Lori Stratton: Learning to Relax for God

Okay, by now we all know that God works in mysterious ways. But what if God called you to teach Christian Yoga so that you could learn how to hear Him better? This is precisely what happened to recent Yahweh Yoga teacher training graduate Lori Stratton.

God has Something to Say

Lori started down the path of Christian Yoga after participating in a church group designed to deepen the faith of the participants through introspection and listening to God. The result of this workshop was a desire in Lori’s heart to become a Christ-centered yoga teacher so that she could minister a healthy lifestyle to others.

You can imagine Lori’s surprise to learn that she wasn’t done honing her abilities to hear the Lord-she would be learning Christian Meditation skills to take quiet time daily and hear God as the Bible recommends.

Lori’s Challenge

The problem? Introspection doesn’t come naturally to Lori! She is an on-the-go mother of two who natures a wealth of interests from decorating to color theory. For her, it requires focus and work to slow down and hear God speak.

“The hardest part of the Yahweh Yoga program for me was to try to quiet my mind and listen,” Lori says. “It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was awesome.”

Daily Devotional

The biggest benefit slowing down and hearing God is that Lori has made room to speak with the Lord all day, not just during formal worship or meditation times. “I always knew God was there,” says Lori, “but now I walk with Christ and feel His presence all day. I talk to God continually and it gives me such peace.”

Making Plans, Moving Forward

Lori’s awareness of the need to relax and listen for God hasn’t changed her inner drive-it has helped focus her attentions on building her new Christ-centered yoga practice. “I am still me,” Lori says. “I have learned to stop and say ‘Where is Jesus in this situation?’”

To begin her new career as a yoga teacher, Lori has formed Sacred Yoga LLC in her home state of Nebraska, and has plans to open her own studio by October 1, 2009. In the meantime, she trains her body by practicing yoga four times a week and eating healthy, natural foods.

When asked what her hopes are for the future, Lori says simply: “I want to be a better person, so that people can see Christ shining through me.”