Happiness – paying attention to your relationships

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (Sanskrit Mantra)

May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

Humans are naturally social beings.  Our relationships and connectedness to others (be it family, friends, colleagues or communities) are at the heart of our happiness, well being , resilience and physical health.

It is important to have quality relationships where we feel loved, cared for and valued. These type of relationships allow us to trust others and mean that we can truly be ourselves.

The starting point for understanding and improving our relationships with others is to understand and improve the relationship that we have with ourselves.  Showing ourselves kindness and compassion will probably show up as kindness and compassion to others. 

Research has indeed shown that if we have the qualities of compassion, kindness, generosity, gratitude, acceptance and laughter, then this makes us happy and can improve the quality of our relationships with others.  Doing things for other people, such as volunteering,  befriending or helping out in any way we can,  has also been shown to make us happy, as well as making the person that you are helping happier.

Happiness is contagious!

Being able to maintain relationships or, create new relationships, at the moment during this pandemic is challenging.  And this is particularly hard for anyone who lives alone is shielding and who might also be working from home as well. 

We are not able at the moment to have the social connections that we all crave.  It is not ideal, but joining an online Zoom course or class can be helpful. There are many Zoom Yoga classes online that are available and online courses and classes related to a whole range of different topics that are available.

Volunteering can also be helpful – contact your local voluntary services or hospital to see where you can help. Volunteering can not only help others but can also help ourselves to feel better and happier.

So before you leave this blog, ask yourself this question:

“As well as being kind to myself, how can I,  through my thoughts, words and actions, spread kindness and happiness to others?”

Here is a yoga class to help you put into practice these idea,