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Baby goat meditation was the weirdest wellness trend of 2018

Taking up yoga, fitness and meditation classes has always been a popular trend, but this year we discovered a new trend that was a little more out of the ordinary.

Baby goat meditation!

Taking off in Brisbane this year, founder Berenice Tan from Karmably events, says the practice isn’t just super cute but full of health benefits too.

Ber Tan has launched a baby goat meditation class on the Gold Coast. No, we’re definitely not kidding. Source: Supplied/BerTan
Ber Tan has launched a baby goat meditation class on the Gold Coast. No, we’re definitely not kidding. Source: Supplied/BerTan

“I wanted to show Aussies meditation doesn’t have to be so serious,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle. “Animal therapy is tremendously beneficial, both physiologically and psychologically.”

“Studies show it eases anxiety, reduces cortisol and even alleviates PTSD symptoms. It also improves overall cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure,” Ber continued. “Even Harvard has an animal therapy program.”

The certified meditation and mindfulness teacher from Brisbane decided to take her wellness classes to the “next level” after hearing about goat yoga whilst studying in the US.

Goat meditation has arrived in Australia, debuting on the Gold Coast. Source: Supplied/BerTan
The idea of using baby billies came to the meditation and wellness coach after hearing about goat yoga. Source: Supplied/BerTan

While initially laughing off the fitness craze, she decided to incorporate animals into her teachings after discovering how beneficial they were, particularly in the art of relaxation.

“Beginner meditators have tremendous expectations the first time they attempt to ‘sit’ for meditation, and it very rarely goes the way they hope,” the 30-year-old said. “There’s so much hype around meditation being ‘blissful’ straight away, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.”

But why baby goats?

We live in a society of chronic overthinking and instant gratification, Ber explains. So when we finally withdraw our attention from the outside world to look inwards, our minds become bored, and start leaping around like an untrained puppy.

Meditating with baby goats is a metaphor. Your meditation is not going to be perfect, and it certainly won’t be still,” she said.

“You’ll have thoughts, feelings, memories, fantasies, dreams jumping over you, gnawing at you and hollering for your attention — just like the little goat.”

Cuddling animals like goats are proven to lower stress. Source: Supplied/BerTan
Cuddling animals like goats are proven to lower stress. Source: Supplied/BerTan

Since announcing her first session of ‘Breathe in & Bleat out‘, Ber said she has been inundated with requests from those who are usually turned off by strict, traditional meditation classes.

“You don’t have to be peaceful, perfect or spiritual, to meditate,” she explained to Yahoo Lifestyle. “You don’t have to do anything at all except be completely present. That’s what meditation is really about.”

What can animal mediators expect

Just like life, you’ll experience the ups and downs of mediation while finding your inner zen with the kids.

“They’ll throw your carefully controlled routines into chaos, they’ll nibble, nuzzle, dribble and even piddle,” Ber said. “But because they’re so adorable, you probably won’t mind.”

“Even the coldest of hearts can’t help but melt in the presence of a baby goat.”

The idea is that if we can smile and appreciate this craziness with baby goats, then why can’t we have the same compassion for our own inner chaos, thoughts and feelings?

Goat Meditation has been launched in Australia by wellness coach Ber Tan. Source: Supplied/BerTan
The baby goats are a metaphor for life, as their behaviour is completely unpredictable. Source: Supplied/BerTan

“Hilarity aside, studies have shown that humans and animals produce oxytocin during cuddling. This has been called the love hormone and eases cravings, improves self-esteem and helps people form deeper relationships.”

Plus, the goats used in the session are rescue billies, loaned by local animal shelter Harmony Hooves Healing Hearts.

Talk about the being the cutest way to chill.

BRB, we’ve goat-ta get our zen on.


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