Episode 3: Deepening Intimacy in Relationship
Out of the unity and totality of the human experience comes the polarity of the masculine and the feminine. This refers not just to masculinity and femininity in the traditional sense, but to every dual aspect of communication, expression, and human behavior that we experience in relationships.
These polarities play important roles in our intimate relationships–whether we realize it or not–and understanding them is crucial to achieving the deep levels of intimacy our hearts intuitively know is possible.
In this episode of The Vibrant Couple, host Valdo Lallemand talks to Christopher Sunyata, professional intimacy coach for individuals and couples, about the importance of exploring polarities in intimate relationships, and what can happen when we don’t properly understand and honor our spiritual needs.
Show Notes
01:18 – An introduction to today’s guest, Christopher Sunyata
01:32 – The duality of Masculine vs. Feminine energies in relationships
2:05 – Christopher introduces David Deida’s 3 developmental stages of personal growth
2:23 – Stage 1: The “me” phase, or the development of the egoic personality
3:10 – Stage 2: The “we” stage, developing a deeper purpose with more give-and-take
4:44 – Stage 3: The spiritual stage, dissolving the boundaries between “self” and “other”
5:48 – The benefit of allowing oneself to explore different sides of polarities
11:45 – Tapping into a partner’s energy through physical, bodily demonstration and expression
14:35 – Handling demands from a feminine partner around one’s masculinity
17:24 – The deep spiritual power of accepting our mortality
19:00 – How to re-center in one’s masculine presence
21:27 – Emotional reactivity: Re-establishing connection via breath work
23:48 – The use of music as a communication tool
25:27 – Everything is connected, everything is empty
26:17 – The art of inviting masculine partners into deeper presence
29:22 – Waiting to love only serves to waste life
29:58 – If you’re explaining, you’re losing
31:53 – Appreciating and understanding each other’s differing sexual needs
35:35 – Bringing play into a relationship through Stage 3 work
Links
Learn more about Christopher’s work on his website: https://sunyata.info/
Follow Christopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophersunyata/
Connect with Christopher: https://sunyata.info/contact
Bio
Christopher Sunyata mentors individuals and couples in intimacy, sexuality, and practical spiritual realization. Drawing upon decades of practice and study under masters of tantric yoga and Buddhist meditation, including David Deida, Sofia Diaz, Reggie Ray, and Will Johnson, he transmits how to embody and live as love amidst the challenges of modern life.
Christopher teaches how to awaken the body's wisdom and masterfully navigate intimate relationships. Through this yoga of intimacy, unconscious and unwanted behaviors can be transcended, making room for explosive, limitless physical and spiritual connection. He reveals how conscious intimacy and sex can be a profound sacred practice that awakens, revives, and deepens relationships, empowering individual purpose and integrity.
Christopher offers private mentoring to individuals and couples as well as workshops and retreats. Prior to teaching, he was an international project manager responsible for over a billion dollars in revenue, a medical device engineer with seven patents, and a ceramic artist. He has parented four children, including one who has significant disabilities. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, and on the island of Molokai with his wife, Karlene.
Music
Intro music: Sukavah Bodeh by Peter Levitov & Maxime Le Royer, from their Life is Good album.