Lovers Yoga
soothing stretches for two By Darrin Zeer
Illustrations by Thorina Rose
Text Copyright 2006 by Darrin Zeer.
Illustrations copyright 2006 by Thorina Rose.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available. ISBN: 978-0-8118-7846-3 Chronicle Books LLC
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.comQuickie Help Guide
Feeling stressed? See Neck and shoulders tight? See Lower backache? See Longing for deep relaxation? See Want to get more intimate? See Looking for more passion? See Want a good work out? See Want to have some fun? See Difficulties getting along? See Communication tips See
Introduction
Welcome to
Lovers Yoga! Our lives are so busy and stressful that we forget to take time out to simply relax. Quality time with your lover is often the first thing that is neglected. Like anything else in life, your relationship needs care and attention to grow.
Yoga is an incredibly rewarding way to spend time with your loved one. Its an age-old path to inner peace and wisdom that originated in India over five thousand years ago. It is revered as a way to relax the body, open the mind, and stay healthy. When you stretch with your partner, your bodies melt each others tightness and tension. Simply by staying present, moment by moment, breathing in unison, a loving connection blossoms. Whether your relationship is new or old, and whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, Lovers Yoga will renew your connection and reinvigorate your life.
Organized into five chaptersPlayful, Powerful, Peaceful, Patient, and Passionate Partner Yogathis handy book features over fifty exercises that are easy and funwhether youre a complete beginner or whether youve been practicing yoga for years. Feel free to experiment; just hang out in a particular pose that feels really good. Make sure to treat your partner well, because you cant do these stretches alone. Once you get the hang of these stretches, start adding them into your daily life. Make a date to do the whole series on a Friday night. Try a pose or two after a long day to help you both decompress, or perform a calming stretch in the morning while you are waiting for the coffee to brew.
Whether you are looking for romance or stress relief, youll find the right pose in this book. Feel free to do one stretch, a whole chapter sequence, or the entire book from beginning to end in one session. The exercises build on one another, so if you have the time, try the whole series. If you have a specific need, turn to the . And remember, first and foremost, take care of yourself and your partner!
Setting the Scene
If time permits, shower and put on fresh clothes.
Have some mints for fresh breath and drinking water handy.
Turn off phones and try to limit other distractions.
Music is helpful to set the mood.
Music is helpful to set the mood.
Keep a selection of your favorite CDs nearby. For a more romantic setting, light some candles. Keep pillows and a blanket handy; make sure you have enough room and remove any clutter.
Lovers Vows
I am grateful for this time with you.
I will support you in the poses with care.
I will clearly communicate my needs.
I will love and respect you.
Part 1
Playful Partner Yoga
Standing Face-to-FaceTake the time to have fun and unwind!Connect with your partner!Find your balance!Dont worrybe happy!Partner Palm Play
Flowing Hands
Stand face-to-face, about 2 feet apart.
Gently rest your palms against your partners palms.
Feel the heat coming through his or her hands.
Look into each others eyes, relax, and breathe.
Take 5 full breaths together.
Reach for the Sky
Press your palms firmly against your partners palms.
Together, reach your arms straight up.
If you are shorter than your partner, grab on to his or her forearms.
Rise onto your tiptoes and stretch up.
Friendship needs no words.
Dag HammarskjldStanding V for Victory
Stand face-to-face, about 1 foot apart.
Firmly hold each others arms and slowly lean back.
To get a good stretch, make sure to stand tall and relax your arms and shoulders.
Coach each other to relax and lean back farther.
Take 5 long, deep breaths together.