Contemplative blogger Mark L. Lockwood discusses bringing contemplative practice into our relationships: Typically, we associate being contemplative as part of a spiritual practice one does on their own, but in order to relate to others we need to go inside ourselves. We need to become vulnerable and open up into connection if we want deep meaningful relationships to last. Relationships all need sacred space to flourish. In Imago Relationship Therapy, they teach couples a dialogue process which embodies the notion of contemplative communication.
The process creates a safe space for couples to go deeper and experience stronger connection. Asking What do I bring into that space in my relationships? Is it stress, anxiety or perhaps shame, blame and criticism? Some of us are defensive and closed and quiet by nature while others scream, shout and force themselves to be heard and understood.
Learning contemplative communication starts with enough trust to know that you’re able to regulate [welcome and also detach from] your emotions long enough to allow reality of the situations at hand to remain out there. Love is a verb. There is little more loving than allowing others space and time to feel, think, connect and contemplate.