Savasana Specialists: How Animals Have Mastered the Art of Doing Nothing

Yoga Wisdom from Our Animal Friends

Have you ever noticed how a cat stretches languidly in a sunbeam, completely absorbed in the moment? Or how a dog seems to approach each walk with renewed excitement, as if it's the first time exploring the neighborhood, diligently checking their pee-mail (that’s what we like to call the sniffing)? As you move through your April practice, focus on your connection with nature and paying attention to our animal companions - they can offer profound lessons in presence—something many of us struggle to achieve in our busy lives.

The Natural Yogis Among Us

Animals are natural yogis, effortlessly embodying principles we work to cultivate on our mats. They don't overthink their movements or worry about how they look performing them. They simply respond to their bodies' needs with intuitive wisdom. Here's what we can learn:

1. Stretch Without Agenda

Watch how your cat or dog naturally stretches throughout the day. They don't set aside "stretching time"—they listen to their bodies and respond accordingly. When they feel tension, they extend into it without judgment or expectation.

Practice Tip: Before beginning your formal practice, spend a minute moving intuitively. Let your body lead rather than your mind. Stretch what feels tight without naming the pose or correcting your alignment.

2. Rest Without Guilt

Animals rest when they need to rest, without the guilt or anxiety that often accompanies human relaxation. They don't worry about being productive or multitasking during their downtime.

Practice Tip: Make your Savasana sacred. When you settle into final relaxation, mentally release any thoughts about what you "should" be doing instead. Give yourself full permission to rest deeply, just as your pet would.

3. Play Without Self-Consciousness

When animals play, they commit fully to the experience. They don't worry about looking silly or making mistakes—they simply engage with joy.

Practice Tip: Try approaching challenging poses with playfulness rather than determination. If you're working on arm balances or inversions, adopt the curious attitude of a puppy exploring something new. Fall, laugh, and try again.

4. Live Cyclically, Not Linearly

Animals follow the rhythms of nature—active at certain times, restful at others. They don't force energy when it isn't present. Re-read that last sentence. I’ll wait.

Practice Tip: Honor the natural ebbs and flows in your practice. Some days call for vigorous movement, others for gentle restoration. Let your practice reflect these cycles rather than pushing through them.

This month, I invite you to observe the animals in your life—pets, backyard visitors, creatures encountered on walks—and consider what they might teach you about being present. How might your practice change if you approached it with a dog's enthusiasm or a cat's confidence?

Remember, animals don't practice presence—they simply are present. Perhaps the greatest wisdom they offer is that presence isn't something to achieve but something to remember we already possess.