We may think of meditation as a way to grow inner peace. But have you considered how a meditation practice can create a climate that deepens intimacy and improves communication in your relationships?
John Gottman’s research into what makes marriages succeed reveals that when partnerships are tarnished with a high degree of criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and defensiveness, they often end up in divorce. How can we reduce these intimacy-busting behaviors and create a climate that supports love and connection?
Uncovering Deeper Feelings
Our tendency to criticize, attack, or diagnose others (“you’re self-centered, arrogant, and only think about yourself”) can be ways to vent anger and signal our discontent. In Attachment Theory language, this may be an attachment protest – a way to act out the pain of not feeling connected.