Improve Communication In Relationships With Partner Yoga

"Whether Mom's lectures about your "questionable" lifestyle leave you livid, or you're exasperated with your significant other for forgetting an anniversary, bickering with loved ones from time to time is normal. But instead of throwing damaging verbal punches, maybe a more constructive way to work through arguments is by hitting the mat together for a few minutes of partner yoga? "Partner yoga is the medium to building stronger communication and intimacy between human beings in any relationship," explains Cain Carroll, co-author of Partner Yoga: Making Contact for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Growth. "Postures and flow sequences are designed to bring communication into a tangible, physical form, and help you witness the dynamic of relationships."

Whether you practice periodically, or flow together in the midst of a fight, partner yoga compels companions to lay aside their differences and work to achieve a common goal. The simple act of breathing together and participating in a practice grounded in acceptance, unity and love translates to more productive, open and caring communication between partners. So, though disagreements are still bound to occur, you'll be less likely to shout, and more likely to communicate effectively.

Jason Nemer, co-founder of AcroYoga, a practice combining yoga, Thai massage and acrobatics to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves and each other, recalls a combative couple that came into his class a few years ago. "They were fighting non-stop. I suggested we do some flying, postures that utilize gravity to open the spine of the flyer (partner who is lifted), while empowering the base (partner who lifts). I designated the base the talker, and the flyer the listener. I promised they'd switch roles, giving them both opportunities to speak and listen. After that initial class, they kept coming back. It became their therapy. It brought up so much in their relationship they hadn't faced before, and helped them discover what wasn't working in their communication patterns."

The practice also re-establishes weakened bonds, because on the mat, partners must have complete faith in each other. "You rely on each other for the very creation of poses," says Carroll. "Postures are dependent on two people showing up for one another and giving equal effort. It's a great metaphor for the nut and bolt aspect of all relationships."

Don't fear that your relationship is doomed if you can't do the poses perfectly. It's not about perfection, assures Carroll. "It's a process of working it out - there's no finished, perfect pose. It's about how you connect, cooperate, support each other and figure out the pose based on what works for the two of you." Want to communicate better in your various relationships? Carroll recommends the following partner poses ... read more

Contribute to the Life-Health-Relax project that improves the quality of life through thoughtful quotes, wisdoms and light when you purchase this relaxing music »

Listen to This

Individual genres playlists here »
A playlist where I collect my favourite indie/alternative, pop/rock, jazz/soul songs. I think you'll like it.

Need To Relax?

Rest your body, relax your mind and recharge your soul with this relaxing music videos.

Follow Me