Good Vibrations

July 1, 2019

erik-brolin-ZARfCYDaVg0-unsplashWe are fearfully and wonderfully made. All of creation is so vast and complex to me. From the smallest painted beetle, to the depth of the planets and galaxies, God made it all.

I keep this in mind when I am presented with new information that appears outside of my comfort zone of belief. I have always encouraged Christians who take mainstream yoga classes to be discerning of the philosophy rolled into the exercise routine. But one thing I have learned in my 11 years inside the world of yoga is that there is a lot of science behind what is done. Continue Reading…

Awkward Affirmations

May 13, 2019

One of the things I learned about myself early on in adulthood is that appreciation is a high emotional need of mine. According to the love languages it is “words of affirmation.” Therefore, words of affirmation and also encouragement are something I value and give to others.

But what intrigues me is how awkward it feels at times to compliment, encourage, or affirm someone. Even when those positive feelings are overflowing naturally from my heart, it feels unnatural being vocalized. Continue Reading…

Religion vs Philosophy

April 29, 2019

bipolarInside the term christian yoga, there implies something in need of restoration with the original practice of yoga in order to be a Christian. It is a complicated and sometimes very controversial subject. I have had conversations, some of them just one way voices, from both Christians and Hindus on the subject.

Yet one thing I have recently understood about it is that yoga is not a religion. I don’t deny that yoga is spiritual. Which is what makes it so beautiful to me in my Christian faith. Continue Reading…

A Date with Your Food

April 17, 2019

639dfcae94a3251fa8cc2e14a572faffOn my first day in high school, I was nervous, excited, and a bit overwhelmed. I remember sitting down for lunch with my friend in a loud and crowded lunch room, across from a cute older boy. I took one bite of my sandwich as I giggled nervously at the intimidating male figure in front of me and the end of lunch was signaled. I had to abandon my attempt to nourish myself and move along.

We learn early on in our culture to keep up with the rate at which our world moves. Some of us grow up in big families and learn to fight for our meals at the table before it disappears. Continue Reading…

The Art of Concentration

March 7, 2019

depression1Sometimes, my brain moves faster than the rest of me. Ever felt that way? I’m sure we all have.  It doesn’t matter who you are, our world moves fast and demands a lot. As a result, I sometimes find myself awake at night, unable to turn my mind off and unable to sleep. I find myself planning out my week while trying to have a conversation with my husband or listen to a friend. Our struggle to slow down and focus our minds on what is in front of us is real. Continue Reading…

Settling for Good

February 22, 2019

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAI am a terrible seamstress. Emphasis on the word “stress”. In fact, one thing I have learned about myself is that I dabble in a lot of crafty hobbies that I mildly enjoy but never take the time to perfect.

Perfectionism has never been a trait of mine. I am easily content, which I always viewed as a good thing but am now learning to find a more balanced approach to this perspective of life.

I believe it is a good thing for us all to learn new skills. That’s why I am always in the middle of a good book or two. It’s why I take further education classes.

But it’s not just about learning the new skill. It’s about taking the time to learn it well. Continue Reading…

Am I teaching yoga?

January 29, 2019

63e975223d52308de0881c564b6f5a62I have to be honest with you, yoga makes me uncomfortable. I have been teaching for 7 years and practicing yoga for 12 years. The impact that yoga has had on my life is huge! But I can see how people can make yoga their religion. Yoga helps you to live your best life by giving you the skills to take charge of your physical, mental, and emotional health. That coupled with the sometimes necessary modern medicine can give you the impression that all you need is found within yourself.

I can’t deny the testimony I have through the practice of yoga.

But I get so absorbed in my own yoga culture that I create within my classes that I forget what everyone else is experiencing outside of a Christian yoga class.

It’s not until I go to a class or read a book or other article, that I start to feel uncomfortable. Continue Reading…

IMG_2441At this moment, my toddler is downstairs, screaming at my husband while I hide away in the office. You see, my two year old thinks I exist only to be his mommy. And even though it is at times a very rewarding and fulfilling part of my life, I have to believe I can be the best overall me I can be this year.

It’s so easy at this stage of life, when you have demanding self absorbed little people running around your house to think you are stuck and give up on your goals. You want to create healthy habits but you think you have to wait for a better season of life. But to be honest, from my experience, that better season never comes. Continue Reading…

The Awkward Poses

January 8, 2019

I’ve said it a lot before, yoga connects your body, mind, and spirit. It is unique in that it is packed with more than physical challenges. It challenges your mind and your heart as well.

There can be great impacts to just 15 minutes of yoga each day because it is therapy for your mental fatigue and stress. The breathing and meditation techniques give you the skills you need to manage stress in your daily life, embracing challenges with patience and confidence.6d26aa0933adca93e06e692291928071 Continue Reading…

Yoga and Spine

November 24, 2018

IMG_2023How many of us have suffered from misalignment in our spine? Probably most of us. It’s amazing how one little problem effects the whole body.

After I had my son, I started having some hip pain from time to time. It was what felt like sciatic flares. So I got some X-rays and went to the chiropractor.

What she discovered seemed to surprise her.

Continue Reading…