Health and Happiness Club

As I prepare to participate in a Partner/Acro Yoga Workshop in the next few weeks, I am reflecting on the act of communication. How we communicate to those around us directly affects experiences, relationships, situations, home environments and work situations. Communication should be present in every aspect of our life. People cannot read our minds and thus we should not expect them to know what we are thinking. Why not sharpen our communication skills with playful partner yoga…

For the yoga workshop we have been told to bring an open mind, an open heart and the ability to communicate with our partner for the class. What a constructive way to establish free flowing conversation, build trust, and strengthen the bond between you and a friend, partner, or lover. Being able to communicate to your partner where to place feet, hands, arms, and legs might be a little challenging to say the least. You have to be able to share with them what feels great, what feels awkward and what you simply may not be able to do. You both have to be flexible (not necessarily physically but most certainly mentally) to modify, re-adjust and reposition your body to make yourself comfortable in the posture and with each other. But sometimes this can be a difficult task for people. We can start by listening to ourselves and to others and communicate how we feel in the present moment.

According to Wikipedia.com, communication can be considered as a “two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas towards a mutually accepted goal or direction." With that said, communication between beings does not always have to be done verbally. Non-verbal communication can be just as effective and can help strengthen the relationship between individuals. When conversing with others, we should always be aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication cues because it gives us insight into the way someone may feel, think and act. Whether you're working with your partner on the mat or you're discussing something with your coworker, be mindful of how you communicate what it is you want to say.   

Wherever you reside, grab your friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, and/or kids and try a Partner/Acro yoga class to help open up the lines of communication between you and your loved ones. Maybe this workshop will help me communicate more efficiently on the mat with my partner and off the mat in my daily life.

http://www.acroyoga.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acroyoga

http://www.acroyoga.com/