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I’ve been an avid exercise addict since 2003.  My exercises have always been jogging/running, and HIIT.  At the beginning of the pandemic, I think I was in disbelief of what was going on around the world; that exercising had become non-existent as I was too consumed with solving world peace.  At any rate, I snapped out of the fog that I was in and began exercising more consistently.   Normally, my exercise routine is a combination of all sorts, but for 2021, I thought I would mix it up a bit.

In the first part of this year, my exercise routine consisted of HITT mixed with weightlifting at least 5x per week.  I enjoyed this type of workout but wanted something less strenuous that would keep my body tone.  I decided that in the last part of 2021, I would focus on Yoga.  Now, I’ve tried many different types of yoga programs but never found one that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Maybe it was because I have problems keeping my heels flat in the downward-facing dog position or that I’m impatient to hold each pose longer than I care to.

While I still have these challenges, I am a lot better today than when I started in 2021. When I dedicated my all to the program, I found that the practice of Yoga soothes my soul.  I know it’s weird, but it did.  I never knew or thought an exercise program could bring a connection to Christ. Let me explain before you raise your eyebrows.  I was scrolling through Tik Tok one day and came across this Christian influencer content.  She stated that individuals were saying that Yoga is a practice that shouldn’t be pursued by Christians for a few of the following reasons:

1. Yoga is dedicated to Lord Shiva the Destroyer in Hinduism, known as the first yogi.
2. Yoga leads people away from Christ.
3. Yoga is demonic.
4. Yoga is a spiritual practice of Hinduism.

Obviously, seeing these comments and the content on yoga-practicing from a Christianity perspective was alarming and sent me straight to my knees.  I was scared for the obvious reasons.  As I continued to search for Christ through His word and prayer, I received a feeling of peace about continuing my yoga practice.  Earlier, I stated that through the practice of Yoga I experienced a connection with Christ that I didn’t know was possible.

I can’t explain the experience that well in words, but it was like my yoga practice turned into this far out praise.  I had never experienced anything like that before in my life.  It was an indescribable experience.  In case you are thinking it, yes, I was praising God (i.e., Jesus Christ); not any other God.  Yoga from a religious perspective is antithetical to Christianity, but when I’m practicing my yoga postures, I simply using it as a form of exercise for my body.

I certainly understand why people are opposed to the practice of Yoga, but for me, I’m not concerned with the religion in which Yoga was created; it’s far from my mind as my focus is Christ.  As I was seeking JC’s assistance on this, I was directed to Corinthians 10:31 NLT “therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  This verse brought me so much comfort.  My stance is all that we are and all the choices we make should be for HIS glory.

Our thoughts, minds, and the motives of our heart shouldn’t be interpreted by others.  That’s for God to decipher.  We should be as clear as glass that when observed by others, our life in all that we say and do proclaims all the glory to God.

Ease & Stillness,