by Mar Soraparu: Let love in by practicing these self-compassion postures first…
Want to bond more deeply with your partner? Start by connecting more deeply with yourself. Try these poses to sense your body more fully, get in touch with your breath, and stoke your internal fire. This will help you sync up more effectively with your lover.
Sphinx Pose
Lying on your belly, bring your forearms forward with your elbows directly under your shoulders, palms facing down. Allow for the weight of your belly, legs, and pelvis to relax into the mat or floor while lightly pressing down into your forearms to lift your chest slightly. Inhale. As you exhale, press your palms and forearms more deeply into the floor and gently tilt your pelvis forward and bring your belly in toward your mat. On your next exhale, release. Repeat 3 times.
This pose connects you with your pelvic floor, while also opening up your spine. This creates a deeper connection within that also allows for trust, openness, and self-connection.
Supta Baddha Konasana (Supine Bound Angle Pose) with Palms on Belly
Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together. Allow your knees to rest outward toward the floor or on blocks or pillows. Inhale deeply through your nose, unclenching your legs, thigh bones, glutes, and face. As you exhale through your nose, press your belly upward and allow your back to be heavy, moving toward the floor. Take 3 rounds of breath.
This pose relaxes your entire body while inviting spaciousness into your hips. We have to trust our bodies when we are intimate with another individual. This pose allows for practicing trust with gravity by allowing the legs to soften toward the floor. It also helps you connect to your breath as you feel your belly rise up and down.
Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
