Monday, January 7, 2008

The Joys of Partner Yoga

I am one of those fortunate people who very rarely misses my daily home yoga practice.

But I have been very excited about World Yoga Practice Month because I have been trying to get my husband involved in yoga for quite some time. He has tried it a few times, but it never went further than that. He is a runner and loves it and he considers his “runner’s high” his form of yoga. He is absolutely right, running is a perfect exercise for him.

However, I never give up on a good thing. So as part of my goal for this month of yoga I have asked him to join me practicing yoga every day and he has agreed. And, much to my surprise and pleasure, he has not only been enjoying it, but has commented on how much more flexible he has become in just this short time.

For Christmas, I bought him the book The Joys of Partner Yoga by Mishabae Edmond.
The photography is gorgeous. The explanations for the poses are very detailed and helpful, guiding you through the poses. There is something for everyone. The asanas range from gentle to advanced, energizing to relaxing, restorative and meditative.


Being a runner, my husband is very tight. He is also a lot taller than I am. These differences make some of the asanas a bit awkward and others down right impossible!

We are not working for perfection of the poses, but more for embracing the connection with each other, the sheer enjoyment of being together, seeking and learning together.

With an open mind and a playful attitude we have created a practice that has been so wonderfully rewarding and has added not only newness and freshness but also intimacy to my yoga practice.
The simple pleasures of touch and togetherness and the ability to laugh at ourselves have made this “experiment” something to treasure.

Namaste
Gypsy Girl

3 comments:

Babs said...

Thanks Gypsy Girl about your comment about Amanda and your prayers - Ironically her son lives right outside Boston (isn't that near you?) Anyway,l I'm in Houston and of course was at the hospital today.............more news later!

Everyday Yogini said...

How is the quest to get your husband to practice with you going?? That book looks awesome!

Gypsy Girl said...

Hey babs, I emailed you about your friend

Everyday Yogini, it is working out great!! He has "graduated" from some partner sequences to a 30 minute Baron Baptiste power yoga workout and he is still practicing on a daily basis and says he likes it. I hope he continues with it.