Yoda & Leia

This month I’ve decided to feature a couple of fellow yogis who live with me. I learn much from them when I pay attention. I tried to catch them in traditional yoga poses like Down Dog and Up Dog, which they do to perfection, but alas, they were not up to posing for the camera. What I did capture were some less defined postures, postures which leave me with the desire to explore the various ways of being in our bodies. What I love is the playful feel to their movements; to their private body adventure.

We adopted Yoda & Leia at the end of last year when their owner passed on. It has taken them a while to relax around here, what with the kid’s noisy comings and goings and Luna, our 80 lb. lab/rottie mix hanging around, very curious about the additions to our “pack”. One can hardly blame them considering they were only around an older woman who was bed ridden 90% of the time. And yes, this woman was into Star Wars, thus their names. I do have to say that the names fit.

As a yogi, Yoda is definitely further along the path than any of us, I believe. He is calm and wise while not accepting any foolishness from any of us, including Luna. He is the most yoga embodied cat I’ve ever seen. He does the ultimate Down Dog and Up Dog on a regular basis. I can’t believe I haven’t been able to photograph him! He also does these other lovely body expressions with what seems like an immense amount of pleasure. Its as if he hits that perfect balance in each position he moves into. He balances his time by remaining solitary half the time, in meditation or quiet observation, and asking for rubs or playing and grooming Leia the other half of the time. Luna has the utmost respect for him, likes to be near him and will not pass him. She will stand and wait until Yoda moves then she follows. Yoda is teaching me quiet power and how I can find luxury just by being in my body and allowing myself to move in ways that feel delicious.