There are many types of yoga. These different branches actually come from the nine branches of the yoga tree. That is why people talk about Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Sivananda Yoga.
Each type of yoga focuses on certain aspects (some are more physically demanding than others, for example), although the ultimate goal is always to achieve communion between body and mind, and, secondly, the union between individual and universal consciousness.
Whatever the case, yoga is in fashion. And that is good news because it is a practice that promotes individual and collective harmony and well-being. So the more people who join in, the better.
What is also interesting is that it is beginning to become an inclusive practice. In the sense that ARISTOPETS are being given a place. The most traditional yoga masters may throw up their hands in horror, but the truth is that practicing yoga with our best friends is becoming increasingly popular. And for those looking to find a moment of peace amid the whirlwind of everyday life and share it with their furry friend, it is a wonderful initiative.
That is why some time ago we introduced you to the practice of “doga,” that is, yoga with dogs. And today we bring you the feline version: yoga with cats.
What can we say about ARISTOCATS that we have not already said? We love them. We love seeing them in all their forms: sleeping soundly, playing, exploring, surprising us with an unexpected gesture of absolute affection. Cats are love. You know it, the internet knows it, and so do our friends in Japan (a culture that has always held cats close. In fact, the first cat cafés emerged there in the 1990s). The whole world knows it. That is why it was only a matter of time before we included them in a practice through which we seek to set aside stress and the rush, find peace, and achieve well-being. What could be better than emptying the mind and filling the spirit with a cat nearby?
Physically, yoga increases flexibility and strength, improves the functioning of all our glands, promotes circulation and blood flow, and corrects our posture. Mentally and emotionally, it also promotes deep relaxation, works on concentration, memory, and attention, and, above all, provides peace and emotional stability.
Cats, for their part, complement this practice because they are naturally flexible. That makes them a perfect fit for certain postural exercises performed during yoga sessions. Also, when they are calm… there is nothing more pleasurable and relaxing than watching them.
In many cases, yoga with cats is promoted by associations that protect felines and by shelters as well. This means that attendees not only have the opportunity to share the experience with a cat, but if a spark develops between them, they may also be able to adopt the cat more easily.
Two good examples come to us from the United States. The first is “Cat Therapy”, a café in Santa Barbara, California, where you can not only have a drink but also practice yoga with cats. The second is “Meow Parlour,” which is taking Manhattan, NY, by storm. In Spain, we cannot forget “La Gatoteca” (the Madrid branch of the Abriga NGO), which also occasionally offers yoga sessions with cats. Nor can we forget “Gatuari” in Barcelona.
So if you are thinking about taking up a sport or doing some physical activity for the new year… You do not need to think about it any longer: give “cat yoga” a try.
Have you ever practiced this discipline? What do you think of it? Do you know of any establishment or association where it is practiced? Tell us about it. We cannot wait to hear your opinions!