I grew up hearing statements from my parents such as:
“Never go to bed with your spouse mad at one another. Never go to bed mad with each other without at least giving a hug.”
I've practiced that idea for most of my life. Despite being angry when one actually intends a loving hug the Heart center will flow love energy between the huggers.....IF....one intends to allow the energy to be received....and vice versa. It's a challenging conscious action to take when one is angry and frustrated. Yet I taught this to my partner 30+ years ago and he is more intent on doing it now with me than ever. We seem to be acutely aware of our imminent departure from this earthly plane and so the hugs linger a little longer with our energy fields unfurling around us.
In the last several months I began doing a ritual between us right before we go to bed. In addition to the normal hugging smooching routine I ask my partner if he's going to show up in the morning. When he says Yes....then I offer to shake his hand while declaring I'll show up too if you do....like it's a date. It has turned in to this moment where we look each other in the eyes and actually decide right then and there....to show up for one another in the morning.
[I'm grinning and sparkling right now]
At first he was uncomfortable with this. I realize it's a struggle for us to untether our cultural conditioning from the view of a partnership/marriage as a “done deal” ….never to change....etc. to something flexible and free flowing that nurtures the growth potential for each.
For me I have accepted that a relationship should be held as a gift....to be treasured each moment one shows up for the relationship. Not taken for granted just because some dude in a church told you god blessed it forever. Nope... even though I was taught that....and tried to live up to it....now I know it's not true.
Making the conscious decision to "show up" is powerful....for the individuals...and the relationship.
Over the last couple of months my partner has embraced our ritual in the evenings. He grabs my hand for a strong handshake and grins like a madman when we make the promise. Hahahahahah
He absolutely looks forward to showing up in the mornings with me.
There is a lot more sparkle in his eyes when he grins too.
I give two thumbs up for this ritual.
May your day sparkle and shine for you.
<3