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What do you think about this?
So, I was trying to find a light and fluffy way to approach this topic, but I don't think there is one. So I'll just broach it directly: The Southern Baptists recently labeled yoga as Un-Christian. My first reaction, when I read that in the news, was to laugh. I mean, in some levels, declaring yoga Un-Christian is the equivalent of declaring all who happen to eat fish on Fridays Catholic. But as the above article explores, it's not as simple as that. Whether you call it the release of endorphins or the connection to the divine, there is something that just feels spiritual about doing yoga. So, I think this is a good time to ponder your intention, as they do at the beginning of most classes. Don't worry, there won't be a test at the end. But I think it's always good to be mindful and it makes for some great coffee conversation.
So, why do you do yoga? Is it spiritual? Is it physical? Or what particular mix of both do you subscribe to?
As for me, I think any reason to do yoga is a good one.
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I had recently been thinking about this quite a bit. I am not religious at all, but am spiritual. Yoga really opened me up to being spiritual after yaers of denying religion. I think that certain Christian sects think that because yoga is based on Hindu, it is anti-Christian. But I have to disagree. It's both a spiritual and physical workout, if you ask me :)
ReplyDeletei do it because it makes me feel good physically. As for the spiritual part, if it happens, it happens, but i will not stress over it...and now that i have found yoga, the christian fanactics will have to pry it from my cold dead hands!!! (oh, and i am sure they will still accept my offering on sundays...hippocrits)
ReplyDeleteWhen I first took my place on my mat with Sherry many moons ago I thought yoga was about the physical - but through her I quick and clearly knew yoga was also a spiritual practice. For me yoga is a place to tune up my mind and spirit with the body naturally following.
ReplyDeletethey feel threatened by yoga because when you practice yoga you do not need to go to church! :) for me it is both physical, energetic and spiritual. actually asana for me is mostly physical and energetic and my "real" yoga is Bhakti which is my whole and entire life experience! no matter how you practice, yoga is just damn cool and I would say essential.
ReplyDeleteI do yoga because it makes me feel whole. It helps me connect to my Truth and move from that place that is most me. Moving inward to this Divine helps me to connect to others because I know this Divine is in everyone. This brings me peace and encourages me to keep practicing and stay connected with that Universal Truth.
ReplyDeleteI think yoga is a noun, a verb and an adjective.
ReplyDeleteOne should not "DO" yoga. One should "BE" yoga.
BE the change you want to see in the world.
Thank you for commenting, everybody. Your words are both wise and inspiring. Let's keep the conversation going! This is a vital—though oft ignored—topic. In fact, I was afraid to even write this blog post, for fear it would be too controversial. But I think it's better to have issues out in the open, where they can be faced than hidden away to fester.
ReplyDeleteI do yoga for my mind. The physical benefits are just a bonus to me. I don't view yoga as exercise-that's like saying that going to church is exercise...
ReplyDeleteI fell away from yoga the past 5 months or so. I have just gone through a hugh life change of selling my business, moving to a new town/state, moving in with my S.O. and starting a completely new style of business within the same industry (fitness) and really didn't think it would be that big of a deal. Well, is has been; overwhelmingly so. I really haven't been able to function very well which is not my MO as I'm the driver, visionary, leader... hummm, human I found out. At 50, I realized you view life differently and things affect you that way. I intellectually pushed myself out the door Sunday and finally went to a yoga class at LV Yoga west. If they had know I was on the verge of emotional meltdown. I would have completely lost it if there had been any reason to leave. But that wasnt the case. The young woman at the desk was friendly and helpful. The instructor Kim was awesome! Her words spoke to me. The energy of the group was great; very kind. It made a difference and broke me through my feelings of depression and feelings of being lost. Sounds silly or dramatic but true. So I bought a pass and will be returning today.
ReplyDeleteSo, what does Yoga do for me? What has it done for me? It in some crazy way makes me "feel", empowers, and gives me way to reconnect with my emotional and spiritual strength and goodness. It stumulates my physical body and allows me to heal the history of my life.
5 months away from yoga was most likely because of fear of the new life. And now, back at yoga, is already giving me the courage to enjoy my new beginnings.
Patti Goewey
ufit@infowest.com