Yoga for Christians

This post is by Melissa Thorne, a member of Novato UMC and a certified yoga instructor:

As we are guided through this Lenten season, we muse over Jesus's last days, visions so vivid the Bible springs to life. But are you finding that between Sundays you become too caught up in life to think about the Lord? Are you finding that Sunday is the only time for a deeper connection? Trying to hold on to that connection throughout the week is the true challenge in our lives as Christians, especially when the frustrations of daily living are so prevalent from day to day. From the daily grind at work, to bills in the mailbox, sick kids, and high gas prices, where does the suffering end?

Well certainly our suffering is no where near what our Lord experienced, but to us it can become overbearing...simply too much to handle. Sunday becomes our reprieve, our time to offer up our praise to God and ask Him to take away all the pain; but what if you could have that chance throughout the week? I'm not just speaking of prayers before bed, although prayer is a powerful tool to utilize to become closer with God. However, everyone needs specific time set aside to connect with their inner being in order to gain a fundamental relationship with self and God.

I would like you to think of your body as your temple which can either be built on sand or bedrock. Of course you want the bedrock so you don't crumble under duress; so nurturing that foundation to keep all of the bricks stacked evenly to prevent them from toppling is the real challenge. Now I'm not talking about weight lifting to get huge bulging muscles to keep your temple strong in order to connect with God on a deeper level. Yet, there is a way through the practice of yoga, to keep your mind and body strong and interconnected as one in order to have a deeper understanding with self and Lord.

I am sure many questions have entered your mind, first of which, twisting into a pretzel is not a necessary requirement! There are many types of yoga offered today, and no it is not a religious cult movement. In fact, most classes offered today are specifically geared toward exercise, not religion. There are some, however, where you will find chanting and singing in Sanskrit to Hindu gods, breathing exercises, and strange poses. If you find your way into one of these classes do not be alarmed, no harm will come to you.

So how does yoga give you a deeper connection to self and God? Well it is a simple formula, strong body + open nurtured mind= deeper relationship with God. Your temple will become strong through your yoga practice, your mind will become open and supple to the ideas and teachings from God, your heart will become softened and filled with love, and your inner light will shine as you come to realize how your relationship with God has blossomed. Yoga can be an excellent avenue to help guide you to a stronger deeper relationship with yourself and God.

So if you are looking for a way to have a deeper connection, to find strength inside and out, to find a little peace in a maddening world, try yoga. It could be your way to find that missing link in life. If you are interested, I offer a gentle yoga class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Novato United Methodist Church from 12 Noon to 1:00 PM and free for all! Everyone is welcome with open hearts and open minds. Namaste'.