Do you need to be flexible to practice Christian Yoga?

This Thanksgiving I'm enjoying the privilege of visiting friends and family in the mountains of Santa Cruz.  Today's grey and rainy weather is welcomed by the locals after having months of hot and dry conditions.  As this powerful atmospheric river marches up to meet the hills, I'm watching the tops of grand redwoods sway and move from side to side.  I'm reminded of something I learned from my yoga teacher, "it's the most flexible trees that survive the strongest winds."  Let's hope these big giants are in the same class of thought!

Yesterday we strolled Scott's beautiful property which rests in the company of trees.  My soul feels at home when I'm in the forest because I sense God's presence there as the marriage of breath, wind and Holy Spirit.  I get a heightened awareness of peace and freshness as it awakens all my senses.  I bath in the forest as I smell the soft floor beneath my feet and my eyes gaze up sturdy tree trunks that support lively canopies.  Our walk together reminds me of God's support for me.  There's much I learn from God's creation as to how flexible I am in my daily life.  Am I going to allow the ill winds blow me over or am I going to lean into God's strength and take a deep breath?  

When I invite people to enjoy a donation based Frog Pose Christian yoga class I often hear the excuse that they claim fame to tight muscles, the inability to touch toes, and hence, are unable to participate.  Being flexible in the body is not necessary in order to benefit from the effects of the class.  All we ask is that you present yourself with a yoga mat, some water and a flexible mindset.  You will be met with a teacher who will gently guide you through 60 minutes of a healthful moving meditation, which incorporates deep breathing, stretching, and hearing from God's word.  Incorporating this practice into your regular exercise routine will not only be an encouragement to your faith but it will undoubtedly increase flexibility in your muscles and ligaments.  The flexibility will come as you grow in strength.  

Come as you are to Frog Pose Yoga this Wednesday at noon, even if you don't feel flexible enough.

Matthew 12:8 - ...I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual...    ~ the message

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