wellness

When Yoga Meets Biblical Health and Wellness

Posted on by pennyjoliver

 

Everybody knows by now that the practices of yoga are beneficial to our health and science continues to reveal it’s many healthy benefits. It’s wonderful that every year there is a significant rise in people hitting their mats. However, the world seems more stressed out than ever. I get it that all the world has been in a pandemic for a couple years now but isn’t time on our mats suppose to chill us out and lower our stress? Chronic stress was a growing health related problem before the pandemic and continues to get worse with each passing year. It sends more people to the doctor’s office every year and more people rely on prescriptions rather than yoga to deal with their stress related conditions. It’s also very scary that the six leading causes of death are all linked to stress.

My friends, do not fear! As healthy as yoga can prove to be for us there is a better solution. As a yoga teacher with a Biblical perspective on health and wellness I’ve come to realize that true and lasting health and wellness practices are deeply rooted in aligning ourselves with what Our Creator has to say about health and wellness. Trusting our Creator by putting into practice His ways written for us from His Holy Bible, rewards us with many healthy benefits. He cares for each of us individually and desires that we live healthy purposeful lives. And He has given us the ultimate prescription for a healthy life style! It begins by by reading and listening to His wisdom and then putting into practice His ways. It is the one true and only lasting path leading to a stress less, strong and balanced, peaceful and joyous lifestyle, complete with abundant energy, continual strength and deep unfailing love! now, who doesn’t want that?? Is it not the reason why any of hit our mats each day?

My prayer for you is that you would start your journey to true and lasting health and wellness this very moment! Begin by acknowledging that God sent His Son Jesus into this world to die for your every sin and invite Him to be your Savior and miraculously, all the above is freely given to you!

Training the body has some value but being Godly has value in every way! 1 timothy 4:8

Beloved I pray in all respects that you will prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers! 1 John 2-3

xxoo

Love Penny

FORWARD BENDING STRETCH MINI CHALLENGE

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Forward Bend. A luxurious full body stretch that’s easy to practice and you don’t have to be a stretchy gumby person to reap it’s rewards.

I realize that most people think that they cannot get their head to their knees so why bother trying, right? I’m here to let you know that even your slightest effort of this forward bending stretch will be beneficial to your body. With deep breathing and holding the stretch you will automatically send fresh, energizing oxygen to every cell which will relax your muscles and your body will then allow you to go deeper into the stretch. If you complete this exercise a few times a week you will notice you can stretch even farther. If you remember the breathing portion of the exercise you will feel energized yet more relaxed when you finish. Let’s take it gently. I am here to help you. Before we begin, please read the tips below.

If you feel you need more support, bend your knees and place your arms under your knees.

You may also use a pillow or a rolled up towel to place under your knees.

As you lower your arms, place them on your legs at the place that gently stretches you and is most comfortable for you to hold for a few deep breaths.

You can also use a wall for your back if you need more support.

Each time you practice this stretch, try to stretch a little farther.

The longer you hold the stretch may prove that you can go farther. It does to me every time I am patient enough to try. And of course if I want to stretch farther I have to practice everyday and be patient with my body so that it can release and I am not the most patient with myself as I would like to be!

I hope you enjoy this mini exercise for health and wellness. Remember it’s progress that matters and not perfection!

Always keep calm and yoga on!

Bending forward is especially soothing if you are experiencing a mild back ache, tired legs, indigestion or perhaps you need to move things along-if you know what I mean. You may find that the longer you hold the stretch the deeper your body will allow you to stretch. Being patient in this stretch may surprise you. For you may soon find a releasing or letting go of your leg muscles which fascinates me every time as I am not the most patient of yogi’s. The action of stretching forward is always an incredible reminder to let go what is behind you so that you can lean forward, stretching into the invincible future with God!