The practice of yoga has ancient roots that encompass more than just the physical practice that we tend to focus on in the West. There are many different styles of yoga. Present Living offers mostly Vinyasa style, which tends to focus on linking breath with movement. Sometimes poses are held for a few breaths, and other times poses and breath flow together. The poses used in this practice are usually intended to help the student become aware of sensations in the body, to strengthen muscles, to stretch muscles, and to promote relaxation and release. Often a mindfulness or meditation practice is included in the yoga class. Scripture and meditations about God are woven into the classes as well to help focus the mind and heart.

It is helpful to have a yoga mat. Often students practice barefoot, and a yoga mat offers a grippiness to keep hands and feet from sliding around. A mat can also provide some cushion, depending on how hard the surface is that you’re practicing on. Other useful (but not necessary) props include yoga blocks, a chair, a strap, a folded blanket or towel, a firm cushion or yoga bolster. Some Present Living videos will use props, like a chair or blocks, to facilitate modifications.

There is no flexibility requirement to practice yoga. It is important to remember that every body is different, and your body might look different in a pose differently than the body you see on the screen. Yoga may even help increase your flexibility.

Always check with your care provider before embarking on any movement regimen. There are several videos in the Membership Library with modified poses and flows that could be useful if you are refraining from using certain parts of your body. It is important to check in with yourself and pay attention to cues your body may be giving you about which movements are okay during each practice. If you are participating in a live class, you have the option of letting the instructor know of any limitations you may have so that the instructor can offer modifications.

In the style of yoga offered by Present Living, there is no one “right way” to do a pose. Often, the instructor will give the intention of the pose – an intention of sensation or an intention of shape. For example, an intention of sensation might be cued as, “begin to straighten your leg any amount for a lengthening in your hamstring.” An intention of shape might be cued as, “reach your fingertips away from each other.” Modifications are always an option. Here’s something to consider: Instead of looking for a way to make your body work for yoga, can you look with curiosity and compassion for a way to make yoga work for your body’s needs during that particular practice?

As with any activity, discernment is key. Here are some important questions to ask yourself when doing any activity:
Does ____ draw me nearer to God, or does ____ pull me away from God?
Does ____ violate any instruction in God’s word?
God cares about the intentions of our hearts. God asks for the love of a whole person: heart, soul, mind, strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). God is not just looking for actions to show our love. God has searched each person and knows each person, inside and out (Psalm 139, Acts 1:24). There is no bodily position that is inherently wrong – it is the attitude of a person’s heart that makes something pleasing or displeasing to God. Jesus warns the teachers of the law in Matthew 23:25-28 that they are too concerned about how they posture in front of others and not concerned enough about their hearts’ posture towards God.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that can be translated “to yoke.” (Think of a yoke that links two oxen together.) Yoga is an ancient mystical practice that has been used in different religions, though it itself is not a religion. Most modern yoga that is practiced in the West often focuses on just the benefits of the physical postures. The goal of Christ-centered yoga is to experience communion, or fellowship, with God. This can be done through becoming aware of our bodies (strength), thoughts (mind), and emotions (heart), and offering them to God.

Jesus invites us to “‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’” (Matthew 11:29-30). Paul writes that “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:16-17). By yoking ourselves to Christ, we join with him as co-heirs of God.

If you are concerned that you will be worshiping other gods by practicing yoga, I encourage you to examine your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit into your practice. If your intention is to draw near to God through yoga, and if your heart’s posture during yoga poses is one of worship to God, then God will honor the intention of your heart.