BUILDING HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIPS

“If I had to read a lecture, I would have given most of my attention to the relationships between
people. This is the most important what I have learnt working in a sea port and in all my subsequent
life.”

Mikhail Zhvanetskiy, a Russian writer, TV host and comedian

Once I conducted a consultation for man who was depressed as his wife had abandoned him for his
friend, leaving him with a daughter. An athletic-looking, successful businessman, has been completely
shattered and seemed to be the embodiment of misery. It took me a few trainings and a serious
consultation to bring him back to his senses.

Of course, this is an extreme case. Can you imagine a man with disfunctional relationships in the family,
at work, or with friends, being happy and successful? It is impossible.

Imagine you have a huge luxurious house, five cars, best clothes, food, as in heaven, but you are alone
and stranded on a desert island. Would you agree to have this kind of life?

Many people don’t know how to communicate properly and do not agree with the idea that
relationships are more important in their life. They can feel absolutely lonely despite of living in a
modern city and significant network of social contacts.

Moreover, most pain can be caused through communication, especially with close friends. Buddha said
that a word can kill. Nothing hurts as bad as an offensive word from a close person.

Also, sometimes even a look or intonation is enough to cause pain.

The way a person relates to others, especially loved ones, is the indicator of the way he treats himself.

Many of you know the importance of the relationships, but only few are able to build them in a right
way.