Breathing for Intimacy: How Connecting with Your Breath Can Help Overcome Barriers to Intimacy
Connection to ourselves and our partners is something we all strive for in life, but it can be hard to achieve. We often find ourselves struggling with emotions of isolation, disconnection and misunderstanding - leading us to feel stuck in the same old patterns. That’s why it's important to explore ways to deepen our connections through practices like breath work.
Breath work helps ignite the power of self-awareness and co-regulation by guiding us into a soothing rhythm that strengthens our nervous systems. Practicing breath individually and together gives us an opportunity to practice mindfulness with one another while activating the parasympathetic nervous system - creating a sense of ease, comfort and balance in both body and mind. This helps create more harmony between two people and create an environment that fosters connection and understanding.
Here are 3 simple breathing techniques to bring you and your partner closer:
1. Synchronized Breath - Take turns inhaling and exhaling together, in sync with one another. This helps deepen the sense of connection between two people as they become rhythmically harmonized in their breath.
2. Belly Breathing – Lie down or sit comfortably face-to-face with your partner and place one hand on their belly and the other hand on yours. As you both take a deep inhalation focus on feeling each others’ bellies expand, then release that breath slowly through your nose or mouth until all air has been released from both lungs. Not only will this help enhance the feeling of connection and unity, but it also calms down your nervous system.
3. Coherent Breathing: Also called resonant breathing, this technique involves breathing in a steady, rhythmic pattern to help balance the autonomic nervous system. Breathe in for a count of five, then exhale for a count of five. Repeat for several minutes or until you’re done ;-)
These simple breathing techniques can help bring two people closer by creating an atmosphere of understanding and trust - ultimately deepening your bond with one another for more meaningful connections in life. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!