Invigorate Yourself with the Wide Leg Straddle Pose
December 21, 2009 by Courtney Chalfant
Filed under Christian Yoga Weekly Pose
Try this pose when you need a pick-me-up
When you place the heart above the head, you give yourself an invigorating boost while calming your mind.
- Strengthens and stretches legs, feet,ankles, low back and spine
- Tones abdominal organs
- Calms the mind
- Relieves mild backache, headache and sinusitis
- Improves digestion and circulation
Step one:Stand with legs wide apart and feet parallel.
Step two: Tighten legs by drawing the knee caps up, shins in and thighs out.
Step three: Hands to the hips and hinge at the waist, heart leads you down.
Step four: Make sure your inner feet are parallel to each other.
Step five: Fingertips or palms to the mat under the shoulders.
Step six: Gaze forward with your back concave.
Note:
- You may also grab your big toes.
- Drop the top of the crown down toward the earth if you would like.
- You may also like to rest your head on the earth.
We encourage you to try this invigorating pose as you enjoy the busy holiday season.
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This is an excerpt from our guide to self-care, Christian Yoga: Restoration for Body and Soul.
Surprising reasons people want to learn to teach Christian yoga
December 16, 2009 by DeAnna Smothers
Filed under News and Events, Yahweh Yoga Highlights
At every one of our teacher training classes, I ask the students why they want to take our teacher training. Surprisingly, students never say: “Because I want to become skilled at yoga.” In fact, I can’t think of one student that named yoga expertise as their primary reason for wanting to get their RYT certification.
We thought you would be interested in the top reasons people become Christian yoga teachers:
Reason 1: They seek personal transformation.
People want to make a permanent shift into a healthy lifestyle to transform their lives. By taking the time to get their RYT, people realize that they will also have a condensed period of time where they focus on learning and practicing the mind, body and soul aspects of premium health that will forever change and enhance their lives. Although it starts as way for students to take time just for themselves, they soon realize that taking they have the tools to serve others better.
Reason 2: People want to earn extra income and do something meaningful at the same time.
In this economy, earning supplemental income is important to many people, but earning money isn’t the only reason people go to work each day. Many of our teacher trainees want the satisfaction of offering the healthful practice of yoga in a Christ-filled atmosphere of praise and thanks.
Reason 3: Teacher trainees love yoga but are uncomfortable in new-age settings.
Traditionally, yoga is not associated with any religious practice, yet activities found in many traditional yoga classes, such as chanting and studying materials that may be uncomfortable for people raised in Christ-centered homes.
Almost all of our Christian Yoga teacher training students began their careers by exploring yoga in a secular environment, but once they learn of a Christ-based alternative, they feel much more at home in their practice.
Reason 4: Leading Christian Yoga classes to helps teachers work through personal trials.
Many of our graduates are drawn to teach during times when they are struggling personally. For example, graduate Lynn Singer found that teaching Christian Yoga was instrumental in dealing with the grief she felt after her son died. Another one of our graduates, Tamara Buschel, came to teach Christian Yoga to restore her own health as she fought a neurological disease.
Reason 5: They feel called to serve.
You know how relaxed and in tune with God you feel after taking a Christian Yoga class? Many of our graduates decided to become Christian Yoga teachers because they wanted to share this same feeling with their families, friends, and churches.
One of our graduates, Ashley Getz, went back home after receiving her RYT designation and taught classes in a basement for her family and friends. Now her sisters, her mother, and her mother’s close friends are Christian Yoga teachers themselves. Ashley’s major in college and graduate school is Dance Therapy, now she has incorporated Yoga Therapy into her teachings.
Have you ever thought about attending the Yahweh Yoga teacher training program?
The need for more Christian Yoga teachers is great. We receive calls and emails all the time from people requesting classes worldwide. If this appeals to you, please call for more information today.
Our LAST sale on teacher training ends December 31—no other sale will be offered in 2010. This sale is good for all 2010 teacher trainings.
DeAnna Smothers: Becoming an athlete at 60
December 11, 2009 by DeAnna Smothers
Filed under News and Events
Athlete - A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports (www.thefreedictionary.com)
Last Tuesday evening while I was teaching a peaceful yet sweaty yoga class at our studio it hit me…at 65 years of age I have become an athlete! I asked myself “How did THIS happen?” I used to be a blobby, overweight, out-of-shape woman at 59! I looked around and saw that I am kicking the butts of some people who are half my age and able to do every single thing I’m asking them to do.
Age is just a number
But before we go into how this happened, I would like to say that if I can become an athlete in my 60’s, anyone can regardless of their age or current fitness levels. I know you hear people who have accomplished desired goals say this about different things all the time… and now I know why…because they really mean it!:-) If I can become an athlete, anyone can.
Like most of us, becoming fit and healthy was a dream of mine. I wanted to acquire traits such as strength, agility, and endurance necessary for physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Think about it: Why would we want to be less than our best, period? Scripture says in 2 Cor. “Run the race in order to win. Win to get the prize”. What kind of a life plan is it to say “You know, I think I’ll just be 1/2 my best all my life”.
Where I fell short…and the wake-up call that made me pay attention
I’ve been thinking about and dreaming about being authentically healthy in mind, body and soul for years, wanting it, seeking it, falling short because I didn’t have the stick-to-iveness. I needed the proper motivation, but what was it? I needed to just do it instead of only thinking about it all the time.
I would love to say that my deep love for God and my perfection as a Christian is what did that job, but that would not be truthful. I would love to say that I did it to honor Him and be obedient to what Scripture instructs us to do, to take care of our temples mind, body and soul. But that would be an overstatement. I got here because a li’l bout with breast cancer got my attention loud and clear. (My cancer was gone after five months of natural cancer therapies…but that’s a story for another time.)
How you can make the shift in your life
My point here is that I had to be stopped dead in my tracks to have enough motivation to realize my dream of becoming a healthy fit athlete. Hopefully, you will be smarter than I and do it because you want to can and should.
It’s not rocket science, the formula is clear…eat right, exercise regularly (always include yoga in your exercise routine) and most importantly, take time to be still and peaceful long enough each day to commune with and hear God so you can be lead by Him in all you do. Very simple steps, really. But how do you actually make the shift to that lifestyle?
I wrote “8 Steps to Unleashing your Inner Athlete After Age 60” to help you with your motivation to make “the shift” once and for all to a healthy lifestyle. It is great fun and so rewarding! It outshines all the old stuff, trust me on this one.
Three Christian Yoga Tees for One Low Price
November 19, 2009 by Yahweh Yoga
Filed under News and Events
At the studio, people have such a hard time choosing their favorite tee!
Now you don’t have to choose - get two short sleeve tees and one long sleeve tee and save 10%.These three tees are only $71 plus shipping. Click here to view this deal!
Which Christian Yoga tee is right for you?
Do you want to let the world know that Jesus is your guru? How about a gentle reminder to Breathe?
And, of course, we have Yahweh Yoga tees so that you can share where you get your yoga groove on.
Hurry! This is a limited time offer
This offer is only available through the holidays. Click here to shop Yahweh Yoga now.Secure your own mask first before assisting others
September 4, 2009 by Jenni Zach
Filed under Conversations on Spirituality
Although we never anticipate a change in cabin pressure, should one occur, four oxygen masks will fall from the compartment above. Place the mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. If you are traveling with small children please secure yourself first and then assist the child. Finally sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight!
The flight attendant paused at my seat. We were traveling with our three children and she wanted to be sure that I understood that I must put on my own mask prior to helping the children.
I assured her that we were very familiar with the rules and turned to look into the injured and incredulous eyes of my son and daughter. “That’s not right,” my son said accusingly. “Parents are supposed to look after kids first.” My daughter was deeply perplexed and somewhat anxious, “Why should grownups get the oxygen before kids? Will there be enough for us?”
I reassured them that it was very important for me to make sure that I got the mask on quickly or I might pass out before I could help them and they would not be able to help me. They were relieved once they understood. As we settled into our flight it occurred to me that these instructions would serve us all well in life…
Although you never anticipate that you will crack under pressure, should this occur, there will not be an oxygen mask falling from above. Breathing normally will be impossible. If you are traveling with small children, or anyone else, you will be unable to assist them let alone yourself…
So often we look into the eyes of those depending on us, our families, the PTO, the church, the boss… and we can feel the pressure starting to squeeze the life out of us. We know we are starting to run out of air but somehow we muddle on, asthmatic and wheezing in our increasingly feeble efforts to meet everyone’s needs. Some of us secretly enjoy being martyrs. Some of us are just tyrannized by the urgent and the immediate. But we’re all desperate for someone to give us permission to look after ourselves, for instructions to secure our own mask first.
If there was ever someone relentlessly hounded by the needs of others it was Jesus. The crowds were always chasing Jesus, wanting him to teach them, to touch them, to heal them, to feed them. However, we read that Jesus made a regular habit of rising early and seeking time alone, meeting with his Father in prayer. He modeled the discipline of solitude for his disciples and in Mark 6:31-32 we see a beautiful picture of this:
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
What do you need to do to make sure you have enough air to keep going? Are you looking after your body well? Are you eating well, sleeping enough? Exercising? But, most importantly, what about your soul? We all benefit from some solitude for the sake of soul care.
In the frenzy, we need to find a quiet center where we can be still and know that God is God and ask Him to search our hearts and know our anxious thoughts. Our moments of solitude with God may be brief at times but they will sustain us - He will sustain us. The moment you step out of your quiet place, everyone will be clamoring for you, but you will be far better equipped to rise to the challenges before you, with compassion and grace.
So stop a moment. Grab that oxygen mask firmly and secure yourself, body and soul, before you attempt to assist others. Finally sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight!
Lori Stratton: Learning to Relax for God
September 4, 2009 by Yahweh Yoga
Filed under Your Stories
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.”
Celebrating our new 15-day RYT program with a 15-day SALE
September 4, 2009 by Yahweh Yoga
Filed under News and Events
Begin a career that you can be passionate about, helps you earn supplemental income, minister to others and maintain your own health at the same time.
15 days only! Save 10% on our 15-day RYT
We are so excited to bring you our NEW 15-day hands-on Christian Yoga RYT certification that we are offering 10% off our regular tuition rate for people registering in the next 15 days! That’s a a $320 savings! As an extra bonus, you may apply this savings to any of our 2009-10 training programs.
To take advantage of the early-bird special, please contact Courtney soon–because after September 21, this celebration pricing will no longer be available. To receive the $320 savings, you must pay half down at the time of registration.
Program details
Our new teacher training program features 250 hours of instruction: 70 hours online and 180 hours in-person at our Arizona studio. Please see our RYT Program page or our FAQ for more details. If you would like to register, please contact Courtney.
RosaLee Rundvall: Wanting to help Christians get healthy
August 2, 2009 by Yahweh Yoga
Filed under Your Stories
One month ago, RosaLee Rundvall graduated from the Yahweh Yoga Online Teacher Training Program. We caught up with RosaLee and asked her to share her thoughts on Christian Yoga, health, and her plans for the future.
Why did you decide to get your CCYT designation?
I had started with another yoga program but I was very uncomfortable with some of the contents of the course so I withdrew from it. Soon after that Yahweh Yoga offered their on line training and I jumped at the opportunity. It was wonderful to be able to learn yoga with other like minded Christian women. I want to be able to help other Christians become healthier people and having the CCYT opens up more opportunities to bring yoga to Christians who may have never tried yoga before.
As a new Christian Yoga teacher, what are your plans starting out?
I don’t have it all sorted out yet but I hope to teach in churches or community centers and maybe someday open my own studio.
What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga teacher training experience?
My favorite part of the training was being with a tribe of women who share the same values and beliefs and to grow with them in our training. They are all such wonderful women and I treasure the friendships and love that I experienced from all of them.
What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?
Christian Yoga gives me health, strength, balance, peace and a time in my day to spend time with God and worship him. It always makes my day better when I practice Christian Yoga.
What has practicing Christian Yoga meant to your relationship with God?
Christian Yoga has helped me to draw closer to God in my daily life. It gives me time to just focus on God and praise and thank Him for giving me a healthy body and the ability to do yoga.
Has Christian Yoga helped your health? If so, how?
Christian Yoga has helped me become stronger, healthier, and brings balance to my life. It helps not only physically but spiritually, mentally and emotionally as well.
How has Christian Yoga helped your personality “off the mat?”
I think it has given me more peace and calmness for my everyday living. I feel more at ease with trusting that God will take me where he wants me to go.
How has Christian Yoga helped you help others?
I am able to help others become healthier people and to give them support and encouragement as they move forward with their yoga practice. I enjoyed my training very much and I get excited to share what I learned with others.
And finally, what would you say to someone who is thinking about pursuing their Christian Yoga teacher training education?
I would let them know that Yahweh Yoga was a great experience for me and that the knowledge, support and encouragement from the instructors was so amazing. I would tell them that it’s hard work but so worth going through it. It’s a wonderful way to stay healthy and get closer to God. I am so thankful that God directed my path to Yahweh Yoga.
