The following article was submitted by Jennifer Shaw, a Public Services Assistant at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Studies show cats reduce stress and improve moods. Studies also show that yoga relaxes you and results in increased mental and physical energy. So, what happens when you combine friendly felines with an hour of soothing yoga? Well, I can tell you from experience—magic happens!
I am both a library employee and an animal lover. I attended my first “Cats on Mats” this winter. It was such a wonderful experience that I intend to sign up for it every time I see it on our “Events” calendar. I’m excited to say that the next “Cats on Mats” is coming up soon. It will be held on Thursday, March 10, at 6 PM. Please join us!
You may be thinking, “What can I expect in this hybrid cat-cuddling/exercise class at the Library?” I will lay it all out so there are no surprises. The class is structured for both novice and advanced participants. If you’ve never done yoga before, this is a great way to start. Everyone is watching the kittens, so no one will even notice if you can’t touch your toes!
Show up at the Library a little before 6 wearing comfortable exercise clothes with your yoga mat or a towel. Head upstairs to the Balkansky Room. Don’t worry if you don’t know where that is—your friendly librarian at the Service Desk can point you in the right direction. Once in the Balkansky Room, you will notice soft music and pleasantly dim lighting to help you begin to relax and unwind. Scope out a spot on the floor and settle in.
Volunteers from Lakeshore Humane Society will bring in some of their most adorable, adoptable felines to join us. Once everyone has arrived, the volunteers will open the doors of the kitty carriers. Some of the little fellows will scurry right out and some of the more tentative ones will slowly test the waters, but soon the hijinks begin. They pounce, jump-cuddle, climb, and nibble while you balance, stretch, breathe, and occasionally giggle.
I personally cannot think of a better way to spend an hour, but should you need an excuse—do it for the cats. You’re helping to socialize these poor orphaned cats and kittens. All the felines LHS brings are available for adoption, so . . . if you take a liking to one . . . wink, wink (you know where I’m going with this).
Plus, if you would like to donate, there is a bin at the front of the Library for LHS. Donations of food, cat litter, and soft training treats are appreciated. And while Lakeshore Humane Society is always in need of animal items, they can also use other items, such as laundry detergent, postage stamps, and copier paper. You should check out the Lakeshore Humane Society Facebook page for items of immediate need.
The class is taught by the amazing Kate Casey. She is a RYT-500 yoga teacher, trained in the ashtanga and vinyasa flow systems. She has been teaching since 2013 with a strong understanding of human anatomy and alignment. Kate provides a safe and relaxing environment for all students.
So, do a service for your body and mind and for the residents of the Lakeshore Humane Society—come to “Cats on Mats.” It’s a yoga class that feels good and does good.
You must be 18-years old to participate and the class is free. Please register ahead of time. Registration opened on February 21. To secure your spot, call us at 920-686-3010 or stop by the Main Service Desk.