What better way to start our day than praising, praying, moving, stretching, breathing and focusing on what is really important. This mini-yoga challenge will do it all and more… including less challenging and more challenging ways to get our yoga praise on!

Perhaps, you don’t know where to start …start in the Psalms!

The Psalms is know as the Book of Praises for the Book records more verses of praise than any other book of the Bible and in almost every Psalm there is at least one note of praise. Since God tells us to give Him thanks in everything, ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ) it can be only fitting that not only our praise but our thanks to God is also a form of worship as well. In fact everything we do can become an act of worship not just yoga. The choice is up to us.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God! 1 Corinthians 10:30

It’s amazing that when we take the time to praise Him we are automatically blessed back in ways that will astound us, just read a few Psalms! Below are a few good reasons to praise God.

To praise God is to put our focus on Him and not our problems, worries, care, and doubts. Which then shrinks our perspective on all our earthly concerns and magnifies the greatness of God’s power in overcoming them. This helps us to trust God more and grow our faith.

To praise God is to seriously humble ourselves. When we acknowledge that we are not strong enough and cannot do it alone, our pride and ego is eliminated and we gain a healthy self-image based on God’s view of us. This also may strengthen us  against temptation.

To praise God is also to reveal our devotion to Him. When He has first priority in our life, we easily honor, worship and thank Him for everything. Gratitude then becomes a habit and a response to the little and all the big things that pop into our lives.

To praise God is to be blessed with almost instant joy! For discouragement, anxiety, depression, down in the dumps kind of emotions cannot thrive in a heart full of joy! However, we are not talking about earthly joy, but heavenly joy!

• Please take a moment to breathe deeply before you begin. Concentrate on your breath to ease your tensions and your stress. When you feel ready simply begin.

 

A Forward Bend with our fingers interlocked opens up our heart and chest area. An open heart is ready and able to receive the love of God!

…above all fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart. (1 Samuel 12:24)

1.) Forward Bending Stretch

• Stand hip width.
• Place your hands on your hips, back, or interlock your fingers behind your back.
• With a big inhale lift your hands behind you and look to Heaven.
• With a big exhale bow forward in gratitude.
• Repeat the process 5-10 times.

 

Sitting back in your invisible chair is like faith!

…faith is being certain of what we do not see. (Hebrew’s 11:1)

2.) Chair Pose/Twist

• Place your feet hip width apart for more support or together for more of a challenge.
• With a big inhale slowly extend your arms to the sides and sweep them up to Heaven.
• With a big exhale slowly bend your knees sitting back into your invisible chair.
• Keep your knees behind your feet for safety.
• Hold your Chair Pose for 5-10 deep breaths.
• Then, stand up bringing your hands together in a praying position at your heart.
• Inhale deeply.
• Then exhale as you sit back in your chair.
• Inhale again and then exhale while placing your left elbow over your right thigh or knee.
• Stand up and then repeat the process with right elbow over left knee or thigh.
• (Try to remember to inhale in the middle then exhale and twist. This will give you more twisting room.)

 

Star Pose into Warrior II Pose…a knight in shining armor!

Let your light shine clothed in the glorious full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

3.) Star Pose into Warrior II

• Stand tall.
• Bend both knees.
• Gently walk each foot out to your sides.
• Find a comfortable distance between both legs and straighten them.
• Ensure both toes are facing forward.
• With a big slow long inhale, extend both arms out and up.
• Interlock your fingers and look up.
• With a big, long, slow exhale, lower your arms while ensuring they are extended out from your shoulders.
• Then, point your left toes to the side and bend your left leg.
• Ensure your bent knee is directly above your foot.
• Slightly turn your back toes in.
• Repeat the process from inhaling in Star Pose to exhaling in Warrior II, 10 times or more.

 

Warrior Pose with a prayer for strength that will lift your soul so you can zero in on what is important with lazer-like focus, just like an eagle in your eagle arms!

Focus on the Prize! Hebrews 12:1-3

4.) Warrior I Pose with Eagle Arms

• Take a step forward with your right leg from your Warrior II Pose.
• Ensure your hips are both facing forward equally.
• Bend that forward right knee ensuring it stays directly above your foot.
• For an added leg, foot and ankle stretch, lift your heel.
• Now, stretch your arms out. Bend your elbows with both palms facing you.
• Slide your left palm under your right elbow. Then try to wrap your left arm around your right arm.
• Where ever you find your arms is your perfect place for now.
• If possible clasp them or interlock your fingers like the picture above.
• Now lift them both up and lift your chin, focus on the prize!
• Breathe deeply for 10 long, slow, and generous breaths.

 

 

Drop a knee and bow your head!

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up! James 4:10

5.) Low Lunge Stretch

• Bend both knees to your mat.
• Extend tour right leg forward.
• Bow your head to your knee like the first picture.
• Take three long, deep, and slow breaths.
• Now, bend your right knee and lean forward into it as best as you can like picture two.
• Take three deep breaths again.
• Repeat on the same right leg forward, extended and straight and a bow to your knee and then bending that knee leaning forward into a Lunge Pose. Be as a back and forth wave for 5 more times.
• With right leg still forward tand leaning into your Low Lunge, try to extend your arms out to the sides with a huge inhale.
• Lift them up and press both palms together over head and then breathe deeply and send up a prayer of praise!
• Now you may repeat the entire process using your other leg!

I sure hope you enjoyed this praise and worship, mini -yoga -stretching -workout!

Getting our praise on is a glorious way to start any day!

Halleluyah everyBODY!