Three Daily Practices to Develop a Relationship With Yourself
One of the most important skills you can develop is self-awareness. You need to know what your strengths are, what your limits are, and where you want to go in life. So many people shut themselves off from their own feelings and personal needs because they feel like it’s “selfish.” That’s not entirely accurate. In reality, giving yourself the attention that you need on a daily basis is necessary for building a relationship with yourself and maximizing your potential.
Why Relationships with Ourselves are Important
When we think about developing relationships, we often focus on our interactions with others. However, one of the most important relationships we have is the one we have with ourselves. Why are relationships with ourselves so important?
For starters, our relationship with ourselves sets the tone for all of our other relationships. If we’re not at peace with ourselves, it will be difficult to find peace in our interactions with others. When we’re constantly criticizing ourselves, it’s hard to see the good in others. But seeing the best in those around us becomes easier when we learn to love and accept ourselves.
Additionally, our relationship with ourselves is a reflection of how we feel about life in general. If we’re unhappy with ourselves, it’s likely that we’re not feeling very positive about life in general. Conversely, when we have a good relationship with ourselves, we tend to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. We approach life with a sense of optimism and hope instead of cynicism and despair.
Finally, taking care of our relationship with ourselves is simply good self-care. When we make an effort to nurture our own well-being, it shows that we value ourselves and our own happiness.
How to Build a Relationship With Yourself
When it comes to developing a relationship with yourself, it’s important to nurture that relationship just like any other. Here are three things you can practice every day to build a strong relationship with yourself:
1) Go on a Self Discovery Journey
The first step to developing a relationship with yourself is to go on a self-discovery journey. This means taking the time to get to know yourself – your likes, dislikes, values, and aspirations. It can be helpful to write these things down so you can refer back to them later.
One way to get started is by setting aside some time each day for reflection. During this time, you can ask yourself questions like “What did I do today that made me happy?” or “What did I learn about myself today?” You can also use this time to journal about your thoughts and feelings.
Another important part of getting to know yourself is being honest with yourself. This means being honest about your mistakes, shortcomings, and fears. It can be difficult to face these things head-on, but it’s important to do so if you want to develop a healthy relationship with yourself.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. This is part of the fun of self-discovery! By trying new things, you’ll learn more about what you like and don’t like, which will help you better understand who you are.
2) Meditate Daily
Meditating each day is one of the best ways to develop a stronger relationship with yourself. By taking even just 10 minutes out of your day to sit in silence and focus on your breath, you can learn to better manage your thoughts and emotions. In turn, this can lead to improved self-awareness and a greater understanding of who you are as a person.
Not sure how to get started with meditation? There are free resources available in the Humessence Guided Meditation Library and plenty of resources available online or in app stores to help guide you through the process. Once you find a method that works for you, stick with it and make it a part of your daily routine. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and more centered you feel after just a few weeks of consistent practice.
3) Journal Your Feelings
It can be difficult to know how we’re feeling sometimes, let alone why we’re feeling that way. That’s why journaling can be such a helpful tool for developing a relationship with ourselves – it allows us to process our thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space.
When we journal, we can explore our emotions without fear of being judged or misunderstood. We can allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest, without worrying about what other people might think. This vulnerability is key to developing a strong relationship with ourselves – it allows us to get to know ourselves on a deeper level, and learn to trust and accept ourselves unconditionally.
There are no rules when it comes to journaling – you can write as little or as much as you like, and there is no “right” way to do it. Just let the words flow out of you, and see where they take you. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself!
Final Thoughts
As you embark on the journey of developing a relationship with yourself, be sure to check in with yourself frequently, be honest with yourself, and treat yourself with kindness and respect. This is a lifetime journey, so enjoy the process and be patient with yourself. At times, you’ll be surprised by what you find. Take time to notice the subtle shifts and acknowledge how far you’ve come.