How to Improve Relationships

Improving relationships, like creating art, is a process. It is on-going. It requires a cultivation and there is always room to improve relationships. We all want deeper connection and to know how to improve our relationships. Now more than ever we have a chance to connect with others through technology, increasing our chances and potential for lots of relationships, so we are very concerned with how to improve our relationships.

Knowing how to improve relationships is a part of life. Knowingly or unknowingly, as we move about our day, we are creating relationships with those we encounter. The degree to which we will lead happy and healthy lives depends on the quality of the relationships we hold in our life. Often times, we connect best with those with whom we share similar values and goals. Perhaps we like the same music, are similar in age or have gone through certain life experiences. There is an endless list of possibility. Sometimes we connect with those that are very different from us and value the diversity or perspective they bring. We may enjoy opposing viewpoints and see the relationship as an opportunity to learn something new. Other times, we clash with those around us. It just seems like no matter how hard we try, we cannot get along with certain personality types. However, we may be in a work or family situation where we have to relate to each other. So, if there isn’t that chemistry or joy of connection, how can we improve our relationships?

If this is the case, Sadhguru gives an important consideration if we want improve a relationship:

If relationships have to be really beautiful, it is very important that a human being turns inward and looks at himself in a very deep way before he looks at somebody else. If you become a source of joy by yourself and your relationships are about sharing your joy, not squeezing joy out of somebody, then you would have wonderful relationships with anybody. Is there anybody in the world who would have any problem with you if you are going there to share your joy with them? No. You are trying to extract joy from them, that is where the problem is. Relationships have become a problem because we are not using it to enhance our lives. We are trying to fill the gaps in our lives with relationships. If your relationship is about extracting something out of somebody, it does not matter how much you manage, there will be constant trouble. If your relationship was an offering to the person who is next to you right now, then everything would be fantastic.

So, let us suppose the next time you are face-to-face with someone whom you perceive as difficult and don’t value the differences between you. Instead of getting frustrated, you can see this as an opportunity to improve the relationship by sharing your joy as Sadhguru suggests. You are not expecting joy or anything from them, but you are willing to do something about improving the relationship. Therefore, that creates a shift and helps you with improving the experience of your relationships. We all want successful relationships; in this video, Sadhguru looks at why we seek success in relationships, which forms the basis of wanting to know how to improve relationships:

Have you tried to improve your relationship with others and been successful? Can you share below what has worked? If you have not been successful, can you share your obstacles? All of us wish to improve relationships whether offline at home or online at work or within a social media context; how about trying what Sadhguru suggests today and sharing your experience?