Yin Yoga · Back · Shoulders · Nervous-system
A gentle 38-minute practice of cat-themed shapes for the back and shoulders
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A gentle 38-minute Yin practice built entirely from cat-inspired shapes — a fun little tribute to the quiet, confident cat. We begin on the belly in Sphinx to open the chest, soften into Crocodile to rest, then move through Thread the Needle for the shoulders, Melting Heart to let the back release, a slow Cat-Cow to free the spine, and Cat Pulling Its Tail — a gentle twist through the middle and lower back — before settling into a long, quiet Savasana. Each pose is held a while and taken slow, so you can drop out of your head and simply feel. Come as you are — every shape has a lighter option and a deeper one.
Anyone who loves an unhurried, introspective practice — and, of course, anyone who loves cats. It’s a lovely one if you want to open the back and shoulders without much fuss, or if you just need a soft, playful reminder to be a little quieter and a little sillier for a while. New to Yin? Read the pose notes below first, then follow the shapes at your own pace and let the held times be gentle suggestions rather than rules.
Just your mat and a warm, quiet space where you can be still. No props are required — though for Cat Pulling Its Tail, a cushion or bolster tucked under the shoulder can feel supportive if it doesn’t quite reach the floor, so keep one nearby if you’d like. Press pause whenever you need to.
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It's just a fun way to practice. Cats are the quiet, confident introverts of the animal world, and Yin is such an introspective practice that the two go beautifully together. Every shape here is inspired by something a cat does — stretching, curling, chasing its own tail — so it's a little playful as well as calming. You don't need to be a cat lover to enjoy it, though it certainly helps.
No — all you really need is your mat. There's one spot in Cat Pulling Its Tail where a cushion or bolster tucked under the shoulder can feel lovely if your shoulder doesn't quite reach the floor, so keep one nearby if you'd like. Nothing else is required.
Yes. It's an all-levels practice, and every shape has a gentler option and a deeper one, so you get to choose how far to go. Find your edge at about 60 to 80 percent, keep a soft bend where you need it, and come out of any pose sooner than I suggest if that feels better for you.
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