A gentle yet invigorating way to generate Valentine’s Day intimacy is partner yoga [0], an approach that allows couples to lean, twist, and stretch with each other for greater trust and sensitivity. Yogi Richard Rosen calls the practice a “yoga dialogue.” It’s true. By doing postures together you must communicate well so that no one goes flying or under- or over-stretches. There are also poses that make room for silent, simple communion that might feel awkward or silly in other contexts.
Here are two exercises lifted from Lovers’ Yoga; Stretches for Two [1] by Darin Zeer. Though really, just about any pose can be adapted for partner yoga. Remember playing Superman when you were little––flying above prone friends or parents as they lifted your hips with their feet? That’s a real partner yoga pose. Try these and for more info, check out the resources below. Most cities have partner yoga workshops; Google [2] around.
Poses
Flowing Hands
This one builds basic intimacy and spiritual connection. “Stand face-to-face, about 2 feet apart. Gently rest your palms against your partner’s palms. Feel the heat coming through his or her hands. Look into each other’s eyes, relax, and breathe. Take 5 full breaths together.”
Standing V for Victory
In this pose you’ll be introduced to the metaphor and reality of using someone for support. “Stand face-to-face, about 1 foot apart. Firmly hold each other’s arms [grasp the forearms of your partner] and slowly lean back. To get a good stretch make sure you relax your arms and shoulders. Coach each other to relax and lean back farther. Take 5 long, deep breaths together.”
Resources
This article [3] at CouplesCompany.com [4] has some nice partner poses.
The first book on the subject is a classic: Partner Yoga; Making Contact for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Growth [5] by Cain Carroll and Lori Kimata
A well produced DVD, Together—The Art of Partnered Yoga [6] , includes 122 flowing, vinyasa style partner yoga poses with teacher Mishabae Edmond
Old-school partner yoga is exemplified in this slow and sweet Kripalu Partner Yoga [7] video with Todd Norian and Ann Green, who also teach couples’ yoga in workshops [8] in Western Massachusetts.