Yoga with a partner invites an entirely different experience of Yogic practice. As Yoga cultivates harmony within, Partner Yoga serves to extend this harmony beyond ourselves. As the breath becomes synchronized and the eyes connect an advanced and subtle form of communication rises to the surface and a state of balance emerges. This deep connection requires presence, honor and honesty; and, in practice, builds trust, courage and compassion.

Partner Yoga can assume many forms. In 2004 I had the joy of building collaboratively the practice of AcroYoga along with its co-founders, Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer-Klein. A great influence in my expression of Partner Yoga has been Nateshvar Ken Scott, who created and certified me in Contact Yoga & Yogassage; I am also the Senior Teacher of AcroYoga, co-facilitating retreats and teacher trainings. In 2008, Yoga Sangam was developed with my partner, Vincent Peterson, as a manifestation of spirituality in relationship.

 
 
  Backward Flying with Chanel in Boston Double Uttitha Hasta Padangustasana with Eve  
Yoga Sangam

Yoga implies a metaphysical union of the individual with the universal soul. Sangam also signifies union, but on the physical plane, like two rivers coming together. This practice focuses on techniques we can use to share our practice of Yoga with others, particularly our partners and dear friends. Elements of Yoga Sangam include: Bhakti Yoga; the yoga of devotion, including kirtan (devotional chanting); Pranayama; techniques for the regulation and expansion of the breath; Partner Asana Flow; a physically joined expression of yogic postures, both common and unique; Asana Reflection; from a steady seat (asana) we can explore a range of expressions with our partner, from simple eye-gazing to ecstatic laughter and heartfelt communication; Massage; a variety techniques to express love without words and cultivate sensitivity in our touch.

Yoga Sangam may be taught as a workshop, retreat, focused class, or private session and includes a blend of the above ingredients. This practice is accessible to all levels and is especially useful for those wishing to broaden their understanding of the more esoteric practices of yoga.


AcroYoga

This dynamic blend borrows practices from the disciplines of Yoga, Acrobatics and Thai Massage. The fundamental aspects of AcroYoga are: Circle Ceremony; where practitioners unite in the form of a circle to open and close a session; Mirrored Asana; where partners mirror on another’s poses under the guidance of the teacher; Partner Flow; a physically connected sequence of poses establishing balance between partners; Inversions; building comfort and strength within inverted poses; Acrobatics; basic training focused on safety within dynamic movement; Flying; the nectar of the practice, where the “base” partner supports the body of the “flying” partner in an expression that can take the form of therapeutic suspended massage or dynamic “flying”; Thai Massage; an active expression of gratitude and compassion towards a partner.

Most AcroYoga classes, workshops & retreats include a combination of these elements, although the content varies according to the focus of the offering and/or the level of the participants.

 
  Fountain with Eve, Walnut Creek Ninja Twist transition to Hanumanasana, Michelle and Nick at Ramashala, HI    
  Original AcroYoga crew in a pyramid for Lululemon photo shoot Reverse Loop da Loop with Jason at the Acro Green, LA    
  Thai Massage class at Lululemon Manager's Conference, Vancouver Group circle Standing Split, UCLA    
  Free Shoulderstand with Dieke Downward Dog Levitation, Chiang Mai, Thailand    
  N.O.B. Steeple Pyramid, Chiang Mai, Thailand Fish (foreground) & Child’s Pose Traction, Chiang Mai, Thailand    
 
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