Creating Sparks That Last & All Things Relationships

  Reviving a Lost Art Image credit Jill Wellington courtesy of Pexels  [I invite you to read this thought-provoking article on self-reflection by guest blogger Janice Melmed] I’ve been feeling quite overwhelmed lately. There has been so much going on in my life and I have felt pulled in so many directions at once. Distracted and not fully present, I reversed my car into a lamp post and jarred to a stop. I drove carefully home and I finally pressed pause on the chaos. I sat down and for a few moments I tuned into my body and I asked myself what I needed. Never mind what everyone else who I was giving my energy to needed, what did I need? I was surprised when the answer came back as gentle loving kindness. I decided to explore that a little deeper and to really understand what it was I was craving. Closing my eyes, I focused on my breathing, and once I was still, I allowed my senses to explore the words.   Gentleness brought images to mind of soft pastel colours, the sounds of tink

Connect Through Kindliness [kindly concern, interest, or support] @johnschnobrich Unsplash Intimacy is not only physical connection, it is also mindful connection. People start to heal when they feel heard. Mindful Listening: "Focus on your partner and really listen in to what they're telling you."  Making Couples Happy - John Aiken ❤ Listen, but don't fix                 - just empathise. ❤ Listen, but don't interrupt      - just connect. ❤ Listen, but don't judge             - just understand. This kind of listening helps people connect through empathy, or as I prefer to call it, kindliness . To me kindliness is more tangible. Empathy can seem a bit vague to those who don't have it, whereas kindliness gives a better indication of what is expected; concern, interest, support. When you listen without interrupting, you become present. Using facial expressions and gentle gestures strengthens your presence. When you listen without jumping to conclusions or t