Holy Yoga

I remember the first time I heard the phrase “Holy Yoga.” I had no idea what to expect. My only thought was that it seemed like a weird, oxymoronic phrase – I mean, isn’t yoga kind of spiritual, anyway? What makes Holy Yoga different?

Whenever I think about trying something new, I do my research first; I think it’s the nerd in me trying to get out. So, first things first, I started with their website. It states,

Holy Yoga embraces the essential elements of yoga: breath work, meditation and physical postures. In all of these elements, Christ is the focus of our intention and worship.

I liked the sound of that! I enjoy activities that bring me closer to Christ and help me to worship as I do them.

During the course of my research, I also found a lot of criticism of Holy Yoga. I read many articles which stated that the practice is only hype, that it is a non-Christian practice and (worst of all) that it is very anti-Christ. I decided that I needed to check it out for myself and make my own conclusion.

I was able to attend my first Holy Yoga class in June and took my 6-year-old daughter along with me. A very dear friend of mine had become a Holy Yoga instructor and I was curious to see what it was all about. It’s also worth mentioning that this was my first-ever structured yoga class! I usually do my yoga at home where no one can see my crazy bends and stretches (thank you, Wii Fit!). I decided that this would be a safe opportunity to venture out into the world of public yoga.

The class started out with prayer; we then transitioned to very basic moves and combinations. Throughout the class, scripture was read and thoughts were shared with the group. I wasn’t planning on being moved emotionally; I thought I would go in and learn some new moves, get some feedback, and hopefully visit with my friend afterwards. I was shocked that more than once,  I was brought to tears by what was taking place around me.

At one point, the class was told that we are all loved … that we are all cared for. We were reminded that we were all there, in this class, for but a moment. It was beautiful. Doesn’t every mom need to hear this?

At another point in the class, we were reminded that we were there for us – not for anyone else. We were reminded that we were not to compare ourselves to anyone else in the class. This sounded great to me, especially considering I cannot get into a tree pose for anything! It was a very welcoming environment.

So what do I think? I think Holy Yoga is great. Not only am I now a fan, but my daughter is, as well. She loved that she could try new stretches! She truly enjoyed it and wondered when we could go to another class. You may not agree with me, and that is fine – but for me, it is a time to come closer to my God, to worship with others and to get a little workout while I do.

If you are interested in Holy Yoga, there are a handful of places that currently hold classes in the Kansas City area:

Mondays: Lee’s Summit, MO

New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene

214 NE Chipman Road, Suite 208  Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

7-8 p.m. (pay what you can)

Level: 1/2

Tuesdays: Leawood, KS

Church of the Resurrection, East Building Room 300, Lower Level

13720 Roe Avenue  Leawood, KS 66224

6:30-7:25 p.m. (suggested donation: $5)

Level 1/2

* childcare available

Church of the Resurrection, East Building Room 300, Lower Level

13720 Roe Avenue  Leawood, KS 66224

7:35-8:30 p.m. (suggested donation: $5)

All Levels

* childcare available

Thursdays: Leawood, KS

Church of the Resurrection, East Building Room 300, Lower Level

13720 Roe Avenue  Leawood, KS 66224

10-11 a.m. (suggested donation: $5)

Level 2 (some yoga experience suggested)

* childcare available

* Childcare at Church of the Resurrection: in order to take advantage of childcare, you must pre-register your child on the Church of the Resurrection website prior to attending the class. The cost is $3 per child and is available for children ages 6 weeks-5th grade.

You can contact COR childcare at 913-544-0285 or visit their website.

So, who wants to grab their yoga mat and join me? I’d love to connect with you there!