Yoga Dogs is the first fully illustrated guide to yoga created by dogs
DA N B O R R I S
Sit. Stay. Stay in the moment. for dogs (with the assistance of a few humans purely for technical purposes). Any canine can and should practice yoga. From show dogs and working dogs to mixed breeds and even basic squirrel chasers, we all can enjoy its benefits. Even if you spend a lot of your day lying around the house, only going for the occasional walk, it’s important to stretch, stay flexible*, and keep in shape. But be sure to enjoy the process; yoga is a journey, not a destination. And to any humans reading this: Enough
—From the Introduction
DAN BORRIS is a professional photographer widely recognized for his York Times, and Smithsonian, among many others. His work has been honored by Communication Arts, American Photo, and the Art Directors Club of New York. He lives in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit YogaDogz.com
DOGS
D O G S
portraiture. His images have appeared in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, the New
Y O G A
with the “Downward-Facing Dog” jokes. We get it. We invented it.
An imprint of ABRAMS 115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.abramsimage.com U.S. $15.95 Can. $18.95 U.K. $9.99 ISBN 978-0-8109-9682-3
51595 9 780810 996823 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
*No dogs were harmed during the making of this book. But maybe some of our more extreme flexibility can be chalked up to a little digital help.
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DOGS
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DOGS DAN BORRIS ABR AMS IMAGE NEW YORK
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Editor: David Cashion Designer: Kara Strubel Production Manager: Alison Gervais Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Borris, Daniel. Yoga dogs / Daniel Borris. p. cm. ISBN 978-0-8109-9682-3 (alk. paper) 1. Dogs—Pictorial works. 2. Photography of dogs. 3. Dogs—Humor. I. Title. SF430.B67 2011 636.702'07--dc22 2010036794 Copyright © 2011 Daniel Borris Published in 2011 by Abrams Image, an imprint of ABRAMS. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed and bound in U.S.A. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Abrams Image books are available at special discounts when purchased in quantity for premiums and promotions as well as fundraising or educational use. Special editions can also be created to specification. For details, contact
[email protected] or the address below.
115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.abramsbooks.com
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FOR ALE JA NDR A , whose compassion and love for animals is boundless.
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INTRODUCTION
Y
oga Dogs is the first fully illustrated guide to yoga created by dogs for dogs (with the assistance of a few humans purely for technical purposes). Yoga for
dogs isn’t simply a matter of applying two-legged poses to four-legged yogis. The differences are more subtle and fundamental. For example, chakras run in a vertical line up the human spine, but in dogs, that energy field follows a horizontal path— a seemingly simple but important distinction. Any canine can and should practice yoga. From show dogs and working dogs to mixed breeds and even basic squirrel chasers, we all can enjoy its benefits. Even if you spend a lot of your
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day lying around the house, only going for the occasional walk, it’s important to stretch, stay flexible, and keep in shape. For the more ambitious among us, it should be noted that many “Best in Show” winners practice yoga. A fairly large percentage of today’s top competitors use yoga to keep their bodies supple and their minds focused. As you know, it’s not easy remaining calm while someone’s running you around in circles in front of an audience. One champion reports, “Yoga has put me back in touch with why I compete. I no longer get caught up in the nerves and expectations. Now during a show, I find myself ‘in the zone,’ and not even my trainer’s frantic behavior affects me.” Another says, “I no longer feel judged. I’m more secure with who I am as a dog.” Out in the work world, Shepherds speak of a stronger connection—“a feeling of Oneness”—with their flocks and herds. And one mixed-breed practitioner claims yoga has led him to experience a deeper, more unified sense of self: “For a long time,
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I used to ask myself, ‘Am I a Beagle? Am I a Schnauzer? Am I a Poodle? But through yoga, I realized that I’m just me. A Beagaschnauzapoo.” It’s also a practice that’s beneficial for all ages. One elderly thirteen-year-old Chihuahua living in Miami offered, “Of course, there are the physical benefits, but it’s not about only that for me. It’s also about being in touch with my inner puppy.” Little is known about the exact origins of Yoga Dogs. The common belief is that Yoga Humans copied the movements of various animals as inspiration for what eventually became yoga poses. They carefully developed and refined these poses over the centuries. To outside appearances, it seems that things came full circle in the past few years when dogs began practicing these human poses, but recent evidence suggests a different history. Photographs have been found tracing Yoga Dogs back more than one hundred years. Several of the earliest images feature dogs practicing yoga in India, and
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additional photos taken in New York document the arrival of Yoga Dogs to the American shores in the early 20th century. It can probably be assumed that Yoga Dogs existed before the advent of photography, but they kept their practice of the flexible arts quiet to keep humans from, well, freaking out. As we know, it’s really only been recently that our homo sapien companions have discovered the full range of our abilities and talents. It’s no longer just “sit and stay” or “fetch” for Fido. The (peaceful) Great Terrier Rebellion of the 21st century changed all that . . . but those stories are for another book. The purpose of this volume that you’re holding in your paws is meant to inspire all dogs to attain better health and self-realization through the practice of yoga. If you’re a beginner, start with the poses you’re most comfortable with and go slow. Enjoy the process; yoga is a journey, not a destination. (And to any humans reading this: Enough with the “Downward-Facing Dog” jokes. We get it. And frankly, we invented it.)
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An unusual, modern snapshot from 1965 of West Coast Yoga Dog Romeo, taken on California’s Zuma Beach.
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This tintype dated 1898 and taken in Bombay (Mumbai) India is one of the earliest-known images of a Yoga Dog master. It is believed that Guru Lilipalko founded the first Yoga Dog school in Bombay.
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In this rare hand-tinted portrait from the Kutte Ka Studio in Agra (c. 1900), we see Swami Chote in Kukkutasana pose. This swami known for his diminutive size (chote means tiny in Hindi) and amazing flexibility became a sensation throughout India at the turn of the 19th century.
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This early 20th-century photograph is believed to be of Jake, a student at the secret East Meets West Yoga Dog Studio. Located on West 17th Street in Manhattan, this was the first Yoga Dogs school outside of India.
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Yogi Rocky Barkjan, the original Hundalini Yoga Dog master.
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Guru Sunahare Mela, spiritual leader of the Hundalini Yoga Dog lineage.
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If you meet the Buddha on the road, sniff him and remember his scent well.
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Viparita Salabhasana INVERTED LOCUST Strengthens abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and legs Boosts heart rate Improves absorption of oxygen Increases fl exibility in spine Stimulates cardiovascular and digestive systems Opens energy channels along front of body
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Those who are free of resentful thoughts (and fleas) will surely find peace.
Vrksasana T RE E P OSE VAR I AT ION Stretches inner thighs, chest, and shoulders Strengthens calves, ankles, and spine Improves sense of balance
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Salamba Sarvangasana S U P P OR T E D SHOU LDER S TA N D Stretches neck and shoulders Improves digestion Alleviates insomnia Reduces fatigue Relieves stress Calms the brain
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Peace comes from within. (And from pork chops that fall off the dinner table.)
Ardha Matsyendrasana HALF LORD OF T H E F I SH E S Stretches neck, shoulders, and hips Energizes spine Reduces asthma Relieves fatigue and back pain
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Eka Hasta Adho Mukha Vrksasana ON E - AR M HA N D S TA N D Stretches shoulders, abdomen, and arms Improves sense of balance
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One does not chase the car in order to catch the car.
Hansasana S WA N P OSE Strengthens spine, arms, and wrists Tones abdomen
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Adho Mukha Vrksasana HA N D S TA N D Stretches belly Strengthens shoulders, arms, and wrists Improves sense of balance Relieves stress Calms the brain
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Calmness of mind is reached by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward UPS men.
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Vrischikasana SCOR PION P OSE Tones spinal nerves Increases blood flow to the brain and mind-body coordination Revitalizes body systems
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Three things cannot be hidden long: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Okay, maybe four if that nosy Schnauzer next door sees where you’ve buried your bone.
Adho Mukha Svanasana D OWN WARD - FAC I NG D O G Strengthens arms and legs Stretches shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands Improves digestion Energizes the body
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Virabhadrasana WAR R IOR I I Stretches shoulders, chest, and lungs Stretches and strengthens legs and ankles Increases stamina Relieves back pain
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Bhujangasana COBR A P OSE Tones back Improves concentration Relieves and prevents lower back pain
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A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker. A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker.
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana U P WARD - FAC I NG D O G Stretches shoulders, chest, lungs, and abdomen Firms buttocks Strengthens spine, arms, and wrists Improves posture Stimulates abdominal organs Reduces asthma
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Virabhadrasana I WAR R IOR I Stretches neck, shoulders, chest, and lungs Stretches and strengthens thighs, calves, and ankles Strengthens shoulders, back, and arms
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Adho Mukha Vrksasana HA N D S TA N D Stretches belly Strengthens shoulders, arms, and wrists Improves sense of balance
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Going outside is good. Coming inside is good. It’s all good.
Utthita-Hasta-Padangusthasana B IG T OE P OSE Strengthens thighs and calves Improves digestion Relieves anxiety and stress Calms the brain
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Ardha-Chandrasana HALF - MO ON P OSE Strengthens spine, abdomen, and ankles Improves coordination, digestion, and sense of balance
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Two paws clap and there is no sound; what is the sound of one paw?
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Vrksasana T RE E P OSE VAR I AT ION Stretches shoulders, chest, and groin Strengthens spine and ankles Reduces flat feet Relieves sciatica
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Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace. Especially if that one word is “Who wants their tummy rubbed?”
Bitilasana C AT- COW VAR I AT ION Massages spine and belly organs Stretches neck and front torso
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Halasana P L OW P OSE Stretches shoulders and spine Relieves stress Reduces fatigue
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To conquer oneself is a greater feat than conquering others. Unless it’s conquering that whiny ball of Siamese fuzz behind the fence that never shuts up.
Trikonasana T R I A NGLE P OSE Stretches and strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles Relieves stress Reduces anxiety, flat feet, and neck pain
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Parivrtta Trikonasana RE V E R SE T R I A NGLE Stretches hips and spine Opens chest Improves breathing Relieves mild back pain
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Sometimes you’re the dog, sometimes you’re the hydrant.
Virasana H E R O P OSE Strengthens arches Improves digestion and relieves gas Reduces asthma and high blood pressure
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Supta Padangusthasana RECL I N I NG B IG T OE P OSE Stretches hips, thighs, hamstrings, and calves Strengthens knees Improves digestion Reduces flat feet and high blood pressure
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When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your snout back and laugh at the sky.
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Tittibhasana F I RE F LY P OSE Stretches back torso and inner groin Strengthens arms and wrists Tones belly Improves sense of balance
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All that we are is the result of what we have smelt. What we smell, we become.
Savasana CORP SE P OSE Relaxes body Reduces fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, and insomnia
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Paripurna Navasana F U LL B OAT P OSE Improves digestion Stimulates kidneys Relieves stress
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Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance; lack of wisdom means you won’t figure out how to open the pantry door where the Scooby Snacks are kept. So meditate real good.
Padangusthasana T OE S TA N D Strengthens belly Relieves arthritis in hips and leg joints Balances and focuses body and mind
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Bakasana C R A N E P OSE Stretches upper back, arms, and wrists Strengthens abdomen
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There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting. And pretending you didn't eat that pair of Manolo Blahniks!
Upavistha Konasana W I DE - A NGLE S E AT E D FORWARD BE N D Stretches insides and backs of legs Strengthens spine Stimulates abdominal organs Calms the brain
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Parsva Bakasana SI DE C R OW P OSE Strengthens arms and wrists Tones spine and belly Improves sense of balance
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Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future; concentrate the mind on the present moment and on avoiding mailboxes while riding in the car with your head out the window.
Virabhadrasana III WAR R IOR I I I Strengthens shoulders, back, legs, and ankles Tones abdomen Improves sense of balance and posture
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Virabhadrasana WAR R IOR I I Stretches shoulders, chest, and lungs Stretches and strengthens legs and ankles Increases stamina Relieves back pain
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You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve love and affection, and a warm spot in the bed where someone just got up.
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Natarajasana LORD OF T H E DA NCE Stretches shoulders, chest, abdomen, and thighs Strengthens legs and ankles Improves sense of balance
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Every object, every being, is a jar full of delight. But a jar full of peanut butter is really something.
Eka Hasta Adho Mukha Vrksasana ON E - AR M HA N D S TA N D Improves sense of balance Relieves stress Calms the brain
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Garudasana E AGLE P OSE Stretches thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper back Improves concentration Improves sense of balance
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Only when my leash is off can I achieve non-attachment.
Krounchasana H E R ON P OSE Stretches hamstrings Stimulates abdominal organs and heart
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Hanumanasana MON K E Y P OSE Stretches shoulders, abdomen, arms, thighs, groin, and hamstrings Relieves stress
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Yoga is not possible for those who eat too much or those who do not eat at all; those who sleep too much or who stay awake. But if you’re not in that yoga mood, better to err on the side of too much.
Baddha Konasana B OUN D A NGLE P OSE Reduces asthma, flat feet, and high blood pressure Improves general circulation Stimulates heart Relieves anxiety, fatigue, and mild depression Soothes sciatica
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Dhyana S E LF - I NQ U I R Y MEDI TAT ION Builds sense of purpose Centers self Quiets mind
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No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. Because the path . . . wait a second . . . Did someone say WALK?!!!
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
W
ithout the partnership of Alejandra Diaz-Berrio (the other half of Yoga Dogs and the other half of my marriage), Yoga Dogs would not exist. Not
only does she work with animals, offer valuable criticism (not always happily received, though almost always right), organize photo shoots, research poses, and do yoga, but she does them all straight from her heart. And for that, there cannot be thanks enough. Special thanks to Jamie Stolarski for his invaluable collaboration and assistance in making these photographs come to life, and to Rick Valdez for his craft and artistic eye. Much appreciation goes to the San Antonio Animal Defense League for opening their doors and sharing their beautiful puppies for adoption. Of course, endless thanks to all the amazing Yoga Dogs and their companions for sharing their time, talent, and willingness to participate. Thank you to agents Paul Wheeler at Looking Good Licensing and Julie Newman of Jewel Branding for making this book possible. Alejandra and I would like to thank our families for their trust and support. Thanks especially go to my daughters, Isabelle and Sophie, for their patience while our lives went to the dogs, and for humoring me by laughing at the right things at the right times. Thank you to editor David Cashion for his many superb contributions. To Mela and Snoosh, our divine and magical yoga dog and yoga cat, both true wonders of nature, we offer our humble gratitude. And finally to Joy Nicholson and Otis, the original sparks of Yoga Dogs, thank you.
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16/11/2010 11:08 AM
HNA6074+YogaDogs_pbkcvr_v2.indd 2
PMS240U 175L
05/10/2010 6:09 PM
Yoga Dogs is the first fully illustrated guide to yoga created by dogs
DA N B O R R I S
Sit. Stay. Stay in the moment. for dogs (with the assistance of a few humans purely for technical purposes). Any canine can and should practice yoga. From show dogs and working dogs to mixed breeds and even basic squirrel chasers, we all can enjoy its benefits. Even if you spend a lot of your day lying around the house, only going for the occasional walk, it’s important to stretch, stay flexible*, and keep in shape. But be sure to enjoy the process; yoga is a journey, not a destination. And to any humans reading this: Enough
—From the Introduction
DAN BORRIS is a professional photographer widely recognized for his York Times, and Smithsonian, among many others. His work has been honored by Communication Arts, American Photo, and the Art Directors Club of New York. He lives in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit YogaDogz.com
DOGS
D O G S
portraiture. His images have appeared in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, the New
Y O G A
with the “Downward-Facing Dog” jokes. We get it. We invented it.
An imprint of ABRAMS 115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.abramsimage.com U.S. $15.95 Can. $18.95 U.K. $9.99 ISBN 978-0-8109-9682-3
51595 9 780810 996823 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
*No dogs were harmed during the making of this book. But maybe some of our more extreme flexibility can be chalked up to a little digital help.
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DAN BORRIS 175L
13/11/2010 11:31 AM
