let go

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 PRAYING HALF MOON

Posted on by pennyjoliver

A simple yoga pose can often lead us to incredible discoveries about ourselves. The Praying Half Moon Pose is no exception.  It looks me in the eye and says, “let go!” My body is always ready, but my mind gets in the way!

You know that deep silent part of you, the one no one knows exists with in you, the one that knows you were meant for more? That deep voice inside is hidden, and therefore quite easy to keep contained deep inside. But isn’t that what faith is all about? Leting that voice rise with in us, speak, and then act upon it?

Hebrews 11:1 tell us,

Faith is the confidence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

So essentially, looking around here at things on earth keeps me bound to things I can see. Faith, which I cannot see, frees me from the things of the earth.  Listening to the unseen voice moves me from bounded to limitless! And then the story of Peter walking on the water comes to mind,

Lord, if it’s you, “Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Come, “he said.” Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out,” Lord save me!” Then Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “you of little faith, “He said,” why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14: 28-31

Poor Peter. There he was feeling fine and divine until he looked around. One would think that Peter, being a disciple which experienced Jesus’ miracles and teachings, should have known he could walk on water if Jesus told him that he could. Instead, the story tell us Peter looked at what he could see – the storm. Then Peter, constrained by his thoughts, was bound to the earth and down he went.

Being in control and relying on what we can see, and avoiding risk, prevents us from true fulfillment. Perhaps even adventures beyond our wildest imaginations could happen if we simply let go of the shore. It’s no denying that Yoga poses can be pretty amazing to do and to see…

…but the most beautiful aspect of  life as in a yoga pose is …the letting go!

keep calm, let go, and yoga on

xxoo

Try Praying Half Moon Pose. Use a sturdy chair at first to build leg strength. Then raise a leg, hop out of the boat and walk on water in your own life!