Every so often our favorite actors provide us with an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons. In March of this year, Gwyneth Paltrow announced her divorce and introduced her blog’s followers to a term that is sweeping Hollywood circles: conscious uncoupling.
This term wasn’t just made up by Ms. Paltrow, it’s an actual separation method. Many scholars have written on the subject, including Dr. Habib Sadeghi and Dr. Sherry Sami who explain the concept through understanding of spiritual progress and a new paradigm in contrast to the idea of a contentious divorce. They state that “conscious uncoupling… prevents families from being broken by divorce and creates expanded families that continue to function in a healthy way outside of traditional marriage.” They also go on to write that “conscious uncoupling is the ability to understand that every irritation and argument [is] a signal to look inside ourselves and identify a negative internal object that needed healing.”
Long before Gwyneth exposed her followers to this idea, couples everywhere decided to proceed amicably with their divorces. Every couple has the opportunity to choose cooperation and a respectful way to end their relationship. Often times this approach can save a lot of money, and your attorney can help you assess whether or not this is the right strategy for you.
There there is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce. Instead, one can focus on the creative aspect of uncoupling. For some people, conscious uncoupling could be the best way to move forward. But, don’t blindly rely on this new Hollywood catchphrase. Use the method that will work best for you and your partner.