- IKIGAMI
- Posts
- Nurturing Relationships
Nurturing Relationships
Unconditional Love
Dr. Miriam von Felbert
January 26, 2025
Hello friend – it’s Miriam 👋🏻
Welcome to this week’s Ikigami Insider.
Relationships are at the core of our lives. Whether personal or professional, the connections we nurture define how we experience joy, growth, and resilience. And at the heart of every meaningful relationship lies one transformative force: unconditional love—a love that expects nothing in return and values others simply for who they are.
In this edition, we’ll explore how to nurture our relationships through the lens of Intuition, Intelligence, and Integrity, supported by actionable Ikigai Hacks, thought-provoking readings, and poetry to uplift your spirit.
Let’s dive in.
Intuition: Trusting the Connection
Strong relationships thrive on trust, which begins with intuition. Listening to the subtle signals in our interactions—tone, body language, or unspoken emotions—helps us build deeper bonds. When we trust our intuition, we can act with greater empathy and care.
Hack 1: At the start of each day, reflect on this question: “Who needs my presence and care today?” Follow that inner nudge to reach out and connect, even if it’s just a kind word or a moment of attention.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
Intelligence: The Science of Love and Connection
Did you know that relationships have a profound impact on your health and happiness? Research shows that deep, meaningful connections reduce stress, improve immunity, and even extend lifespan. Acts of love and kindness release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” fostering trust and connection.
Hack 2: Practice active listening. In your next conversation, focus entirely on the other person. Resist the urge to respond immediately; instead, pause, reflect, and validate their feelings. Watch how this deepens the connection.
“We are born for love. It is the principle of existence and its only end.”
Integrity: Leading with Unconditional Love
Unconditional love means valuing others as they are—not as we wish them to be. It’s about showing up consistently, even in challenging times. By embodying this principle, we create a safe space for others to grow and thrive.
Hack 3: End each day by journaling one moment where you showed love without expectations. Reflect on how it felt to give freely, and how the other person responded.
„Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to do it any other way.“
Reflection in Verse
The Gift of Love
Not weighed by worth, nor bound by rule,
A love that grows, both kind and full.
No need for words, just quiet grace,
A light that time cannot erase.
Thumbnail Photo of Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
3 Recommended Readings
"The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman – A classic on understanding and expressing love effectively.
"All About Love: New Visions" by Bell Hooks – A profound exploration of love as a transformative force.
"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown – A guide to embracing vulnerability and authentic relationships.
Hot off the Press 🔥
In case you missed it, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve started my Master’s Thesis on:
“Berufung und Wohlbefinden von extrovertiert hochsensiblen Führungskräften: Konzeptentwicklung auf Basis einer multimethodischen Studie” ("Calling and Well-being of Extroverted Highly Sensitive Leaders").
💡 And I’m manifesting the opportunity to share my findings at the upcoming 1st Meaning and Purpose World Summit in May!
Have you thought about joining this incredible event? It’s happening in Lisbon, Portugal on May 12–13, and I’d love to connect with you there!
The IKIGAMI Love Cheat Sheet: An Act of Self-Love
Before we can truly love and nurture others, we must first love ourselves. Clarity about what inspires and fulfills us is an essential act of self-love—and the foundation for building meaningful connections with others.
For just 2,99 EUR, this Cheat Sheet is an investment in yourself. Think of it as a small but impactful step towards better understanding and honoring your unique desires. After all, those who know and love themselves can love and inspire others.
Because clarity isn’t just a gift to yourself—it’s a gift to everyone around you.
Make the choice to lead yourself with love, and watch how it transforms your relationships.
As you nurture your relationships this week, remember: love given freely is love returned in ways you might not expect. Every act of kindness, every moment of presence, creates a ripple effect that strengthens the bonds around us.
With warmth and purpose,
Miriam