Faith-Building Yoga

For the longest time, I was under the impression that practicing yoga would conflict with my Christian faith. Apart from Christ, yoga does indeed embrace "other" spiritual connotations -- an exaltation of oneself and of the "energies of the earth", as opposed to an exaltation of the Creator. As a child of God, however, when I have remained mindful of Him during practice, He has used yoga to strengthen not only my body and my self-discipline, but also my faith. For example...

Sleeping pigeon pose: As one instructor explained that this pose offers a sense of belonging, the Lord reminded me that "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." ~ Psalm 91:4

Warrior I pose: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

~ Ephesians 6:10

Standing bow pose: "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

~ 2 Samuel 22:35

Savasana pose (corpse pose): "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." ~ Colossians 3:2-3

When I [frequently] fall out of balancing postures, I remember that "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." ~Isaiah 40: 30-31

And as the instructors frequently encourage us to "shake off" our mistakes, to face the upcoming challenges as a clean slate, a fresh start, I am increasingly thankful that "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." ~Lamentations 3:22-23

Where can you look for Him in your day? And where have you already found Him?