Partner Yoga
/
Photos via Bikram Yoga Dallas and Contact Partner Yoga on Facebook.
Have you guys tried partner yoga? I think there's something so inspiring about sharing your practice with someone you trust.
At a silent meditation retreat I attended this year, we practiced a little bit of partner yoga at the end of the day. I was paired with my instructor (no pressure, eh?!) and actually found it one of the most relaxing, meditative parts of the day.
When it's just you and one other person, your concentration must be focused, deliberate and calm. You must steady your breath and your body in order to coordinate movements together. Even simple postures like tree pose become an introspective challenge, and deeper stretching postures can be intensified with the help of a partner.
Would you practice partner yoga with a friend or lover? There's something so intimate about it (besides the physical contact) and you really are learning to communicate with each other in a non-verbal way.
During the practice I experienced at the retreat, I found that it was a little awkward at first (especially during postures where we were staring straight at each other!) but eventually it became more comfortable practicing side by side.
Ironically, if you let it, partner yoga can be a very self-reflexive practice. As you work together, you allow yourself to go farther inward and experience your inner world, your emotions, and your experience of intimacy.
I think it would be great to plan a romantic partner yoga and dinner date, or even try to incorporate a partner yoga class with the whole family. How fun would it be to see moms and dads sharing yoga asanas with their kids?!
Want to learn more? This book and this book both look pretty good, or you could try this video. I'd suggest searching for partner yoga classes in your local community -- you'll meet other awesome yogis and get a great practice in!
Not a fan of partner yoga? Read this hilarious article from Salon for one reviewer's experience with a neighbor's sweaty thighs. Oh, dear!
