Connecting with others enriches our lives. Researchers find that
when we feel close to friends and loved ones we experience
greater energy and vitality, increased clarity, and an enhanced
sense of value and dignity.  Interpersonal connecting feels
“right” and is self-reinforcing. When my wife and I feel close
and loving, we’re eager to engage the world and face whatever
life brings.  You will need a partner for this exercise. Allow
20 to 30 minutes.  Begin by sitting facing one another, spines
relatively erect. Close your eyes, and do 10 to 15 minutes of
concentration practice. Bring your attention to the sensations
of your breath in your belly. Notice how your belly rises with
each inhalation and falls with each exhalation. Whenever you
find your attention wandering, gently return it to the
sensations of the breath. You may notice some feelings of
anxiety or apprehension doing this while facing another person.
Just allow those feelings to come and go, returning your
attention to the breath.  Once you’ve deve