Share & Share & Like

Yoga for some people can be a way of escaping from the toxic rat-race of daily life. Allowing you to take some precious ‘me time’ and really listen to your mind and body. It’s a time to unwind and relax and nurture oneself.

It is no surprise therefore that lots of yogis who experience the real benefits of yoga wish to spread the word and share their experiences with their partners.

However, getting our partners to try out new things can sometimes be met with resistance and cynicism. So, here are some tips on how to do this without boring your partner to death!

1. Be an ambassador

We all know actions speak louder than words so lead by example and show your loved one how calm and together you are becoming.

Perhaps yoga has encouraged you to make dietary changes for the better and to take an holistic approach to your overall wellbeing. Maybe your posture has improved and you sleep more soundly.

Your partner will notice how radiant and positive you are becoming, so keep it up! Who wouldn’t want some of that?

2. Bring it home

Yoga at home can really develop a personal practice, but it can also show your partner how accessible yoga really is. After all, all you really need is a mat, a healthy body and the willingness to give it a go!

Showing your dedication to yoga will impress your partner and at the very least make them curious as to what it’s all about.

There may be various reasons why your partner is reluctant to try yoga. For example, they may lack confidence about their physical ability; ‘I’m not flexible enough!’ So show them some beginner poses to really open up hips and shoulders.

Or they may think it’s hardly the type of activity they’re into; ‘it’s a bit slow and boring’; Turn your home practice into  a more vigorous sequence, incorporating a vinyasa flow or some ‘power’ yoga postures. Invite them to join in!

Practicing at home can show your partner exactly how varied yoga is, that yoga is for everyone and also how personal one can make their practice.

3. Teach them

Why did you spend 200 hours in Rudraprayag, with 50 other students, hot and sweaty all day long on a rubber mat? To teach other of course! Here’s your chance. Your partner may well be your first student.

Spend some time creating a bespoke, personalised yoga sequence suited to your partner’s body and temperament. This could be particularly welcomed after a long stressful day in the office or even to invigorate their ‘agni’ before a weekend run.

Consider teaching your partner to be a win-win situation; you get some valuable teaching experience and your partner gets a much needed, loving treat from you!

4. Respect their ability

Your partner may not be as flexible as you and so don’t drag them along to your 6.30am Mysore-style, ashtanga class without considering their specific level.

Instead think about when you started yoga and how intimidating some classes and poses felt for you; you don’t want to put off your partner for life!

On the other hand your partner may be extremely competitive and unconvinced that yoga offers any physical challenge at all. Seek out a class that offers your partner a vigorous session. One that will really work up a sweat and force the mind to stay present.

More importantly, be aware of any injuries your partner might have and remind them to stay conscious of these and to avoid exacerbating them.

Maybe even take them to a partner yoga class to really work as a team. It could bring the two of you closer together in more ways than one!

5. Meditate together

Relaxing together can be a very powerful relationship tool.

After all, who doesn’t love to snuggle up on the sofa in front of the TV with their loved one?

An even better way to relax is to mediate, which can also be done together. A group meditation is a powerful thing and the group energy that it cultivates can really help transcend the mind and spirit of the individual.

The same effect can be achieved meditating as a couple and setting an early morning daily routine for the two of you can help start the day off on a positive note.

Meditation is a perfect relaxation aid and meditating together can help to clear the mind, make you more sensitive and in-tune with your partner and possibly even help heal difficult patches in your relationship.

6. Let it be

If all else fails then perhaps in this lifetime, yoga is not for them. Yoga is not meant to be forced. So let them discover yoga organically, they will get much more out of it that way.

And if they never come to yoga, don’t let that stop you practising what you love!

Share & Share & Like