Need a Half Way Lift? Try Christian Yoga!

I sat on my beach chair, comparing myself with the other bikini bearers.  Sizing myself against others is always a dangerous place to sit.  “I wish I were bigger there and smaller here with less wrinkles when I do this and more muscles when I do that.  I don’t need much, just a little lift here and there.” You know the dialogue?

Do you ever find yourself going down a similar rabbit hole of feeling not good enough, not pretty enough or not worthy enough? Pity parties can spiral out of control and I need tools to turn my thinking around before thoughts become destructive.  If I’m mindful, I can lift my eyes and thinking to the higher places God wants for me.  In a moment I remember his word and promises and I get an instant facelift.  I look to the hills.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and Earth! (Psalm 121) He causes His face to shine upon me! (Numbers 6:25).  My beauty is based on my heart not my looks (1 Peter 3:4).

Turning negative thoughts around isn’t easy and it’s this daily practice of stretching my mind and body on a yoga mat that helps when I need it to snap me into positive muscle memory.  I am able to turn my thinking around with a gentle self -love mental Half-Way Lift.  It’s not the full nip and tuck, but just enough to bring me back to the reality which is: God made us perfect the way we are. (Hebrews 10:10)

What is Half Way Lift? It’s the conjunction junction of yoga poses: to be used for bringing other poses together, while creating a beautiful lifeline to the spine.  Use it to cultivate energy and opening yourself to a balanced heart and mind in daily life!  When done with proper alignment, Half Way Lift elongates the spine and tones the muscles wrapping around the sides of the abs.  When the body is engaged in a flowing moving mediation, cueing one breath to one pose, where some of them are twisting poses (Extended Side Angle or Reverse Warrior), to connect the poses with a Half Way Lift gives the spine a refreshing and lifting reset.

To get into the pose:
-From Standing Forward Fold
-Place feet together, toes to touch and make space between the ankles.
-Using strength along the back-body, draw belly up and into the ribcage and place palms firmly on thighs or shins.
-With a long, straight spine, lift torso up, with less than 90 degree angle at the hips.
-Notice the work necessary to press your tailbone back while pulling your chest forward (bend your knees if you are feeling stiff or have lower back issues).
-Take 3 deep breaths and bring your attention to God’s ability to stretch your faith in bringing heart and mind into balance.
-Feel the opening in the back of the legs.

I like the feeling of mentally smoothing out my spine by engaging triceps, reaching crown of head up and forward and tailbone backward.  Some might argue that a small arch in the lower back makes for better alignment.  See what feels best in your body.  God made each of our bodies unique and to compare or do what everyone else is doing isn’t being true to who you are.  Love your body and celebrate individuality!

See you in class this week as we focus on this and other poses while celebrating the God of Miracles! Join us for a gentle flow of breath, moving meditation and a focus on God's word.  Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/frogposeyoga/live_videos/ is where you will find us Wednesday at noon.



Other Lifting Classes:
Private one on one sessions in my home studio $40/hour.
Group Classes $25/3 or $10 to drop in.
Please pay via one of the links below:
https://venmo.com/Denise-Stemple
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DeniseStemple

Mondays Zoom Yoga, Space for Change 9:30a-10:30a,
Take this class from the comfort of your home.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9273980218?pwd=amk3Zm9yUVZ2MGZTWnJrTTFUTmV1Zz09
Meeting ID: 927 398 0218 Passcode: 48202

Wednesdays at The Grange, Space for Change 6p-7p, NW corner of 72nd & Simms
Sign up is required due to COVID indoor restrictions. Please email me at [email protected]. Thank you!
we skip the 2nd Wednesday of every month due to community meetings. See you the following week, 10/21, 10/28,  & 11/4.Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7p-8p live on Facebook.  Sponsored by RedRocksSports.

Holy Yoga with Betsy, 4:30p, the 3rd Sunday of the month,
10/18, 11/15, & 12/20. Family In Christ Community Church,
11355 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster.
[email protected]

Holy Yoga with Robin, Lakewood, and WillowSprings area.
[email protected]
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