Doga Yoga!
Say What? What will they think of next, might be your first thought.Truth is, finding companionship, peace and camaraderie with your animal is age old and nothing new at all.
The sacred connection one finds with an animal can be deeply nourishing, fulfilling and heartwarming to say the least. Bringing that down to the yoga mat to pull back, ground and center in a sense of freedom and security, inner calm and deep breathing is another experience altogether. This is where we find the Doga.Do you have a dog that you love and adore? Might you like to explore gentle movement, body and breath in a yoga practice alongside your furry four legged companion? Could this practice be beneficial to your dog’s well being and the relationship you share?Well Doga might be for you!My whole life long I have known Dog and Wolf to be my animal totem. They bring guardianship, loyalty, unconditional love to the human heart and wolves are known to stand as the authority of the wilderness. Yoga has been a shining path in my life journey, after many injuries and broken bones as a young athlete, I found the consistent practice of yoga to bring myself and well being radiant health, body knowledge and deep healing on many levels. Guiding students on their own yoga path has been a nourishing opportunity and has become my passion for almost 20 years now.I hadn’t imagined leading up yoga workshops with these divine animals before my dear friend Victoria Regan invited me to collaborate on this adventure together. Victoria is the founder of Valley Canine Training here in Lumby. She is a professional canine trainer and lover of Doga as well.Our first Doga workshop held in early June at the white valley community center, in Lumby BC was a sweet success. With 11 dogs attending with their beloved owners, we circled up on the mats after Victoria guided a pack walk with all the dogs to review some exercises and commands in the park that the dogs have been learning. We then guided the dogs into a tranquil setting to engage in deep breathing, focused restoration and relaxation on our mats.With the coupling of native flute music, crystal singing bowls, soft trails of burning sage and guided yogic instruction, together the group connected and experienced a harmonious practice that was like no other. The practice unfolded with guided breath technique, gentle yoga asanas and movement along side the dogs with moments of healing touch, eye gazing and massage.Victoria Regan provides professional canine guidance, training and support while the Doga class continues. By the close of our first workshop, all the dogs were resting, some snoring and others in a deep peaceful gaze as they shared the sacred space of the practice with their relaxed owner. Honor, adoration and natural recharge was an energy we all tapped into. Our last Doga workshop was held in the teepee at Barefoot Sanctuary with a deeper focus on relaxation with the use of drum meditation and a forest walk prior to the practice.A blissful doggy date? Yes.More than that? Come to a workshop and find out.Our next scheduled workshops are scheduled for Sunday, August 11 and September 8th here in Lumby.For more information on Doga Yoga registration, please contact: valleycanine@hotmail.comand visit www.barefootsanctuary.com for more details on yoga classes with or without your pup, yoga retreats and more.Howling with love, Jada Tam
