Guillermo Ferrara - Yoga for Couples: Fun and Engaging Exercises to Increase Flexibility and Create a Spiritual Connection

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Cover design by Qualcom Designs Cover photo credit courtesy of Ocano Ambar ISBN: 978-1-63450-346-4 Ebook ISBN 978-1-63450-905-3 Printed in China I will show you the path of wisdom, I will show you the way to freedom, to true love, to the source of creativity that you already possess. I will show you that fear and criticism are not good for you, that it is inconsequential to know historical dates or to imitate others. I will show you the way to art, meditation, living in the present. I will not tell you who to be in the future, but to discover who you are in the present. I will show you good food, good music, how to read the language of the universe and the stars, and I will also show you how to follow only what your heart tells you. I will show you the seven seals within you, so that you awaken them and understand your own destiny.

I will guide you with words of evolution and deeds of admiration, with enthusiasm, with life force so that the Sacred Fire within you becomes your true master. I will lead you without taboos or repression, but a natural conscience to know life in its various forms. I will also show you the art of being silent and how to communicate with yourself so you can then let your soul dance. But, surely, you will show me more things. Letting me learn from your innocence, your love, and your purity. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I deeply wish to acknowledge those who have helped me to make this work see the light of day. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I deeply wish to acknowledge those who have helped me to make this work see the light of day.

First, my editor, Jaume Rossell, for trusting me, always bringing his vision, and to the entire technical and artistic group at Ocano: Montse Vilarnau, whose golden hands designed this text; Mnica Campos, whose literary magnifying glass polished any defects; Laura Ogu, whose dynamisms allowed this book to reach my readers; and Esther Sanz, who provided permanent solutions. My first yogic teachers, Dr. Fernando Estvez Griego, Hermgenes, Andr Van Lysebeth, and Osho, who opened the door for me toward the knowledge and the science of yoga. My students in Argentina and Spain and all those who practice yoga while pursuing their own inner growth. Eliana Alonso, for her faith and unconditional love since that first yoga retreat with me. Fernando and Claudia, for giving me the space to write my first draft.

Simn, my son, who invites me to do yoga together. Mariela, for having shared my first classes. Ricardo Aure, Elsa Tear, Dr. Simn Mina, Cristina Golato, Ral Errezarret, and Silvia Di Gialeonardo, colleagues and friends. Juan Cristian Ortega, for trusting my work and organizing a working trip throughout Mexico. To the bookstore called Librera Excellence in Barcelona, for allowing me to distribute my work.

Lola Feliu and Peter Hansen, excellent human beings, friends, and professionals who helped me get past the stormy clouds with love and hospitality. Arturo and Fanny, for their light and friendship. To Gosh, vippasana master yogi and the tour group. To Mariana, my lifelong friend who helped me see the sun behind the clouds. To all participants of the conferences that I have organized and readers of my old magazine Terapias Naturales . To Barry and Robin Gibb, who continue to sing despite the pain.

To all those who trust and risk with an open heart... Life is a matter of enthusiasm, love of adventure, and confidence in the mystical divinity in each of us. Contents Introduction t his book was created with the intention of addressing a virtually undiscovered therapeutic and editorial space: yoga with a partner. It is both a compendium of yogic work and a valuable tool for those seeking a form of exercise to meet the physical and emotional needs of a couple. Yoga with a partner is like a painter who creates art on a canvas, except that here we will create art using our bodies and souls, drawing poses that inspire and uplift the spirit. It is a dynamic, young, and modern yoga for those seeking a healthier practice using their internal and external nature, and it is also an excellent way to gain flexibility, physical strength, and emotional harmony.

In the routine that many couples live, this practice can act as an energy lifeline by opening up significant levels of creativity that can then be applied to other aspects of daily life. And it is not exclusive to romantic partners; it can be practiced by any two people with similar weight and age. Both fitness and aerobics are workouts that are limited to a purely physical level. Yoga with a partner aims to care for the body, its energy level, as well as its emotional and mental balance, taking into account the complete functions of the individual. It is a free flow practice that lets you follow a path of personal awareness and enjoyment, it is a real treat for muscles, organs, and skin, and it also provides a huge increase in vitality. These are some basic concepts to keep in mind: Willingness: to strengthen the soul Discipline: to control the mind Enjoyment: to rejoice the spirit With these basic qualities you will completely transform your life and eliminate pain and disease.

Use your intelligence to stay healthy, young, and live a long and prosperous life. Today many people seek conventional ideas of youth at any cost, even with surgery, ignoring the fact that there is a natural alternative through yoga (enhanced when practiced with a partner), which balances positive and negative forces into one, and benefits both genders equally. Practicing yoga with friends is recommended for young people who want to channel their energy, and for older adults who wish to explore a facet of life that involves using the innate wisdom of the body and eternal clarity of the soul. Guillermo Ferrara Barcelona, January 2003 Part One The union of the mind is obtained by listening to the inner sound. Hatha Yoga Pradipika