What I said, more or less: Did you happen to read the NY Times article on pets and wellness? Apparently there’s a strong correlation between pet ownership and longer life. The study looked at dogs, but as many of you know, I’m a cat person. And, as they say, March comes in like a lion.

Now, I have to show you this so that you know this isn’t something I’m making up.

Here’s BKS Iyengar in Light on Yoga:

He’s got his eyes crossed, tongue out, and a big roar. Let’s try!* You can hear a lion’s roar as far as five miles away. So let’s roar so they can hear it at the Empire State building and beyond.

* You can try for yourself at home now! Cross your eyes, stick out your tongue, take a big breath in, and roar. It’s shockingly satisfying.

Along the way: As Iyengar wrote, “the cat is the master of stretching and the master of relaxation.” I’m known to say my cats are my gurus; I’m not even half joking. Cats are amazing teachers.

Of course, cats are known for their curiosity. How can your curiosity bring something fresh to your practice today? How is this cat back specific to how you feel today? What can you see in a different way?

Cats don’t care what anyone else thinks. Cats know no kings! Be like the cat and do what’s right for you, don’t worry about what your neighbor’s up to.

One thing I love about the simhasana roar is that it reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously. Cats also love to play, and play is one of the best ways you can keep your practice exciting for yourself. It’s also great for your brain and your overall health. So one more time, let’s roar.

After savasana: Cats wake up two ways: all of a sudden, and really slowly. Think of the latter to re-emerge.

I do not use AI to write my dharma talks or the content for this newsletter, and I never will.