Let's unite in the spirit of Yoga, friendship and fun
Uniting in yoga postures with a friend, loved one or someone you just met will deepen your understanding of Yoga and enhance your awareness of others. Yoga is a form of bonding with the self and the world.
Breathing together, guiding and supporting one another is a creative and playful journey that connects us to each other in the very present moment.
Choosing to integrate yoga into our lifestyle often requires willpower, and having friends or loved ones to practice with gives us the motivation to stick with it.
Yoga means unite or join. Joining with a partner in practice remind us that we live in a shared world. Working together beliefs and feelings of separation are replaced with a sense of belonging.
As in relationships there may be times of frustration and fear or joy and bonding. Do not judge these feelings, simply observe them. Do not judge your partner or yourself.
UNITED IN BREATH
When making an adjustment to your partners posture, unite the rhythm of your breathing with theirs for smooth, safe movements. As your partner inhales - inhale with them.
On the exhalation breath, the person being adjusted lets go and softens the muscles, while the adjuster applies gentle pressure to encourage opening. Remind your partner to deepen and lengthen their breath.
COMMUNICATION
We need to communicate clearly to each other in order to practice with awareness. Before you adjust check in.
Encourage your partner to listen to their own body and how it feels. When giving adjustments remind your partner to let you know if something doesn't feel right.
It's ok to set boundaries. It's ok to say if something doesn't feel good.
THE ART OF BALANCE
You will soon discover how tricky it is to do some of the asanas together. As you lean towards each other in certain postures it is easy to knock each other off balance. If you and your partner are different sizes and and are at varying fitness and flexibility levels a certain amount of focus will be required to work effectively and with balance.
Remember no blame
Sensitivity, a sense of humour and clear expression are the keys to partner yoga, as well as a sense of trust.
SAFE ADJUSTMENTS
Be sensitive when adjusting. Adjust with care and focus. Ask whether the adjustment or pressure is too strong or not strong enough. Don't push your partner into perfect alignment, let them work sensitively with their breath and simply guide them into correct alignment.
Offer support and strength when required.
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