How Somatic Yoga Can Help Foster a Deeper Connection With Your Partner

For couples looking to maintain their connection despite the stresses of daily life, mindful practices like couples meditation, cuddling and enjoying time together in nature are meaningful ways to stay close. In keeping with that, some couples also add somatic yoga to their self-care and couples care rituals, finding that it can help them get in touch with themselves and one another on a more intimate level. Whether you practice somatic yoga on your own or with your partner, this mindful movement can help increase intimacy and connection in your relationship.

In this article, we'll explore the practice of somatic yoga, and answer the questions of what is somatic yoga and what are the benefits. And we'll fill you in on how to use the simple techniques of somatic yoga to potentially foster a closer connection with your special someone.

In this article:

• What is Somatic Yoga?
• The Benefits of Somatic Yoga
• Somatic Yoga Benefits for Relationships
• How to Get Started With Somatic Yoga

What is Somatic Yoga?

If you've been to a yoga class, you know it's a relatively slow practice of moving from one pose, or asana, to another. Somatic yoga differs slightly from traditional yoga in that the goal is to focus less on the position itself and more on how your body feels in any given position. Jessi Gholami, MSW, a licensed PCIT therapist, dedicated clinical social worker and the senior editor at Start Here Parents says, "Somatic yoga is all about connection. It's about slowing down and paying attention to how you feel as you move."

The term "somatic" refers to experiencing your body from the inside out, so the practice of somatic yoga aims to help you notice your own sensations, emotions and physical responses.

The Benefits of Somatic Yoga

If you're wondering, does somatic yoga really work, it's important to know that the practice has been widely touted as a potent form of therapy for releasing trauma stored in the body. "Somatic yoga can help release tension that builds up in the body, support your nervous system in managing stress and strengthen the connection between your mind and body. It's a way to feel more present and less caught up in overstimulation or racing thoughts," Gholami says.

Other potential somatic yoga benefits include:

• Better posture
• Improved flexibility
• Pain management
• Increased self-awareness

Many of these benefits can be experienced when couples practice somatic yoga exercises together with the goal of building intimacy and connection.

Somatic Yoga Benefits for Relationships

A somatic yoga routine certainly has the potential to deepen intimacy in your relationship with your partner. It helps you stay present with your feelings, which can make it easier to connect on a deeper level. "When you practice somatic yoga poses together, it creates an opportunity for openness and vulnerability, whether you're breathing in sync or simply moving together in a shared space. It's less about doing it 'right' and more about connecting in the moment," Gholami says.

Working through somatic yoga exercises together can build emotional connection as well. "Moving mindfully with someone else helps you listen to your body while becoming more aware of theirs. It's about creating trust and safety, which are so important in any relationship," Gholami says.

You may notice some somatic yoga benefits in your sex life, as well. According to Sofie Roos, licensed sexologist and relationship therapist, somatic yoga itself lets you discover your own body in a new way. "This can become useful when having sex, both when it comes to communication and to know what you want and don't want," she says. What's more, if your somatic yoga practice succeeds in decreasing any stiffness and pain in your body, this can lead to being more open to exploring different sexual positions and potentially enhancing your sex life.

How to Get Started With Somatic Yoga

There are a variety of ways to introduce yourself and your partner to the practice of somatic yoga. There are a host of online resources, a few of which we've listed below, or you could look in your hometown for a somatic or even a trauma-informed yoga class that can introduce you to some of the basic somatic yoga poses.

• Peloton: As part of their expansive selection of guided fitness videos, Peloton offers several somatic exercise videos, including titles like "body scan meditation," "creating space," and "mental health awareness slow flow." Try one for free or access the whole library with a membership.
• Gentle Somatic Yoga: This beautiful site offers both online and in-person training but also includes a variety of free short sessions on YouTube.
• YouTube: This popular platform has tons of somatic yoga videos you can try for free with your partner from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule. Look for videos on somatic yoga for beginners if you're new to the practice.

The cornerstone of somatic yoga is its adaptability to your unique needs and experiences. It's not about how flexible you are or how long you can hold a pose. It's about being present with yourself and, if you're practicing with someone else, being present with them too, Gholami says. This simple practice, especially when performed together on a consistent basis, can help you connect with your body, your mental health and your partner.