How to Build Intimacy Through Partner Yoga
Intimacy refers to the closeness and connection between partners, which can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and it’s an essential part of any romantic relationship. When a relationship lacks intimacy, it can create distance between partners over time, which can ultimately lead to a breakup if an effort isn’t made to re-establish the connection.
“Partner yoga offers an effective starting point for couples to deepen their connection without even having to speak…”
Nurturing intimacy can feel difficult because it requires a certain level of vulnerability with your partner that might feel awkward or scary. Partner yoga offers an effective starting point for couples to deepen their connection without even having to speak, although strengthening physical intimacy through yoga together can inspire easier and more authentic conversations.
Here are some tips for building intimacy with your partner through couple’s yoga:
1. Set Aside Dedicated Time
Building intimacy takes time and consistency, so it’s important to set aside dedicated time for your practice together. Find a day and time that works for both of you every week to start, and make it a regular part of your routine. Consider setting aside at least 30 minutes to an hour for your practice to allow enough time for warming up, practicing postures, and cooling down. Put it on each of your calendars to really add that extra layer of commitment.
2. Create a Calming Environment
Creating a romantic and serene atmosphere is a great way to help the practice not feel so intimidating or awkward. Choose a quiet, comfortable space that is free of distractions, such as phones, children, or pets. Set the mood by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and burning incense or aromatherapy.
3. Start with Simple Poses
If one or both of you is new to yoga, start with simple poses that you can each do comfortably. Focus on poses that allow for physical contact, such as Seated Twist and Partner Forward Fold. You can gradually move on to more challenging poses as you become more comfortable with your practice together. Check out our Partner Yoga videos for a great place to start.
4. Communicate Effectively
Communication is key for every aspect of your relationship, and that applies when practicing yoga together too. Be clear and direct in your communication, and let your partner know what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. You should also be open to feedback and adjust your practice accordingly. Spend a few minutes together after each practice to discuss how it felt for each of you, what you liked and what you disliked. Good communication can help build trust and deepen your connection.
5. Practice Trust-Building Poses
Certain partner yoga poses that require balance and support, such as Double Downward Dog or more advanced Acro poses, show us that we can trust our partners not to hurt us or allow us to be hurt, even in challenging moments. Being reminded of this trust helps to deepen love and intimacy. That being said, you’ll want to make sure that each of you has the skill to be able to execute poses without actually hurting yourself or each other, so work your way up to more challenging poses over time.
6. Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is an important part of yoga, and it can also help build closeness between partners. Meditation and breathing exercises can help to bring awareness to your partner’s experience and physical body. Try the Partner Breathing Exercise by sitting back-to-back in a comfortable cross legged-seated position. Focus on the feeling of your partner’s breath rising and falling, and without speaking, try to synchronize your breath with your partner’s. This creates a beautifully intimate and spiritual experience together.
7. Try the Practice Naked
Practicing naked yoga together removes an additional layer of separation between partners, allowing for even more vulnerability and connection. Most people have body insecurities, but by spending time naked with your partner in a nonsexual context, one in which you feel accepted and loved despite all your “flaws”, you can start to release some of those insecurities and foster an even greater sense of safety together. Naked yoga isn’t inherently meant to be sexual, but if doing naked yoga together leads to sex, that’s okay too! At the very least, naked yoga can be a fun way for couples to break up the monotony of daily life and try something new together.
8. End with Relaxation
End your practice with a relaxation pose, such as Savasana. Take a few moments to breathe deeply and reflect on your practice together. You can also use this time to express gratitude for your partner and your relationship.
Remember, the most important thing is to approach your practice with an open mind and a willingness to explore your relationship in new ways. If you’re interested in trying out yoga with your partner, become a member today and gain access to our ever expanding-library of naked yoga videos, including partner flows.
