A Unique Yoga Experience: Embracing Snakes in Portland
In a departure from traditional yoga practices, Portland, Oregon has embraced a distinctive form of yoga involving snakes. The classes, known as Snake Yoga, are held at HISSS, a reptile-focused pet store that opened its doors last year. Founded by Dru Morales, HISSS offers a sanctuary for reptile lovers and a platform for community engagement through various events, including this unconventional yoga practice.
The Birth of Snake Yoga
The idea for Snake Yoga emerged when Morales pondered how to combine his passion for reptiles with community wellness. After clearing a space in the shop’s spacious front room, he approached yoga instructor Katy Vanek, who was initially unfamiliar with reptiles but was eager to explore this innovative concept. With the support of the shop’s staff, protocols were established to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and participants, including pre-class evaluations and post-class monitoring.
Class Dynamics and Participant Experiences
The classes typically attract a mix of snake enthusiasts and individuals seeking exposure therapy, with roughly 80% of attendees being reptile fans. Participants are encouraged to express their comfort levels using tokens placed at the edge of their mats, allowing them to signal whether they wish to engage with the snakes at any point during the session.
During a recent Snake Yoga class, various snakes, including pythons and a baby boa constrictor named Mango, were gently draped over participants or allowed to slither freely. One student, Tara Entrieri, expressed her delight at having Gemma, a seven-foot carpet python, wrapped around her shoulders, humorously stating, “If she’s missing, she came home with me.”
As body heat increases throughout the session, the cold-blooded snakes enjoy the warmth, often snuggling against participants in a calming manner. Alongside the snakes, the class also features other reptiles like tegu lizards and tortoises, enriching the sensory experience.
Integrating Animals into Yoga Practice
Instructor Katy Vanek skillfully weaves the presence of the snakes into the flow of the class. Classic yoga poses, such as the cobra pose, take on new meaning, while participants are reminded to remain attentive to their surroundings to avoid unexpected snake encounters. Vanek draws parallels between the snakes and weighted blankets, noting that their gentle constriction resembles adjustments one might receive during traditional yoga practice.
Many attendees note that the snakes’ presence offers a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness. Christina Chang, a student, remarked on how focusing on the snakes keeps her grounded during the session, facilitating a deeper connection with both her body and the reptiles.
The Appeal of Snake Yoga
While the concept may raise eyebrows for some, those willing to explore this unique form of yoga find it surprisingly relaxing. Attendees tend to leave the class with an enhanced appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures. Conversations among students reveal that, despite initial fears, many find the fluidity and grace of the snakes captivating and even therapeutic.
Katy Vanek advocates for the appeal of reptiles in a yoga setting, arguing that their calm and deliberate movements foster a unique atmosphere conducive to mindfulness. “Kitten yoga is chaotic,” she observed. “The snakes are mindful. They’re slow-moving and kind of calm.”
Looking Ahead
As Snake Yoga continues to gain popularity, it reflects a broader trend towards unconventional wellness practices that challenge perceptions of traditional yoga. With HISSS leading the charge in Portland, the merging of reptile appreciation and mindful movement offers participants a remarkable experience that fosters connections to both nature and self. Whether viewed with enthusiasm or skepticism, the growing interest in Snake Yoga illustrates the evolving landscape of wellness and community engagement in urban environments.
Source: Original Reporting
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