Christian Yoga Thrives in Italy: Meet Jo-Dee Collins
January 6, 2010 by Yahweh Yoga
Filed under Your Stories
Yahweh Yoga Graduate Jo-Dee Collins teaches Christian Yoga in Penne, Italy
We asked Jo-Dee, owner of Abruzzo Yoga to share her views on teaching Christian Yoga. Here is what she had to say:
Why did you decide to become a Christian Yoga teacher?
I started leading some friends in yoga classes and they wanted to pay me and I was uncomfortable accepting money without being certified. When I started looking into schools, I wanted to find something that fit my religious views and the Lord led me to Yahweh Yoga.
What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?
Mostly, I have learned to be quiet and listen to Him instead of listing my prayers and desires. I wait on Him to guide me. What I have found is I receive a lot more when I remain quiet.
Has Christian Yoga helped your health? If so, how?
I am learning more and more about my body and how it reacts to different things. I have cut out caffeine and have started to eliminate dairy and meat from my diet, and I see how much better I feel and how much more energy I have.
How has Christian Yoga helped your personality “off the mat?”
I love teaching my students about the things yoga can teach us and how we can use those things outside the studio..My favorite is “Find the peace within the struggle.”
How has Christian Yoga helped you help others?
I have learned that even though my love for yoga is strong and I wish to share the benefits with as many people as possible, Christian Yoga has taught me my passion: to provide a safe, nurturing environment where people let down their guard, feel cared for, and ultimately engage in a deeper relationship with their creator. This takes a lot of time with some people.
I have many students who are non believers and they only want to come for my strictly hatha classes. But even in those classes, I have asked the Holy Spirit to be present, to protect my students and fill the studio with love. I then try to prepare my students hearts and minds to receive the truth their hearts and souls have to say to them. Sometimes it is humbling to them and sometimes it is overwhelming with love. But whatever it may be, I want them to feel it through Christ.
What made you choose to travel so far to study at Yahweh Yoga?
It really wasn’t my choice. I believe the Lord provided. We have friends who live only minutes from the studio (via bike) and the idea that I could spend a month living with them and commuting without a car, was just plain and simple - a miracle provided by God.
What impact do you make on others when you teach Christian Yoga?
Only the Lord knows that. I just am happy when my students feel happy.
What does teaching Christian yoga mean to you? I feel like I have found my purpose.
What is most important to you about your students?
Providing them with a safe haven, where the outside world doesn’t exists and they feel loved, protected and free to explore their hearts, minds, souls and bodies.
What was your favorite part of your training and stay at Yahweh Yoga?
I don’t think there was any one thing I could say was my favorite part, it was all wonderful. But what I treasure the most are the relationships that have developed through that course. They are not only life long, they are eternal.
Honestly, I just love each and everyday to have the opportunity to do what I love and hopefully bring others closer to Christ. What more is there to life than that?
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