These two yoga Partner Poses, Double Downward Facing Dog (top) and Double Plank, demonstrated by yoga instructor Karen Watson Reeves and Fred Padilla, entail focus, communication, and trust, and have been known to produce some giggling. Photography: Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
The first time I gave partner yoga a try, I was pretty apprehensive. Being relatively new to yoga, my instructor asked us to partner up with another student in the class so we could “go deeper” in the poses. I looked around the room. Being new in town, these were complete strangers to me, except for the hour we spent together twice a week on our own mats. However, it only took about three breaths of me lying in child’s pose and my partner’s back on top of me to become an advocate. In the years since that first partner class, I have enjoyed many sessions with students who were classmates, friends, complete strangers, and an intimate relationship.
Challenging oneself to try something new is empowering, so for some that could be one of the benefits of partner yoga. Trust and communication are strengthened, as the two students must work together and focus as one. To achieve the balance and alignment required for the poses, the two must interact with each other, giving verbal and non-verbal cues.
Working with a partner in a pose brings strength (and there are many poses that require less strength and balance than the two pictured) and allows for deeper stretching and resistance. So, the physical body definitely responds and is enhanced.
A major benefit for me is that partner yoga is FUN! Our traditional practices can be serious, meditative, and quieting. And that is necessary and good. But a few giggles and even some awkwardness is certainly good for the soul. With the playfulness and fun comes a deeper physical and emotional connection with another person.
As we have come through nearly a year of pandemic, isolation and little physical touch for many, it is not news to hear that physical touch can be healing. If you choose to give partner yoga a try, be sure to choose someone with whom you already spend time. Practice safely. People are drawn to yoga for many reasons, including to be seen, to be heard, and to be touched. In partner yoga, we use our partner’s body to enhance a stretch or deepen a posture, to create strength and stability, to build trust and connection, which can lead to a very intimate, in every sense of the word, experience.
And much gratitude to my photographer/intimate relationship, who agreed to partner with me for the photos.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher and a registered children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She has taught children and family yoga in many settings and would welcome an opportunity to help your family stay physically active during this time of quarantine. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. www.TheYogaPlaceHS.com.
