Couples retreats in PA are places where you can connect soulfully, romantically and holistically with your beloved. Some of the spiritual centers where I would love to do a couples retreat in PA are at the Himalayan Institute since there are so many incredible spiritual programs there. I went to Kripalu in Wetern MA a few years ago and it was such a pivotal experience for me. I was looking for places like Kripalu in PA.
A yoga teacher that I know well had gone there after she was recovering from a painful divorce and that is where she embraced yoga to heal her heart, body and soul. She was going through some pretty painful and raw feelings and that is where she was able to feel and give birth to a new life that did not include her ex husband.
I always loved the idea of going to Bedford Springs in Pennsylvania for a couples retreat in PA since it has hot mineral springs there. I am such a sucker for hot mineral springs. I have a lot of aches, pains and body tightness and when I go into a hot mineral spring that is when I feel completely renewed by all the nourishing minerals that are in the water. I remember the first time I went to a hot springs was in California, it was called Orr springs and I was there with my sweetie. There were flowers and trees everywhere and there was lots of space for us to just enjoy nature and enjoy each other. My jewelry turned a different color after soaking in the water for a while since the minerals turn metal into a different color.
We did a staring meditation when were were in the springs on our retreat. We just tuned into each other on a very deep level at this place.
Also in Pennsylvania, we went to Temenos in West Chester, PA. Temenos means “sacred space” in ancient Greek and it is a place that is very near and very dear to our hearts. We have had some of our own romantic retreats there with other couples. It is quite rustic inside of the old farmhouse there. It’s so rustic that we end up killing a few bugs when we are in the retreat house. I always pray that a bug will not crawl up on anyone when we are doing our staring meditation since that would be so disruptive. We also do a lot of yoga for couples together because we believe that the couple that sweats together stay together.
This feeling of being one entity is what leads to bonding and that makes the physical act of love a natural extension from this energetic bonding that occurs in romantic couples classes. You start to drop into almost a trance and you get so attuned to your partner that you almost feel at one with the ether of the universe at this point.
It ends up being a very bonding and buoyant time and we all cuddle and nuzzle together by the fire when we are done. I think the bonding that happens within the group also had a role in making for a memorable time as well as the bonding and the staring meditation that happens with the couple.
What have been some of your favorite retreat places? What kinds of activities do you like? Do you have to get spa treatments? Does it have to be someplace exotic and tropical? Does it have to have yoga and also meditation? Do all the activities have to be with your significant other?
Do you need to connect with others that are also on the retreat or do you just want to be focused on yourself and your partner? Write your answers on our Facebook page.
Poses Romantic Couples are ways that couples can connect through couples yoga and couples meditation. The aspirations of many who practice yoga is to unite your finite self or limited-self within the bounds of your conscious mind with the Infinite Self where you feel at one with the ether of the universe. There’s no better way to enhance that journey than to practice yoga with your beloved or yoga for couples. It can be quite a deep emotional and very vulnerable experience so I don’t recommend doing this with someone you are just casually dating or planning to break up with.
ABC News, recently covered how yoga enhances Intimacy and your sex life on ABC Nightline and their Health blog. Watch this video below from ABC Nightline (30 second commercials plays first)
Sexuality and spirituality are not mutually exclusive. The ancient yogis understood that a worshipful attitude towards your partner created a chemical change in your brain that allowed for the experience of bliss in meditation or yoga. ABC News mentioned two yoga products “The science of yoga” by William Broad and a three part DVD set “Better sex through Yoga” by Jacquie Noelle.
Most yoga classes are very internally focused and you come, lay down your mat and almost avoid eye contact with the people around you and even the teacher. Most students never get to know the people next to them and are content to be completely immersed in their inner world during a yoga class.
Yoga does hold a myriad of benefits in terms of improved stamina, vigor, flexibility, relief from aches and pain, fatigue that can get in the way of intimacy. When your body is free from pain, stiffness, tension, tightness and your are more freed up energetically, then there is more space in your head, heart and body for intimacy.
In poses romantic couples classes and meditations, there is an emphasis on being present to your partner’s presence, breath, intention, movement and to be accepting of any limitations and levels of flexibility. Some poses that you can do are sitting back to back and just becoming present to the rise and fall of your breath and your partner’s breath. Then you try to synchronize your breathing pattern with your partner’s breathing pattern.
Another exercise to try is to monitor your own heart beat and then start to notice your partner’s heartbeat. See if you can synchronize your heartbeat with the heartbeat of your partner. Exercises like these encourage partners to be sensitive and in tune with their significant other’s rhythms and they start to function and exist as one entity instead of two separate entities.
Men are often astounded how doing simple exercises like this can lead to profound insights they can have about themselves, their partner and their relationships. In doing this type of work, it is critical to set up an environment where people feel safe and protected since men are not as accustomed to being vulnerable, especially in a public setting. Having soft music, low lighting, making sure there are no disruptions such as people coming into the room or cell phones going off is paramount.
This feeling of oneness is what leads to bonding and intimacy which makes the physical act of love a natural extension from this kinesthetic bonding that occurs in poses romantic couples classes and meditation exercises. You start to drop into almost a trance and you get so attuned to your partner that you almost feel at one with the ether of the universe at this point. Being in these kinds of alterered or alpha states can bring people into deep levels of consciousness and people start to go on a deep inner journey getting them in contact with their deep inner wisdom.
What Couples Yoga Looks like with Synergy by Jasmine (below)
My Review of SaveTheMarriage.com which gives you tool to stop divorce
When I was about to marry my hottie, hellenic hubby I told him, “Divorce is not an option, but murder is”. If one of us ever wanted out someone is going to have to push someone else off the Grand Canyon.
Did you go into your marriage thinking, “Well, if it doesn’t work out, we can just get a divorce.” Going in with this kind of watery commitment is not going to hold you two together when the seas get rough. Marriage is a deep psychological process that has shaken the foundation of my identity. I think I knew I was married when I started to use “We” instead of “I” and “our” instead of “mine”. Shifting from an individual to an entity was a huge shift in my perception and lifestyle.
Dr Baucom’s present a different paradigm of couples counseling that is a shift away from the meaningless “finding ways to communicate better”. His book presents key distinctions about the nature of relationship, power struggles that inevitably come up, issues of control, independence and feeling like your marriage is a ledger book filled with “I did this for you, so you owe me”. He also makes us question why your marriage is important to you and what is it actually providing for you “security, support, companionship, social status etc).
Here is one of his homework assignments that was valuable to me.
What are the top three ways your partner feels loved?
What are the top three ways you best feel loved?
In the next week, what are the 5 ways you will commit to showing love to your spouse?
This is not a quick read and not a manual to be read for education value and should not be read casually while in line for the grocery store, but neither is the decision to leave your marriage. This book is intended for those that feel like their marriage is quickly disintegrating and not sure how to salvage it, even if your partner is unwilling to put energy into reviving it such as going to couples therapy. Think of it as marriage boot-camp and be willing to things that you are not comfortable with and that are not convenient. Are you committed to your marriage or are you committed to your excuses?
Venus Kriyas are meditations for couples and are excellent as a regular spiritual practice. There are several Venus Kriyas, but they are especially effective if couples choose one meditation to practice consistently for 40, 90 or 120 days to integrate a particular aspect of the relationship (40 days to change a habit, 90 days to confirm the habit and 120 days to make the new habit part of you. These couples’ meditations are an especially beautiful practice that can elevate your relationship to a higher level.
Couples Yoga Poses and Meditation Benefits
For couples who want to explore safe, playful ways of being tender and loving together, couples yoga poses can transform your connection. 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.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
Feel connected to the ether of the universe and the divine spark that resides in us all
Synchronize through breath, touch, intention, and movement and learn how to be sensitive to your partner’s needs with a healing, soothing practice
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Jasmine Kaloudis teaches couples yoga poses as well as gentle beginner yoga in various Philadelphia area locations and is the author of the top mind body blogs and websites for 2011.
Yoga Couples Retreat near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Videos
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).
Dating Ideas in Philadelphia for the Recession Wallet
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.
1. How is partner yoga different from traditional yoga? Traditional yoga is an internally focused experience while partner yoga is about connecting, trusting, supporting, balance in relationship and play. Some poses challenge your balance, strength and flexibility, others require your total trust and surrender. You need to be mindful of your boundaries and limits while being sensitive to your partner’s boundaries as well. 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). Working with a partner can also help you move beyond your own self-limiting ideas of what you can and can’t do. You experience being able to support and also be supported, trusting that someone will be there for you and letting someone trust you to be there for them, letting go and holding on as well. You can focus on your inner awareness and spirit and enrich your partner’s as well.
2. How does partner yoga enhance intimacy and communication? 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. 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. By exploring physical give-and-take, you and your partner can dive deeply into the principles that govern successful, supportive friendships and loving relationships. Be present and focus on each other during your partner yoga class or practice — and try not to take anything too seriously, Partner yoga is full of the hilarious and the divine
3. Is there a sensual aspect to Partner Yoga? Partner Yoga is not sexual in nature but can be emotionally intimate. It is a physical practice that can be done by couples, friends or families (mothers and daughters or sisters). Partner Yoga is not Tantra Yoga or any form of tantric practice. Tantra is a way for lovers to become united on more than just a physical level. Partner Yoga is not just for lovers. Partner Yoga is done fully clothed and there is no sexual touching that is involved. Participants are encouraged to come with their own partner since this is not a forum that encourages the exchange of partners. Partner Yoga honors and respects the commitments that couples have made to each other. Partner Yoga is open to couples of all orientations, gay, straight, bisexual or lesbian. If one does not have a romantic partner, one can still come with a good friend of either gender and feel comfortable and safe while engaging in the hands-on aspects of the practice.
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
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.
Couples Yoga Therapy
Couples Yoga is a medium created to build stronger communication and intimacy between human beings in a relationship. These Yoga Postures, breathing exercises and meditations are designed specifically to bring communication into a tangible form. We are here to help you to discover and experience the dynamics existing within your relationship
Couples Yoga compels companions to lay aside their differences while working to achieve a common goal. The simple act of breathing together and participating in a practice grounded in acceptance, unity and love translates to more open and authentic communication between partners.
This practice re-establishes weakened bonds. On the mat partners must have complete faith in each other. Postures are dependent on showing up for one another and giving equal effort. It is developed on trust and is a great metaphor for the nut and bolt aspect of all relationships.
There’s no finished, perfect pose or situation. This is about learning new methods to connect, and cooperate, while finding new ways to support each other.
Spiritual Couples Yoga Retreats in Pennsylvania near NYC and Philly
In these sessions you will learn a combination of the following practices:
Yoga postures
Breathing exercises
Partner Meditations
Massage techniques
Affirming your partner and Being Affirmed
The Power of Intention
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.
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.
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.”
Spiritual Couples Yoga Retreats in Pennsylvania
A partners yoga pose sequence to try
Child’s pose is a simple favorite to explore with a partner. Everyone loves the deep release that the partnered variations give the sacrum and lower back. Child’s pose can also serve as a solid base for other heart openers such as Camel pose.”
Now add the couples elements: For a simple but delightful partners yoga massage, begin with one partner resting in child’s pose and then moving into the following sequence:
The active partner stands between the resting partner’s outstretched hands, and the resting partner takes firm hold of the active partner’s ankles.
The active partner leans forward and walks hands down the resting partner’s back until you come to an Upward Dog-like position with hands resting on the lower lumbar or sacral area of the back.
From here, the active partner moves his or her weight forward into the hands to give the resting partner a deep low-back release.
The active partner shifts weight back into his or her heels, releasing the pressure. Repeat several times. Very, very nice!