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Where Yoga Meets Faith

Posted on by pennyjoliver

How can the practice of yoga complement and enhance our walk with God?

Surprisingly,

I have found there is a harmonious relationship between yoga and faith and this ancient practice can surely deepen our connection to our Heavenly Father while nurturing our soul, inspiring us to live out our faith with greater intention and grace.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we are reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies.

Yoga can surely be a tangible way to live out this calling, reminding us to care for our bodies with respect, and love.

One of the most profound aspects of yoga is the emphasis on breath, or pranayama.

In yoga, the breath is not just a physiological function, it is a bridge between the body and the spirit. What if we approached our breath as a prayer? Each inhale could be an invitation for God’s presence, and each exhale, a release of our worries, cares and doubts and fears while surrendering them all over to Him.

   This can surely turn a yoga session into a moving meditation, where every breath is a conversation with God.

Yoga also teaches us to be mindful, being actively present in each moment.

This resonates deeply with the biblical instruction to meditate on God’s Word.

Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Yoga offers a unique opportunity to combine the physical act of mindfulness with the spiritual practice of meditation. As we hold each pose, we can meditate on scripture, allowing God’s Word to sink deep into our hearts.

 

 

The Bible also teaches us that there is power in letting go and trusting. In yoga, it is also important to let go of what no longer serves us, mirroring the spiritual act of surrendering our lives to God’s will. Matthew 11:28-30 invites us to come to Jesus with our burdens and find rest in Him. As we find stillness in some yoga poses, we can also reflect on this invitation, finding strength not in our own efforts but in His grace.

 

 

Surprisingly, there are many ways to integrate faith into our yoga practice.

One way is through Scripture-inspired flows. Starting our practice with a focus on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” allows us to move through poses that build physical strength, letting the Scripture be our mantra, reminding us that our true strength comes from Christ.

Another beautiful way is taking a moment to sit in stillness, close our eyes, and offer a prayer of gratitude. Reflecting on the peace we’ve cultivated we can also offer it back to God, asking Him to guide us through. Whether we’re on the mat or in prayer, remembering that each breath, each movement, and each moment of stillness can be an opportunity to draw nearer to God!

Halleluyah!

Peace & Love, Penny!

The Journey of the Lotus Flower

Posted on by pennyjoliver

 

In the stillness of a pond, where murky waters conceal the depths below, a miracle unfolds. The lotus flower, a symbol of purity and rebirth, emerges from the mud, pushing its way through the murkiness to bloom with stunning beauty on the water’s surface. This remarkable journey of the lotus is not just a spectacle of nature but a profound metaphor for our own lives.

 

The Lotus Flower’s Journey

The lotus flower begins its life in the depths of muddy waters, far from the light. Its roots anchor it firmly in the sludge, drawing nourishment from what others might see as undesirable or unclean. Day by day, it stretches upwards, driven by an innate desire to reach the light above. It doesn’t rush the process, nor does it falter, despite the resistance it meets along the way.

When it finally breaks through the water’s surface, the lotus is untouched by the mud from which it emerged. Its petals open in the sunlight, revealing a beauty that seems almost otherworldly. The dirt that once surrounded it now serves only to highlight the purity and grace of its bloom.

Our Own Journey Through Life

Like the lotus, we often find ourselves in the midst of life’s mud—challenges, setbacks, and hardships that can make our path seem unclear or overwhelming. It’s easy to feel stuck or weighed down by these circumstances, wondering if we’ll ever break free.

Yet, just as the lotus is nourished by the mud, so too are we shaped and strengthened by our struggles. The difficulties we face are not meant to bury us but to prepare us for the beauty that lies ahead. It is through these very challenges that we grow, reaching upwards, inch by inch, towards the light.

In our spiritual journey, the dirt represents the trials and tribulations we endure—loss, pain, disappointment. But as we root ourselves in faith and draw strength from God’s promises, we rise.

We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Our struggles, though difficult, are temporary. They are the very soil from which our spiritual growth springs forth. As we persevere, we emerge stronger, our faith refined, our purpose clearer.

Embracing Our Bloom

The lotus flower doesn’t bloom despite the mud; it blooms because of it. In the same way, we are called to embrace our journey, recognizing that every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth. As we rise above the difficulties, we reflect the beauty of a life rooted in Christ, a life that shines with the inner light of His grace and love.

Just as the lotus opens its petals to the sun, we too must open ourselves to God’s light, allowing it to transform us from within. It’s a reminder that no matter how deep the mud, there is always hope, always a way forward. And when we finally bloom, our lives become a testimony to the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring love of God.

Let us take heart in the story of the lotus flower, knowing that no matter where we start, we are all capable of blooming into the fullness of who we are meant to be. Our journey through the dirt is not in vain—it is the very path that leads us to our most beautiful, most radiant selves.

Peace and Love

xx

Penny

Never Too Old To Shine Or Be New!

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Living Shiny and New as We Age

Aging is a journey we all embark on, and as we travel this path, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that youth equals vitality, and aging equals decline. But what if we flipped that narrative? What if we saw aging not as a fading away but as an opportunity to live even more brightly, to embrace life with a spirit that is renewed daily?

The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 that, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” This verse offers profound wisdom and encouragement. It tells us that while our physical bodies may age, our spirits can remain vibrant, continually refreshed by God’s grace.

 Embracing the Shine in Our Souls

Living “shiny and new” as we age means focusing on the renewal that happens within. It’s about nurturing our souls with the promises of God, allowing His word to refresh us daily. Just as we care for our bodies through exercise and healthy living, we must also care for our spirits through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and living out our faith in tangible ways.

As we age, we can shine even brighter by cultivating gratitude for the life we’ve lived and the lessons we’ve learned. Each wrinkle and gray hair becomes a testament to the experiences that have shaped us, to the grace that has carried us through every trial and triumph. By embracing these marks of aging, we acknowledge the beauty in our journey and the renewal that happens within us every day.

Yoga: A Tool for Physical and Spiritual Renewal

One powerful way to embody this renewal is through the practice of yoga. Yoga is not just about flexibility or strength; it’s about connecting with your body and spirit in a way that honors God’s creation. By practicing yoga, we can maintain our physical health, which in turn supports our spiritual well-being. Each pose becomes an act of worship, a moment to breathe in God’s love and exhale His grace.

As we age, our bodies may change, but yoga teaches us to adapt with grace. It reminds us to be patient with ourselves, to listen to our bodies, and to move in ways that support longevity and vitality. By integrating prayer and meditation into our practice, we can deepen our connection with God, allowing His peace to fill us and renew us from the inside out.

Never too old to be new and never too old to sparkle!

Living shiny and new as we age is about more than just maintaining our physical appearance or health. It’s about reflecting God’s glory in every season of life. When we allow His light to shine through us, we become a beacon of hope and encouragement to others. Our lives become a testament to the truth that, with God, we can be renewed, no matter our age.

So let us embrace aging with joy and purpose. Let us live each day with the confidence that God is continually renewing us, making us shine even brighter as we walk in His love and grace. And as we do, we’ll find that aging isn’t about losing our shine—it’s about discovering a deeper, more radiant light that only grows with time.

INVISIBLE?

Posted on by pennyjoliver

This picture says it all. It’s funny because it is just that: a picture. In real life, it hurts to feel invisible to other people. The worst part is, people probably don’t realize they are doing it to us. And if they do it, says more about them then it does us. Lately, it’s been happening to me a lot. For example, the other day I had a a ten minute in-depth discussion with my postman in the Post Office about golfing. You know the moment when you both discover you have a love for something. You walk away feeling like you have connected. Well, we talked up a storm that day; a week later I started the golf conversation, and it was like we never discussed a word about it before. Hopefully, the postman didn’t see my chin hang down the whole time he did my postage!

How about the “one-sided conversation!” You ask about their  lives, then they talk on and on about themselves?  How about the spell-bound look they give you when you ask them a question while they have been staring at their phone for the past 5 minutes?

Well, don’t lose hope. You are not invisible to God! Not today and not any day!

… for God sees and hears you…The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:15

… for God is listening intimately and intently to you… God is able to hear us even when we are silent. Romans 8:26

… for God is ready to help you… Don’t panic I’m with you there’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength and I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

… for God is thinking about you all the time… My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17

… for God thinks the world of you...even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

… for God made you a “one of a kind person”…You are a blessing! The Lord made you in an amazing and wonderful way. Psalm 139:14

… for God thinks your gorgeous…The King is enthralled with your beauty. Psalm 45:11

… for you must hold your head high, God gave you dignity…You have dignity. Proverbs 31:25

… for you can ask and you will get real answers…Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

…for you simply cannot be invisible if God is always with you…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

…for how can you be invisible if you are constantly loved?…You are love forever. Romans 8:38-39

You may feel invisible to the world at times but to God, you are being loved moment by moment beyond measure!
Gosh, I feel better now.  I hope you do too!

BE~LOVED!

xxoo

<3

A THOUGHT-FULL FATHER

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Do you think God thinks about you?

Give this a try and you might be surprised at how much!

Next time your at the beach or the lake, a pond or a creek, a river or any body of water, take a big look around at all the sand or dirt you can see. Then try to imagine the mountains of sand under all the water that you see. Then think about each individual grain of sand and pick up a handful and start counting! Then think of all the shores of all the bodies of water across the globe! Include the thought of the shores that you and no one has yet seen. Think of all the seas and all the oceans and how deep they are and how they cover the earth more than dry land does. Then try and grasp God’s thoughts about you. But Oh, You can’t! That’s because they out number all the grains of sand in the entire world!

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:17-18 

Dear Heavenly Father…

We bow down and thank you for loving us beyond what we can imagine and giving us Your Word so that we can enjoy health and whole body fitness the way that you intended! May you guide us and direct our paths that we may walk in our identity set by YOU and live each of our purposes joyfully, peacefully, thankfully and vibrantly healthy – that we may be all that YOU created us to be! HALLELUYAH!

A MINDSET FOR IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Surely it is a “Halleluyah Moment” to know that Science is just catching up to what God said in His Word thousands of years ago, that positive thinking can and does have an effect one’s health. What’s more important is that it is everyone’s choice to decide what thoughts we wish or don’t wish to think about. Of course we don’t have to think the way God wants us to think, but then again why would we reject the ultimate best prescription for a life’s mindset that is promised by God to keep us happy, healthy and wise!

Fix-your-thoughts-on-what-is-true-honorable-and-right-and-pure-and-lovely-and-admirable-1024x1024.jpg

You see, according to Psychology Today, every thought that we possess releases certain brain chemicals called hormones. Being focused on negative thoughts produces cortisol the stress hormone, hard wired to keep our body on high alert for stress encounters which is a good thing. Yet too much cortisol for too long saps our brainpower of its positive forcefulness. Too much negative thinking is shown to slow the brain down and can ultimately dim our brain’s ability to function and eventually it can lead to depression. On the flip side, thinking positive – happy, hopeful, optimistic, joyful thoughts – decreases cortisol and produces seratonin instead, the happy hormone.  The one that likes to make us happy and give us a wonderful  sense of well-being!

In fact feeling pleasure can be so stimulating for our brain that it is primed to respond to pleasure in a way that reinforces pleasure. This helps our brains function at peak capacity, as happy people are more creative, solve problems faster, and tend to be more mentally alert.

Scientific research is also proving that thinking positive thoughts is also heart healthy and can increase our life expectantly even up to fifty-five percent longer. Positivity can be essential to our health if we come from a family with a history of heart disease.

Positive thinking also helps in reducing anxiety and helps us to cope better in stressful situations and circumstances. It actually counters the effects of thinking negative thoughts. It is shown to help our digestive system and entire immune system run more effectively as well. It can even help with fertility too!

It’s no wonder why The Lord Our God proclaimed thousands of years ago these happy thoughts on happy living!

And now, dear brothers and sisters fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8-9

If you like, take a few moments. Hand over that unhealthy mindset and start new because you don’t need negativity anymore!

Sit comfortably wherever you might find yourself.
Let your hands rest upon your legs.
Now focus in on the words above.
When your ready please inhale deeply, slowly and intentionally and keep your focus on welcoming only these positive thoughts.
Then exhale the same way, deeply, slowly and intentionally all of your doubts, fears, cares, and worries because you don’t need them anymore!
Repeat as long as you like because YOU are never too old and it is NOT too late to start again.

God doesn’t think so and neither do I!!

“HALLELUYAH!”

A HIGHER FASHION

Posted on by pennyjoliver

God is love. 1 John 4:8

Less of me ~ more of Love. John 3:30.
He must become greater and I must become less, higher style of living. Approaching every word and deed we do, fashioned by God’s guidance and dressed in His Love!

However, getting naked and becoming vulnerable before God takes great courage! I know I find it rather easy to layer up and dress how I want the world to see me. And it’s easy to grow accustomed to our style, our way. Coming from a fashion background I know I fall into my style all the time. I know when I wake up and immediately put my feet down on the ground, rather than thanking God for giving me a new day that I’m on the road for doing things my way. And so easily do I fall right into it somedays.

On most days, I try not to forget God who wakes me up everyday. When I wake up rushed, I’m then reacting rather than responding to the moments before me. That usually results in gripping the steering wheel from God in whom I gave it too and moving into the drivers seat of my life. That can happen quite easily when a situation occurs during the day and my mind takes off and I let anxious thoughts fill me up which makes me run to the next fix to ease my tensions. However, that is our human flesh response.  A higher style perhaps would be to pause a moment, take a deep breathe and look to Jesus and for help! This would help us immediately and give us hope for the next time to respond in a calmer, less stressed mode. Better would be diving into in HIS Word before we respond and with that, we will be on our way to a higher style of living, everyday!

Do not be anxious about anything! Instead, pray! Philippians 4:6

pray more worry less

xxoo

Penny

Chill Out In The Happy Corpse Pose

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Who knew something so simple as laying back in a Corpse Pose could make us healthier and more beautiful?

In the Yoga community Corpse Pose is known as a huge stress-reducer, a great method of meditation and the perfect  position to focus our gaze on higher thoughts.

Simply lay back, let your feet spread, place your arms by your sides with palms up and try to keep your shoulders away from your ears. Then give yourself ten or more big inhales and exhales. If your feeling it stay here longer and really give yourself a chance to unwind!

I personally have a hard time staying here. I wanna go go go! If I do relax for a moment though all the things I must do seem to flood my mind. Hopefully your not like me and will be able to reap all the healthy benefits of acting like your dead on the ground here. You can always pretend your sunbathing, too!

Corpse Pose is also a perfect position to…

Set your mind on things above and not things of the earth.

Colossians 3:2

And also a perfect position to focus upon goodness & positivity!

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy, think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

After reaping the healthy benefits of these applied Bible verses know that…

Those who look to Him are radiant, Their faces are never covered with shame!

Psalm 34:5

keep calm & yoga on

xxoo

Penny

 

 

 

 

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING FOR ANXIETY & STRESS

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Hello Friends and welcome to “Yoga with Penny!”

To begin the New Year, I’m going to teach you a yogic breathing technique called “Alternate Nostril Breathing.” It’s a meditative practice that switches our breath between our two nostrils helping us to manage the stresses of daily life and to become mindful of the present moment. In the book, “What Happened,” Hillary Clinton wrote that she used Alternate Nostril Breathing after her loss in the 2016 Presidential Election to help manage her stress and anxiety.

In studies, this breathing technique has shown to lower participants perceived levels of stress and was significant in lowering blood pressure, heart rate and the respiratory rate. It also improved the functioning of the lungs and the functioning of both sides of our brain. It had a positive effect on mental health by reducing anxiety which naturally promotes a state of well being.

Let’s begin by sitting comfortably anywhere you like. Please take a few moments to close your eyes. Try focusing on your inhales and exhales. For greater results practice this technique daily and for extended moments of time.

To begin:

Take your right hand and bend your forefinger and middle finger into your palm.

Take your right thumb and seal your right nostril.

Inhale deeply through your left nostril for 4 counts.

Seal your left nostril with your ring finger and hold your breath with both nostrils sealed for 4 counts.

Release your right thumb with an exhale of 4 counts.

Inhale deeply through your right nostril for 4 counts.

Seal your right nostril with your thumb and hold your breath with both nostrils sealed for 4 counts.

Release your ring finger and exhale for 4 counts.

Repeat the entire process by inhaling deeply through your left nostril for 4 counts to begin.

If you find holding your nostril with your ring finger is a little tough, simply use your pinkie finger.

If you find holding your breath for 4 counts is a little tough start with 2 or 3 counts and build from there.

Slowing your breath beyond the 4 seconds will slow your body down which will register a message to your brain to move from a stressed state to the calming tranquil relaxation response state.

Sealing the right nostril and breathing with just your left directs oxygen flow to the right brain hemisphere which  also turns on your paras

Thanks for joining me and I hope that the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique helps you start the New Year calm, relaxed and ready for all the wonderful things the New Year may bring!

keep calm and yoga on!

xxoo

Penny!

 

 

 

 

LET GO IN TRIANGLE POSE

Posted on by pennyjoliver

The beautiful and elegant Triangle Pose, captivating us with it’s clean lines and raw simplicity. Yet moving into this posture we find that simple can be hard and clean can be messy. Mainly because the stress and tension of living in this fast paced modern day world, expresses itself through our rigid and tensed up bodies. Is it any wonder that more than  75% of all doctor office visits are stress related ailments and complaints and that chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death? Fortunately, yoga provides a moment for our body to speak, revealing tensions we are holding through our muscles. If our minds are willing we can then release those tensions and let it go. On good days we bring that mindset to our mats. Other days we forget. Sometimes all we do is struggle. But we know when yoga is working when some days we let things go in our daily lives!

Of course letting go and letting God take the reins of our lives is the ultimate stress reliever. It’s hard to give up control though. And scarey. Too many “what ifs” pop up in our heads. But the Creator of everything who calls Himself our Father must know what is best for us.

He tells us in Isaiah 26:3 that…  He will keep us in perfect peace when we remain focused on Him.

Do something good for you. Sit quietly and close your eyes. Know that you are here in this present moment with no worries. Just breathe. When you are ready do a Triangle Pose, directions below!

 

Directions

Extend your arms out to your sides. Stretch your legs out to the sides with each foot directly under each hand. Turn your right foot slightly in and move your left foot toes to face the right side.

Inhale deeply from the bottom of your stomach pulling your torso upward. Exhale deeply extending your torso out and over your forward left leg.

Place your left hand on your mat next to your foot on either side. You may also place it on your thigh, knee or ankle for a less challenging approach or on a chair.

Stretch your right arm up. Try to look up at your hand. You may feel your chest, shoulders and collar bone open up. Breath deeply for 10 seconds to 1 minute. Try to maintain this position thinking only of your inhales and exhales. You may then feel your body stretching deeper as tension and stress release.

Repeat on your right side.

You may also bend your forward knee slightly if it feels too tight. Or step your back leg in a little. Use a chair, table or a counter for added balance and support.

peace and love

penny