Self Help

To get closer to your loved one during those times when life gets busy takes initiative. One way is to develop a yearning habit for inviting each other to take “one minute” holidays. You should initiate it in the moment of stress and disconnection. Look into each other’s eyes and repeat together, “I am at the center of myself” or “Everything will be all right.” Rub each other’s necks for thirty seconds apiece. Give each other a full body hug. Close your eyes and remember a happy, peaceful moment you shared in the past. Put on a piece of music, hold hands, and do nothing for at least one song.

Touching nature is the best “one minute vacation” of all because it gives you perspective and grounding. When life is disintegrating around you and the last thing you want to do is be nice to each other, take a moment and step outside. Look at the sky. Look at a tree. Look at a bush, a rock, a flower. Just look. Maybe hold hands. You do not have to live in the Rockies to do this; your backyard or terrace will do nicely.