“Have you ever tried yoga?” This was the question posed to me as I sat
Yoga?! Really?! What kind of doctor says this?!
How is yoga going to help me breathe when a panic attack hits? How is yoga going to make me want to get out of bed in the morning when all I want to do is curl up in a ball and hide?
I left the doctor’s office that day with the conclusion the guy was a quack and found another doctor to prescribe a cocktail of drugs to act as a band-aid for my issues. I was surviving, but I was still overweight, low-energy, stressed out and now…overly medicated.
It wasn’t until I made some lifestyle changes (job change, a healthier diet, and regular exercise) in addition to deepening my relationship with Christ that I saw a real improvement in how I felt mentally, emotionally, and physically. I was able to go off my medications and felt better than I had in years. It was at that point that I remembered “that crazy doctor’s” recommendation of yoga. Now with a more open mind to alternative therapies, I wondered if it would still be a benefit to me.
When I mentioned this thought to my sister she immediately cautioned me, and with good reason. Also a devoted Christian, she herself would not practice yoga as many see it as a form of physical prayer to Hindu gods. I didn’t know much about its origins so I went into research mode and found there are a lot of misconceptions around yoga, but also a lot of possible benefits.
This led me to question, “Is it possible to practice yoga without going against my Christian religion? And is there a way to achieve the physical and mental benefits of yoga while deepening my faith in Christ?”
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Let’s break this down…
What Is Yoga?
According to Medical News Today, “yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation.” Although practiced in a variety of forms among Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, in the west it is mostly thought of
Common Misconceptions About Yoga:
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You have to be flexible.
Practicing yoga can improve flexibility, but you don’t have to even be able to touch your toes to get started.
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It conflicts with Christianity.
Although its origins began with spiritualism, yoga itself is not a religion. Yoga has no churches or temples, nor theology. Yoga is often associated with meditation and both are associated with Eastern religions. However, you do not have to meditate while practicing yoga or you can meditate on anything you want, like the Word of God.
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Yoga is expensive.
You don’t have to sign up for expensive classes at a studio. You can get started with little to no equipment in your own living room.
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It’s only for thin people.
If you think you can’t try yoga because you’re not a bean pole, try searching the following hashtags on Instagram: #curvyyoga, #curvyyogi, #curvygirlyoga. Yoga can benefit you at any size or shape!
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You have to be vegan or eat all organic.
You don’t have to follow a certain diet to practice yoga, however, some studies have shown that people that regularly practice yoga are more mindful eaters than those that exercise in other ways. This makes sense because yoga teaches you to listen to your body which can help you recognize sensations of hunger and satiety.
Benefits of Yoga:
Improves balance, flexibility, and coordination.
You may start off wobbly and unable to touch your toes, but it doesn’t take long to see a marked improvement.
- Builds strength and endurance.
You use your own body weight to strengthen your muscles, and holding poses
- Lowers high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Yoga increases blood flow and oxygen to your cells and tissues, improving circulation. It also lowers cortisol levels which improves your sensitivity to the effects of insulin.
Side note: If you have high blood pressure: be sure to avoid poses like
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Relieves stress and promotes relaxation.
Which can improve insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of
Related: 4 Biblical Tools to Improve Mental Health
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Boosts memory and concentration.
Yoga requires focus and promotes relaxation, allowing you to let go of extraneous thoughts more easily and better retain information.
The Beginner’s Guide to Yoga for Christians
How To Get Started
You’ll Need:
- An exercise mat.
A small rug will work as long as it will stay in place and not slide as you move.
- Comfortable, fitted clothing.
Wear something that is stretchy but not too loose fitting. You don’t want your shirt flying up in your face if you bend over. Stretchy leggings in
- A Bible or daily devotional.
- A yoga video of your choice.
You will need guidance until you learn the poses and master breathing techniques. If you choose to start at home rather than taking a class, I recommend you check out Amazon Prime’s awesome selection of yoga workouts. This is a great way to try a few different approaches without spending money on classes or DVDs.
I recommend Anna Hanson’s “Yoga for the True Beginner.” She breaks the poses down to teach correct posture and prevent injury, and she stays away from any possible spiritual aspects. Also, there’s no New Age background music so you can listen to your own playlist without distraction.
- Optional:
Relaxing music, essential oils or scented candles, yoga brick, yoga strap (a towel or sweatshirt is an ok substitution).
Sivian Health and Fitness 6 Piece Yoga Set
Tips For Success:
- Start at the beginning.
If you have never tried yoga, don’t to jump into a class that is not meant for beginners. You really need to build flexibility, learn correct breathing techniques, and perfect your posture to avoid injury.
- Don’t rush.
Take a moment to prepare your space, quiet your mind, say a prayer, read a Bible verse or devotional. Choose a short verse or quote on which to meditate. (Tip: Write your chosen verse on a dry erase board. Keep it visible during your workout to help you memorize.)
Suggested Bible verses for meditation:
- Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Second Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him
to be sin who knew nosin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
- Psalm 119:9-11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
- Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Psalm 19:7,8 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes.” - Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Focus.
Yoga is not only a physical but also a mental exercise. Practice putting your other responsibilities and stress on hold and concentrate on your breathing, muscles and the verse or quote you have chosen.
- Visualize.
Picture a tranquil place and go there in your mind’s eye. Imagine you are at the beach or on a mountain top. Imagine the sounds and the feel of the breeze on your face. Whatever makes you feel peaceful and calm.
- Add intention to poses.
- Child’s pose: I imagine humbling myself before the feet of Jesus. James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
- Warrior pose: I like to call it “conqueror pose” and recall Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
- Arms stretching upward, Psalm 105:4 “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
- Corpse pose, 1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
- Choose your workout based on the results you hope to achieve.
Define your objective. Are you looking to relieve anxiety and improve relaxation? Tone and tighten? Burn calories and lose weight? Improve balance and flexibility? Yoga will help in all of these areas, however, you will achieve faster results if you focus in on one goal at a time and choose your yoga workout accordingly.
Definite DON’Ts:
- DON’T practice Kundalini yoga. The goal of this form of yoga is to open the third eye in the pineal gland to achieve enlightenment. Its teachings go against Christianity.
- DON’T chant. Chanting is also a method used to open the third eye and is not a Christian practice. So just say “No!” to “ohm”! Instead, focus on the Bible verse that you’ve chosen to meditate on or ponder how God has been working in your life.
As In All Things, Use Discernment and Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Science supports the physical and mental benefits of yoga, but for many, the spiritual implications may be unclear. For me, yoga is a way for me to spend quiet time with God to strengthen my spirit, mind, and body. I dedicate my thoughts and movements to Jesus Christ, and I believe He knows my heart and intentions. I encourage you to use discernment and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when determining if yoga (and what kind) is right for you.
For more information on yoga for Christians, check out these additional resources:
http://www.christianspracticingyoga.com
If you still have ANY reservations about practicing yoga due to its origins, I urge you to check out www.praisemoves.com, for a “Christian alternative to yoga.”
Are you a Christian that practices yoga? How do you strengthen your Christian faith through exercise? Leave a comment below!
Do you know someone you think would benefit from yoga combined with Bible meditation and prayer? Like and share!
