meditation

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!

YOGA CHALLENGE FOR BUILDING STRONGER KNEES AND A CALMER YOU!

Posted on by pennyjoliver

If you need to strengthen your knees, or your up to your knees in the cares and worries of this life, then this yoga challenge was made for you!

Calming both the nervous system and the overworked mind is a timed breath. When your exhale is even a few counts longer than your inhale, the vagus nerve (running from your neck down through your diaphragm ) sends a signal to your brain to turn up your parasympathetic nervous system.When your parasympathetic nervous system is dominant your breathing slows, heart rate drops, and blood pressure lowers as your blood vessels relax and your body is put into a state of calm and healing. The first exercise below will help you.

Many studies have also shown that meditation helps relieve our subjective levels of anxiety, depression and improves our attention, concentration and overall psychological well being. It is also beneficial for our brains too.

There are many Bible verses that call us to meditate upon God’s word. God promises to help us when we ask, think, and reflect upon what he says. Joshua 1:8-9 and  Psalm 1:2 are just a few for further reading on the benefits of meditating on God’s word.

It is not required of you but if you like, for the purposes of this yoga sequence, we will meditate upon God helping us in these chosen Bible verses.

The Psalmist was heavy in the deep waters of affliction, Psalm 16:18.

He reached down from Heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters.

And, further, Isaiah 41:13.

For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you Do not fear, I will help you. 

When you are ready, grab a mat, towel, and some water and let’s get started!

  • Sit on your heels or find a comfortable position.
  • A rolled up towel or a yoga block may help you to sit on your heels.
  • Close your eyes and inhale slowly for 5 long counts. Exhale slowly for 8 long counts. Repeat for 5 minutes.
  • Continue to extend your exhales longer than your inhales for the next 8 yoga positions.

1.) Seated Knee Stretch

  • Extend your arms out to the sides.
  • With a deep inhale, slowly raise your arms into a prayer position above your head.
  • Exhale deeply, lowering your right arm and stretching to the right side.
  • Repeat for 10 counts, inhaling in prayer position overhead and exhaling to each side.

2.) Child’s Pose Stretch

  • Walk your hands forward into Child’s Pose for 10 deep breaths.
  • You can always roll up a towel if sitting on your heels gives you trouble!

3.) Knee Stretch

  • Lay the top of your feet to the floor (or a rolled up towel), approximately hip width apart.
  • Lift your torso.
  • Press your hips forward and try clasping your hands behind your back. Place your hands on your hips if this is too challenging.
  • Lift your arms behind you while lifting your chin. Be gentle and take it slow. This will automatically make you arch your back.
  • Slowly round your back, tuck your chin and lower your torso into a Child’s Pose.
  • Keep your arms clasped behind you for a deeper stretch.
  • Repeat 5-10 times.

4.) Bended Knee Twist

  • On both knees, step your right foot forward.
  • Your forward foot toes are directly below your knee.
  • Your back knee is directly below your hip.
  • Press your hands into a prayer position.
  • Take a big inhale. Exhale slowly, twisting over your forward right leg.
  • Exhaling while twisting allows more space for you to twist.
  • Breath deeply for 3-5 counts and repeat the twist a few more times.
  • Repeat with your left leg forward.

5.) Squat Pose

  • Be gentle and take it slow. You may use a rolled up towel or yoga block under your heels. With feet hip width and toes slightly pointed outward, lower your torso.
  • Press your palms together in a prayer position with your elbows on the insides of both thighs.
  • Breathe deeply for 5-10 longs deep breaths.
  • Squat Pose is a wonderful hip opener and bowel mover; it aids with digestion too!

6.) Butterfly Pose

  • Sit on your mat with the bottom of your feet pressed together, especially your heels.
  • For a deeper stretch, pull your feet close to your body. For a lighter stretch, move them forward.
  • Inhale, lifting your chin while pulling your stomach in. Your chest should lift, which will engage your shoulders to arch your back.
  • Exhale deeply, rounding your shoulders and tucking your chin while leaning forward.
  • Repeat 5-10 times with inhales stretching back and exhales rounding forward.
  • Butterfly Stretch loosens your hips and sets you up for the next position.

7.) Extended Legs Side Stretch

  • Extend both legs to your sides.
  • Stretch them wider for a deeper stretch, and less for a beginner stretch.
  • Inhale slowly, extending both arms out to your sides, and up over your head in a prayer position.
  • Exhale slowly, stretching over to your right side.
  • Tuck your elbow inside your inner thigh for a deeper stretch.
  • Place your hand on your toes for a deeper stretch
  • You will be stretching and strengthening your entire leg, hips, and sides in this stretch.

8.) Cow Pose

  • Sit up tall; pull your stomach in.
  • Bend your left leg and place your right foot over your left leg.
  • Allow your bent knees to meet in the center of your torso.
  • You may, very gently, pull each of your feet back. This will align your knees to be on top of one another.
  • Push your feet forward if this is too difficult.
  • Press your palms together and breathe deeply for 5-10 counts.
  • Repeat on the other leg,while breathing for 5-10 counts.
  • Be very gentle while getting into this position. Although this pose looks easy, it can also stretch your knees too far as I found out first hand. I have been suffering with an over stretched back of the knee for 10 weeks off and on!

I hope you enjoyed this yoga sequence and it helped you to lighten the load you have been carrying. If you have any question or comments please message me. I would be delighted to help you!

God Bless!

xxoo

KEEP STRETCHED AND FLEXED YOGA CHALLENGE (quick&effective 4 vacation)

Posted on by pennyjoliver

It’s vacation time: a delightful stretch out of our comfort zones into warm and sunny new adventures. Why not sneak in a couple stretches to keep yourself loose?  Maintain that flexibility you worked so hard all year to achieve. No worries. I created the perfect yoga sequence to keep you stretched and flexed!

And the theme for this yoga class is: the shortest amount of time and the most effective yoga postures! Add some cool shades, pink lipstick and painted toe-nails and we are good to go!

As always sit quietly and breathe deeply before you begin. Stay here for a few moments. If you wish to take part in the meditation, move onto the next paragraph. If not, simply proceed to the first yoga posture, Butterfly Stretch!

To begin your meditation, close your eyes and extend your mind beyond yourself and your cares and worries. Stretch your mind to think higher thoughts, thoughts about God. Focus on the incredible love that He has for you. As you move into and out of these stretches, allow your thoughts be transformed. Don’t allow anything to prevent you from enjoying His mighty love for you. Remember, You are worth it. You are loved!

My love stretches to the heavens, and my faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Psalm 36:5

1.) The Butterfly Stretch: 

This stretch increases our hip and leg flexibility. This is the first step in preparing our body for the next position. With deep, conscious breathing, stress is more readily released. Remember that even the smallest of stretches benefits your body in so many ways, so stretch on!

  • Sit with equal weight on both of your sitting bones.
  • Bring your feet together (bring your feet closer to your body for a deeper stretch and forward for a less intense stretch).
  • With a big inhale, pull your stomach in, lift your chest, press your shoulders down, lengthen your neck, lift your chin, and stretch your head back.
  • With a big exhale, fold forward out and over your legs. Lean on your arms or hands, and pull your head to your heels if possible.
  • Repeat the stretch 5 times. On the 5th time, stay in the stretch with a normal breath for 20 seconds.

2.) Straddle Stretch:

Here, we take it a little deeper. Lowering your head to each knee stretches your thighs and hamstrings. Lowering your ear to each knee engages and opens up your sides.

  • Extend your legs out to your sides with your toes pointing up. Your sitting bones should be fully on your mat with equal weight on each. Try to maintain this throughout the exercise.
  • Pull up on your torso with a big inhale in the middle.
  • Exhale slowly while stretching over each leg 5 times (lower your head to your knee).
  • Repeat the stretch, but lower your ear to your knee instead; repeat this with 5 deep breaths on each leg.
  • Try to grasp your toes and look up.
  • Use your foot to gently pull your torso down for a deeper stretch.

3.) Wide Legged Straddle Stretch and Wrap:

Lately, I have become a huge fan of yoga wraps and binds. Afterward, I always feel much lighter, brighter, and calmer. Remember that even a little stretch, or a little bind, is a start. Your body will always benefit from even the smallest attempt!

  • Sit up straight on your sitting bones
  • Gently pull your right leg into your body as far as you can.
  • Dig you heel in to maintain the stretch. Breathe deeply and press your palms together for 10 deep breaths.
  • If you can, lean forward, stretching your arm out in front of you.
  • Now wrap that arm around your bent knee. Move your other arm behind your back.
  • Meet your palms together and stretch.
  • Sit up tall and hold this position for 10 deep breaths, then switch sides.
  • You may find it a bit easier by exhaling all your breath out as your wrap.

4.) Lying Leg Stretch:

This stretch really does the trick, but we have to be willing to pull our leg down and body up to accentuate the stretch. Try using workout cables or a towel to pull your leg closer to your head. I try to find a piece of furniture (like the bottom of my bed) to stabilize my foot so I can stretch farther.

  • Lie back, raise your leg, and gently pull it toward you.
  • Keep both legs straight. Your bottom leg may remain on the floor.
  • Pull your leg to your head, breathe deeply, and hold for 5 counts.
  • Switch legs and repeat the stretch.
  • Alternate each leg for a total of 10-20 more stretches.
  • Or you can simply hold the stretch and breathe deeply. Or do both!

5.)  Half Split: 

This is a terrific stretch all around, especially to maintain mobility and inner strength. This stretch is the predecessor for a full split.

  • Kneel and extend your right leg forward.
  • Lower your torso and lower your head to your knee.
  • Keep your arms out to your sides for support.
  • Breathe deeply.

6.) Low Lunge:

Try to stretch in this pose by extending your back knee farther out. Don’t let your front knee extend beyond your toes though.

  • From Half Split position, simply bend your forward leg.
  • Move your torso forward.
  • When you have gone as far as you can, breathe deeply.
  • If you are able to move from this position, go back to Half Split position a few times.
  • You may find that you will be able to stretch farther each time!

7.) Full Split:

For me,  I will attempt a Full Split even if I only fit in one of these stretches before it! It may not be the best way to attempt a full split, but when I’m short for time it works for me!

Positions 5,6, and 7 are meant to flow together with the same foot forward. Simply pick a leg as your forward leg and stick with it for all three positions before you switch legs. The picture has 2 different legs forward; that is why I am mentioning this.

  • From Half Split position slide each leg out and away from your body.
  • Your hips should be squared forward.
  • Your back knee should be tucked.
  • Try not to sit on your forward leg; maintain the hip position.
  • Stretch over your forward leg, as far as your arms can stretch.
  • Breathe deeply up for 10 breaths.
  • You may also try going in and coming out of this position a few times, if you want!

8.) Forward Fold: 

Stretch out your back and those tight hamstrings!

  • Sit with equal weight upon both your sitting bones.
  • Inhale deeply, lifting your arms up.
  • Exhale deeply as you fold over your legs.
  • Grasp your toes if you can, gently pulling your head to your legs. All stretching benefits your body, even a little!
  • Repeat inhaling up and exhaling over your legs 10 times.

9.) Forward Bend- Leg Bind:

This twist develops shoulder flexibility, tones your abdominal organs, and stimulates intestinal function. Your breath may shorten and feel more labored as you twist or bind. Simply try to maintain a steady breath.

  • Sit with both your sitting bones equally on your mat.
  • Bend your left knee and pull it towards you.
  • Lean slightly forward.
  • On the inhale, circle your left arm out in front of you while placing your right arm behind.
  • On the exhale, try to meet your palms together behind you.
  • Breathe steadily for 20 seconds to a minute – wherever the bind takes you!

10.) Table Top or Reverse Plank Pose:

These stretches act as counter poses after some intense forward bending.

  • Sit with your knees bent.
  • Place each palm behind each hip with fingers pointing toward your feet.
  • Slowly press through your heels and your palms and stretch up by lifting your hips and chest.
  • Also let your head fall back and lift your chin.
  • Your palms should be directly below your shoulders and heels slightly back from your knees.
  • Simply keep your legs straight as you lift your hips and chest up for more of a challenge.
  • Hold each pose 10-30 seconds or longer if you choose.
  • Don’t forget to maintain a normal breath.

 

I hope you enjoyed this quick stretch that I created, especially for you! Thanks for stretching and flexing with me. I hope you will come back and try a few more classes. We are a Christian yoga ministry after all, so we do not charge for our services. We are blessed to serve you and we are so happy that you stopped bye! Love and light and may peace always be with you!!

xxoo

Penny

PARTNER YOGA MEDITATION CHALLENGE

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Seek Divine guidance everyday to find inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord.

Psalm 19:14

Grab a partner and let’s get started! Remember through out this meditation that nothing is required of you – You are already qualified according to your Heavenly Father!

1.) “YOU”…are LOVED!

 

 1.) Cross-legged  Partner Meditation 

Sit crossed legged next to your partner in a position of your choice.

Close your eyes. Take a moment to clear your head of any thoughts by focusing on a few deep breaths. When you are ready, say these incredible Bible verses out loud together.

After 10 repetitions, take those Bible verses internally – make them your own. Believe that these beautiful words are yours from your Heavenly Father, because it’s true. Think, focus and reflect upon them while breathing deeply.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart.

Jeremiah 1:5

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

Yesterday, He loved you, today, He loves you, tomorrow He will love you, nothing will change.

Hebrews 13:8

These amazing words describe His love for you. You have nothing to do. Just believe!

2.) “YOU”…are a Beautiful Masterpiece and your worth is far above rubies!

2.) Seated Spinal Prayer Partner Twist

You and your partner sit with your legs out in front of you.

Each person may gently bend their outside leg and place it over their inside leg. Hug your outside leg into your body and place your foot over your thigh, and on the ground, for deeper twisting benefits.

Press each of your outside palms together in a prayer position.

When you and your partner are ready, begin saying these awesome Bible verses out loud together 10 times. These beautiful words are meant for you – know that you “are” these words to your Heavenly Father.

The King is enthralled with your beauty: Honor Him, For He is your Lord.

Psalm 45:11

You are God’s Masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10

Your worth is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:13

Let God define you. He says you’re awesome! Now repeat the entire Partner Yoga Meditation on your other side!

3.) “YOU” …can give away your problems, be taken care of  and have peace!

3.) Extended Leg Spinal Twist With Partner

Each partner sits up tall with your backs touching and legs extended forward.

The partner on the left pulls their left knee into their body. The partner on the right pulls their right knee inward.

The partner on the left stretches their right palm across their body. The partner on the right stretches their left palm.

Bring your palms together.

When you and your partner are ready, begin saying these magnificent words together 10 times. Then while breathing deeply, continue to give up your problems to the one who truly cares and can definitely help.

Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you.

Psalm 55:22

Give all your cares and worries to God because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.

Isaiah 26:3

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Leave the thoughts you gave your Heavenly Father with Him. They are His now! Repeat the entire Partner Yoga Meditation on your other side!

4.)  “YOU” …are strong, empowered, more than a conqueror, and victorious!

4.) Conquering Warrior 

Stand facing one another.

Step forward with opposite legs, bending knees into Warrior I Pose. Step out farther for more of a challenge or step in for a less challenging position. Stretch arms forward, meeting your partner’s arms. Press your palms together.

When you and your partner are ready, begin saying these awesome Bible verses out loud together 10 times. You are already strong. God has already equipped you. You are victorious – you just need to believe that you are. You are not only a conqueror, but more than a conqueror, invincible! Dwell here, reflect, ponder, and own these words, mighty warrior!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:7

The Lord is with you mighty warrior.

Judges 6:12

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 8:37

Switch legs and do the entire process with your other leg forward. Live invincibly with these words deep in your heart!

5.) “YOU” …are near to God, heard by God, your prayers are important to God, and you can actually come to His throne of grace whenever you need to!

5.) Praying Warrior

Both partners stand stall, shoulder to shoulder.

Each partner steps out to the side. Bend each outside leg into Warrior II Pose. Press your palms together.

When you and your partner are ready, begin saying aloud these comforting words 10 times. Then call upon God for what you may need in this very moment. Dwell, reflect and linger here.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him.

Psalm 145:18

Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we cannot speak.

Psalm 56:8

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne on grace in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

You can tell God everything -He already knows it all, but I’m pretty sure that He loves it when you tell Him!

6.) “YOU” can help, encourage, inspire and love each other in mighty ways! 

6.) Encouraging Partner Tree

Both partners stand tall, shoulder to shoulder.

Each partner raise your outside leg. Place it upon your inside thigh. You may place it where it is comfortable for you – your ankle, calf, and knee is okay too!

Raise the arm closest to your partner. Press your palms together. Then press your other hand’s palms together. Help one another stay up in a Tree Pose as you say these words aloud together. After 10 times, breathe deeply, reflect, be encouraged, and loved by God’s Words…

Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Encourage one another and build each other up.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

For where two or three come together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:19

Switch legs and repeat the entire process. Keep each other up and don’t let each other fall. Let God’s words come alive in your poses and in your lives!

Be seated together and offer up your Halleluyahs!

do yoga and meditate on

…let me know how it goes…

xxoo

<3

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION?

Posted on by pennyjoliver

One important thing the Bible tells us to do is to think about God’s Word. Our thoughts determine our behavior and so what we think about is very important. Jim Downing in his book Meditation says, “God considers meditation a vital exercise of the minds of His children.”

Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, describes meditation this way: “Meditation is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verses and reflect on it over and over in your mind…if you know how to worry  you already know how to meditate.” Pastor Warren goes on to say, “No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture…if you look up all the times God speaks about meditation in the Bible, you will be amazed at the benefits He has promised to those who take the time to reflect on His Word throughout the day.”

In Satisfy Your Soul, Dr. Bruce Demarest writes, ” A quieted heart is our best preparation for all this work of God…Meditation refocuses us from ourselves and from the world so that we reflect on God’s Word, His nature, His abilities, and His works…So we prayerfully ponder, muse, and ‘chew’ the words of Scripture…The goal is simply to permit the Holy spirit to activate the life-giving Word of God.”

Meditation, according to Dr. Charles Stanley, Minister and Author of many books, is the quiet contemplation of spiritual truths. When we meditate on God and remember the promises He has given us in His Word, our faith grows and our fears dissolve. In the Book of Psalms chapter 119 and verses 97-110, lists some of the rewards of meditation, such as wisdom, discernment, keen insight, and obedience. Dr. Stanley says the essence of meditation is a period of time set aside to contemplate the Lord, listen to Him, and allow Him to permeate our spirits.

Joshua is one Biblical example of meditation. He was a military leader leading the children of Israel into Caanan. It is significant that his courage and even his hope of victory depended on obeying the Word of God. God promised him success, but there was a condition: meditation and obedience to His Word. Note the word “meditate” precedes the admonition to be obedient. Also note that meditation, God stated, was Joshua’s responsibility. But, there was a reward for doing so: prosperity!

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8

God desires we have alone time with Him. What a compliment! A King wants to spend time with us! You mean we get to have an audience with royalty? And He listens to us? And although He is King, he allows us to address Him as Father? Who would want to miss that!?

Dr. Stanley also states that if we are really going to set aside time to meditate on God’s Word each day, stillness is key:

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

When we reflect upon God, we meditate on His greatness, grace and goodness. Focusing on difficulties intensifies and enlarges them. When we claim His promises, and look at His majesty, our problems are put into proper perspective.

As we first begin to meditate, our frustration levels are usually at full. As we focus on Him, the reservoirs of tension empty. When we are secluded, silent, and still before the Lord we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power, and strength. God’s spiritual dynamics are at work in our inner beings, refreshing and energizing our minds and spirits. There is nothing to match meditation in its impact on our lives and the lives of others.

A good Yoga practice is about doing your body good with postures and breathing and meditation for a fitter, calmer and healthier “you.” It purposes to connect you to yourself again. It offers lessons of being with yourself on the mat and seeing how you operate there. Then what you learn on the mat your suppose to take into your life. That is yoga at it’s best. Halleluyah Yoga offers you that and so much more! Connecting with the living God, and worshiping, praising and working out for true and lasting peace and wellness!

At Halleluyah Yoga, each Yoga Segment that we have created for you comes with a verse of Scripture to meditate upon with yoga poses and places relevant to each Bible verse. This offers you an opportunity to think upon God as you work out, empowering you with a mental picture and a body movement to remember through out your day. Focusing on God instead of your fears, cares, worries, and doubts makes God bigger than all the bad stuff in your life. This makes it easier to realize you can depend on God, and that He is there for you. Your workouts then become a worship experience that “builds the body” in more ways than one!

Science has been proving for years that prayer and meditation makes for healthier people. Meditation has been around since God created man. After all, God invented meditation for His children,  to be able to live successful,  healthy , purposeful lives. And if we set aside alone time with Him each day, He promises us”His” prosperity! So, what are we waiting for!

meditate and yoga on!

…let me know how it goes…

 

xxoo

<3

 

LOVE AND YOUR BRAIN

Posted on by pennyjoliver

 

According to an article published in Relevant Magazine, scientists have been looking for a spot in our brains that corresponds with God. They know there are places in our brains responsible for vision, language, memory and anger. Why not a “God Spot”?

Brain research in the last decade is much more sophisticated, with a corresponding increase in new tools to image living brains. Machines now let scientists watch living brains in 3D, without surgery or autopsy. Brain scientists are able also to study believers as they pray, meditate, worship and experience God. Unfortunately, the research shows that there is no “God Spot”. God does not simply move into a spot in our brains. But they have discovered something more incredible -God redecorates! Yep, believers have a complex, rich network in their brains for God. They say that for the devout, God is not just an idea, but a tapestry of feeling and experiences. This network affects how our brains work at fundamental levels.

Their findings? People who regularly focus on God’s love through prayer and meditation change. They also experience less stress and even experience a reduction in blood pressure. Their prefrontal cortex, the part of their brain associated with focus and attention, becomes more active over time, helping them avoid distraction and be more intentional.

Believers also have more activity in their anterior cingulate cotex. That’s the part of our brains associated with love, compassion and empathy. Focusing on God’s love makes us more loving and less angry. Some people don’t see God as loving though – more like angry and vindictive. When we focus on God’s anger at us or others, different things happen in our brains. Our limbic system becomes more active. Ultimately, dwelling on God’s anger increases our stress levels and makes us fearful of others. We have trouble forgiving ourselves and others. Thank God for new technology because neuroscience shows us that God’s love is better for us than God’s wrath.

As Relevant Magazine states: “Teach us, Lord, to maximize the neurological benefits of belief!”

 

God-Is-Love

HALLELUYAH!