Some Thoughts on Christian Yoga
Posted by Rainbow6 on December 7th, 2010Several students have approached me this week regarding the recent media coverage of Pastor Albert Mohler’s thoughts on yoga and Christians practicing yoga. Thinking that others may have questions as well, I’ve posted my thoughts below about YogaXoga, and our Demystified YogaTM and Christian Yoga classes. For those of you that don’t know what I’m talking about, the short story: Pastor Mohler believes that Christians should not be practicing yoga and that there is no such thing as Christian Yoga. If you’d like more info, google his name and yoga and you’ll have plenty of reading material.
When I first started doing yoga, I discovered that there was a wide spectrum of yoga teachers and styles (as with almost anything). I found myself less comfortable with the teachers who focused on traditional yoga philosophies or their own spiritual philosophies in their classes. I was there to breathe more deeply, stretch stiff and tired muscles and relieve stress. I began to think that surely I wasn’t the only person who enjoyed the physical, stress-relieving aspects of yoga, but would rather not dive into the more traditional components. So, that’s how YogaXoga came about.
YogaXoga offers two class formats: Demystified YogaTM and Christian Yoga. Some of my clients have experienced both and others just one…so I’d like to share a bit about both class styles.
Demystified YogaTM offers the physical and stress-relieving components of yoga and leaves out traditional elements. Specifically, we learn breathing techniques, gentle movements, standing poses and deep stretches. We don’t chant/speak in Sanskrit or talk about any spiritual philosophies. While we recognize yoga’s history, that’s not the yoga we practice. Breathing a deeper breath, learning how to be still, accepting our limitations, safely stretching our bodies – these are the lessons that we focus on and enjoy. Some may argue that this modified yoga is not yoga at all. That’s why we call it Demystified YogaTM. It’s practical, easy to understand and accessible to all without conflicting with or challenging anyone’s belief system.
YogaXoga’s Christian Yoga classes begin with the Demystified YogaTM class as its foundation; instructors read bible verses throughout the class (topics have included: peace, joy, forgiveness). By design, instructors read only scripture and do not preach or edit according to their beliefs. As a Christian, I believe there is power in God’s Word and hearing encouraging verses in this setting can create an amazing time of reflection & prayer. I can’t count the times that someone has approached me after class (just happened yesterday) to say that whatever verse I read was the exact verse that they needed to hear. That’s not me. I’m not that good on my own. Christian Yoga is just one tool that can be very helpful for us in tuning out our busyness and taking time to be with God.
Thank you for your time.
