Exploring Yoga in Nature

Recently, I elevated my yoga practice, moving beyond the confines of my living room. While some might chuckle at the idea of Goat Yoga, I found myself curious if it was worth experiencing. After enjoying online yoga sessions, I started to feel stagnant and unfulfilled. Perhaps a change of scenery might reignite my passion for yoga.

Yoga studios in my area are often pricey and not aligned with my schedule. Thus, I discovered a local park by the Delaware River offering "Yoga by the River," which was either free or donation-based. With excitement, I thought, “I’ve never done yoga outside—this will be thrilling!”

Our instructor by the river was calming and encouraging. She guided us to close our eyes, feel the sun's warmth, breathe in the morning dew, and listen to the sounds around us, including the distant rumble of motorcycles. We fully embraced both the serene and the chaotic. Being outside and engaging with nature was refreshing. I lost track of time and found that yoga by the river quickly became a cherished part of my routine for reducing stress.

If this outdoor yoga was so rewarding, I wondered if incorporating adorable farm animals would enhance the experience. Thus, I enrolled in Goat Yoga, hoping for pleasant weather once again.

The goat farm was inviting, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Alongside us, a variety of animals, including emus, mules, pigs, sheep, and alpacas, added to the atmosphere. Although our instructor was fantastic, the unpredictable nature of the goats was to be expected. Some participants were serious yogis, while others were just teens enjoying a lively petting zoo. I realized that Goat Yoga is somewhat of a gimmick—akin to corn mazes or pumpkin picking—designed to attract visitors and support farmers financially. It was a fun experience, but perhaps a one-time adventure for the $40 fee.

The most memorable moments came from the teenagers’ remarks, which occasionally disrupted the yoga ambiance. Their comments included, “He peed on my mat!”, “He won’t move!”, “He’s sniffing me!”, “Stop eating my shirt!”, and “Eww, gross, he eats his own poop!” Clearly, some participants were new to farm life.

Practical Tips for Goat Yoga

If you decide to try yoga with goats, leave your personal mat at home. The ground is often the goats’ restroom, and they might find your mat quite tasty. The best Goat Yoga venues usually provide mats for participants.

Also, avoid wearing your favorite workout gear; the mats can be stained, and goats may ruin your clothing.

Above all, if you want to prevent a goat from jumping on your back, skip the tabletop position—trust me on that!

The goats can be surprisingly heavy, and their hooves are sharp, so brace yourself well. I felt for the girl beside me in just a sports bra on that day.

Every time a goat leaped onto someone’s back, the responses were priceless: “AHHHHH”, “Ooooohhhhhhhh”, “Ughhhhh”, and “Quick, take a picture!” The instructor humorously suggested, “Actually, it feels kind of good,” but I wasn't convinced. If you know someone who likes having their back walked on, suggest they try a Goat Yoga class.

Ultimately, my biggest takeaway from these two yoga experiences is that being outdoors and connecting with nature—along with embracing both the pleasant and the challenging—expanded my comfort zone and brought me joy.

Namaste!

Chapter 2: Saturday Morning Yoga | Under the Sea

This video captures a serene morning yoga session set to the calming sounds of the ocean, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness.

Chapter 3: YoGoat Yoga! Goat Yoga for Kids!

A fun and engaging Goat Yoga class designed specifically for kids, blending playfulness with yoga practice.