The Christian Yogini

For me, my life has grown through many struggles, and changes. I would say that the most potent mode of transport, has been my close walk with God, through my Christian faith. In fact, it is my recognition of God leading and moulding me that allows me to cary through life's toughest situations with the power of the Holy Spirit living in me.

So, one might ask, 'How does your Christian faith and your practice of yoga align?'. I say, 'Beautifully!' For me, my introduction to yoga was one of undeniable impact. When my body moved as I was being led through 'exercises', I literally exploded with emotion. It was like I was being connected to the deepest levels of ME. Because I had such a response to something that could be experienced as dry and static, I was intrigued. I began studying what yoga is all the way to it's origins, it's evolution and it's common threads as it evolved through cultures of different belief systems and religions. It's the common threads balanced with my rounded life long relationship with Christian ministry that allows me to comfortably discern where the implication of the science of yoga blends with some of it's guru's beliefs systems. Because this is such a hot topic, and one that I am passionate about, I have decided to devote this blog to this topic.

By devoting my blog to the Christian yogi, I will have a place that I can fully express who I am and share my journey through life, seeking union with God. Which is, the true aim of Yoga. It is my hope that I can guide practitioners of yoga so that they may practice their yoga confidently, and educated, rather than in, well, ignorance. I mean to use that in the truest sense of the word, and not as an insult. As we are all ignorant in many areas, this is one area that few Christians are going to take the time to sort out. So, what happens with Christians and yoga is this; 1. Believe that yoga is a religion and that they may not participate and that it is dangerous or wrong to do so. 2. Want to practice yoga, but be ashamed to admit it for fear of criticism by fellow believers. 3. Practice yoga, but covertly....you know what I mean. These are the ones who don't tell their friends that they 'do yoga'. 4. Practice yoga recklessly....this is one that will need a whole post to address. 5. Practice yoga intentionally, unashamedly, with the ability to justify the how, they why and have taken the time to answer those lurking questions (the Christian faith would liken this to apologetics).

In future posts, look forward to topics related to:

The origins of yoga.
The paths that yoga has evolved.
What is the aim of yoga?
Can a Christian practice yoga?
On not being 'led astray'.
How can I use yoga to draw me nearer to God?
What teachings in the classic yoga texts align with the teachings of Christ?
Was Christ a yogi?

I'm really excited to have a space where I can share my deepest threads of thought with those who need the support and guidance. Because I am a studio owner and I respect all clientele who join us in our space, I do not share my beliefs from my mat. I share what is universal in the threads of humanity and yoga. I do not influence my teachings in a way that would make others feel I am making them take my beliefs as their own when it comes with the right way to God. For this reason, I also do not tie in Buddhist, Hindu, or Shamanistic religious practices, either. I have a strong sense that this slant to toward teaching very well rounded and deep yoga instruction without any religious practices or influence has made me a popular teacher. And for that, I am very grateful. I pray that God continually lead me and guide me as I serve the humanity that He created and may in some way, draw them nearer to  Him.

It's time to get back to ME

Well, after 5 babies, and lots of stressful life situations, I am ready to mould my body into it's highest possible form! I have not lost ANY baby weight from the surrogacy (who's synthetic hormones seemed to have turned my body to mush), and it is time.

I've been watching many friends have great success with a program called the 90 Day Challenge. It took me a while to get into the space where I knew I could participate and give it my all, but now I am READY! Our center is open and life is settling into a rhythm. I'm so excited to begin this program and see it as a jump start on putting balance back into my life and body.

Look for posts on my progress. I'm not sure that I'll have the courage to post my 'before' picture, but I'll try....