In yoga, each pose—or asana—offers more than just physical alignment. It invites us to step into another form, often inspired by the animal kingdom. These postures aren’t just symbolic—they’re opportunities to cultivate empathy and reflect on how our actions affect other living beings. When we move intentionally and breathe with awareness, we can deepen our connection to animals and become stronger advocates for their well-being.
Let’s explore a few animal-inspired yoga poses and the stories they tell.
🐶 Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Śvānāsana)
This familiar pose mirrors the natural stretch dogs do after rest, grounded, calm, and ready to engage with the world. As we root through our hands and lift our hips, we’re reminded of dogs who live in both loving homes and those still waiting for safety, warmth, and care. Every movement becomes a small act of solidarity with them.
🐪 Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
This powerful backbend honors the resilience of camels, animals who endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth. But resilience doesn’t mean they should suffer. Many camels are overworked in tourism industries, denied basic needs like water and rest. As we open our hearts in this pose, we can reflect on what it means to respect their strength truly, and how we can say no to exploitation in travel and entertainment.
🐟 Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
A symbol of openness and liberation, this heart-expanding pose encourages us to breathe deeply and think of the often-forgotten lives of fish. These intelligent beings communicate in complex ways and move in harmony with one another. Holding this posture, we’re invited to move in harmony, too—within our communities and ecosystems—and to advocate for more compassionate choices in how we eat and live.
🐍 Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
The graceful rise of Cobra Pose connects us with the quiet strength of snakes, often misunderstood creatures. The king cobra is one of the few snakes that builds nests and fiercely protects their young. As we extend the spine and lift through the chest, we can embrace that protective energy and consider how even the most feared animals are deeply caring in their way.
🦅 Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
Eagle Pose wraps us into a focused spiral of balance and clarity. It mimics the majestic bird of prey in flight—powerful, aware, and free. Sadly, many birds are used for human entertainment in shows and displays. As we balance in this pose, we can visualize a world where birds and all animals live wild and unbound.
A Movement for All Beings
Yoga offers more than inner peace—it can be a pathway to greater compassion. That’s why practices that honor animals not only nourish our bodies but can also inspire real-world action.
In a special collaboration, PETA and Jivamukti Yoga created a free, animal-focused yoga series that weaves mindful movement with stories of animals and their realities. Each session ends with a short talk on how we can make a difference, from daily choices to deeper advocacy.
You can:
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Stream the classes for free
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Share them with your yoga community
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Support animal liberation through conscious living
As always, listen to your body and practice with kindness. Whether you’re resting in Child’s Pose or soaring in Eagle, may your yoga journey inspire compassion for all who share this planet.
Inspired by PETA’s reflections on yoga and animal compassion.
