So, Why is Farmyard Yoga a "THING"??

This morning, before getting to work, I painted and nailed together some wood pieces and crafted a jewelry holder. This past weekend, I sat outside in the fading light of Mother's Day and did some watercolor. I've discovered that prioritizing creativity as much as I do productivity is my way of finding ease and balance in my life. 

When I teach a yoga class with our 7 spirited pygmy goats in the backyard of the urban farm, that balance is created in the combination of nature, movement... and play.

Why is something as "silly" as practicing yoga with gentle farm animals a thing?! 

Here's my take on why what we do has such an uplifting effect:

• It's a chance to disconnect. When we're out under the willow tree and about to start class, I like to pause for a meditation in which we simply notice the sounds and feels of nature all around us. The light breeze on our skin, the songs of birds overhead, the solidity of the earth beneath us and the feel of the warm sun caressing us gives us a much-needed break from the constant swirl of input and technology that often bombard our precious time.

• It's impossible to be grumpy. These goats! Their bellies and round, their noises are ridiculous, they jump and snort and nibble and sometimes poop. I dare anyone to feel irritated while spending time with them.

• We don't take ourselves too seriously. While we practice some truly beautiful and legit asanas in our classes, I encourage people to giggle, relax, break a pose or take a selfie with a goat while we're participating. It's a nice reminder that it's possible to feel grounded and light at the same time. In fact, many people have had goat yoga be their first visit to the practice of yoga, and have gone on to do more yoga due to the lighthearted introduction!

• The movement is delicious. There is nothing that can quite compare to the yummy "wrung out" feeling that comes from the deliberate, breath-led poses that are yoga. After class, our sun-warmed bodies feel stretched, loose, comfortable, and happy. And then we get to play some more, our toes in the grass and the goats eating from our hands.

If you've not had a chance to come out and play on the urban farm, consider this your invitation! I would love to host you at any of our upcoming events or for your private function.

xx
Emily