Partner Yoga

WHAT is Partner Yoga?

Partner Yoga is a newly popularized practice. In traditional yoga practice, a person places his or her body into specific postures, while focusing on breath and body alignment. Designed for two or more people, Partner Yoga postures utilize the forms and principles of individual postures while incorporating the presence of another to deepen the impact of the pose.

In Partner Yoga, there is no giver or receiver in a posture, so all partners are fully engaged in their own experience. As partners work together, supporting one another, Partner Yoga provides a forum for examining larger principles of relationship. During the practice, challenges arise and we often experience emotions and internal conflicts.

Partner Yoga is beneficial for both partner. For example, while one partner is in Forward Bend, the other could be in Backbend. Unlike partner-assisted yoga, where only one person is actually doing the yoga, Partner Yoga engages both partners. Some postures challenge balance, strength, and flexibility, while others work on concntration and alignment.

Types of Yoga for Two or More

Acro-Yoga:

• combines yoga, Thai massage and acrobatics

Contact Yoga ("Flying"):

• partners do different postures in an interactive way
• uses gravity to release and open the "flyer's" spine while grounding and empowering the "base"
• flying flows can range from gentle, massage-based stretches to more dynamic balancing or acrobatic sequences

Doubles Yoga:

• both people do the same posture simultaneously, mirroring each other, balancing and counter-balancing to co-create the posture

Partner-Assisted Yoga:

• where one person gives adjustments, weight traction or massage to help the other experience the pose more deeply

Partner Flow:

• a sequence of mutually beneficial partner asanas and stretches

Partner Yoga:

• Practiced with a life-mate, a friend, or a newly found friend at a yoga class, partner yoga allows two or more people to transform traditional asanas into those which are created by more than one participant, and which are mutually beneficial for all those creating the asana

Tantra Yoga:

• The word "Tantra" stems from Sanskrit roots which literally translatesas "web" or "warp" (as in weaving) - within each individual - the conscious-unconscious, male-female, in breath - outbreath
• "Tantra", as currently and popularly defined and interpreted within the concept of sacred sexual practices can be considered as a defilement of the essence of Tantra
• From earliest times, the symbology used has been based on the interpretation of what is, metaphorically, referred to as male - female. In modern terms, it is the search for non-duality

WHO Practices Partner Yoga?

Partner Yoga is practiced by two friends, acquaintances, or strangers, and not necessarily only by life-mates.

The practice of Partner Yoga involves physical asana, touch, conscious breathing, humor and play.

Partner of choice may be a fitness buddy, parent, spouse, significant other or child (age & physical ability appropriate). So find a partner and explore the possibilities!

Partner yoga is for all levels of yoga practitioners, from novice to the seasoned yogi, who are interested in increasing fitness, releasing tension, strengthening relationships, and having a good time.

WHERE & WHEN: History and Practice of Partner Yoga

Partner Yoga is a relatively newly popularized practice. Tantra Yoga has existed since yoga was first developed, and perhaps Partner Yoga has been around since the beginning of yoga, 6000 years ago.

WHY? Benefits of Partner Yoga

Physical:

• 1. Working with a partner helps you to open your body more deeply than you could alone, for optimal benefits
• 2. In poses and exercises, partners rely on each other's support to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration

Emotional:

• 1. Partner Yoga offers something unique to partners by fortifying trust and communication
• 2. Partner Yoga presents participants with the opportunity to surrender completely to another individual, giving way to feelings of security and attachment to another human being
• 3. Partner Yoga gives participants the opportunity to be creative in their yoga practice
• 4. Partner Yoga increases one's compassion for others
• 5. Partner Yoga enhances intimacy in relationships

- See Video "Yoga For Two: Yoga for Beginners" with Rodney Yee (Living Arts)

HOW:

• Holding Postures:

Moving in and out of postures with control is most important. The length of time each asana is held for depends upon the mood of the participants, as well as the desired effects of the practice. Moving from posture to posture to elevate the heart rate is great for a more aerobic-type workout. Moving into postures slowly and holding them for longer is great for strength building, and for a different type of bonding experience.

• Partners' Levels of Practice:

Beginners and advanced yogis can both benefit from Partner Yoga Practice. Naturally, two advanced yogis can explore more challenging postures. If you are more advanced and choose to practice with a beginner, you can work on your basic alignment and have an opportunity to practice patience. If you are a beginner working with a more advanced student, you will have the opportunity to practice self-acceptance, and strive to grow to your next level.

• Sizes of Partners:

While it is often easier to practice with someone who is the same size as you, having a partner that is of a different size can stimulate creativity in creating your asanas.

Pranayama

Pranayama links the mind with the body, initiates the calming of the mind, and moves one's attention to a steady inner focus. Practicing Pranayama with a partner deepens one's focus into relationship, and union with not only one's partner, but with all of humankind. Feeling your partner's breath is a truly peaceful and unifying experience that can deepen one's sense of stillness and focus.

Partner-Pranayama can be practiced:

• lying down, with one palm on your partner's belly, and the other palm on top of your partner's hand (which is on your belly)
• Sitting back to back
• Sitting back to back with arms linked

Mudras

Mudras are potent hand positions or finger-postures that profoundly influence and focus the body's energy.

A mudra (Sanskrit, literally "seal) is a symbolic gesture usually made with the hand or fingers. Along with asanas, they are employed in the yoga meditation practice of Hinduism. Each mudra has a specific quality that is said to be imparted to the practitioner, and they are a central part of Hindu iconography. With the onset of Buddhism, many mudra practices were absorbed into the culture. Common hand gestures are to be seen in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example of a mudra done with the hands would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhaya (without fear) mudra, a gesture meant to dispel the fear of the devotee.

Mudras bring us into alignment with spiritual forces already at work. Joining the fingers creates a delicate circuitry which taps into stronger currents of universal energy.

Partner Yoga uses Mudras in a number of ways. Adding Mudras to any flow of postures helps to further refine the focus of the mind by inviting us into a more meaningful relationship, not only with each other but with the strength of our own intentionality.

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