Eyes closed. Mind silent. God is here. And once again I feel His familiar love warm me and a smile come to my lips like I am seeing my beloved friend walk into a room. Except He has always been there.
I have come to learn that we are all different and we all connect with God in different ways. There are many ways to worship Him beyond the Sunday morning musical experience.
Reflecting on my week, beyond worship songs, beyond Bible reading, even beyond my attempts at short prayers throughout the day, I feel closest to God through meditation and yoga.
While all of these forms of worship are parts of our spiritual journey with Christ, it is instrumental to our faith to know ourselves and how best we grow in faith and connect with God
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Before I begin a class, I have the opportunity to set aside whatever mood I am in, in that moment. I take the time to breathe away any negative energies I have picked up from people or experiences and just be.
Just to be present with your Creator, Savior, and Lord. To not have to perform or think or act or speak. But just to breathe. Letting each breath be a prayer of thanksgiving for what God has given.
To just be is to connect in a way that teaches us we are loved just as we are. We are created in His image and His Spirit is alive within us.
NEW!
For the first time, we have snazzy Christian Yoga Studio gift cards! A great stocking stuffer for the Christian yogi in your life.
We 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…
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…
Inside 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…
On 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…
Sometimes, 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…
I 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…
I 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…
