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Finally!

Finally, my husband has decided to join me in the practice of yoga!

I have been practicing several styles of yoga for five years now, and when I met Lee I had to tone it down a bit because we spent nearly every waking moment together. No time for peace and serenity to myself much. Last year I decided to participate in an after-school program by instructing children's yoga.

Constantly, I have thought that my husband needs yoga in his life, but I never pushed it. I let the Divine deal with it. Lee is an athlete and he's had a very challenging childhood with many disappointments and neglect. This guy has lots of underlying issues that surface in his dreams and at times, in our heated discussions. So, naturally the practice of yoga would help. Recently, he discovered that he may have staph infections, and did some research about symptoms and treatment of it.  Well, to make a long story short, he discovered homeopathic remedies paired with yoga would help because he's afraid of the doctor's office (gives him high blood pressure). Finally, he wants to begin practicing yoga with me! 

The only thing is, I haven't taken instruction courses yet and I am having a hard time getting him started. Right now he's stiff as a board, can't even sit cross legged or any bent legged sit for that matter. What to do!? I decided to start him off with breathing exercises. Sit and breathe, focus on your center within, invite silence within. I also showed him the corpse asana. I hope I'm doing this right, but if anyone has suggestions let me know. I really want to share this with my husband since we already share so much. I want him to know the peace and consciousness I have gained with practicing yoga. I love this guy!

Comments

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  • "A journey of a thousand miles, begins with one single step!" Confucius ~ Congratulations on your husband's breakthrough. Warmest wishes as you both prepare to embark on a journey together - through yoga, life, and love! Namaste
    UrbanSolace, 3 months ago | Flag as Inappropriate
  • I too am a certified instructor. I agree with the otheres and would definitely suggest he take a few classes, however if this is not an option, you may want to think about props. Learning to sit with a neutral spine in a chair may be easier at first then on the floor,since the seated posture also works on the flexability in the hips. As he progresses, using blocks, straps, pillows, blankets,and chairs for balance can be helpful. Look for a DVD or book about using yoga props, or I think there is also an article here on YJ featured about just that! Good luck!
    yoginimom, 3 months ago | Flag as Inappropriate
  • I agree with Bendigrrl. Get him to a class. And right now, before his interest wanes. Despite many attempts the only pose I've been able to teach my significant other is Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose... Just imagine how you would feel if he were "teaching" you... telling you what to do... correcting your alignment... etc. It's a tricky anyway, but especially since your hubby is a complete newbie.Take him to a class!
    Erica, 3 months ago | Flag as Inappropriate
  • Congrat! I'm a certified yoga instructor, with a VERY stiff & new to yoga live-in boyfriend. He has finally embrace yoga too (yay!) but my best recommendation would be to not attempt to teach him on your own. Find a class you think he'd enjoy, or sign up for a couple's lesson. There are some really fun ways to do yoga together too- like Thai Massage :) This will go way further than you trying to leverage your own practice in a way that will benefit him. Best of luck!
    bendigrrl26, 3 months ago | Flag as Inappropriate

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