Yahweh Yoga Blog - Christ at the heart of the royal wedding ceremony

My husband recorded the Royal Wedding and at about 5:30AM our very lovely daughter Courtney came over, Starbucks in hand, to spend the day enjoying the Royal Wedding with all its splendor, beauty and history. We only broke once to run to a yoga class and return as quickly as possible, where we continued to watch until after the two kisses! We had a lovely mother/daughter time and it made me realize how important and fun these moments are in life.

Trivia:  Did you know that Kate practices yoga and that her yoga teacher was one of her close invited guests at the wedding?

Some have asked what we “took away”  from royal wedding…. for me, the most touching was that Jesus was at the very heart of the boldly Christian service. It made me think of Mark 10:-28   “All things are possible with God.” Dreams do come true, we witnessed a real life fairy tale come true.

All through the wedding ceremony itself  I thought “Look at You Lord shinning your everlasting light and joy on everyone, being praised and recognized as THE KING by everyone during the service! Having the couple write a prayer in Your name must have pleased You. Having Your name praised to the Highest in song must have touched Your Heart. Having Your Word spoken as the message to the world inspired and encouraged your children, You must have been pleased.

There can be no doubt that our God was at the core of the royal wedding church ceremony last week. I for one was happy as can be that the name of  Jesus Christ was boldly spoken. What a day for joy and honoring our God and His people. He even had the sun come out!  Thanks be to God!

Living like you mean it!

So…what’s your story? Are you overweight, tired, always getting sick, have a chronic illness, depressed? Are you stressed, angry, resentful, full of regret, procrastination, and envy? Whatever your story happens to be doesn’t really matter; how long will you rehash your woe-is-me attitude about life; it’s truly your choice. It’s what you think, say and do everyday that will transform your life. Rehashing your story and using it to stay stuck so you don’t have to “get with the program” will keep beautiful, wonderful you from having the life of joy God has planned for you. Are you ready to live like you mean it? Are you ready to get over your excuses and marking time? Amen, brothers and sisters! Scripture says “You were born to shine” and frankly it can’t be done unless you have inner and outer peace, the presence of mind, body, & soul, health and vitality.

How do I attain this you ask….duh! How many times do you need to hear the same thing?

• You trust in God 100%, not 99%, 100% and you align your thoughts and actions with the Word of God and change your stinkin thinking and stop doing stinkin things. (I like The Message version of the Bible because for me it is easier to understand and I like Proverbs because it is the Book of Wisdom and tells me how to live properly so I don’t do all the stupid stuff I used to do.) Also, there is a daily devotional book called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young as well as Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer that will keep you thinking right. But you need to take some quiet time everyday with God sweet thing and let it sink into your heart until it is natural. Got 15 minutes for God and your peace of mind?

• A regular exercise program is not an option, we need it, you know it! A routine Christian yoga practice is a perfect option! It is the ultimate in multi-tasking and time management as it heals our bodies, calms our minds, strengthens our bodies and gives us the energy we need to kick butt. One thing I notice with certain students, they come and try classes (and love it), and then they let everything get in their way to make it to class. Science is science beautiful/handsome people; you can’t shine without regular exercise! Science also shows that too much exercise is acidic to the body, so don’t think you have to be a NFL player to take care of yourself. Most people begin exercising and quit because they get too sore, that’s why you should start off in yoga with maybe a Rest and Restore class and then a Gentle, then a Flow class in a few months. Be kind to yourselves and…you’re gonna get sore cause you’ve been hanging out with the remote on the couch too long. Take some great healing baths everyday, light a candle, take a break. If you don’t exercise regularly (at least 3/4 times per week), you will never enjoy life as you could and you can never be truly healthy. Period end of subject.

• Stop eating crappy food! Stop drinking crappy drinks! Stop thinking crappy thoughts! Oops, was that too harsh? My bad☺ THE key to health is to have a body that is PH balanced to at least 7.0. This means you have a body that is alkaline. How do you know if your body is alkaline…buy some PH strips by EnzyMedica (Whole Foods has it), pee on it around 4 or 5pm everyday and see where you are (early morning you will always be acidic as the body rids acids during sleep so don’t test then).

You must educate yourself on how to alkaline your body; here are the best ways I know how and just to clarify…I have no personal interest nor receive anything for or from these resources…they are simply the best I can give you:

1. Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr (Funny and smart)
2. The Enzyme Factor by Dr. Shinya (For info on this Kangen System contact YourHealthAZ@gmail.com)
3. Asyra Testing (this helps you know your individual body’s chemistry and what you may be allergic to and what supplements you actually need instead of taking a bunch of supplements that are bad for you. (A must for your unique body). For Asyra testing information contact: YourHealthAZ@gmail.com

Nobody can take away your “shine” when lovely you are happy and healthy. As I’m writing this I feel like a broken record because I hear my friends, family, students say “I’m gonna get with the program”, but they don’t! Frankly, I am so bored with hearing this even though I love them to death! Just remember, you deserve to be healthy and full of vitality. God instructs us to take care of our temple, the peace of God, regular yoga practice and good nutrition will positively affect all areas of your life. But guess what? It’s up to you gorgeous. To quote Kris Carr’s book “When you are living like you mean it, you’re a force of nature. Now is the time to work on personal boundaries and do what’s best for you. It’s not selfish; it’s self-nurturing.” P.S. Kris Carr is not a Christian but she’s funny and right-on (I’ve studied a lot and like her book for it’s humor, state-of-the art prevention and reversal of disease science). Also, as one of my very mature Christian friends once told me “I’d rather have a doctor who is skilled and not a Christian than a doctor who is a Christian and unskilled. Her book is awesome and easy to follow, a great place to start and/or continue your education.

Then, of course, there is always Yahweh Yoga Teacher Training, for people who want to be teachers, as well as, those who just want an awesome transformation of mind, body, and soul health. This training gives you an amazing in-depth course in mind, body, and soul health. You could do all of it and be richer; more vibrant for God, yourself and the world. We would love to have you take this journey with us…do it…get with the program…have a fabulous life gorgeous! Live like you mean it!

To Him be the glory,
DeAnna

Potential - Accomplishing God’s purposes through strategic planning.

Potential - Accomplishing God’s purposes through strategic planning.

Everyday we have graduates contact us regarding their feelings of overwhelm as the demand for Yahweh Yoga classes spreads throughout the United States. The call for Yahweh Yoga style classes is increasing dramatically and those who are alone in a particular area are feeling overwhelmed as they cannot respond to the growing need without becoming out of balance themselves.

Everyday we have people contact us about where they can take a Yahweh Yoga style class in their area. Unfortunately, in many instances we do not yet have a Yahweh Yoga teacher in their area…the need is substantial.

If you are not a graduate and God has planted a seed in your heart to begin Yahweh Yoga classes in your area, we encourage you to just do it, sign up now for our spring teacher training session. Bring a friend, train together. There are a lot of hurting people in this world who would greatly benefit from regular Yahweh Yoga classes in your area.

It is for this reason that we at Yahweh Yoga encourage our graduates and those interested in becoming RYT certified Yahweh Yoga teachers to build a team of Yahweh Yoga trained teachers in their area, such as Living Waters Yoga www.livingwatersyoga.com has done (please read their story on our website under Graduate Stories).

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s
purpose that prevails.” If He has placed in your hearts to serve as many people in your area as possible through teaching Yahweh Yoga classes, without sacrificing your family and personal life, you are going to need other RYT Yahweh Yoga teachers to help you stay balanced as you grow and serve.

God obviously expects us to plan. Strategic planning is not only a biblical concept, it is a biblical mandate. It is God’s chosen method of working to establish how you and your health ministry intend to carry out the Great Commission. Don’t just repeat last year. Be intentional in getting God’s heart and knowing how you will accomplish His mission in your setting.

If you believe it is God’s plan for you to grow and teach, we still have some spaces left in our upcoming spring training that begins online March 17, with a summer retreat. Plan now so peace and health remain yours, too. Become part of the Yahweh Yoga Teacher Tribe – Christian, Called, Credentialed.

To Him be the glory in all we do,
DeAnna

Yahweh Yoga Blog: The Gospel Without Words

Yahweh Blog
The Gospel Without Words

A wise person once said, “Preach the gospel always. When necessary, use words.”

As a Yahweh Yoga instructor (and as Christ’s follower), I’m called to share the gospel.

Yet, my credentials as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) open doors to share Him with many who may not yet know Him. I find joy in leading classes for those brand new to yoga. I pray for these students, just as I do for my Yahweh Yoga students. I give them the same solid instruction. And, to my great delight, I share Jesus’ love with them. The Holy Spirit shines His light through me, even though I’m not sharing Scripture or praying, as I do in my Yahweh Yoga classes.

Without my dual credentials as an RYT and a Certified Christian Yoga Teacher (CCYT), I might not have the sweet opportunity to share my love for yoga in places where I can’t overtly share the Gospel. God’s power knows no limitations. He doesn’t require words to touch our hearts. Romans 8:26 tells us that His Holy Spirit “prays for us with groanings that can’t be expressed in words.”

I’m so proud to be a Yahweh Yoga teacher; to have the immense privilege to lead my students in worship and wellness. And I’m grateful for my RYT credentials. They lend credibility to my instruction and open doors for me to share the gospel; even without words.

Yahweh Blog: Reflections from a New Yahweh Yoga Teacher: A Jack Hammer and God’s Presence

The playlist was set. The lighting was perfect. The faint scent of lavender filled the YMCA’s Multipurpose Room. I took a deep breath, introduced myself to my students and began our Yahweh Yoga practice session with Scripture.

Then it began. A jackhammer. Right next door. It was deafeningly loud and terribly distracting. I cranked up the peaceful music and raised my voice. I silently prayed for God’s help as my brain seemed to freeze. My head pounded. This wasn’t exactly what I had imagined for my first class. We continued, with intermittent blasts from the hard working jackhammer.

True to His faithful nature, God cleared my mind to cue gentle postures. My Yahweh Yoga teacher training had prepared me well to keep going in the midst of unforeseen circumstances. The heavy reconstruction next door ceased just as our class ended.

Not every class will be so challenging. And many teachers’ first experiences have been nothing less than blissful. But, for this teacher on that day, God allowed a different experience. Not even an annoying jackhammer could distract us from worshipping and focusing our attention on Him alone.

He, after all, is the focus of any Yahweh Yoga class. His presence outweighs any distraction from man or the enemy. God touched my students’ hearts when I felt weak in body and spirit. He showed me that Christian yoga is so much more than leading postures; it’s about leading worship.

My students concluded the practice, grateful for a meaningful Christian yoga experience. Should I have been surprised? “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them [including jackhammers!]— He remains faithful forever.” (Psalm 146:6)

Did my first class go according to plan? Yes. Exactly as God intended it; for my students and for their new teacher.

Yahweh Blog: Two Healthy Choices for 2011

Homemade cookies don’t tempt me in January. After the plethora of holiday feasts, I’d rather have a crunchy carrot than almost any kind of sweet treat. I’m ready to make some healthy choices for the new year. Monumental resolutions usually don’t stick for the long-term, so I’m making two reasonable resolutions I think I can keep in the weeks and months to come:

1) Practice Christian Yoga. My body feels best when I practice at home or in a group setting every other day. Sometimes I practice with my copy of Yahweh Yoga’s “Faithful Flow” DVD; other times, I select a Christian music collection on Pandora and practice by myself; I teach Yahweh Yoga classes; and occasionally, I practice in a group class.

2) Make Healthy Food Choices. I buy organic produce and other healthy foods as often as possible. For Christmas this year, I received a Breville Juice Fountain. I’m having fun experimenting with different fruits and vegetables. Often, I serve my creation in a goblet, offering a toast to my body, knowing that I’m giving it a boost of natural enzymes and nutrients. Never, not in a thousand years, would I ever have guessed that I’d like green juice. But guess what? In a few short days of experimenting, I’m becoming a passionate fan of the stuff. Go figure.

What about you? How are you starting out this new year? What choices are you making for a healthy body in 2011? Feel free to share your ideas and resolutions in the response section of this blog.

Here’s to a healthy you in the year to come!

Yahweh Blog: Care for Your Soul in the New Year

Care for Your Soul in the New Year

A new year brings new opportunity to grow our spiritual roots more deeply in the Lord we love and serve. It’s amazing that the God of the universe wants to build that kind of relationship with us. Christianity is unique among other world religions because we serve a God who engages with His creation.

What will a deeper walk with Christ look like for you in the year 2011? Maybe you really want to dig into a specific topic and see what God has to say about it. Maybe you want to read a devotional or a few Scripture verses to sustain you during your busy day. Perhaps you’ll pick up Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind or some other great Christian book to help you think more about your relationship with Christ.

Have you ever considered making meditation part of your relationship with the Lord? I have to admit that until I attended Yahweh Yoga teacher training, I hadn’t ever tried it. I never really understood what it means to meditate on God’s Word. Learning about biblical meditation and how to guide my students in it has changed and deepened my Christian walk. It is quite an experience to be still in mind and body, to ruminate on the Scripture and to listen to, rather than talk with, the Lord. It’s powerful.

Granted, while biblical meditation is an integral part of any Christian yoga practice, it’s much more than that; it’s among God’s commands to His followers. Joshua 1:8 tells us to “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

What does it mean to meditate? The dictionary simply defines meditation as “focusing one’s thoughts; to reflect or ponder.” That’s it. God asks us to focus our thoughts on Him; to reflect on His Word and ponder its application. Nothing mystical about it. No big time commitment. We may have only five or ten minutes on any given day to meditate on Scripture. It doesn’t take long, once we slow down and quiet our mind and spirit, for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us. Meditation grounds us in the firm foundation of God’s Word. On a hectic day, it brings us back where we need to be; close to our Savior.

So, if meditating on God’s Word is a new concept for you, too, give it a try. See how God might use it to affect your life.

What about you? Why is caring for your soul an important part of your day? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us and comment on this blog post. We’d love to hear from you.

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Making Up Your Mind

Joyce Meyer says “You can enjoy anything if you make up your mind to.” Really? Is it that easy?
Well, in a sense, yes; it is that easy. The Bible promises us stability and peace once we make up our minds to do the next right thing:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

I can enjoy a healthy lifestyle if I make up my mind to do so. It begins there; in what Joyce Meyer calls “the battlefield of the mind.”
Every change begins with a decision. Sometimes that initial choice is the most difficult one of all. Even as I consciously make the choice, I’m not so sure I can follow through with it. What if I blow it?
For the Christian, that’s where grace comes in.

Jesus says He is strongest when I am weak (II Cor. 12:10).

When the choices get tough; on the tenth, fiftieth, hundredth time around; when I’m exhausted; when I don’t see change….it’s then that Jesus’ strong arms carry me. When I lean hard on Him, He enables me to make the tough, right choices. The whole point is that I can’t do it on my own. If I could, what need would I have for a Savior?
In this new year, the renewal we so desperately want begins with a decision to give our minds, and our choices, to the only One with the power and ability to enable us choose wisely in the private battlefield of our mind. Only then will we see the lasting change we want so much.

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Five Factors to Consider If You Want to Become a Christian Yoga Teacher

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Five Factors to Consider If You Want to Become a Christian Yoga Teacher

Christian yoga is growing and thriving in churches, studios and community centers across North America. For those of us who follow Christ, integrating the Bible, prayer and Christian music with our yoga practice makes for more than merely a physical workout. On our yoga mats, we can reflect and meditate on Scripture, worship and praise our Creator and exercise our bodies.

Some of us who discover the joy of Christian yoga want to share it with others by becoming Christian yoga teachers. To pursue our dream, we have two options: we can study in a traditional yoga school and adapt our teaching style; or study in an exclusively Christian yoga teacher training program.

Just open the pages of Yoga Journal, and you’ll find myriad options for traditional yoga schools. You may have to do a little more research to find a Christian yoga school. The internet is a good place to start. Once you identify your options, here are a few factors to consider when weighing which program best suits you:

1.)Cost

Make sure you understand what you’re paying for when you invest your time and resources in a Christian yoga school program. What’s included in the program’s total cost–Meals? Accommodations? Travel? Textbooks?

2.)Credentials

Make sure that your Christian yoga school of choice bears the marks of a respected, established and credible institution. Is the school registered with Yoga Alliance? How many teachers have they trained? Do they comply with their state’s regulatory and educational institution requirements?

3) Curriculum

Make sure you know what will you study and how you will train. Does the curriculum include Biblical instruction? Teaching methodology? Basic anatomy? Yoga postures? Yoga history? How much of your training will be hands-on? How much will be from textbooks or online materials?

4) Certification

Once you graduate, what certification(s) will you receive? Will you receive designation as a Yoga Alliance-certified Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)? What certification will designate you specifically as a Christian instructor? Will most employers accept the certification you’ll receive?

5) Calling

Spend some quiet time alone with God. Search your heart and His Word. Ask Him to direct your steps and help you find the place that will best equip you for your work and ministry.

Teaching Christian yoga is much more than just a job. It’s both a privilege and responsibility. Take time to pray and think through each step of the process.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) That’s a promise to claim for any big life decision, including the one to become a Christian yoga teacher.

Links:
www.yahwehyoga.com
www.newdayyoga.com
www.yogaalliance.com

Yahweh Yoga Blog: CCYT and RYT: Excellence for the Christian Yoga Teacher

CCYT and RYT: Excellence for the Christian Yoga Teacher

I was hooked. Within months of taking my first yoga class, I began to consider teaching. I wanted to understand more about yoga and to share it with others.

Great instruction at local studios further fueled my desire to teach. I developed a powerful vision: to incorporate my faith in Jesus with my yoga practice. My research on Christian yoga teacher training led me to several sources. My yoga school choice purely was a “God thing.” With one phone call, I loved Yahweh Yoga’s approach. I found there a mutual passion for Jesus and yoga. My excitement mounted as I took the first steps toward becoming a Christian yoga teacher.

When I began my online studies, I saw the value of the double certification I was pursuing, as both a Certified Christian Yoga Teacher (CCYT) and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). Potential employers asked about my yoga school and certification. Most, but not all, of them indicated they would require RYT certification to hire me.

Now that I’ve graduated, I fully appreciate the value of my dual certification. I’ve started my own yoga business, intentionally incorporating the word “Christian” into my business name, because I want to teach Yahweh Yoga-style Christian yoga. My passion is to share wellness with other believers through Christian yoga. My CCYT certification identifies my instruction as uniquely Christian.

In some ways, my RYT certification from Yoga Alliance is icing on the cake; but not really. I now understand that it’s the gold standard of excellence within the yoga industry at large. If I choose, I’m qualified to teach in just about any studio as an RYT. And, to tell you the truth, I think my RYT earns respect and credibility within and outside of the yoga community.

My training has equipped me to deliver safe, quality instruction for all of my students. Because believe me, 250 hours of teacher training is not for the faint of heart. Meeting the RYT standards took commitment, hard work and some personal sacrifice.

Was it worth it? Unequivocally. As a Christian yoga teacher, I live in the best of both worlds with dual certification. It was worth the time, effort and investment to achieve both the CCYT and RYT designations. They reinforce the excellence and intensity of my professional and spiritual preparation for the role to which Jesus has called me. I’m equipped and qualified to carry out this exciting new role as a Christian yoga teacher.

I serve a God who does all things with excellence. So, as I represent Him in my life and in my Christian yoga instruction, I’m happy that the caliber of my training and credentials give me opportunity to share Him with my students. That, after all, is what it’s all about.

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