How to Build Deeper Connections in this Increasingly Fast-paced and Busy World

What makes life meaningful? A study by the Pew Research Center revealed that the top three contributors are family, friends, and occupation. Globally, numerous studies have highlighted close relationships as a catalyst for a fulfilling and well-balanced life. 

Having deeper connections has immense benefits. It improves your immune system, is directly linked to your longevity, and promotes mental health and emotional wellness. Strong, healthy relationships help with your growth and personal development goals as well. 

Lucky are those who have friends and family where merely spending time with them feels like therapy—or like attending some emotional healing retreats in India. Well, that’s why we’re here—to help you build deep and heartfelt connections with people. Just practice these things mentioned below and you’ll find people who feel like a warm hug. 

Show up with the right intent

Let’s be honest—we all judge. We are hard-wired to this natural human tendency. But, do you remember the phrase, ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover”? Well, it’s about time we put it into practice. We are better off not judging people based on their outer appearance. Because when you do that, you limit yourself from knowing what’s underneath - their true selves. Replace the judgment with curiosity to know them. So the next time you see someone, approach them with a strong and clear intention - to understand them for who they are as a human. Going in with the right intention will help you truly know them and lay a foundation for a great relationship. 

Offer a safe space 

This is something we strongly believe in and practice across all our mental health retreats in India. The question is, how to build this safe space for others? Here’s how—when you’re having a conversation with someone—hold a psychological safe space for them; you do that by listening to the next person with a positive regard and a lot of empathy. In other words, do not judge them or jump to conclusions in your mind, rather, allow them to speak their heart out as you listen to them patiently. When you create a safe space for someone, it allows them to shed their inhibitions and be their absolute, unhinged self. And this will definitely nurture deeper, mindful relationships with people.

Ask deeper and more meaningful questions 

We’re all so used to the small talk—hey, how’s it going? How are you? What’s up? And so on. These can be your go-to conversation starters but when it comes to building lasting relationships you need to ask more profound questions, such as:

• What are those things you’re currently working on within yourself?

• What brings you peace? 

• What’s a lesson you've learned recently that you wish you had known earlier? 

• What makes you feel alive and in alignment with yourself? 
  

Asking such a question will bring vulnerability in the conversation, it will enable reflecting and meaningful sharing—further leading to a trustworthy and strong connection. 

The more you listen, the more you know 

Don’t listen only to wait for your turn to speak and tell your story. When the other person is talking, listen with total mindfulness and awareness, listen patiently, and offer them a safe space like we’ve mentioned above. Give them your undivided attention and that will give you such insights, perspectives, and emotions from that conversation, which otherwise would have gone unnoticed. So, when you want to build genuine connections, listen more and speak less. 

Keep in touch 

Consistent effort is a key to developing strong ties with people. Soulful connections are built over time, with efforts from both sides. When you wish to deeply connect with someone, find ways to interact with them more often. Plan activities together, virtual or physical; schedule calls weekly or every fortnight; keep in touch with them through texts—there are so many ways. Find a few that suit you the best and stick to them. Also, remember to give it time—bonds that last a lifetime take some time to flourish. 

Follow your gut feelings 

Last but not least, know your vibe. Every nice person you come across is not meant to be yours forever. It’s not possible to have deep connections with all the people you meet. That’s why, always trust your intuition. When to proceed and put effort; when to go the extra mile; when to step back - you will know all of this instinctively. Just listen to your gut feelings. It’s okay if someone’s not interested in building heartfelt bonds with you. There’s someone out there who would totally resonate with you, you just haven’t met yet. 

Putting it all together, if you were to offer a safe space, have the right intention, and ask deeper questions you are already on your way to building beautiful, unshakable bonds with people. If you’re still facing challenges in the process, seek help and see what’s stopping you. If you’re doing inner work and interested in holistic healing, and mindfulness programs then we warmly welcome you to our retreats in India. Team LBD wishes you happy, healthy, meaningful, and deep relationships with your favourite people.