Partner yoga is an amazing way to build better communication with others (and not just a significant other), as it teaches us how to attune to others’ energy through non-verbal communication.

We live in a society where we are often taught to be an individual and an individual only, making it difficult for us to connect with others. But “yoga” means “to unite” and connect, not only our own mind, body and spirit, but also with others.

Through partner yoga, we can learn the tools to connect with people close to us.

Here are some other amazing benefits of partner yoga:

1) Creates Emotional & Physical Support.

We learn to rely on our partner for creating poses as well as maintaining balance to support each other. We also learn to focus together on the end goal: the pose. We have to learn how to enhance our communication, because we will need support from the other person—emotionally and physically. In doing so, we help each other get deeper into our poses than we would without a partner.

2) Being in the Present.

Creating these poses with our partner, we are learning to be in the present moment, which is what ultimately matters the most. The Here. The Now. Yoga is all about mindfulness and cultivating present moment awareness. By bringing focus and control to our breath, we cultivate this present moment awareness. In partner yoga, the cultivation of presence through breath is even more tangible, as we match inhales and exhales, holding space for each other and in turn building off of each other’s mindfulness and stillness.

3) Fun.

We get to be kids again. Playing airplane, balancing on one foot—when was the last time you just played like a kid, letting go of adult life? It can bring a new spice to our relationships. It’s an activity that involves us and our significant other with no other worries in the world—other than not dropping the other, maybe.

4) Letting Go.

We learn to let go in the midst of the fun and the moment. We let go of what needs to be done the next day, the next week. We are having too much fun learning about ourselves and our partners that we don’t have time to think about anything else. By allowing ourselves to let go, we are able to tap into the truth of who we are, who our partner is, and why we are together.

5) Building More Self-Awareness & Trust.

This arises from the powerful connection of oneness. When we become more trusting of our partner, we have created a safe place to deepen our own self-trust. We are then able to be more self-aware of our needs. Listening to our breath, we match the breath of our partner, and we connect. We unite. We yoke. We yoga.

6) The Power Of Loving Touch.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around…” ~ Leo Buscaglia.

The power of a loving touch is undeniable. It brings us peace, nurturing, connection and love. We learn how to create trust with our partner that will help facilitate our receptiveness to the power of loving touch.

I highly suggest a partner yoga class this love season for you and your significant other—or a friend! Create a connection. Share your love. The world needs more peace and love, and it starts with you!

~

Relephant Read:

5 Ways Partner Yoga Makes Us Better People (& Better Lovers).

~

Author: Hannah Hilton

Editor: Toby Israel

Image: Courtesy of Author

~