Mindful relationships

Abstract

Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful practice. It has the possibility of transforming relationships. It cultivates some foundational attitudes towards one's self and others. It gives rise to non-judgmental awareness of arising experience, acceptance, presence, openness, spaciousness, letting go, empathy, calmness. It is also a practice of awakening the heart to loving-kindness and compassion for self and others. In this paper, I explore the possibility of offering mindfulness practices not only for individual therapy, but also for a couple within a therapeutic setting through a case illustration. Mindfulness is offered through the lens of an existential therapeutic perspective which values the uniqueness of every client and every couple relationship. It acknowledges choice and responsibility and the possibilities of relational transformation within the givens of each unique context.

Keywords:

• mindfulness
• mindful dialogue
• transformation
• uniqueness
• co-creation
• existential therapy
• openness
• intention
• choice
• responsibility

Notes

1. To ensure anonymity, all identifying details have been changed.