Appreciation: The missing fuel to Mindful Relationships

Oct 2, 20180 comments

Have you taken the time to appreciate a relationship lately? Did you know that it is one of our fundamental psychological needs? William James, the father of psychology, stated that the most fundamental psychological need is to be appreciated. So, it’s no wonder that hearing appreciative words makes us feel so good. Appreciating someone or something involves noticing and acknowledging its value and meaning and feeling a positive emotional connection.

Alder & Fagley found that appreciation was significantly related to life satisfaction and well-being. We are very familiar with the need to be accomplished, have intimate relationships, have safety, and of course, have our physiological needs (food, water, and rest). But we don’t spend time thinking of how giving appreciation is a fuel that ignites many of these. Realizing the linkage between gratitude and positive well-being shows why the act of sharing appreciation is so vital for us and our relationship connections.

Here are some steps to take to give appreciation to others.

Give those in your relationship circle a common thank you.
Write a kind note that expresses your appreciation.
Share the appreciation given to you in a story to someone else.
Be mindful of a balance between appreciation in your life.
Know that appreciation is the fuel for mindful relationships and living.

Meditation Library

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Rewiring for Resilience

In a fast-paced work environment, stress and emotional fatigue are prevalent. One solution that is gaining recognition is meditation—not merely as a wellness trend, but as a scientifically supported tool for mental fitness. Research indicates that regular meditation leads to positive structural and functional changes in the brain, especially in areas related to memory, emotional resilience, and self-regulation.

There are key brain areas impacted by meditation, which may surprise you.

Hippocampus
Responsible for learning and memory consolidation. Meditation increases gray matter density here, improving focus and information retention.
Amygdala
Manages emotional intensity and stress responses. Meditation shrinks this region’s reactivity, resulting in better emotional regulation.
Prefrontal Cortex
Governs decision-making and executive functioning. Meditation enhances activity and connectivity in this area, improving emotional intelligence and leadership.

In the workplace, these key areas of the brain improve focus and problem-solving, regulate emotional reactivity, enhance team communication and cohesion, and support stress management.

A Harvard study found that eight weeks of mindfulness meditation resulted in observable changes in brain regions associated with memory, self-awareness, and emotional control—even in new practitioners. Introducing meditation in the workplace can be straightforward with short 2–5-minute breathing breaks, guided sessions, moments of stillness before meetings, or designated quiet zones within the office.

The key is to initiate a focused, non-judgmental practice that fosters a culture of collective well-being in your organization. Research indicates that the return on investment (ROI) from meditation includes a healthier, high-performing workforce. It enhances resilience, emotional control, and mental clarity—all essential for innovation and collaboration in today’s work environments.

~ Dr. E

“Situational Meditation is the art of shaping stillness to fit your life—health, heart, and purpose alike.” ~ Situational Meditation Journal