Embracing the Zen: 5 Ways Animals Elevate Your Yoga Journey

During the previous summer, I embarked on a journey to a lavender farm just beyond the outskirts of my city for a unique yoga session. Unlike my typical outdoor yoga experiences—such as practicing sun salutations at the beach during vacations or enjoying sessions with friends in my backyard—this particular occasion was exceptional. What truly distinguished this yoga experience was the serene and continuous hum enveloping my vinyasa flow. This melodious buzz was courtesy of thousands of honeybees diligently tending to the fragrant lavender plants encircling our yoga space. It was an immersive encounter, where I could hear, see, feel, and quite literally become a part of the symbolic connection between honeybees and the sprawling lavender fields that stretched as far as the eye could see.

For enthusiasts of both yoga and animals, social media feeds have likely been inundated with endearing images of individuals striking poses amidst shelter dogs, practicing cat pose surrounded by purring felines, or attempting boat pose with the company of goats (yes, it's quite the spectacle!). Yet, beyond the allure of garnering likes on the internet, engaging in yoga alongside real, live animals offers profound benefits.

1. Cultivating Genuine Connections

In an era dominated by what many perceive as synthetic connections fostered through smartphones and social media, there's a growing desire to return to authentic, grounding experiences. For many, yoga serves as a conduit for such authenticity.

Integrating animals—whether goats, horses, dogs, cats, or bunnies—elevates the yoga experience from mere physical exercise in a sterile gym environment to a practice rooted in nature. This connection symbolizes and rekindles the purity and simplicity inherent in the natural world. As noted by Kundalini yoga master Guru Jagat, firsthand engagement in yoga alongside animals fosters "a connection to something deeper than our smartphones...that's where animals come in."

2. Warmth and Comfort for Body and Mind

Having always been surrounded by pets—from childhood dogs to a "grumpy" black cat in adulthood—I've come to appreciate the profound mental benefits of animal companionship, particularly during challenging times. Indeed, it's difficult to succumb to despair when a purring cat rests contentedly by your side.

Lainey Morse, a goat farmer and proprietor of No Regrets Farm, attests to the therapeutic solace offered by her animals. Diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, Morse discovered the profound health and mental benefits of her goats. Today, her sold-out goat yoga classes boast a growing waitlist of 1,800 individuals eager to experience the therapeutic joy of these playful creatures.

3. The Power of Bonding with Animals

For animal enthusiasts like myself, the notion of practicing savasana amidst a group of goats might seem delightful rather than daunting. Regular interaction with pets, big or small, yields numerous physical and mental benefits—a sentiment echoed by health experts.

Research from the American Heart Association underscores the cardiovascular benefits of dog ownership, while studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight the positive impact of animal companionship on reducing rates of depression, high blood pressure, and loneliness.

4. Mutual Benefits for Humans and Animals

Although maintaining focus during deep breathing exercises might prove challenging with an affectionate pet vying for attention, these interactions yield benefits not only for humans but also for animals.

According to Verywell.com, participating in yoga alongside a furry companion provides valuable exercise for pets and helps mitigate the risk of conditions such as pet obesity and diabetes. Moreover, these interactions offer shelter animals the opportunity to socialize in a safe environment, ultimately enhancing their well-being.

5. Advocating for Animal Adoption

Engaging in yoga with animals serves a greater purpose, particularly when supporting shelter animals. For instance, Homeward Bound, a no-kill animal shelter based in Illinois, witnessed a surge in feline adoptions following a collaboration with a nearby yoga studio. The event not only raised funds for the shelter but also facilitated meaningful connections between yogis and rescue animals.

In conclusion, yoga practiced alongside animals not only enriches the individual experience but also contributes to the well-being of both humans and animals alike, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and compassion within our communities.