Joy Nicholson, with Joyful Yoga, and Danielle Crowe, with Body Solace Yoga, are each participating in U-Cat-Asana in support of Sympathetic Ear Animal Rescue.
“Yoga is all about connecting to the community and living beings, including animals,” said Nicholson, who is hosting her event on Tuesday. “I don’t know if you’ve unrolled a yoga mat, but when you do, critters come from all corners of the house. They hear that unrolling and they come running. Cats are the most natural yogis, and it’s hilarious to see how people respond to that.”
U-Cat-Asana will see four studios in the province – the other two being in Dartmouth and Fall River – host an event that will see cats (adults and kittens) on site during the yoga experience. All cats will be available for adoption.
“One of the qualities of yoga is non-harming,” said Crowe, adding it goes to humans and animals alike. “This event is the perfect marriage.”
She said people often use yoga as a way to re-connect and heal themselves, giving them a second chance. By hosting an event such as U-Cat-Asana, where the cats are adoptable, it’s giving those cats a second chance as well.
“It’s almost karma,” she said, adding this is giving those people who have had a second chance an opportunity to give back.
Kerry Forbes, the owner and managing director of Atlantic Ground Control Inc., is presenting the event at the four studios. She and Nicholson teamed up after seeing something similar online and posting it to Facebook.
“I’m very passionate about creating events that bring people together,” said Forbes. “Inspired events that bring like-minded people together with the aim of creating positive shifts in peoples’ lives. I believe that as one shifts, so do others.”
Participants at the events will have a chance to apply for adoption for the cats or kittens on site. Forbes said there could be between eight to 10 roaming the studios.
“I’ve been telling people that it’s not just the cats that are adoptable, but the poses are adoptable too,” said Nicholson.
For Tuesday’s event, Nicholson said about 20 people have already registered – some who have never done yoga before, and some who are coming only because cats will be on site.
“People are responding and it’s exciting for sure,” she said.
The cost to participate is $20 per person per event, with all the money going to the animal rescue organization. For an extra $5, participants will be entered into a grand prize draw, which will be drawn for after all four events conclude. It will include items from various businesses donated to each studio hosting the events.
Nicholson’s event begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 18, with Crowe hosting a noon event on Sept. 19. Participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own mats to the event.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
