4 Simple Mantras for Happy Relationships Now

Finding something to read or watch while doing cardio at the gym is always an interesting challenge. You need something engrossing enough that 30 minutes on an elliptical will fly by yet doesn't require so much concentration that you lose your focus, lose speed or worse, fly off the machine. (I'm not saying it happened to me, I'm just saying it's easier to fall off a treadmill than one would think!)

I recently took a hoop dance workshop where my teacher kept referring to Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. I finally looked up this video because I felt embarrassingly ignorant of this man who was nominated by Martin Luther King, Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize.

One of the most touching parts of the interview are when Thich Nhat Hanh gives four simple mantras to practice for happy relationships. Scroll down to see the video.

 I've listed the mantras here so you can paste them somewhere and practice them.

Mantra #1: Darling, I am here.

Thicht Nhat Hanh says simply, "How can you love when you are not there?"

With this mantra you offer your beloved your presence - your true presence delivered with authentic connection. You are not distracted with work or projects or the outside world but are just there to listen or be with the beloved with focused attention. 

Mantra #2: Darling, you are there (and I am so happy that you are truly there).

With this mantra you recognize the presence of your beloved as something very precious. Thicht Nhat Hanh suggests "embrace your loved one with mindfulness and she will bloom like a flower." Watching Thicht Nhat Hanh describe this mantra set me to tears. How many of us are there waiting to be seen by those who love us, to be recognized for the ordinary noble deeds we conduct every day out of love? How many of us are so consumed with building our careers that we overlook the people we aim to support? It is deeply painful not to be seen. As Thicht Nhat Hanh says "to be loved is to be recognized as existing."

Mantra #3: Darling, I know you suffer (am I am here for you).

This mantra you practice when your beloved is hurting. Before you offer aid, first offer your presence and you may bring relief just by being present.

Mantra #4: Darling, I suffer. (I am trying my best to practice. Please help me.) 

This fourth mantra can be a toughie. 

Thich Nhat Hanh suggests this mantra to overcome hurt when the hurt has been caused by your beloved.  He says to practice this mantra when you would rather be alone or rather retaliate and hurt your loved one.