It was Thursday morning, and I was counting down the hours until I would be off work and relaxing at the Overton Park Shell.
In seven hours, 32 minutes, and 19 seconds, I would be off work and headed to Overton Park for the Free Concert Series. I like to read and relax while they set everything up. I also engage in a little people-watching before grabbing some food, a Mempop, and a beer.
But I was 28 minutes into my workday. (Twenty-eight minutes too long if you ask me.) Then, a co-worker trotted in my office and started talking about … work.
After discussing with them the things I “planned” to accomplish that day, I felt that I really needed to focus on something positive. So I wondered, “Who’s playing at the Shell tonight?” Not that it mattered, I was going regardless. But I got on the Overton Park Shell website and noticed something amiss. There was an odd event. Goat yoga.
So, I called my sister. Even though she had plenty of odd scenarios that involved feces and such, she continued to ask me questions. After not being able to answer a single question, other than when and where, she finally agreed. Yes! I was going to be doing yoga with goats this Sunday evening.
I thought about all the baby goats I was going to catch, and pet, and cuddle. I wondered what sound a goat makes when you tickle them? Do they go “baaaaahahahahahah”? Or, maybe “baaaabaaahaha”? Or, they could sound like, “bleaaahehehe.” I had no idea how a goat sounded when they were tickled, but I was definitely going to find out.
Fast-forward a few days. I arrived at the Overton Park Shell and I saw about 28 goats in a huge pen, and several people with yoga mats. I giddily set up my yoga mat and reached for the goat nearest me. I gave its belly a little tickle. Nothing. Not to let this mission fail, I reached for another goat and gave her furry little belly a tickle. Nothing again.
I wanted to continue my scientific exploration, but class had started. The owner, Lindsey Champagne, introduced herself and the goats. Yes, all of the goats have names and they respond to their names just like dogs. The goat near me was named Buttons. She was cute and fun. Plus, she was a mom just like me. The only difference, besides being a different species, is that she’s not ticklish. Yes, I tried for a second and third time. I thought maybe I should try on a few more goats to be sure. But first, a little yoga.
Lindsey came around and passed out crackers that we could give to the goats. We were supposed to treat them throughout the class, but the goats did not understand the words “wait,” “hold on,” or “share.” Needless to say, my crackers were gone within 10 seconds.
The yoga was very relaxing. Although the heat had been blistering all day, we were in the shade and had a really nice breeze. A couple of participants got sprinkled by the goats and some had a few dingleberries dropped on their mats. But not me!
During the class, the goats nibbled on the grass and napped. They were the epitome of chill. Once, during warrior II pose, I could have sworn I heard someone yell, “Momma.” It was just one of the baby goats. That let me know that these goats do make sounds, they just aren’t ticklish.
During child’s pose, a goat was instructed to hop on top of my back. Yes, the goat was instructed because they are just as trainable as dogs. And just as intelligent. The first goat to get on my back just laid there, attempting to take a nap. The second goat stood and posed for a picture. It was fantastic.
I highly recommend everyone trying goat yoga. I will definitely do it again. 901Goats has only been in business one year. They had everything set up and the session flowed smoothly. If you don’t own a yoga mat, no worries. They have yoga mats for you to use. Worried about dingleberries and such? No need to worry about that either. 901Goats supplies plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer for you to clean your mat and your hands.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a school librarian and a writer, but by night … she’s asleep. @realworkwife @memphisismyboyfriend