Written for: Hope Magazine for Women

I've been  trying to encourage a couple of friends to come to my beginner yoga class. Both girls are in school full-time and have jobs, so I can only imagine how high their cortisol levels are!. As someone who went through college juggling 2 jobs and school, I know hectic it can be. And I know from experience how much yoga can help. But, each time I invite them to class, they hesitate and one day I finally asked why. Turns out they both had a conflict with the Hindu “teachings” of yoga and their Christian faith. We spent the next hour discussing the benefits of yoga , their convictions and the preconceived notions about the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. So, here I am to tell all of you exactly what I told them... Christians can do yoga too!!

I understand the conflict, in fact I went through it myself...here is an excerpt from a blog entry that I posted while I was going through my yoga teacher certification:

"When I saw the words that our teachers wrote on the white board I considered leaving, but decided to keep an open mind and stay. Part of me regrets it and the other part is very pleased with what resulted in me remaining there. On the board was written a simple chant: 'Hare Krishna, Hare Rama.' Hare is a call to the lord. Now being a Jesus Lover, I'm against calling out to anyone but Him, so the fact that I was asked to do so really bugged me!!! I was completely uncomfortable and immediately began crying. The whole time everyone was singing I was praying, praying, praying...for protection, peace, guidance..."

I struggled with this conflict for a while and even considered dropping out of the training. But after talking to a Christian yoga teacher, I began to gain some new perspective. He gave me this concept to chew on: Is westernized yoga all about religion?

Think about that question... Have you been to beginner yoga class where they chant or discuss Hindu philosophy? I never have! Why? Westernized yoga is not about religion. For most people it's about exercise and wellness. For others it's about stress reduction. Every person has a specific reason for going to a yoga class and each person's reason is different. 

While the original form of yoga is based in Hinduism, yoga is really about being true to yourself, honoring your body with movement, neutralizing stress, and cultivating balance in your life! If you go to class with the intention to honor God with the desire to achieve spiritual and physical balance, then there's no conflict. But, if you go to class worried about Hindu influences or scared of the music that will be played, then chances are you'll miss the whole point of yoga!

Take a chance, try out a beginner yoga class! You may have to attend several until you find a teacher you connect with. Be patient with yourself in finding that person to guide you deeper into your yoga practice and deeper into your connection with The Spirit. Take what you need from the class. and leave the rest behind. Don't hold onto anything that doesn't serve you or doesn't give glory to God. If you find yourself being conflicted, examine the reasons. Pray. 

There are many Christian yoga teachers out there. They may not always advertise themselves as such, but they're there. Keep an open mind and an open heart for what God may teach you through a yogic journey.