Christian yoga... can there be such thing?

In a world built on hustle culture, finding moments of rest - peace and solace can be challenging. More and more as a society we're seeing the effects of life out of balance. God - the one that created us and knows infintely more about what is best for us - in His wisdom when He gave instruction how to live he told us to sabbath. Although we are certainly made to work, we also need that rest to reset, refill and remember He is in control, not us.

Even in exercise and workout culture, we're pushed the message that high intensity workouts should take preference to 'burn more calories' or 'push our bodies to the limit'. Whilst the message has some truth that we should do that, we should work hard - our bodies are so much more complex and with increased stress, cortisol level, blood pressure, our bodies need meaningful movement in alignment to calm our nervous systems, calm our mind as well as a genuine good old fashioned rest day.

It's in the quiet place, in the stillness, in the slowing down like a radio tuning into the right frequency we can much more easily tune in with God. Yoga has been a way for me to do just that, but while there is increased acceptance, there's also increased worry about yoga and grouping the exercise with new age practices.

The Evolution of Yoga: From Spiritual Practice to Physical Workout

I remember when I first felt God prompt me to complete my yoga teacher training, I really wrestled with it. Although I had practiced yoga for many years I had safeguarded my heart in a sense, not interacting with the spiritual side of yoga but rather using the stretching and breathing to help my body after years of high intensity workouts.

I had always been a runner, hello hammies, but had a background of gymnastics and dance which meant I was flexible and knew how important my body needed to stretched out - sadly my mindset was more then "If it's not making me sweat it's not worth my time" and never having experienced any injuries I kind of lost the importance or just caring for my body. My poor, poor body...

However, my mum and brother started experiencing trouble with their siatic nerve and attending an older church I noticed a huge prayer point was back aches and pains... that kinda kick started my thought process - we need to care for the body we have while we are young, to help when we start to get older. The same way God intrusted us with the planet, He intrusted us with our bodies to.

I've had numerous conversations with Christians against yoga and I get it. The spiritual practice takes our eyes off Jesus and I'd never want to lead anyone astray. However, I do believe Christians are needed in this sector to educate the spiritual that it's not the universe that blesses us or teaches us, but rather the one that created the universe.

As Christians in this day and age we are part of a very static, seated society that's lost daily movement unless you are intentional about it. We live to work; spending far more time indoors, far less time with our families and communities, we don't spend a lot of time praying or meditating. We're always busy, but yet struggle to find time for the things that enrich our lives.

Overflow Wellness, has never been about yoga - it's always been about a healty, happy, holy lifestyle that fills us up and then allows God to send us out. My goal isn't really to teach others yoga, although I do love that. It really is special sharing different flows and sequences to help realign the body, relieve stress and tension and even trauma we hold, but it's creating space to slow down, to let go of the busyness and in that stillness meet with God.

I've had some of the most incredible experiences with healing and breakthrough whilst dancing on my mat, I've soaked my yoga mat with tears as God has ministered to me through trama, through chronic pain and heartbreak. I've also been able to allow God to heal others, and minister to them in the most beautiful way.

If I'm honest most the "yogi's" I know, do not practice the actual, traditional practice of yoga. From my studies I can see yoga has taken a step away from it's traditional roots and the main emphasis on physical movement and stretching - which lets be honest in our modern world we all need - and I believe incorporating yoga into a Christian lifestyle can be a way to focus on mobility and flexibility while honoring the body as a temple created by God. Through deliberate movements and stretches, building strength and core strength individuals can cultivate a sense of physical well-being.

Putting God First: A Biblical Foundation for "Self-Care"

As Christians, we are called to honor God above all else and to love others as ourselves. We all have a purpose here on the earth; yet, it is essential to remember that we cannot pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing our relationship with God and taking care of our bodies, we are better equipped to serve others from a place of abundance rather than burnout.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of treating our bodies with respect and gratitude, acknowledging that our physical well-being is intertwined with our spiritual journey. We can move as a way of worship. I know in my own personal practice I often put on a Christian podcast, or worship and move along the mat - it invites God into these moments the same as when I run, or lift at the gym.

Embracing a Life of Abundance and Service

God's plan for us is one of abundance, not lack. By engaging in practices like 'yoga' and stretching, we can tap into the blessings that He has bestowed upon us and use them as a foundation for serving others. When we approach self-care from a position of gratitude and abundance, we are better able to extend love, compassion, and support to those around us.

"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

This verse emphasizes that God desires for us to live full and fruitful lives, embracing the abundance He provides through Jesus, He is the source of strength to uplift our lives so we can others, but being human we also need to care for our bodies. The same way we are mindful with what we eat, we have to be mindful with movement.

The Benefits of Yoga and Stretching

Beyond the spiritual and emotional benefits, yoga and stretching offer a myriad of physical advantages. From improved flexibility and mobility to reduced stress and tension, decreased risk of injury and it partners well with most (all) other sports - if you're a surfer, runner, dancer, weight liftner, walker... stretching and mobility are a holistic way to nurture both the mind, body and soul. I often start by meditating on scripture, giving thanks to God and enjoying movement and being present in this time to give back to myself (so ulitmately I can give more to others).

It's normal to have questions and even reservations about yoga, I have no doubt some of the practice is not what God would invite us into but being mindful, taking the basics of sequenced movement and breath we can benefit in this way.

It also invites those open to explore Christianity, to understand and meet with Jesus where they are. To know that the universe is just a creation, the one that made it knows us so intimately and loves us so deeply He sent His begotten son to die the death we deserved, so we can live in relationship with Him. We've all fallen short and sinned, we all need a Saviour and Jesus lived a perfect, blameless life, He died the worst death - so we didn't have to. He was the sacrifice and the lamb, He rose again and because of Him, we live.