Teaches fourteen introductory yoga poses, illustrated by their animal namesakes, and identifies the benefits of each.

Dogs have always been natural yogis, and their tranquility of mind, ability to be in the moment, and contented outlook are widely considered to be the result of their long and devoted practice of doga. Dogis Benny, Buster, and Cricket practiced in obscurity for years, perfecting their dogic principles. Now at last they reveal the powerful secrets of doga. Many of the movements and positions of doga can inspire and assist humans in their own yoga practice. Doga presents the major asanas or postures, from the Downward-Facing Dog to the relaxing Happy Puppy and restorative Pup's Pose. Each stretch is demonstrated by one of the dogis, with accompanying text to help people adapt positions to their own practice. Also included are breathing techniques such as the hot breath, or pant, and tips on practicing with your own dogi. Anyone who does yoga or owns a dog is sure to find inspiration in these pages. On the path to health and inner harmony, Doga shows the way.

"Roar like a lion! Arch like a kitten! Stretch like a cobra! Did you know that many yoga poses were inspired by animals? Let these creatures inspire your young ones to get moving, practice mindfulness, or calm down after a long day. Simple step-by-step instructions explain the kid-friendly moves. Kids will get a kick out of the accompanying photos of animals that mimic each pose, and the sweet poem is sure to delight"--

Welcome to the enchanting world of "Animal Yoga"! In this delightful book, children will embark on a journey of discovery through 15 captivating animal yoga poses, each accompanied by beautiful illustrations and easy-to-follow explanations. From the majestic elephant pose to the majestic cobra Pose, young yogis will learn to embody the spirit and movements of their favorite animals. Dive into the pages of this book and join the fun as we stretch, breathe, and unleash our imagination together. With a short and sweet poem accompanying each pose, children will not only strengthen their bodies but also nourish their hearts and minds. Let's explore the magical world of yoga through the eyes of our animal friends and discover the joy of movement, mindfulness, and connection.

People in ancient India lived in harmony with animals. This is obvious from the Panchatantra (pronounced as Pancha - tan - tra) tales, ancient animal fables that originated in India around 3rd century BCE. These stories, passed down by word of mouth for generations, show that people in ancient India observed animal behavior closely and each animal was given a human character based on its unique characteristics. The cow is seen as a "giver of life" because it provides milk. The monkey is regarded as clever and loyal and is also worshipped as the monkey god Hanuman. The cobra and the lion are feared but are also worshipped to prevent them from causing harm to humans. Many yoga poses are named after animals. Though there is no historical evidence that yoga poses were inspired by the Panchatantra tales, the prominent role that both the Panchatantra and yoga play in Indian life and culture have inspired me to link each Yoga pose named after an animal to a Panchatantra tale about the same animal. If you are an animal and yoga lover, I hope that that you will enjoy practicing these animal yoga poses and reading their stories. If animals or yoga are not your thing, I hope you will read the stories to find out why people in ancient India were so fascinated by animals and how they became a part of their lives and legend.

Ever wonder about the dog in Downward Dog or the pigeon in Kapota? Rewild your yoga practice by connecting to the animals behind the asanas. For nature-loving yogis and readers of World of Wonders and Yoga Mythology From Downward Dog to Cobra, Wild Asana invites you into an embodied exploration of the animals that inspire familiar yoga poses. Drawing on wildlife science, anthropology, Hindu mythology, Eastern philosophy, and personal stories, this insightful guide by environmental educator and yoga instructor Alison Zak explores the connections among our bodies, our minds, and the animals that inspire our practice. In illustrated chapters on asanas like Tittibhasana (Firefly), Garudasana (Eagle), Bidalasana (Cat), and Ustrasana (Camel), Zak invites you to bring the deep nature of animals into breath and movement. You’ll learn to: Respect the monkey in “monkey mind” to honor—not tame—your own wildness Fly like an eagle to move from imprisonment to liberation Embody a pigeon’s stillness and nonattachment Imbue your practice with the agility, flexibility, and fierce commitment of a cat Incorporate asana variations, mudras, and meditations inspired by animal nature Practice lovingkindness meditations that include the more-than-human world With an encompassing ecological compassion, gorgeous original illustrations, profound insight into animal wisdom, and the humor and perspective of lived experience, Zak offers a path to deepen and enliven your practice. Whether you’re an animal lover, a first-time yoga student, or an experienced practitioner, Wild Asana is a practical and accessible guide to becoming animal on your yoga mat.