of Relationships

You will experience different types of relationships in your lifetime, but they can be summarized into four basic types:

• Family

By definition, a family is a group consisting of parents and children living in one household. This degree of kinship may be through blood, adoption, or marriage.

• Friends

These are people you spend time with outside your family. You know them well and regard them with affection.

• Romantic

This relationship involves being intimate physically or emotionally to another person.

• Professional

This is defined as the relationship you maintain in your workplace. It’s your relationship to the people you work for, your colleagues, and to the people you serve.

What Kind of Relationship Do I Want?

As you go through life, you will know that some relationships are pleasant and some are best buried in the past. People change through time, and so does their relationship to others.

If you are looking for a relationship, you should first assess yourself and determine your agenda. Having an agenda doesn’t mean you’re planning something negative in mind. It’s more of a guideline on what you want really want in and from a relationship.

So, when the time comes that you’ll be entering one, you know that you’re going in for the right reasons. Here are some ways to figure out what you really want in a relationship:

• Decide on your preferences

It’s important to know beforehand what you’re willing to compromise and what you’re not. Put together a list; this will be your criteria when choosing a potential match. Do you prefer someone attractive or someone who has a career? Do you want a potential partner who provides substantial resources? These are some examples to get your list started.

• Think of the core values you uphold

Your relationship is a reflection of yourself. Each individual supports personal values and beliefs that may have been instilled in them since they were a child. Know which ones are negotiables and which ones are not.

Choosing a partner who shares the same beliefs as yours can result in a healthier relationship because you both want the same things. Again, each person has different core values, most of these concern having children, dealing with finances, religious beliefs, honesty and trust, and handling important life decisions.

Always remember that shared values are important for a relationship to last. It is the invisible glue that bonds a couple together.

• Reflect on past relationships and the ones around you

Your previous relationships can help you determine what you want. Consider the times you felt the happiest, the times you were so upset or disappointed with your partner, were there any negative patterns or behaviors that you kept repeating? What positive behaviors brought out the best in you?

You can use your past experiences as a roadmap for what you want to have in the future. However, keep in mind that no relationship is the same. You can try new things and experiment until you find what works for you.

Relationships around you can also affect your perspective on love. Although you don’t experience them first-hand, you become aware of the pros and cons of every action they make. By learning from their mistakes and successes, you can build a satisfying relationship in the future.

• Acknowledge your emotional needs

Understanding what you need emotionally from someone will also help you find the person you feel satisfied and happy with. However, don’t expect all your needs to be fulfilled by that person. Another person can only do so much to fulfill your needs, the rest you have to achieve for yourself. If you burden someone else with your demands, you will only end up with a failed relationship.

Becoming A Good Partner

In a relationship, you trade because you want something of the same value, or even higher, in return. Like you, your potential partners are also most likely in search for someone they are compatible with.

Therefore, it’s important to assess yourself first and evaluate the positive things that you can offer in exchange. A good partner is a priceless gift everyone hopes to receive. Here are some tips on how you can become one:

• Love yourself first

It’s common for a couple to prioritize the needs of their significant other before their own. Unfortunately, most of the time, one gives and gives until there’s nothing left. This unhealthy way of giving your all leads to resentment.

Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening if you know that it’s perfectly fine to take care of your needs too. Loving yourself will allow you to love another person wholeheartedly.

• Be considerate of the needs of your partner

Support your partner’s dreams and ambitions and be considerate of their feelings. Staying attuned to the needs of your partner will affirm his or her importance to you.

• Be a good listener

Most of the time, it’s easier to express your own opinion rather than listen to what others have to say. Although your opinion matters to your partner, there are times when your partner will need you to listen to theirs. Pay attention and don’t interrupt. Never be judgmental even if you disagree. It pays to be sensitive to their feelings.

• Be a good communicator

Miscommunication is one of the most common reasons why couples fight. You can prevent this by choosing the words you use and the tone of your voice. Sometimes, what you say can be easily misunderstood by your partner if you’re not careful with these two.

Final Words

Overall, people have different wants and expectations when it comes to relationships. When you ask yourself, what kind of relationship do I want, you are creating criteria in your mind that will guide you in choosing your next relationship. In the end, you just have to remember that the most precious relationship you have is the one you build with your inner self.

The post What Kind of Relationship Do I Want: Figuring Out Your Love Life appeared first on Love Meditating.

Being in a broken relationship can be devastating for couples. Instead of relying on each other as they go through difficulties together, they contemplate alone, they pick fights over the simplest of things, and they argue a lot

In short, the relationship is not what it once was. Feeling unhappy with your partner or unsatisfied with what’s going on in your relationship is also a tell-tale sign that yours needs mending.

How to Fix a Broken Relationship

A broken relationship is not really broken if both of you are willing to give it a chance. You and your partner need to be honest with yourselves if you want this to work. There’s no point of putting an effort when you’re not on the same page.

Here are different suggestions to help fix your broken relationship:

• Identify the issue/s

 In a relationship, there are conflicts that both of you are aware of so there’s a chance to talk about these things. However, some issues that really matter are usually left unsaid. Be honest about it when you tell your partner.

Never use hurtful words that can degrade him or her. Additionally, keep your mind open and your emotions at bay, whether you disagree or not, allow your partner to talk when it’s his or her time to say something.

• Communicate

A happy relationship starts with communication. Being able to talk openly to your significant other about anything will make it easier for both of you to work through your problems together. Practice good communication skills such as being attentive to what he or she is saying. Listen attentively and avoid interrupting or over-talking.

Voice out your concerns when something is bothering you. Don’t assume or expect your partner to figure out what bothers you because this can only break your relationship even further. Instead of keeping everything bottled up inside, open up and let your partner help make things right.

• Be honest

A lot of relationships get ruined because they haven’t established honesty early on in their relationship. Resentment from pent-up emotions, past grudges, and even past relationships that haven’t yet been resolved can eventually affect your present relationship.

If you are guilty of doing this, don’t worry, it’s not too late to change. Being honest cultivates trust in the relationship.

• Make time for each other

People are so busy nowadays that many relationships disintegrate because they don’t spend time together as much as they used to. Finding the right balance between work, family, friends, and “me” time may sound overwhelming but you know it’s possible.

Learn to prioritize the things and the people that matter to you. Schedule time to have dinner, do an activity you both enjoy, or just hang out together—that means no phone calls about work, no social media, etc. Focus on enjoying each other’s company and nothing else.

• Stand your ground but know when to admit that you are wrong

If you want others to respect you, you should learn how to stand up for yourself. Don’t allow your partner to control your life and prevent you from pursuing your dreams. This will eventually make you unhappy in the long run. Talk with your partner regarding your situation so you can both work it out.

However, there will be situations where you are the one at fault. Although you don’t want to admit it, it’s best to acknowledge that you’re wrong and apologize. This will show your partner that you respect him or her and in return, you will also be given respect.

Additionally, this will also prevent your partner from being resentful and defensive when it’s their turn to say sorry.

• Be compassionate

It’s hard to understand someone when you have no idea where they’re coming from. So instead of judging and criticizing your partner right away, take a moment to empathize. Sometimes, by putting yourself in their shoes, you will better understand how your partner feels and reacts to certain situations.

• Don’t focus on the flaws

When you are in a relationship, especially a long-term one, you’ll get to know the good and the bad side of each other. You’re not perfect, and neither is your significant other, so stop fussing about every little thing you think is wrong about him or her.

Don’t miss out on the good stuff because you focus too much on the bad. If it’s just minor things, see past the flaws and instead, center on the good ones that made you love your partner in the first place.

• Ask for professional help

Some problems can be handled on your own. However, there are instances where you’ve both tried everything, yet nothing seems to work. In this case, going to a counselor for guidance and direction may help.

These experts can help you process what’s happening from a neutral perspective. They give professional advice based on what they’ve studied and have encountered in the past. With the help of a professional, you will also be enlightened as to whether you’ve already had enough or are willing to work it out.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to fix a broken relationship is not easy. Sometimes freeing yourself of the burden and letting go of the hurtful relationship might be better. Remember, “it takes two to tango”, so if your partner wants out and you don’t, chances are, it’s really over. Putting in all your effort is pointless when you know that it won’t matter anymore.

On the contrary, when you know in your heart that your relationship is worth saving, don’t give up just yet. Give yourselves as many chances as possible. As long as you and your partner are both willing to rebuild your relationship, there’s no reason not to try and mend what’s not completely broken.

The post How to Fix a Broken Relationship and Make It Last appeared first on Love Meditating.

The concept of meditating while lying in bed may sound a bit strange for you right now, but deep breathing and visualizing a peaceful place will actually help you relax and have a restful night. There are also claims that if you keep your stress levels low during the day, then meditation will come easily.

It has long been known that meditation helps improve the quality of your sleep. Even more so, it actually helps you to fall into deep sleep as well. However, its main purpose is actually to increase your awareness and help you understand how your mind works at night.

These meditation techniques that we are talking about should be done right before going to sleep. Additionally, in order to do it successfully, you also need to have a controlled environment. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to practice meditation in bed.

How to Meditate in Bed

As promised, this section will provide you with a step-by-step guide to meditating in bed. The aim is to help you fall asleep quickly as well as achieve a restful and good quality sleep.

Step 1: Set the Right Mood

The first thing that you have to do is to turn off the lights. If you are comfortable with soft music in the background, then you should play some. Ideally, your bed should also be neat so you can find a comfortable position easily.

Step 2: Lie on Your Back

It is believed that the most comfortable position to sleep at is lying on your back. Afterward, try to relax and lie still.

Step 3: Focus

Once you have found a comfortable position, try to clear your mind of all thoughts and focus on nothing. If you are able to focus on nothingness, then you are ready to meditate.

Step 4: Breathe

Take several deep breaths, breathing in through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Your thoughts and feelings should disappear, and your body’s tension should melt away. Deep breathing helps relax not only your body but also your mind.

Take your time focusing on your breathing, as it may take longer for some persons to relax than others. If you need to center your focus, you can place your hands on your abdomen as you breathe and focus on the flow of air in and out of your body.

Once you feel the relaxation sets in, you can think about how your body and mind are feeling. You may or may not have several thoughts on this.

Step 5: Relax

It is a good idea to think about your body physically as well, such as what sensations you experience while lying on the bed, the weight of it, and where you feel the most sensation. Ask yourself this questions:

• Does your body feel light or heavy?
• Do you have any tension areas?

Perform a mental body scant and attempt to relax the areas of discomfort, all the while mindful of your breathing. Do not attempt to change the rhythm of your breathing; allow your body to take control.

If you become distracted, focus on your breath and replay the events of your day. In that way, you can bring your focus back to your body.

Step 6: Shut Down

You can do this by imagining that you are switching off every part of your body. Start on your toes. Focus on it and give it permission to switch off. If you need an affirmation, you can actually use the words “rest” or “of.”

Repeat this process for all body parts and appendages, but always take time to notice how your switched-off parts feel in relation to those that are still switched on. Eventually, once the exercise is complete, you may or may fall asleep. However, most people do after this exercise.

If you have shut down every part of your body, but you are still up, it does not mean that you did the exercise incorrectly. The goal is to help you improve your awareness and promote relaxation.

Alternatively, there are also other methods that you can try such as counting down. It may seem silly at first, but it actually works. As you gaze upwards in the dark, imagine yourself counting down while walking down the hill. If you lose track, start over.

In addition, you can also visualize and focus on a place or a thing. The idea is to increase your focus and free your mind from any stressful thoughts.

The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is the best way to find your center. Once you have centered yourself, then you will be able to bring yourself to the present moment and be mindful of the “now.” Some of the advantages that you will enjoy if you practice meditation are:

• Lowered heart rate

Meditation serves to lower the rate of your heart in that it reduces—eliminates, even—your anxieties. As such, this practice is proven to lower stress levels.

• Improved focus

Practicing meditation is also believed to improve one’s focus. While it is easy for the mind to get distracted, regular meditation will actually train the mind to be more focused.

• Calmness

Regular meditation also benefits its practitioners in a way that it helps them remain calm during stressful situations. As a result, they are prevented from making rash decisions based on temporary emotions.

Final Words

Meditation is not an easy practice to master. It would take a lot of practice to get it right, especially when you are in bed and there are several things that may distract you. There is no meditation method that will guarantee you a good night’s rest. You can only do it right with practice.

Now that you know how to meditate in bed, do you think you would try it?

If you want to try something different than what we have discussed above, then you can consider developing something mantras. Once you focus on your chosen phrase, it will help you clear your mind.

Alternatively, if you practice correct breathing, such as Pranayama and Square breathing, you will also realize the power that it can do to calm you and help you find your center.

All in all, you should remember that you don’t have to suffer from restless nights. There are many tips and tricks that you can practice to help you fall asleep easily. After all, we all need good quality sleep in order to be at our best, right?

The post How To Meditate in Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Love Meditating.

Both meditation and mindfulness find their roots in ancient Buddhism, though other religions also practice meditation in their own ways. Then again, these terms are commonly used interchangeably to describe the state and practice of calming your mind to help you be closer to your spiritual self.

Generally speaking, meditation and mindfulness are two sides of a similar coin. Neither one is better than the other because they offer different sets of benefits. Still quite confused?

If you want to learn more about how meditation and mindfulness differ from one another, then this article has got you covered. You will know how practicing any which one of these two will benefit you. In addition, we will also share with you how their meanings and interpretations have changed over time. First, let’s talk about meditation.

What is Meditation?

Meditation practices have long predated Buddhism, and its roots can be traced back to several ancient religions. The simplest way to explain meditation is to describe it as a practice where you intentionally try to transform your life and become in-tune with all aspects of who you are.

Meditation is not just one thing or a single technique; it involves several practices that should be done over the course of time. It can be in the form of exercise (yoga), prayer rituals, and even music, all attempting to help you self-regulate. Generally, practitioners will attempt to focus their minds to their breathing, clearing all outside distractions in the process.

In ancient times, meditation focused on spiritual growth and the transcending of emotions. It is expected to leave its practitioner in a calm and present state. However, when the practice was adopted in the West, it took many forms.

Its paramount goals were realigned to suit those of secular yet modern society. Today, it is used as a method for stress relief and health improvement. Meditation is still used in Hinduism, and some Christians claim that they “meditate upon the Word of God.” This type of meditation is, obviously, used for the purpose of spiritual growth.

What is Mindfulness?

One way to understand mindfulness is to think of it as being in the present or as “newness.” Mindfulness can be described as the essence of bringing the mind to the present moment. It is about removing overpowering emotions from the mind.

In that sense, you can say that mindfulness is a form of meditation. In mindfulness, you focus your full attention on an object, person, or task. During meditation, taking account of your breathing, in a way, also means practicing mindfulness as it helps keep you aware of your present.

Buddhists call this mindfulness meditation as Samatha. When practiced informally, being mindful simply means that you are attempting to be more aware of what you do, as well as of the things around you.

The program Five Mindfulness Training was introduced by a modern Buddhist monk. However, his student popularized and promoted mindfulness as a stress-reliever with a health-based approach. As a result, mindfulness is now being used in the treatment of patients who are chronically ill.

As we have mentioned earlier, mindfulness and meditation differ from one another. However, there are instances that they overlap. To understand this further, let’s us compare them side-by-side.

Meditation vs Mindfulness

Meditation is a broad term, and it encompasses mindfulness and several other techniques. It involves reaching one’s ultimate level of consciousness and concentration so that the mind can be self-regulated.

Additionally, it also involves following and practicing the virtues of love, patience, compassion, and, well, mindfulness. They may have their similarities, but there are some aspects of being mindful that is not necessarily considered as meditation.

For instance, you can bring your mind to focus fully on one thing such as eating, but it is not meditation as it is not formal. Applying mindfulness to your formal meditation practices, however, is meditation.

One of the many things that Buddhism teaches is that if you focus entirely on your breathing, or you are mindful of it, then it would help you to meditate more quickly.

That being said, there are benefits in combining these two ancient practices. So, ideally, there should really be no competition between meditation vs mindfulness.

Meditation and Mindfulness Combined

If you are keen on doing something, then you might as well try your best to get the most out of it, right? In that light, you can actually combine the practice of meditation and mindfulness in order to reap all of its many benefits.

You can learn to be more mindful in your daily life for the purpose of stress-reduction and to improve your mental, spiritual, and physical health. In fact, it is believed that practitioners of mindfulness are better able to fight obesity and combat unhealthy eating habits.

Additionally, mindfulness practitioners also experience an improvement in the quality of their sleep and focus. They are also less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Now, those are just some of the benefits of practicing mindfulness. We all know that meditation helps a person relax as well as develop self-awareness and self-love. So, imagine combining the two?

Conclusion

Meditation is seen as a way of transforming the mind and clearing it of external distractions. On the other hand, mindfulness is when you are aware of your present state. Therefore, they are two different things. However, there are times that they overlap.

The truth is that people can actually practice mindfulness without consciously practicing meditation. Mindfulness meditation is probably one of the most popular types of meditation where you fully focus on a single object.

While both meditation and mindfulness may seem like practices that you want to embody in your daily life, to derive true health and spiritual benefits, you may need to attend in-person, instructor-led class. In that way, you will be able to learn valuable techniques from certified teachers.

The journey to learning both meditation and mindfulness can be a bit challenging. However, as the experts advised, you have to focus on being mindful in order to have a stable stepping stone in improving your meditation experience.

The post Meditation vs Mindfulness: How Does One Differ from the Other? appeared first on Love Meditating.