Success in Relationships

By Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa
from Aquarian Times Magazine (Sept 2007 Issue)

An exchange takes place – a communication of looks, words, touch, even fragrance-a connection is made, subtle or overt. A relationship has begun. Just as the secret of success in Real Estate is “Location, Location, Location,” in relationships it’s “Communication, Communication, Communication.”

The challenge is to remember that although we are all “homo sapiens,” males and females of this species usually have vastly different expectations, attitudes, and abilities when it comes to communicating. Understanding and respecting the other person’s perspective, even if you don’t agree, and being willing to listen are essential if you want a harmonious relationship-with anyone!

“Familiarity breeds contempt.” How do we speak to each other? Is our language rude? Would we speak the same way to a guest in our home as we do to family members? How kind, how graceful is our speech? Words can be WMDs-or at least Weapons of  Individual Destruction-if we’re not careful. Yogi Bhajan used to say, “Manners make the man.” The tone of voice we use and even our body language influence the impact of every word we speak. Being conscious, careful, and kind with the words we choose to say goes a long way toward keeping relationships smooth.

“Would some power the giftie gie us to hear ourselves as others hear us.”

Some people seem to thrive on conflict, others don’t. Remember one of Yogi Bhajan’s rules for the Age of Aquarius: “The Other Person is You.” Put yourself in the other person’s place, and then you’ll know how to communicate.

Let’s step back for a moment, and find that moment in time when we established a relationship with an “other.” Between you and me, him and her, we and they, there is an inherent tension, a pull and an attraction, because all polarities exist in a state of tension. To balance the kind and amount of tension, to bring harmony (ergo: happiness), requires communication. But there’s one more thing that factors into any relationship we choose: successful relationships are built on a foundation of Commitment.

If you remember Yogi Bhajan’s “Seven Steps to Happiness,” you know that happiness starts with Commitment. Whether it’s to your marriage vows, or loyalty to an employer, a friend, or family members, or to nurturing and raising a child, success begins with the intention, the integrity, the determination to “keep up” with the relationship. Commitment. So simple, and yet often so difficult!

In April of 1991, Yogi Bhajan spoke to the Khalsa Council about wisdom in relationships; it became the following poem:

Relationships Defined
When relationships break,
when relationships fail
We suffer and agonize, rant and rail

“How could it happen? Who is to blame?”
We live in misery, loneliness and pain.
Limited egos are bound to conflict
Egos destroy relationships quick.

For any relationship to be a success
Certain conditions have to be met

1) Wisdom is the Base.
The relationship starts here.
Without wisdom, disaster is near.
2) Love is the Sustainer,
It serves to maintain,
Overcomes adversity, sorrow and pain.
Love is giving 100 percent
Not “yours or mine” or “what will I get?”
3) Selfless Service comes next,
to nurture and grow.
Relationships thrive when both people know
Without thought of reward, pleasure or gain
Each gives to the other over and over again.
4) Selfless Service comes out of Wisdom
The Cycle is done
When separate entities truly are one —
That’s Relationship!
Only the wise understand the above. It takes
Wisdom to Serve and Wisdom to Love.
“Relationships Defined” © 1991 Yogi Bhajan
© YB Teachings LLC 2006

Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa was Yogi Bhajan’s first student in the United States. She has been teaching Kundalini Yoga since 1969. Her latest book, Marriage on the Spiritual Path: Mastering the Highest Yoga is available from Ancient Healing Ways. She is also the author of Kundalini Yoga: the Flow of Eternal Power, and Kundalini Postures and Poetry.

6 Responses to “Success in Relationships”

1. Gurpreet Singh says:

   September 21, 2007 at 1:13 am

   excellent post!!!

2. JK says:

   September 21, 2007 at 5:30 am

   Thank you for this post!

3. angela says:

   September 21, 2007 at 6:03 am

   wonderful post~ and Lakshmi looks beautiful.
   Wahe Guru from Pennsylvania.

4. jaspal singh says:

   December 13, 2007 at 8:38 am

   waheguru made this lovely relations so we must prey.great pic they look like king and queen.spread sikhism in ur land for make sikhism strongest in the world khalistan zindabaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad………………….

5. Sukhbir Singh says:

   April 3, 2008 at 4:14 am

   A true relationship started by the Grace of Almighty. Always happiness , innocence of life & strong relation be with you .                                                                                                                                           Waheyguru ji ka Khalsa Waheyguru ji Ke Fateh.                                                                           
     

6. Maree says:

   June 24, 2010 at 11:08 pm

   It's very true that one key to a successful relationship is communication. Aside from love, communication is very important in a relationship. We must always be open minded and communicate whatever it is that needs to be communicated.