If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you probably know that I am a Christian.
You’ve also likely heard me talk about doing yoga.
Christianity and yoga…
Some of you hear those two things and you’re like, Yea, big deal. What’s the point?
Others hear that and red flags start waving. How do you combine the two? Christians shouldn’t do yoga! Isn’t yoga an eastern religious thing? Well, over time a lot of people have asked me about this, and I’ve kind of put off responding. If I’m honest it’s just because this can be a sticky topic.
But I don’t think it has to be. Today I am going to do my best to explain what I am talking about when I mention yoga and mediation, and where my faith fits into that. As unstickily as I can.
Before I dive in though, I want to make clear that I am aware that not everyone who reads my blog shares my faith. I get that, and I respect that. It has always been my hope that everyone feels welcome here, and that there is always something you can take away from my writing, wherever you’re coming from. Today I am just sharing a bit of my heart, and my position in response to a frequently asked question.
And it is a good question.
YOGA
Most of you know that my professional background is in sports medicine, and fitness. I love all kinds of fitness; Running, resistance work, group fitness, and…yoga. And if I’m honest, yoga is probably my least favorite. I’m much more of a cardio junkie. I love to get my heart pounding and I really do love to sweat. Slowing down and focusing on breathing? Well that is hard for me. But I know that stretching is good for me. I know that the older I get the more important it is to keep flexible. I also have a particular low back issue that has been bothering me increasingly lately, and I have been going to a physical therapist for it. My PT recommends specific stretches for flexion and extension of my back, as well as for my hamstrings quads, and general flexibility. Pretty much, she recommends yoga.
So I do the stretches, and sometimes I do it in the form of a yoga class. Occasionally I go to a studio to take yoga classes, and sometimes I do yoga at home.
Yoga makes me feel stretched out and strong and long and really good. I like it.
However.
However, technically speaking, I’m really not “doing yoga.” Yoga is a philosophy with Hindu roots. It includes the stretches, (‘asanas’) but it is much more than that.
Webster defines yoga as:
Yoga : a system of exercises for mental and physical health
Yoga : a Hindu philosophy that teaches a person to experience inner peace by controlling the body and mind
So in light of the full definition: No– I don’t “do yoga.”
My spirituality: I have a Christian world view. The Bible is my authority on matters of God and Spirituality. I have a personal relationship with God, and my faith is grounded in an absolute truth and a conviction that God has a purpose and plan for my life. I have God’s Spirit living in me. It gives me counsel, wisdom, peace, and deep fulfillment. As a result, I don’t care to dabble in any other spiritual practices. Jesus claimed that He is the One Way to God and this stands contrary to Eastern religious views or the New Age movement. I am completely satisfied in Him, and I have no desire to seek anything else.
So when I say “I do yoga” what I really mean is, “I stretch.” I could say that I “do asanas” but that probably isn’t totally accurate either. “Yoga” has become a general term for the physical practice of stretching, strengthening, and balance work, done on a mat.
When I am in a yoga class, I don’t “om.” I don’t chant. I stretch. I balance. I go for an occasional head stand when I’m feeling brave. I get quiet and I try to slow my breathing and it is really good for me physically, and no doubt it is a stress-reliever.
If I’m in a class and they suggest we focus on our internal energy or power source, I simply turn my mind and heart to my Creator God. It’s not that complicated, and I really don’t think the instructor minds a bit.
I have friends with different spiritual beliefs from me, and their yoga practice might have more of a spiritual element to it, and that is ok. We can still connect on the level of the physical aspects of yoga (and a whole lot of other things :)). You also might have heard of “Holy Yoga” classes, which is a way Christians have found to combine a spiritual focus on God and Scripture, with the physical practice of yoga. There are no Holy Yoga classes near me, but I think it’s a cool idea. (I have taken their online classes at home.)
I personally focus on God throughout the day every day, so there is not a real break or separation from that in the things I do. I often pray when I run. I pray when I drive or do dishes or fold laundry. If I’m on a mat in a yoga stretch, I’m very likely communing with God (or planning what to make for dinner, but He’s cool with that, too.) That’s one of the things I love about my faith: God’s in it all.
MEDITATION.
Meditation is another subject that I’ve been increasingly interested in. I wrestled with the topic for a while because I know a lot of “spiritual” people (New Age and others) who are really into mediation, and I wondered if it is wrong for Christians to meditate. Though there are variations, the object of Eastern Meditation is to empty the mind completely, and aims at an enlightened or altered state of consciousness. I kept thinking of verses in the Bible that talk about meditating on God’s Word and I thought that surely Christians should all be meditating in that way. Instead of emptying our minds, Christians can use meditation to fill our minds with the powerful Word of God.
So more recently, I have begun to practice Biblical meditation more. I find it super challenging, (that whole thing about being still and quiet –) but I know it is good for me to quiet my mind and heart and I find it a great way to start the day. I have been using an app on my phone called “The 5-minute Christian meditation”. This offers short meditations focused on breathing using specific verses from the Bible. (You can choose stress relief, peace, assurance, etc.) I love it! I’d like to find more like that (or make my own one day.)
A few more thoughts:
Even as I have been pondering this topic, I have been reminded of the awesome supernatural nature of my relationship with God. Nothing–nothing–could be more exciting, intriguing, and satisfying than a genuine spirit-filled life. Sadly we (Christians) sometimes come across to the world as religious, rule-following people, but that ought not be! (Jesus rebuked the “religious” leaders for making spirituality all about rules.)
Even writing this post has challenged me to realize that as much as I live daily in this awesome relationship with God, I am often quiet about it. In an effort to not offend anyone, I might miss opportunities to share my greatest treasure. The truth is, I want everyone to know that anything good you see in me or my family is because we try to keep God at the center , and His spirit is leading us. That’s nothing to be shy about. I sincerely want every person who is searching for answers to know that this is available to all who are seeking.
In closing: It could hardly be a coincidence that as I prepared this post a friend shared something on Facebook that is SPOT-ON this topic. I don’t know this guy, but from everything I have found about him, he is both sincere and an excellent communicator. (He’s also really smart!) I’ll be following his journey on his website and YouTube for sure! Whatever background or belief you are coming from, I think you’ll find this Youtube video compelling and worth a watch.
Thank you for letting me share a bit of my heart on this topic. I know I did not do a perfect job, and you are welcome to add your thoughts and comments. Please note that I did not try to cover in full the teachings of yoga or any other spiritual practice because that was not my intent here. I do ask that if you comment you are respectful and keep the tone positive. Also: Feel free to ask any follow-up questions and perhaps we can continue this conversation in a future post. If you want to talk to me personally about a relationship with God, please email me at: [email protected].
*If you have enjoyed this post, please consider using the social media buttons below to share it with your friends! Thank you.
With Aloha,
Monica
Thank you for a balanced perspective. I’m writing my own blog post and came across yours…I’ll link to it.
Owsm Post !!!
http://www.ashtakyoga.com
I have had or tried to have this discussion with other Christians and unfortunately no one has been able to understand my side of it. Which is pretty much like yours. I ‘learned yoga’ through a physical therapist. It was part of the treatment for some back issues. Except they didn’t call it yoga, it was simply exercises to fulfill the care plan for my PT. I don’t ‘do yoga’ either. I use ‘yoga’ to stretch out my back. And if I don’t do it daily I hurt. Eventually that pain affects my day to day life and literally gets to the point where it steals my joy, creates stress which of course snowballs through my relationships, my job……. I am a Christ-follower and have no desire to reach any plans of higher consciousness at least until I’m in heaven. So thanks for sharing. I needed this encouragement.
You have noted very interesting points! ps nice internet site.
God Bless You Abundantly and more so
Your post and work is awesome lifted me up God gift to you to write that article and I want Thank God and Thank you for sharing it with the world you faithful daughter
Blessings and Love
Very unique post. Thankx for sharing with us.
Namaste,
Very Good & Unique Article. Thanks For Sharing Great Information.
this is really a great information
Nice and very unique post… Thank you very much…
Nice Post.
Nice post.. Thanks for sharing the information 🙂
I had saved this post when you first shared it – but never responded yet…
Love this – and thanks for sharing the video! Awesome testimony. 🙂
I’ve heard all the concerns about yoga and more. And I’ve studied through many of them the way you have, and experienced a lot in person as God has specifically led me into natural health & living, which is heavily influenced by New Age views. My view is much the same as yours. There is a ton of truth and good in many of these methodologies and approaches to wellness/wellbeing, and all of that is designed by God! The problem is that people discover the amazing-ness of His Creation, but then fail to credit it to Him.
I find that anything rooted in Creation – nature or the body – totally show me how cool and complex (and yet simple!) He really is. 🙂
I really enjoy learning from my friends or even professionals that have this openness and seeking spirit. I see God’s hand in what they may call the Universe or His creative gifting in what they call sensitivity. And meditation! I’m so happy for this trend right now, because I think it’s another concept that God has been very clear about in His Word and Satan has effectively surrounded it with fear and avoidance – like he’s done with the Holy Spirit. We miss out on so much because of over-caution and fear of what God has actually gifted us with.
I could say so much more! Love the discussion here…
Amen!! So well said Danielle! Thank you so much. 🙂 XO
Some people become to legalistic about these things. It is always the heart that matters, if you stretch a certain way , can you help it that someone made that up as a stretch to worship their God. I read a post somewhere on-line that even adult coloring books are terrible for Christians to use, because of their similarity in lines and circles to that of the Hindu people and that these books open the doors to demons. I cannot believe the legality people are hooked to, If I color a page in one of these books I am just coloring a page the paper has no evil in it and the colors and symbols have no evil in them and yet we say that coloring them is evil. How have we come so far to think that things are evil and forget that people’s hearts are evil, that evil does not reside in things or in stretches, but in human beings. It is not the stretching that was evil it was the using the stretching to worship a false God that was wrong. It is always the heart that matters! So I say keep doing your stretching, but don’t call it yoga call it stretching!
Well said Colleen. 🙂 I like your spunk! haha. Funny, I haven’t heard that about coloring books, but I did hear that it is the “new meditation” so I suppose that makes sense. Yep–Legalism was an issue when Jesus walked the earth and I suppose it always will be!! Aloha and thank you
Cheers to you Monica!!
I love reading your blog and I have to admit that I use the posts as reference points for: my life; relationships with spouse and grown children; for life… I am in a lifelong healing process from a not so kind past (childhood and single momhood). However, it is blogs like yours that uplift me and give me either direction or an area that needs correcting/work. You’re so amazing and wise, and you are very thorough and easy to understand. I wished I could meet you some day in this lifetime, God willing.
Anyway, I wanted to send you a small note of gratitude for your precious time and openness about the realities of being human, a woman, a spouse, a mother, and a person of faith. You’ve encouraged me tremendously since I first subscribed to your website and I thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge to people like me.
Honestly, you’ve made the difference in my life in some very real struggles of the task of living and being. I am also a person of faith in God the creator, and I pray for blessings on you and your family; and for the continuous blessings of a prosperous future ~ to be able to continue connecting with all who can benefit from your insights and words of wisdom. Thanks again. God bless!!!
From: BC, Canada. (P.S. I’d love to see your homeland as well, I’ve never been out of the country. Another goal to shoot for?)
Take care!! ***Aloha! *** Cheers ?
Renata,
I appreciate those kind words so so much!! Thank you for taking the time to encourage me. I hope to meet you one day as well! 🙂 I hope you’ll comment more–you just made my week!!! Really, I will return to this comment again and again as it is my heart to do and be everything you said here and it is so humbling and encouraging to read!
Aloha and God bless!
Good on you Monica, very well written.
I’m a big fan of your thoughts, I’ve been following your blog for quite a while and have been tempted to respond on few compelling posts, but never managed to do so:-) But here I am today, hope this doesn’t sound criticizing and expresses my wishful thinking….
Why should Yoga poses bother someone who follows a non-Hindu faith? Not sure what is the big deal even if yoga poses represent worshiping Hindu gods? What is wrong with mixing a bit with other faiths knowingly or unknowingly? especially when its so good for the physical and mental health.
If we look at the development of languages for example, lets say English, doesn’t many words have roots from other languages? Aren’t we accepting that? We don’t frown upon someone who is multilingual and isn’t that highly appreciated. Why can’t similar logic be applied to religions? just embrace the goodness in other religions.
Moreover, why is religion so important rather than focusing on God. And there is ONE God, creator of the universe. Personally, it doesn’t matter to me if that one God is a Christian or Muslim or Hindu god. Why not be open minded towards other religions? Guess the world will be a much peaceful place to live if people are more accepting of other religions, cultures and races rather than claiming their God is the only one god or most superior or authentic than any other god. Truly God never demands anything out of you, only humans have complicated things in the name of religion. Maybe, globalization is the way to go.
BTW, I’m a Hindu who has exposure to other religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and studied in Christian schools and I love doing yoga and meditation.
Thank you so much for commenting Meena. (and btw–I love that name–Is that your full name? It’s really beautiful!)
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, especially since you come from a Hindu faith. Truly appreciate it. I think it would take me some careful writing to answer your (very good) questions, and even though I think I do have some answers, I would be better to wait to gather my thoughts (and get more rest ;)) before I try. Whether or not I get back to you, just know that you are heard and I am so happy that you feel at home at my blog whatever you believe. You have many great thoughts and I value you being here! 😉
Aloha and feel welcome to comment more in the future! 😉 XO
I admire what you wrote and feel it explains your heart well. Thank you for sharing on this…
I feel compelled to share, though, that I left both yoga and my Christian faith within the last couple of years. Both are entwined with money and priviledge and choice.
I was deeply moved by the death of Eric Garner after he was choked to death by a police officer. He says on the video, “I can’t breathe” and suddenly when in the studio, I couldn’t either. It felt icky to be surrounded by those who could pay out quite a lot for health and BREATH and life (and a “yoga butt”) when it’s simply not accessible to -most- people. And I felt icky seeing how priviledge in the church is so often called a “God thing” when in fact wealth begets wealth and often “hooks up” (serves) its own (eg sending well-off kids on “mission trips,” giving their pastors giant salaries or discounted rent on gorgeous beachfront homes etc rather than building and serving a hurting community)
I also just can’t get past the choosing. God would choose the secret missionaries who live in sickeningly posh houses in third world countries while these “unreached people groups” bow in reverence and earnest throughout the day to a God that has shut His ears to them because he chose Isaac and not Ishmael? No. Just no.
I don’t think God can be boxed into religion. I think Christianity and Hinduism and Judiasm and all religion each has it wrong in its own unique ways. They caught a glimpse, a scent and tried to make sense of something too big and holy to grasp. Each looks through the lens of their own culture and tries… But no one will ever be able to capture it.
That said, I miss yoga. And maybe I can let myself return if I can find a way to accept what it gives me and be able to give it back in some way. I also miss communing with God, so I’m trying to keep an open heart and mind. Meditation is, for me, about slowing down, listening and being grateful. I feel that God still speaks even though I’ve dropped the constructs I had housed him in. I don’t believe God needs missionaries or religion to reach people. Or that stretching and breathing will cause him to turn from you due to unintentional idol worship (as you expressed in your writing).
Please forgive me for the long long comment. I’m not trolling. I truly love your blog. (I’m homeschooling too). I have deep roots in the church and I do admire and love the sincerity and wholehearted faith in many of my friends who still believe/worship in that way, even if I don’t.
Well said. Thank you for sharing your heart.
As a Christian, I had never even thought about the religious side of yoga. I just know it is good for my overall health. Very well written and fair article, Monica. Also, I have LOVED the many viewpoints offered in the comments. What a fun and open exchange of ideas in this little community you have created!
My personal take is that I am to strive to honor my Creator and my Savior in all I do and think. Caring for my body, especially without prescriptions when possible, feels like a show of the appreciation for the gift of my body. Yoga allows me to care for my body and clear my mind. I often feel a connection with God in the quiet moments of yoga. Just my take- I appreciate the feelings of others, as well.
Very well said, Shannon! And I agree! I am so grateful for this kind, respectful community of people who are also smart and thoughtful! Wow. So blessed!
Exercise or stretching is just that. Yoga means to “yoke” with the god-consciousness (Brahman). There is a spiritual component to Yoga that cannot be separated from the physical component.
Please don’t discount what the experts (former New Agers, now saved by the grace of the God) have to say on this subject.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matt. 11:29
http://www.solasisters.com/2010/08/christian-yoga.html
I loved this! I also love the way my body feels physically after yoga (it is one of my favorite forms of exercise) but, as a Christian, the spiritual aspect never settled right with me. I simply try to quiet my thoughts from the stress of the world while practicing yoga. slowing my thoughts down and trying to focus on my body is a struggle for me. I have found a similar thing with meditation. In theory I think it’s great to clear your mind of the “to-do”list but my mind never seems to want to stop! Thank you for the recommendation on the app! I downloaded it and look forward to using it ASAP.
I would love to know more about the Holy Yoga! That is not something I have heard of. The few times I have done yoga I have taken that time to pray while I am stretching. It helps me to focus more on God. Thank you for sharing this perspective that so many feel but are silent. Blessings!
http://Www.holyyoga.net
You can search there for a class near you! It’s a fabulous faith filled family of women & a few men…@800+ instructors worldwide! Also connect on FB & Instgram. Hope that helps!
Thanks! I will definately check into that!
I kept reading this hoping for an announcement that you were going to teach Christian yoga on your YouTube page….because I would soooo love that if you would!
Haha–Fun idea! 🙂 I did lead an outdoor yoga class at a women’s retreat maaaany years ago and I think I called it “YoGod”. It was fun but I’m really not a model yogi (lacking in flexibility!) But if I ever got so brave I’ll be sure to let you know! 🙂 Aloha
I am a Holy Yoga instructor in Virginia Beach, VA! I love Jesus and yoga. When I practice yoga and or stretching with mediation of scripture I do not feel conflicted in my beliefs. My intention is to honor and worship my Heavenly Father through every moment of my day from being kind to others, blessing my food and honoring my body as I exercise and worship Him.
The history of yoga predates Hinduism. Stone drawings of figures in yoga positions were found in the Indus Valley dating back 5000+ years. Hinduism incorporated the physical practice of yoga but did not “invent” yoga. Other religions have also incorporated physical practices into their worship. Yoga is a sanskrit word meaning “unity” or “to join”. Our Lord wants us to love him with minds, our bodies and our spirit. My intension is to love Father, Son and Holy Ghost when I practice yoga; no other made up deities can or will take His place. No one religion can “claim” yoga as no one religion can claim prayer.
Peace, grace and blessings! Love you, your blog and your nonjudgmental persona
Look up yoga devotion. …..a company in Minnesota. One of the founders is also a Lutheran pastor. I have attended this format of yoga…..they combine the physical moves of yoga with praise, reflection, meditation on Christ. It is fantastic
Monica,
I was thrilled to read this post! I am a Holy Yoga instructor in Virginia Beach, VA! I follow you because you are an inspiration and someone with a nonjudgmental viewpoint. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, practiced yoga and healthy stretching since I can remember. No one has ever condemned my practice of caring for my personal temple that with which the Lord blessed me. As a Master Holy Yoga instructor I predominately teach older women in their 60’s and 70’s IN OUR CHURCH! They all love it! A couple of them attend other yoga classes in other churches in our area as well.
The Hindus did not “invent” yoga. Yoga predates written history; Stone carvings of figures in yoga positions have been found in archeological site in the Indus Valley dating back 5000+ years. Hinduism evolved much late and incorporated physical practices and ideas relating to yoga. The word yoga is from an ancient Sankrit word meaning “unity” or “to join”. I believe that the Lord wants us to worship him with our mind, body and soul. Holy Yoga or stetching while praying is a perfect example of caring for our personal temples. If ones intention is to glorify God during their yoga practice than you are indeed glorifying God …not an imaginative deity from another religion no matter how much they want to claim that yoga is “theirs”. Yoga & meditation whether you are moving in prayer or being still in pray honors our Heavenly Father and no one can take that away from his children. Blessings to you and your family!
Love this post Monica! I am also a Christian woman who enjoys many forms o f exercise, including yoga. This touched on how I feel exactly. Thank you for putting it into words! Keep on keeping on…you are doing a great job and represent who you are with grace, beauty and love. Aloha !
Loved that you were vocal about your faith in Jesus! Love that we have access to him all day and night long —no matter where we are! You did an awesome job communicating that as well as how awesome it is having a personal realtionship with Him. I love yoga and Jesus and I love you! ?
Having been in the fitness business (ACSM certified w/ extra cents in Spin & Pilates) for over 30 years, I have struggled with similar questions re my Christian faith and yoga. (Also as a Pilates teacher since Joseph Pilates drew much of his work from yoga and stresses the breath.) Monica, you put it so well! The physical practice of yoga has much benefit, especially as I age and still want to remain current in my field. One tip I’ve found is that if a yoga instructor puts a lot of emphasis on the breathe as a “source” of energy, I substitute the Holy Spirit in my mind. The Hebrew term for God’s spirit is Ruach HaKodesh (ROO-akh hak-KOH-desh) and is first used in Genesis as the Creator God’s “spirit” hovers over the waters, and when He breathes life into Adam. It’s literally the “breath” of God. He is my life’s source! Thanks for tackling a sticky topic!
so great Robin! Thank you for the comment. Love that little bit of Hebrew! I’ll remember that! 🙂 Aloha-
Probably should have been a bit more specific that ruah actually means “breath” and “by extension( from Strong’s) “spirit, mind, heart. Hope that clarifies for readers.
PS- grandkids doing great. Growing up too soon- both in middle school in fall. Hank still loving his guitar/uke lessons!
I am NOT writing this to criticize, but just asking if in your search of doing yoga if you researched what all those yoga poses actually mean? Getting passed the point of them just being a stretch, and not participating in the meditation part of the Hindu religion. Do you realize that each pose is actually a pose praying to one of their many gods? Research what those poses are you maybe surprised and convicted. Again I am not criticizing, but I do hear so many Christians defend themselves doing yoga and at their defense just say I am not doing it for the spiritual side of it. I am praying to my God, during it and I am just stretching. But when each pose you do is actually praying to their god, how can a Christian do it in honoring God?
Thank you for commenting and no it’s not criticism. Thank you so much for your thoughts and sharing from your heart. Here’s my thoughts on that;
I am free in Christ, and God has authority over me, body, mind and soul. I do not give false gods (with a little “g”) any such power over me to limit a position or stretch that I go into. I am not bowing to a god, and I do not give any other religious powers any such authority. For example: I have stretched in a “runner’s lunge” for running all of my life, and that position happens to be the exact position of a particular yoga pose. If I went with the line of thought you proposed, I would say that all runners preparing to exercise are in danger of worshiping a false god and should avoid a stretch that everyone knows is the best way to warm up for running. A position alone is not dangerous, it is what is going on in the heart and mind that is dangerous. I would hate to limit God in this way. Our body only has a finite number of ways it can move and for me to even “give up” certain wonderful stretches as if they belong to a false (made up) god is honestly to me a sad thing. Touching my toes and standing tall are part of my normal day, but they are also official yoga postures. I cannot imagine avoiding reaching over my head or bending to the side in fear that I am accidentally worshipping. Of course if you or anyone else feels a personal conviction that yoga is not right for you, then by all means, follow that conviction. I am afraid that assigning such convictions to all believers is simply legalism. Hope that made sense and again- I absolutely appreciate the conversation! 🙂 Aloha–
Wow! Amen. i love your response.
Fantastic article, Monica! As a Christ-follower, this is my point of view as well! That video at the end is compelling! You know I love it! Thank you for such a thoughtful, personal, and clearly loving explanation of your faith and stretching (yoga) routine. I have been attacked many a time over this issue. Now I have a resource to point folks to!
Thank you so much– The timing of seeing that video was just awesome. Bless you and your maternity yoga workouts! (hehe, I just am so excited for you! :))
I love yoga! And I love Jesus! I suffer from many back issues, even had a large portion of my disc removed, yoga stretches are very helpful at keeping the pain away and keeping me flexible.
God knows your heart, and I don’t really see the big deal.
I also appreciate you’re testimony. These days everyone is so afraid of offending or not being tolerant. Sometimes we forget we are called to be bold. I know I am not perfect. All of my good comes from the Lord.
This is a great way to look at it. I’m a fan of yoga as exercise and I also love Jesus. The great thing about freedom in Jesus is I can choose which aspects to let into my heart and what I want to leave on the table. Good stuff.
This is BRILLIANT Monica. Again! Well done for being brave and putting yourself out there. I couldn’t agree more with what you say. I’ve never actually done yoga, but do believe anything can be redeemed for God. Keep stretching!
Thank you so much Joanna! Appreciate the encouragement and love your heart. XO aloha-
I love your take on yoga and meditation. I have always wondered why there is so much controversy about attending a yoga class. Why should I as a Christian miss out on the benefits of stretching and strengthening my body because yoga is considered an eastern religion.
One thing I know, no one can control my thoughts and heart while taking a yoga class.
I believe God’s love overcomes everything and He is the only true God. I don’t think he is upset I am attending one of these classes but proud to see his daughter taking care of herself, spending quiet time with Him and having a positive influence on people that may not have a relationship with God.
Bless you my friend and continue to spread your wisdom.
This is a great topic and you laid it out well. I love doing yoga. In fact, it’s become the core of my workout regimen. And, like you, I simply turn my thoughts to God during times when the instructor invites us to find a focus or intention. I didn’t have to think about doing that – that’s my default. I’ve struggled with yoga in some ways because it has had moments when it feels contrary to my belief system, my world view, my heart – BUT – like you said I’m not engaging in the yoga philosophies, I’m exercising. I actually find that my time in yoga classes gets me more centered BECAUSE my focus always goes to God, I’m bringing my mind to a peaceful pace, I’m slowing down and intentionally doing something good for my body. I love it. And I love that you wrote about a topic that’s been bouncing around in my own head and I wasn’t really sure how to think of it. THANKS!
Oh thank you so much Alexandra! Love hearing your experience and how your thoughts have been much like mine! 🙂 Glad you stopped in! Aloha-
This is exactly how I would like to explain my thoughts on yoga with people! I agree with absolutely everything you said. Thank you for putting it into clear and very loving words for me to think on and use to communicate when the topic comes up.
Yay! So happy to hear from you Mia! Blessings and Aloha!
This is such an interesting subject.
First of all let me just say that I loathe yoga, because my body just hates holding those poses..lol But I love love love Pilates.
The Bible talks a lot about meditating on The Word daily, which I know I am lacking. I am also lacking in the healthy living, which I believe the Bible is clear about… I mean there are so many verses on what to eat (which is very spot on with today’s clean eating movement), what not to eat, and hygiene. So I would say these concepts are Biblical and God ordained.
My only spiritual issue with “yoga” was birthed from a Christian converted ex-Hindu pastor I met while I helped do urban ministry at his church. We learned tons about Hinduism first hand, so we could witness to them in love and compassion. It was a beautiful trip close to my own backyard. We even visited a northern and a southern hindu temples.. the atmosphere was very strong that we were not welcomed. Then he and his Asia-Indian congregation talked about Christians doing yoga; they were all very strongly recommending that we do not practice it, even as an excercise combined in the “Christian” yoga platform. They let us know that each position was actually a form of worship to a different Hindu god, and that even doing it for exercise is still a representation and open door of worship to that religion and its many gods because it is done in a patern. Those patterns each have a meaning.
They also shared their testimonies and how hard it is for Asian-Indians to convert. The Hindu religion has a strong understanding of spiritual “possession” because it happens a lot in their religion, so asking to receive the Holy Spirit during salvation has huge meaning for them. The poses of yoga worship their hundreds of northern and southern gods, while the empty meditation opens their minds to those gods, so possession is possible.
But of course my new home church pastor says we are full of grace and we are on this side of The Cross, so he says its not a sin for exercise. Idk.
I believe what is ok for one person may not be for another. We are all in different stages of our walk with Christ, and we can eat meat or not and are not condemned by the law.
I just promissed this lovely group of converts to share this truth when the subject comes up. I mainly do not do yoga, because of the testimony of these converts. It was their religion, practice and culture for at least 20 plus years, some even 50plus years…. I think they have a true understanding of its meaning and as converts what it means when a Christian practices yoga. I was worried about my beloved pilates, and this congregation learned about pilates and said it is not a form of hinduism. Whew!
I hope this isn’t looked at as negative, but informative. It is only God who can tell you what is right. I don’t worry about this because like I said before, I didn’t like practicing yoga before hand.
I guess what ever we do, as long as it is done unto the Lord. …?
Thank you Nica! No, not negative at all–absolutely fascinating honestly! 😉 Thank you for sharing. I loved that. I agree with you on all points…I actually had a paragraph in the post about “what is ok for one may not be for another” but as you can see the post got pretty long and i figured I needed to cut it down as much as I could! Love your points and love your heart. Aloha!
I chose not to practice yoga for the same reason as Nica. A missionary who lives in Cambodia because he was deported by the Vietnamese gov’t gave his testimony in our church. His parents sent him to a Buddhist monestary as a child. He lived and studied there for years. I forget the reason he left, but he became the highest ranking witch doctor practicing witchcraft. One group of missionaries that came to his area, his powers, etc had no effect, they power the missionaries had was greater ( which was Jesus Christ) . He was radically converted and went on to be persecuted for his faith in Christ. He was in 3 Cambodian prisons for 10 1/2years. Each prison became a church because God used him to share Christ and they were converted. His name is Paul Ai.
All that to say, during his testimony he said that Christians should not practice yoga for any reason because it’s not harmless. The portions were “designed” to open one’s spirit to worship the Buddhist gods.
My struggle has been is purposely practicing yoga poses, which I know are designed to worship another god, dishonoring my God?
I write this in humility just sharing the story of someone I consider to be an expert. He still trains Vietnamese Christians in Cambodia, who then return to Vietnam to share the gospel, fully expecting to face persecution.
You can read about him at http://www.Paulai.com
Ellen– Wow that is fascinating! Such a great story. I totally get that and in many instances people who have experiences and associations with Yoga (or anything else) are wise to keep a distance. That makes perfect sense. As for the struggle you mention, I personally believe that with Christ we have freedom, and all things have been made new. God can redeem anything and a posture or pose that may to some be worshipping a false god could to a born again Christian be a simple stretch and a heart that is devoted to Jesus. I personally walk in that freedom, but if your conscious (the Holy Spirit) clearly tells you to avoid yoga (or anything else) then by all means, obey. 🙂 Hope that helps a little, but regardless, I will check out that link and I love to hear such awesome stories!! Thank you!
Thank you for this post! I am a Christian as well and practice “yoga” too. I find it a great way to destress and cope with my anxiety. I don’t see anything wrong with Christians practicing yoga. I know who my Creator is and I place my faith in him. I don’t think it makes us hypocritical to practice yoga
So glad you commented! Thank you Christina! Thanks for stopping in… 🙂
Excellent post, Monica! You wrote in a post (about reconnecting with our husbands) how you meant to be encouraging, not preaching. I really appreciate how you approach sharing your take on yoga/meditation. There’s something about your tone in writing that challenges me…always in an encouraging, compassionate way. As a Christian, I have found that meditation is such a good way to be present to “listen” to God and step back from the “doing” that we Christians can get so caught up in. Then, we can get caught up in the “being” so that we can take on the attitudes and Shalom of Christ. I often see the fruits of meditation later in the way I approach things. There’s something so winsome about the way you talk about your faith. Thank you!
OH that truly means so much to me. You’re a great encourager! Thank you thank you. Love that you have benefited from meditation. I really look forward to growing in that area! Aloha–
Monica,
Thank you so, so much for this. It is exactly how I feel about both issues of yoga, (which I LOVE!), and meditation. You hit the nail on the head with both. My family (all Christians) don’t have a problem with it at all, and sometimes I can get my sister in on the yoga action, but I’ve definitely been given the side-eye by the “elder” crowd at church when I have mentioned it before, or it’s come up. I just don’t ever feel like explaining myself. I feel like I’ve been doing that my whole life, and its just becomes tiring, and to me, honestly no body else’s business why I do things. But, you have, with your gracious and well thought out explanation, shown me how I might navigate these waters should ( or my like WHEN), they come up again! Thank you for sharing your heart always! I never comment, but I’ve been a reader for a long while, and just love you. Keep it up sweet lady!
As a member of the elder crowd I delight in watching younger women grow in their faith and sort through the issues they face in today’s world. I have to be honest and let you know that that reference stung just a bit. But when I look back I realize I may have had a similar view as a young woman (towards the elders of my generation.) But I also know what We were saved from during the Jesus movement of the 70’s. When we were rescued from the influence of drugs and the other spiratual darknesses of that time, we cut away everything from our lives that we felt dishonored God and made determined efforts to walk in holiness and righteousness. Just know, when you get that side eye, it isn’t in judgement. It isn’t that we don’t understand. It isn’t fear. It isn’t I am right and you are wrong. It is the silent prayer of II Timothy 1:12 and the declaration of faith we cling to in Psalm 145:4. It is entering elderhood with the promise of Psalm 16:6. We elder women are on your side. We cheer you on. We know that we will fade and you will grow in influence. May that influence be great, may your families stand strong in todays world and know we have faith and confidence in you.