Animalia Asana was invited to review…

A review of book Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics by Animalia Asana patron Dr Kenneth Valpey:

(FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE)

“This fascinating book highlights the historical underpinnings for much of the present-day evidence of the continued importance of the cow in some cultures and countries; that is, the cow as a sentient animal, as a spiritual/divine/magical being and as a symbol of what can seem an infinite number of things, not least of all other animal life. The notion of the significance of the cow has found its way into yoga too—for example through cow-named yoga postures, cow-based mythology, cow-based spirituality, cow-oriented chants, the teaching of ahimsa, the belief in karma and the promotion of the sattwic illumined nature in practitioners that cows are believed to embody. As sincere yoga practitioners and teachers, I feel we are morally compelled to gain an ever deeper understanding of the cultural roots from which yoga has emerged and in which the practice remains embedded. It is also wise to gain a nuanced appreciation of the past and extant cultural sensitivities connected to yoga. This book most certainly helps with these endeavours. It pays homage to what has come before, weaving insights from different sources seamlessly and offering new considerations for contemporary times and the future. Most importantly, in the context of millions and millions of cows continuing to suffer or face injustices throughout the world today under human hand and society, this book recognises cows as victims and as individuals. Concern about the welfare of cows remains ever-present as you journey through the chapters, and it is afforded the high profile it deserves. I would wholeheartedly recommend this priceless gem”. – Jenny Mace, Founder of Animalia Asana®

Animalia Asana invited to school…

Pleased to report Animalia Asana has been invited to share some wellbeing/mental health yoga sessions on an inset day with school teachers in Fife, Scotland 🙂
 
The sessions will be dedicated to the animal postures and shall focus particularly on the stress response systems in animals… humans included!
 
Animalia Asana Founder and Teacher Jenny says:
“I primarily focus on exploring the multifaceted animal element in yoga, but yoga for mental health is my main other interest (indeed this is how I first came to practice myself during a time of particular struggle in my life). Indeed, I think these two aspects are related too, not least because we ultimately need to take care of our own animal natures and needs on a biological/physiological/spiritual level in order to take care of our mental health. Another hat I am currently wearing is as a remote part-time university lecturer (with the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester) in the field of animal welfare science, ethics & law; one topic I teach is on stress awareness/responses and the consequences of stress in animals, and as humans are also animals the crossovers are very apparent!”
 
50% of funds going to registered animal charities IAR and FIAPO; 50% to be reinvested into Animalia Asana (no wages paid).