Buddhist Wisdom For Nurturing Healthy Relationships

I'd like to share a few thoughts on nurturing healthy relationships from a Buddhist perspective. Relationships are everything, and we are always in relationship to something - whether it be our internal experiences of thoughts and emotions, our bodies, or those around us. In this post, I will share a few key ideas on nurturing healthy relationships that have been transformational for me.

One of the most important aspects of nurturing healthy relationships is the concept of harmony. When there is harmony in our relationships, we feel at ease and at peace. On the other hand, when there is disharmony, we feel tension, anxiety, and stress. This is particularly true in our intimate relationships with our romantic partners, families, and close friends.

However, it's important to note that there is no such thing as an absolute "healthy" relationship. Nurturing healthy relationships is more of an ebb and flow, and I believe that even if an absolute healthy relationship was achievable, it may not be good for us in the long run, as growth often happens through challenge. Instead, what is achievable and possible is putting energy into harmony in our life, and putting energy into curiosity, openness, patience, and understanding with what helps ourselves and others to thrive.

Two key Buddhist philosophies that have helped me in my reflection and work on this are impermanence and interdependence. Impermanence means that everything is constantly changing - ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. When we reflect on this in a positive way, we can recognize that a moment that may have been unharmonious can shift into one that is harmonious. The reverse is also possible, as if we are not giving our relationships the attention they need, they can become unharmonious. Additionally, interdependence refers to the idea that everything is interconnected and dependent on each other. By understanding this, we can approach our relationships with more curiosity and openness, rather than a fixed idea of what they should look like.

In conclusion, nurturing healthy relationships is a practice, not a goal. By understanding and incorporating the Buddhist philosophies of impermanence and interdependence, we can approach our relationships with more curiosity and openness, and ultimately create more harmony in our lives. I would love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic in the comments.