By Sangeetha Saran, CYT 500
Are there any benefits for humans and their pets practicing yoga together? Is pet yoga just a fly-by-night fad for people in search of the latest thing? Are yoga and meditation good for pets and humans together?
Combine Your Daily Yoga Practice with Pet Exercise
If you have a pet, then it is easy
to combine your asana practice with animal exercise at home or in a specialized
class that includes cats or dogs. After you return home from work, you may want
to use yoga movements to relax, but if your dog needs a walk, then there is not
much time left for a routine. Fortunately, there are experts who have
designed yogic methods that are good for pets and people.
Create a Pet-friendly Yoga Routine to Use At Home
When your dog or cat has been home
alone all day, it may also feel stressed due to the lack of physical activity.
You might arrive home to find that your dog has been barking all day, or
perhaps, your cat has sat by the window looking out until you return. Some
animals display hostility after being alone for many hours, but you can bond
with a cat or dog with a specialized yoga routine.
Incorporate Your Pets Into Your Yogic Practices
You might think that performing
yoga sequences with a pet is not possible because animals cannot get into most
of the positions, but the secret is that you can incorporate a cat or animal
into a yoga routine. For instance, if you are sitting in a lotus pose, then you
can place a small dog or cat in your lap, and while you are meditating, your
pet will also become calmer and more relaxed.
Yogic Methodology Can Help an Animal Relax
If you have had a pet for several
years, then it will notice when you are angry. Some dogs or cats will cuddle up
to you when you are having a difficult day, but other pets will begin to act
out by becoming more anxious or destructive. With the right types of yoga
postures, a pet that avoids being held may relax and permit more hugs and pats. Sometimes, asana practice or meditation attracts your pet to calmly sit beside you and tune in.
Join a Class That Includes Yogic
Methodology With Pets
As a pet owner, you might avoid
participating in yoga classes because it requires leaving your cat or dog home
alone again, but you can find a teacher who teaches classes that include
pets. In many cases, these classes take place at local parks, making it
easy to enjoy learning new asana postures and movements while also providing
essential exercise for a pet.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.
https://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/
Are you an experienced teacher looking for YACEP credits or continuing education?
Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Special Discounts and New Products
Related Resources
52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice
by Rina Jakubowicz
A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance
by Gail Boorstein Grossman.
YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
by B.K.S. Iyengar
TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques
By Mark Stephens
2 comments:
Interesting article.
Practicing yoga exercise with your pet like for example your dog, can help them get added exercise and stay at a good weight.
Post a Comment