Christian Yoga – An Introduction

I teach two types of yoga – Demystified Yoga(TM) and Christian Yoga. When I first began teaching yoga and wanting to offer these two complementary, yet different classes, I worried that this would be confusing to my clients and potential clients.   Will they think I’m duplicitous in my teaching?  A very wise friend offered me this piece of advice: If you genuinely present who you are, then the right people will come to you (or something like that – it sounded more Yoda-like than what I’m recalling here.)

There is actually a growing movement of other folks like me who are Christians and also greatly appreciate the many benefits yoga offers.  To learn more, check out www.christianspracticingyoga.com or google “Christian Yoga” to see other offerings.  Some think these two things – Christianity and Yoga –  cannot co-exist, but I’m hoping to share some thoughts that might offer an alternative view.

First, I can only speak to my own philosophies and beliefs, and comment on the Christian Yoga classes I teach and have taken. There are many out there – and I’m sure the variety of class format, doctrine and teachers are as different as the many traditional yoga styles offered today.

I retain the aspects of Yoga that are so beneficial to our health and well-being: the physical poses/exercises and the breathing & concentration exercises and I leave out everything else “Yoga”.  The mystical images, mythological gods and goddesses, sanskrit pose names, chanting in Sanskrit – all gone.  And instead our focus is on Christ.  Rather than looking inward to find a power or enlightenment within ourselves, we look inward to be still, and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10).  We don’t clear our mind to empty – but we attempt to let go of worries, preoccupations, negative, destructive thoughts that block our connection, our intimacy with God.

Christian Yoga is just one tool to worship and draw near to God – there are many: labyrinth walks, bible studies, corporate worship, prayer time.  Once our body is relaxed from the gentle movement of the poses, we’re able to be still and relaxed – and allow God to work in us – instead of our constant striving, doing, thinking.  Sometimes it’s just a matter of allowing ourselves to get out of the way. Just being in silent stillness and letting go.

In a typical Christian Yoga class, we breathe, move and stretch.  Each week, I read about 6 scripture verses interwoven throughout the class based on a particular theme.  Hope, Waiting on God, Love, Perseverance are examples of themes. At the end of class, during Relaxation Time, I read a longer passage and invite participants to reflect on the verses read and what it means to them that day, that moment.  Or, sometimes I read a brief verse several times and invite the class to meditate on the words, and focus their hearts and minds on God.

If you have questions about Christian Yoga or would like to tell us about a Christian Yoga class you’ve experienced/enjoyed in your area, leave us a line.