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're typically referring to the atmosphere surrounding the person and the energy the person gives off. 

For instance, we describe someone as having a peaceful aura when we perceive an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness around them. 

Just as every person possesses a unique aura that radiates from them, we can think of every relationship as having its own unique aura as well. 

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Every Relationship Has its Own Unique Aura

What kind of atmosphere are your closest relationships surrounded by?  What kind of energy does the relationship generate and give off?  Is it an aura of fun and laughter?   Comfort and ease?  Tension and hostility? 

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 around different people.  You might choose to rein in your irreverent sense of humour when spending time 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 shouldn't feel the need to suppress your true identity, and you should never feel the need to apologize for who you are. 
 
 
2. Understanding

How understood do you feel in your closest relationships?  It's possible to interact with someone for years, only to come to the shocking realization that the person doesn't really know you or understand you.  Not only is this disappointing, 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, escalate, and be difficult to resolve.
 
Respect between individuals contributes to a healthy aura around a relationship.  It has a strengthening effect throughout, 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 have received some sort of benefit.  The one who is appreciated feels equally grateful and blessed for their ability to share something of value.  This sense of mutual benefit envelopes the relationship in a strong, healthy, nourishing aura.
 
What kind of an aura surrounds your closest relationships?


Image Credit:  Urosburos from Pixabay