Yoga + Faith
What is yoga?
The word Yoga means to to “yolk” or “unite”. So we can yolk/unite our minds and bodies to being present to the moment, and also present to what is happening in our bodies. In yoga, we yolk or unite our movements to breath work, and we can yolk our faith with yoga.
Why I like yoga for the mind and body
You can do yoga anywhere, It’s healthy for the mind and body -it feels good. It helps me be present to the moment and out of my head. Sometimes I just have to move my body and get energy out so I can focus on other things.
Advantages to yoga: Movement breaks help to increase focus, movement helps regulate the body’s sensory system, synchronizing movements with information helps us recall information.
Yoga specifically increases flexibility, mobility, strength, and proprioception which translates directly to how we use our bodies functionally in activities of daily living.
So what is Christian Yoga? And how can it be used to glorify God?
Christian yoga uses the physical exercise of yoga, in combination with breathwork, being present to the moment, being present to what’s happening in our bodies, and combines it with the power of scripture.
So here are some advantages of practicing faith-based yoga
Increased focus on scripture -have you ever found it difficult to just sit and read your bible? Or find that you’ve re-read the same line several times and you still don’t know what it said. I have. When I tie in movement and meditative awareness to the scripture I’m able to really process it so much better.
Practicing faith-based yoga gives us a time to be quiet and still before the Lord. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
Faith-based yoga gives me, what I call, “the feels”. It find that the scripture speaks to my heart and that I am so much more connected to God.
What are some others ways faith based yoga has helped you? Drop it in the comments!
