What Kind of Aura Surrounds Your Closest Relationships?

The dictionary defines aura as "a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source."  When we describe the aura surrounding someone, we are typically referring to the atmosphere surrounding the person and the energy he or she gives off. 

For example, we may describe someone as having a peaceful aura, to convey that we perceive an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness around the person.  And just as every person possesses a unique aura, we can think of every relationship as having its own unique aura as well. 

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Every Relationship Has It's Own Unique Aura

Consider your closest relationships:  what kind of atmosphere are they surrounded by?  What kind of energy does the relationship generate and give off?  Is it an aura of peace and tranquility?  Of joy and happiness?  Of fun and laughter?

The following acronym can help as you reflect on the aura surrounding your closest relationships:

A - Acceptance
U - Understanding
R - Respect
A - Appreciation
 

1. Acceptance

Do you feel accepted for who you are, and free to be yourself?  When people feel accepted in a relationship, they feel safe to express themselves openly.  This sense of ease and freedom serves to brighten and energize the aura surrounding the relationship. 

It's natural to reveal different aspects of yourself with different people.  For instance, you might choose to rein in your irreverent sense of humour with people who are more reserved, while letting loose with your free-spirited best friend. But even as you make those adjustments, you should still feel free to be your true self.  You should never feel the need to suppress your true identity, nor should you ever feel the need to apologize for who you are. 
 
 
2. Understanding

How understood do you feel in your closest relationships?  It's possible to find yourself interacting with someone for years, only to feel that the person doesn't really know you or understand you.  Not only is this frustrating, it can leave you feeling lonely while in the company of another person, which can feel worse than actually being alone.
 
On the other hand, when you feel like the other person "gets" you, this nourishes the dynamic within the relationship.  When another person truly sees you, knows you, and understands you, this has the power to strengthen and encourage you during your lowest moments. 
 
 
3. Respect

Without a healthy level of respect, a relationship will not be as strong and as secure as it could be.  A lack of respect makes it more likely that issues will arise, more likely that those issues will escalate, and it becomes more difficult to resolve them.
 
Respect between individuals contributes to a healthy aura around a relationship.  It has a strengthening effect, and this serves as an asset when the relationship faces challenges.
 

4. Appreciation

When appreciation is present, it imbues a relationship with magic!  The one who is appreciative feels grateful and blessed to be on the receiving end; while the one who is appreciated feels equally grateful and blessed for their ability to offer something of value.  This mutual benefit envelopes the relationship in a beautiful and powerful aura!
 
What kind of an aura surrounds your closest relationships?


Image Credit:  Urosburos from Pixabay