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| Partner Yoga—Double Down Dog |
“Double Down Dog”: Partnered Downward-Facing Dog
In “Double Down Dog,” both you and your partner perform Downward-Facing Dog at the same time.
In “Double Down Dog,” both you and your partner perform Downward-Facing Dog at the same time.
In preparation for practicing Double Down Dog, one partner assumes Downward- Facing Dog Position (see Fig. 15.1j, page 118). The partner’s feet are spread hip-width apart and the heels pressed firmly to the ground. The hands are placed shoulder-width apart. The buttocks are raised toward the ceiling so that the body forms an inverted V relative to the ground.
The second partner stands with his or her back toward the first partner. The second partner places his or her feet between the first partner’s hands, and assumes Downward- Facing Dog position as previously described. The second partner bends the knees and places the hands on the floor in front, about shoulder-width apart. The second partner then raises one leg and places the foot firmly on the first partner’s lower or middle back.
The second partner than lifts the other foot so that it is alongside the first foot on the partner’s back. The second partner straightens the arms and legs, and lifts the buttocks to assume Downward-Facing Dog position on the first partner’s back (see Fig. 15.5). Hold this Double Dog Partner Yoga position for several deep breaths. The second partner then easefully returns one foot, and then the other, to the ground. Both partners can rest in Child’s Pose for a few breaths, then reverse roles and perform Double Down Dog Pose once again. (Note: In practicing this pose, the second partner should be careful not to apply pressure directly onto the fleshly tissue just below the first partner’s rib cage. If you or your partner have any back or circulatory problems, or are uncomfortable in any way, then skip this asana.)
The second partner stands with his or her back toward the first partner. The second partner places his or her feet between the first partner’s hands, and assumes Downward- Facing Dog position as previously described. The second partner bends the knees and places the hands on the floor in front, about shoulder-width apart. The second partner then raises one leg and places the foot firmly on the first partner’s lower or middle back.
The second partner than lifts the other foot so that it is alongside the first foot on the partner’s back. The second partner straightens the arms and legs, and lifts the buttocks to assume Downward-Facing Dog position on the first partner’s back (see Fig. 15.5). Hold this Double Dog Partner Yoga position for several deep breaths. The second partner then easefully returns one foot, and then the other, to the ground. Both partners can rest in Child’s Pose for a few breaths, then reverse roles and perform Double Down Dog Pose once again. (Note: In practicing this pose, the second partner should be careful not to apply pressure directly onto the fleshly tissue just below the first partner’s rib cage. If you or your partner have any back or circulatory problems, or are uncomfortable in any way, then skip this asana.)
