Partnered Abdominal Breathing Technique

Description

This article is from the series of articles on Yoga and Sexuality, written by Corinne Friesen, the author of "Hurry Up - Relax!" and author of audioyoga.com where you can find a lot of information about yoga.

This is a gentle way of becoming more in tune with each other. It can have a delicious side effect of bringing up sexual feels and intensifying them, especially for the person who's belly is being felt. This will work best if you don't 'work' on it leading to sex, but simply notice what feelings come up and enjoy them as they flow over you.

Where & When to Do This:

Any time, anywhere you have a moment, as a lead up to making love, while watching TV, lying on the beach, or just as you fall asleep together. After making love, it's a nice way to stay in the after glow.

Best place is in a quiet spot where you feel comfortable being yourselves. Best time: whenever the mood hits you.

It's good for relationship building and intensifying sexual desire.

The Technique

Sitting or lying close to each other or lying in Spoon position, (curled up facing in the same direction, like spoons in a drawer.) Rest your hand lightly on your partner's belly.

Key

Have your hand resting just under the belly button in the soft, rounded part of the belly just above the groin.

What you, the person doing the touching, can pay attention to:

• Notice the rise and fall of their breathing.

• Notice the softness of their skin.

• Be aware of the surrounding areas of their body. What your partner, the person being touched, can pay attention to: Your hand. The gentle changes in contact between your hand and their belly. The closeness of your hand to their groin.

What your partner, the person being touched, can pay attention to:

• Your hand.

• The gentle changes in contact between your hand and their belly.

• The closeness of your hand to their groin.

Two Way

This is with both partners feeling the other's belly rise and fall. You let your attention drift back and forth, noticing their belly, rising and falling, their skin, the softness of their breathing; and also spending time noticing the closeness of their hand to your own groin, the gentleness of their touch. Notice how this accentuates the movements of your own breathing. Notice the rhythm of their breathing.

Tips

This exercise works best if you don't expect it to go anywhere. Just enjoy whatever feelings come up. The more you decide to just sit, wait and notice, the stronger the feelings can get.

Eventually

If nothing extraordinary happens, that's OK. In fact, it's great. You've developed greater awareness of each other and spent time enjoying each other. On the other hand, if it gets too intense and you cave - that's OK too! Go for it!