Colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances, distant relatives – we probably have dozens (or even hundreds) of such people in our lives, and it’s important to have nourishing relationships with them.

Building positive relationships isn’t easy, but the results are significant. Strong relationships bring us happiness and improve our physical and mental health.

To maintain healthy, nourishing relationships with others, we must first care for ourselves. Self-care begins with understanding who we are – our identity beyond the body and mind that we inhabit.

The individual soul is described in the Vedāntic expression ānandamayo ‘bhyāsāt: “composed entirely of bliss.” Spiritual play, in its deepest manifestation, is not incidental, supplemental or peripheral, but the very heartbeat of existence.

Each experience and interaction offers an opportunity for self-discovery and learning about other devotees. It’s not always easy to confront our flaws, such as bad habits, a critical mindset, or cheating.