by Jasmine | Jan 29, 2020 | Amrita, Couples Retreat, Couples Yoga, Date Night, Partner Yoga, philadelphia romance, Valentines Day
If you are just thinking expensive dinner and a movie this year, then you will be doing what most couples do and it will be over-priced, over-crowded and rushed…. not exactly a romantic recipe.
Go on a photoshoot – So many scenic spots to choose from such as the Art Museum, Love Park or Society Hill. Try on different moods that range from silly, brooding, sexy to serious. Take the best shot and frame it for your sweetie.
If you are going to celebrate with the kids then decorate the house in red and pink, break out the arts and crafts and make Valentines cards for each other while listening to sappy romantic songs.
If you want a kid-free night, then drop the kids off at grandma’s house, turn off the phones then decorate the house in red and pink along with candles, soft music, and herbal tea or red wine. Start off with a long bubble bath together then get some almond massage oil. We usually do something like this every year and we make a special dinner at home with lobsters we bought at the market.
Have a electronic free night. No phones, computers and no tv. Just doing this will be treat enough for your loved ones. Conversations won’t be constantly interrupted by dings, pings and rings. Just giving someone the complete gift of your presence and attention is quite special.
Can’t get away anywhere, even local for a special night out? Decorate the house with lawn chairs, beach towels, have reggae music on and serve pina coladas and make plans (again, device-free) on your next special trip. Get magazine and books of the places you want to go and talk about what you will do and where you will go together.
Still have the need to get out and about? Make a scavenger hunt. It can be some of the special places you had dates together – your first date, your first kiss, your first %#$#$. It can be g-rated with the kids or x-rated without them.
Need to have a racy Valentine’s day? For women, go out somewhere elegant such as a Tea House, nice restaura or fancy bar and wear a short skirt or dress. Shortly after sitting down at the table, let your man know you are not wearing panties.
We are quite partial to what we think makes for an ideal night for this Valentine’s Day in Philadelphia for 2020. We teach gentle and romantic couples yoga classes. The classes are buoyant and bonding, weird and wonderful, restorative and relaxing, We get to meet so many new fun couples this way, some of who we end up becoming great friends with beyond the class and we get to be a part of some very magical moments with people.
by Jasmine | Sep 8, 2018 | Couples Retreat, Couples Yoga, eStore, Meditation, Romantic Date Ideas, Stuff I like, Yoga Music, Yoga Teacher training
Top Yoga Meditation Music and Yoga Songs I play in Class
In a yoga class setting up a vibe with lights, music and space is such a key part of the experience. It really takes you to a sacred place and I tend to get all bejiggety is my sound system is not working. Whenever I am teaching at a new place or subbing I make sure to spend awhile understanding how their music system works (I’m not technically inclined and tend to panic when the music won’t start)
I tend to play the same 30 CDs all the time but I love picking up new ones all the time ( a few years from now this list will be very different) Even if you don’t practice yoga, these CDs will work well if you want a sacred vibe for meditation or a special ceremony. A few of them will work well for cocktail parties too. Since I work a lot with couples yoga, I am always looking for couples romance products to review and awesome yoga meditation music.
Shamanic Dream – When I play this in my classes, I almost always get a student come up and ask me what the CD is. It is hypnotic, ambient and a bit tribal all at the same time but with a fairly even tone. I teach a lot of couples yoga classes and I usually play this at the end so people can drop into a very deep space when the lights are very low. This will transport you.
Sound Sleep for Infants -Another CD you won’t usually find on your top ten yoga music CDs. I don’t know if I would play this during the entire class but it works stunningly during Shivasna. It is some ambient music with a heartbeat in the background. This doesn’t work well if there is background noise like an AC in background though. I also play this CD for 40 minutes at night when I have insomnia. This CD makes me feel like I am in the womb.
Dessert Dwellers – One of my students suggested this to me a few months ago. I tend to have a lot of CDs that are not just Sankrit chants and Ooommming. I like the chill, funky vibe but the tone is even enough to play in a class. A good one to play at cocktail hour as well.
Snautam Kaur – I discovered her when I was at Omega a few years ago. She was part of the Ecstatic Chant weekend. Don’t let her turban scare you. She does a few songs in English as well. She has a voice like an angel and you can feel her soul pouring into all of her chants. This is one of the CDs that my yoga students ask me about the most in my yoga class.
Rain – Another CD you won’t usually find on your top ten yoga music CDs. This is acoustic guitar and piano and I remember playing this when I driving around in the mountains of Vermont during the changing of the leaves. I still see the leaves whenever I listen to this. The music just matched the mood so well – melancholically beautiful.
Wah! – The ! is not a typo. I discovered Wah! when I was working at the Chopra Center in San Diego a few years ago. We used to play her CDs in the store to give it a Chopra Center vibe. I’ve seen her play a few times and it always shocks me that she is is not in bigger venues ( she usually leads a Kirtan at a yoga studio) If Natalie Merchant and a chanting Indian guru had a baby then this is who they would produce.
Yoga & Meditation Music and Song Reviews
Le Spa Sonique – Don’t let the purple flowers scare you. This had a euro chill kind of vibe to it, sweet, sultry and sexy. I think I discovered this at Kripalu a few years ago.The beat can be a bit funky and might not work that well during shivasana. This is a great CD to play for a cocktail hour as well.
Deva Premal & Mitten I don’t think you can call yourself a yoga teacher unless you have at least 2 of their DVDs. Deva’s voice is like an angel and their tunes are soulful, sensual and penetrating. I get plenty of students that come up to me after class asking what the music is. I remember the first time I went to one of their concerts. They think of their concerts more like a group of people getting together and singing…very interactive and the way that they lead some of the mantras you’ll feel incredibly connected to the ether of the universe. My favorite song is in English though, “There is so Much Magnificence”. http://www.devapremalmiten.com/ I love Deva Premal yoga music and her songs are so soulful.
Krishna Das What Bruce Springsteen is to Modern Rock, Krishna Das is to the kirtan (group chant) scene. I saw him perform at Omega a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. His songs are in Sankrit which could turn off some of your students ( or could turn the other ones on…everybody’s different). His CDs are good to play in class but attend one of his live shows and watch yogis jump and twirl around in delirium to his music.http://www.krishnadas.com
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by Jasmine | Apr 2, 2018 | Couples Retreat, Couples Yoga, Yoga Retreat
Snowy AM arrival for Valentine’s Weekend retreat
We decided to teach a private couples retreat near Philadelphia for beginner yoga students at the Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, PA. We got to the farmhouse early and it was snowing out. It was quite a scenic drive and even driving outside of the city starts to transports you since you are surrounded by rolling hills, meadows etc and can feel yourself getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Temenos is a Greek word that means “sacred space”. It is a bit confusing for new students to visit us at Temenos since there is a main meeting space which is very clearly indicated with signage and then there is a small farmhouse that is 1/4 mile down the road that is not that clearly indicated with any street signage. We had a few students that were confused about which space to go to so the next time we do a private couples retreat 2012 near Philadelphia for beginner yoga students I will also call in addition to emailing the directions about where to go.
We restrict the amount of couples to 4 at the most. The space is nice and cozy so we want to keep an intimate feel and not crowd everyone so only 4 couples for each one. We encourage people to get there early for coffee and tea and to settle in. It’s a bit awkward at first since no one knows each other. Then after about 20 minutes of this we all start to make our way to the practice room. We then start to do the couples yoga and couples massage practice. Some of the poses are deep and meditative, others are silly and fun, other moves are very physically challenging and require a lot of balance and concentration.
As we transition to the massage part of the practice, we do a few restorative poses that help people to let go of some of the mind chatter and so they can start to drop down into a deeper place of stillness and relaxation. During the massage part of the practice, we are emphasizing intention and not focused on technique or massage therapy skills. I keep giving signals for the receiver to let them know how they like the pressure such as the thumbs up sign to let their giver know they are really loving the massage. They can also wave their fingers down if they want less pressure and wave their fingers up if they want less pressure. I also tell the givers to watch their partner’s diaphragm. If their breathing is slow and rhythmic that means they are really relaxing and enjoying the massage. I also tell them to periodically look at their receiver’s forehead to make sure it is not wrinkled up. They also can just feel if the muscles are tightening up under their hands or fingers.
After the massage part of the class, we then have a guided relaxation and then couples are all cozy together. We then close with a short meditation to get people present to their intention for their relationship as well.
by Jasmine | Mar 5, 2018 | Couples Retreat, Couples Yoga, Date Night, Partner Yoga
Couples Yoga Moves for Beginners or Seasoned Yogis
Tantra Yoga for couples is a fun adventure into intimacy, play and relaxation. The poses are simply a doorway for you both to step deeper into your connection. When you stretch with you partner, your bodies melt each other’s tension and tightness. Whether your relationship is new or old, partner yoga will reinvigorate your life and renew your connection.
Tantra Partner Yoga is a great way to learn surrender, build trust, and deepen intimacy. Partner Yoga can be practiced by anyone – no previous yoga experience is necessary. Some poses challenge your balance, strength and flexibility, others require your total trust and surrender. Each exercise and breathing technique uses the power of the partner dynamic to achieve more than one person could alone. From creative exercise to profound spiritual work, Partner Yoga delivers a diverse range of benefits to a wide array of people. This well rounded practice requires no special equipment and can be done in any open space (the living room, gym, or park).
For couples who want to explore safe, playful ways of being tender and loving together. You will take turns placing each other in restorative poses and then massaging your partner’s hands, feet, neck and face while they simply get to relax and melt. In poses and exercises, partners rely on each other’s support to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration. In a deeper sense, this physical support fosters deeper feelings of nurture and acceptance. Couples are reminded to respect their own and their partner’s limitations of stretching and physical fitness and not push beyond them to the point of discomfort.
When you feel safe and supported you develop the courage to trust others and the strength to confront your fears and embrace your true self. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Beginners and the inflexible are especially welcome. Partner Yoga uses various movements and poses to focus the mind and increase strength, stamina and flexibility which are done in the spirit of nurturing and play. Since yoga is usually such an internally-focused practice, being focused on your significant other is a way to enrich not only your own spirit but your loved one’s as well.
4 ways to get the right start in partners yoga
1. Don’t assume partner yoga is only for couples.
Some partner yoga classes allow you to sign up as a solo participant and seek out a partner in the class itself. If you go this route and you’re new to partners yoga, try to pair with a student who’s about your height and weight. Mahoney notes that as you get used to the practice, learning to adapt the postures to two different body types is a rewarding challenge.
2. Don’t expect miracles.
If you begin a couples yoga class with an existing partner, talk with each other before going to the first class about what you want from this. Try not to let your expectations get overblown in terms of how the class can remedy any specific relationship challenges you’re having. Go in with an open mind and heart — not with a sense that this is going to fix something, but a willingness to learn and grow together by sharing and connecting through yoga.
3. Be ready to be giving.
As a supportive partner, your role is to listen as well as share openly, and to treat the person you’re practicing with as you’d like to be treated. Sound familiar? By exploring physical give-and-take, you and your partner can dive deeply into the principles that govern successful, supportive friendships and loving relationships.
4. Enjoy the moment.
Be present and focus on each other during your partner yoga class or practice — and try not to take anything too seriously, cautions Mahoney. “Take a deep breath and relax. Laugh together. Partner yoga is full of the hilarious and the divine.”z
by Jasmine | Jan 4, 2018 | Couples Retreat, Date Night, Romantic Date Ideas, Yoga For Men
Very rarely do we take time out of our busy schedule to sit back and indulge ourselves for a few minutes. Usually, a soothing cucumber mask or an oatmeal, almond and avocado body scrub are fleeting fantasies during the day.
As soon as the stoplight turns green or a telephone shrills ten we must snap out of the calming thoughts of spa indulgences and return to our daily grind or screaming, whiny kids and demanding bosses sending emails on your blackberry after 6 pm every five minutes asking about the status of an overdue project…….
A day at a spa can easily be $300 and that is assuming you are just getting one treatment and not staying overnight or not having a fancy dinner. Add in an overnight weekend and suddenly your wallet is $1000 lighter.
This is for the couple who can’t get away to a spa but can luxuriate at with a romantic night at home spa experience with recipes for lotions, oils, rubs, scrubs, wraps and cuisine.
Things you’ll need:
- Sunflower or vitamin E oil
- Sugar or salt
- Fluffy Towels
- Bubble bath or bath salts
- Wine or tea
- Glasses or cups
- Oatmeal, brown sugar and olive oil.
- Fruit, Almonds or chocolate
- Scented candles
- Robe
- Massage Oil ( Olive Oil will also work)
- Shaving cream, razor, lotion
First turn off the phones ( yes that includes your smartphones), and send the kids to Grandma and Grandpa’s for the night.
Shower and Steam together. Crank up the hot water in the shower before you get in to fill the room with steam, then get in and scrub down. Use sunflower oil or vitamin E oil mixed with sugar or salt and rub your partner’s back in even circles to stimulate the skin.
Take a warm bubble bath together. Use scented bubbles or bath salts and sip a glass of wine or cup of hot tea while you enjoy the bath. A hot bath can reduce tension and anxiety and prepare your body for nurturing. Make your own body scrub using oatmeal, brown sugar and olive oil. If you’re feeling really decadent, nibble some fruit or chocolate while you soak.
Light a few scented candles and place them around the room. Turn off the lights and set the mood with some soft music. Have your partner lie on her stomach and get ready for a massage with lotion. Spend at least 15 minutes on the massage, paying special attention to the upper back, shoulders and neck, the spots where people tend to hold in the most anxiety and tension. Be focused on your intention to give love and healing. Check in with your receiver to see if the pressure is ok. If you feel knots, try to rub out the tight spots with your thumb. Have a fluffy robe ready for your partner.
Have you ever shaved your man? It is quite an exercise in trust to have a blade so close to another person’s face. Sit him up in a comfortable chair that provides support for his neck and apply hot towels to his face. For a close shave with less risk of nicks, use a razor with four blades. Start with a shaving cream or oil and massage it into his face and neck. Slowly shave his face in the direction of the hair’s growth. Finish with some shaving lotion.
Give her a thorough, relaxing foot massage. Apply massage oil for about 15 seconds in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. Have your partner sit in a chair and massage her feet while sitting on the floor. Use your thumbs to rub the soles and balls of her feet in a circular motion.
Have you ever had a romantic night at home spa experience? What did you guys do? How did it go?
by Jasmine | Feb 10, 2016 | Couples Retreat, Couples Yoga, Date Night, Partner Yoga, Yoga Retreat
Evolve Music and Yoga Festival in New Jersey
How did it go at our Couples Retreat.. NJ at the Evolve Yoga and Music Festival in New Jersey?
I don’t know if most people would think of the Evolve Music and Yoga Festival as a retreat but a few years ago, my newlywed hottie hellenic hubby and me decided to take a hippie-flavored Couples Retreat ..NJ. It was quite a long drive from Philly, we actually took a wrong turn and it took us about 30 minutes longer to get there. It was fairly loosey-goosey, which suited us just fine. When we got there there was a main music stage that had some pretty decent bands on there. We arrived during the day and there were lots of vendors selling things like raw, vegan, organic food, crystals, incense, clothing, jewelry and it was tough to resist buying lots of tempting stuff. There was also someone there that had a monarch butterfly tent and we got to play with the monarch butterflies at this couples retreat…NJ.
We went up the the yoga pavilion and every 1-2 hours there was a different kind of yoga being taught. I was most excited about the acrobatic yoga that was being taught. I’ve always loved acro yoga and found a studio in NYC that taught this on a regular basis. I am somewhat of an amateur with acro yoga.
It’s always been hard to find a yoga partner since they seem to come on two ends of the spectrum. the brand new beginner that I have to teach the basic moves to like folded leaf or the almost pro acro yogi who can fly people and toss them around on just their feet in the air like they are salad. It’s a lot easier to teach someone to be the flier and a lot harder to teach them how to be the base so when I am teaching someone I always end up basing them for awhile and that ends up hurting my knees if I do this for too long.
The last time I practiced with someone that is actually a professional acro yoga teacher then ended up dropping me on the ground ( fortunately it was the grass) but it was still a solid drop. So I had a quite large and quite painful and quite dark black and blue mark
So we didn’t end up doing too much acro yoga since I can only base someone for so long. Here are some pics though of when we did the acro yoga which is also called partner yoga.
I think we stayed through dinner time at the festival. It was starting to get chilly and we did bring some gear to keep warm but I was getting quite cold. We found a meditation tent and got to go into a sound bath filled with crystal chimes and zen bells. It really transported us…WOW!
At night, it was non-stop music that usually have a techno flavor to it. There were all kinds of bright lights, neon lights and fire spinning at the festival. I think the festival really heated up probably pretty late but since we had gotten to the festival so early in the day I had kind of had enough and was ready to just go to sleep at our hotel. Almost everyone else had camped out but we didn’t have our camping gear and we figured that by the time we bought all of our camping gear we could just get a cheap hotel room nearby ( although nearby ended up being about 45 minutes away).
The next day after our couples retreat..NJ we ended up going to a winery nearby called Warwick. They had the most yum-yum Rieslings there and we ended up buying a case of Riesling… I’ve never bought a case of wine in my life…
What a romantic weekend! What is your idea of a romantic weekend? Write your answers on our Facebook page.
