The essence of both yoga and love is union. The word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’. It is the art of bringing one’s capacity to love to a more transcendental level.
Meaningful relationships add beauty to our lives and make life worth living. To maintain it, we devotedly give so much to our partners. We have done everything from writing heartfelt poems and gifting flowers and sweets to holding hands and making joyful memories. Doing yoga together is a beautiful way to deepen your connection with your partner. Divine love, the kind that lasts a lifetime and beyond, can be attained through yoga.
First, if we ingrain the following two values, our relationships can be fruitful in boosting our growth as individuals. Make the first move to bring about a change in your relationship:
Build a healthy communication system:
Listen: Consciously keep your mind attentive while interacting with your partner.
Be positive: Use optimistic and pure words to raise vibrations.
Soft tone: Yelling is a sign of disrespect and is detrimental to the relationship in the long run.
Honest: Be strong enough to be peaceful when a bitter truth is told, and trust your partner enough to be honest with them.
Refrain from arguments: Understand that everyone has different personalities and views. The intention should be to cooperate as a team instead of competing against each other.
Initiate dialogue: Instead of going days without talking after a conflict, initiate regular conversations soon after it happens.
Respect your partner, assert, not impose: Assert your viewpoints, but don’t impose them on your significant other. Our beliefs are unique to us. Understand why they are the way they are
Appreciate: Address them using sweet, positive words instead of using abusive language.
Trust their intention: Have faith that they care for you and advise you for your benefit.
Attitude: Deal with every issue with peace, patience, and compassion
While keeping the above in mind, the following asanas will help you align with your partner’s thought process and energy to develop more understanding. Place two mats next to each other and invite your partner to do these five asanas with you:
Santholanasana or Plank Pose
Place your knees on the mat. Place the palms flat, shoulder-width apart, on the floor in front and rise onto the knees. While maintaining a firm grasp on the ground with the toes, inhale and lift the heels. Raise the knees off the ground and straighten them. Make sure that the head, torso, thighs, and calf muscles are aligned in a straight line by adjusting the position of the palms and toes. The wrists need to be positioned under the shoulders. Breathe while you hold the posture for about two minutes.
Vrikshasana or Tree Pose
Begin by standing on your respective mats next to each other. Balance on your left leg as you raise your right leg off the floor. Place your right foot on your inner thigh close to your pelvis. After balancing, join your palms and them to the sky. Straighten your elbows and position your head between them. Focus at a point and balance for 30-60 seconds. Repeat the same with the alternate leg.
Sukhasana or Happy Pose
Sit straight with your backs touching each other. Cross your legs and place your upward-facing palms on your knees. Your calves should rest on the arches of your feet. Inhale and exhale in a 1:1 ratio for 2-5 minutes. Repeat the same with the other leg.
Adhomukha Swanasana or Downward Dog pose
Begin by assuming Plank Pose. Lift the hips high so that the body is in an inverted “V” shape. Exhale and press the heels down together without stepping with the feet towards the hands. Keep the knees, arms, and back straight. Let the head lie between the arms with the neck relaxed, and look toward the big toes. Breathe in this posture for one minute.
Padmasana or Lotus Pose
Sit cross-legged, facing your partner on your respective mats. Place your right foot over your left thigh with the sole facing up. Push the right knee towards the ground. Lift your left foot and place it on your right thigh, facing up. Pull your feet closer to your hips. Place your palms on the knees, facing up. Meditate in the asana for a while by radiating lovable thoughts for each other Repeat the same with the opposite leg.
These asanas are not only a great way to take care of each others’ health, but it is also a great way to develop harmony between you and your better half. Continue practising asanas daily to strengthen your relationship on this special day and throughout the year.
Grandmaster Akshar is the founder of Akshar Yoga