Having strong relationships is one of the predicators of wellness, happiness, and longevity. And our connections flourish when we take time to get to know ourselves, and others, better. Here are three ways to strengthen the relationships you have, and nourish the ones that might need some work: 1) Be kind Kindness is like a magnet. People like to be around others who are kind because they feel cared about and safe with them. The age-old Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would want them to do to you” still rings true today. It’s also reciprocal. When we practice being kind not only do we feel better, but we help others feel good, too. And this just increases opportunities for positive connections throughout our day, which, in turn, contributes to our own health and well-being. 2) Identify Nourishing (and Depleting) Relationships Take an inventory of your relationships to a get a sense for who’s nourishing you and who’s depleting you. See if you can spend more time with the nourishing people make stronger connections there. Try to spend a little less time with those who deplete you. This isn’t always possible, of course (ie: family members, coworkers, etc.), so in those cases, see if you can change your relationship a little bit by recognizing that those people may be dealing with some instability in their lives. Practice sending them some kind intentions reference Love + Kindness Meditation and see what comes up: “May they be happy, may they be healthy, may they feel safe, may they be balanced.” 3) Practice “Just like me” DNA research has revealed that regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race, humans are 99.9% the same. As you go through your day and encounter someone who you think is different from you, silently say, “Just like me,” and see what you notice. You may just experience the awareness that each of us wants the same things: to feel cared for and understood, and to experience a sense of belonging.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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