Whether it’s macrobiotics, Ayurvedic practices, raw food or food combining—I love finding ways to reduce stress and increase energy. I’ll take my research and obsession with freshness and nutrient density, and turn them into approachable tips to help you prosper. Regardless if you are plant-based or not, I hope to help you reach optimal wellness with the most up-to-date information on healthy living.
When you think about the best version of your life you might see success, strong friendships, family and love. All of which require strong connection with the people in our lives.
Sometimes connections can be lost through technology, distance, daily routines or just not knowing how to make it happen. Here are a few unconventional ways to strengthen your relationship and get it to the loving, connected place you want to be:
1. It’s the little things
Not every great moment is constructed from a planned flash mob proposal or a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse of the sun. You can find connection in the day to day which can bring enrichment to your relationship as a part of your routine. When we take the opportunity regularly to remind our partners and loved ones of all that we appreciate about them, we are less likely to get caught in a place of disconnect. Small gestures like bringing home a favorite treat, taking over a household chore or even just telling your special someone how much you appreciate them can help maintain the bond in your relationships.
I encourage you to evaluate your current routine and find the moments that you really appreciate. Maybe it is your morning coffee (or smoothie) that you share together; sipping in the new day chatting about your intentions and schedule. Tomorrow during that time, whatever time it may be for you, let your person know verbally how valued that time really is and why.
2. Get active (and not just in a traditional way)
Ok, so I’m sure you’ve heard the benefits of getting active together before, but I want to offer a slightly different perspective. Sure hitting the gym or taking a run is a great way to spend time with your favorite person. But to truly connect how can you expand your boundaries? I reached out to a few of my friends who live passionate active lives on this topic and they delivered. You may want to try partner yoga or even acro-yoga. One of my best friends took up this hobby with her man and added that they make a point to hold hands during savasana. Consider taking some deep coordinated breathes throughout a yoga practice or sharing a mantra!
Another good friend of mine is an actor, as is his lady. One of their favorite ways to share their passion is acting out scenes from their favorite movies, play and TV shows. This is just the cutest idea ever! If you have the same talent for acting that I do (none at all), you can apply this to a different activity you both enjoy. Cook a really complicated dish together, paint or sculpt the same piece together, sew a quilt or any kind of artistic craft you can think of. Heck, even if you aren’t good at these things, it might be worth a try to learn and get messy together. I’m sure you’ll get a few laughs and incredible memories out of it.
3. Ask for what you want
Being specific about what you want is one of the most powerful tools in relationship communication. I’ve been trapped before in the mindset that my partner should “just know” what I want or how I feel. The reality is all relationships, old and new, sometimes need a little suggestion to bring needs and desires to reality. Don’t be afraid to suggest a wine tasting weekend or couples dancing lesson if that is something you want to share –and no, just dropping hints doesn’t count! Boldly announce your ideas; it’s pretty amazing what will happen when you put your intentions out in the world.
One definition for connection I found was, “Join together so as to provide access and communication.” The way I see it, if you open up the communication, you should achieve that connection.
Years ago I saw a billboard that said “What did you do for your marriage today?” I always thought it was just a brilliant concept; putting that effort into your relationship consciously, outside of anniversaries and Valentine’s Day, doing it just because. In our modern world not all great relationships stem from marriage but this concept can still apply. What if connection was just as much a part of your day as brushing your teeth?
Be proactive in attaining the fulfillment you crave.
