Why animals are ideal mindful yoga companions

Should you do yoga with your dog or cat? YES!

We already know that pets are good for our health. There’s been plenty of research showing that spending time with an animal, particularly cuddling or patting your pet, can help lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety. Pets also ease feelings of loneliness and help us improve physical fitness.

And here’s another benefit: Animals are outstanding mindfulness teachers. While we often tend to spend most of our time examining the past or worrying about the future, they are always fully living in the present. We can learn a lot from them about living mindfully.

Your dog doesn’t spend any time regretting their past behaviours and gives no thought to what might happen tomorrow. No matter how lousy your day has been, your dog is always there to greet you with a wagging tail. 

Animals are also masters of looking after their bodies and they know all the best yoga poses! Every time my dog Finnegan stands up after a long nap he does a downward facing dog. And where do you think cat pose got its name? 

All animals have corpse pose down to an art form. When they are not playing or eating, they love to rest. Finnegan will often do a whole series of stretches and loves to relax by lying on his back with his legs up in the air, chest going to the left and head and feet facing right (banana pose!). In the morning when he wakes up he’ll do a series of poses - thread the needle and downward facing dog are his favourites. Many dogs like to join their people to do down dog!

There are many ways to engage in mindful practices with your pet. I love getting down on the floor and joining Finnegan when he’s stretching. It then becomes a game which usually turns into cuddles. Try it – It’s a wonderful way to bring yourself into the present moment, have fun, and experience joy. 

Get still and watch your pet sleep. Just watch them breathe, their chest going up on down. The rhythmic breathing is soothing and peaceful.

Next time your dog or cat is quietly sitting near you, spend some time stroking their fir and noticing their movements. They will likely make little noises (sighs or purrs), you’ll be able to feel their heart beating and they may even snuggle up even closer. Challenge yourself to really pay attention. Your nervous system will thank you.

Animals are capable of thinking and feeling, and they are incredibly curious. Just watch a dog when they get the scent of something interesting. They don’t rest until they find it! They can also become scared, nervous and startled. They become excited and they get bored. And they are very, very entertaining. But they live in the moment and can help us stay In the moment too if we choose to pay attention.

If you don’t have your own pet, then try getting out in nature and watching animals in the natural world. Sit on a park bench and watch the squirrels play or the birds flit about.

Animals work hard to survive but they play well too and definitely know when to rest. They are mindfulness experts.

Let them teach you!

I’d love to hear from you. If you have any comments or questions, please email me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. If you enjoy these blog articles, then please share them with your friends. You are also welcome to join our private Facebook group: The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community where I share practices and additional resources every week.

For more mindful practices and tips, please check out the Build Your Resilience Toolkit. You can download your FREE toolkit here: