Graduate Story - Myreya Amezcua

Myreya Amezcua: Connecting with God and Others Through Christian Yoga

Yahweh Yoga Graduate and Owner of Connections Yoga, Grosse Pointe, MI

Myreya Amezcua, recent Yahweh Yoga graduate, never dreamed she would teach Christian yoga. It wasn’t part of her original plan. But it was part of God’s plan for her.

Myreya’s regular yoga practice at a local studio exposed her to philosophical concepts she eventually found distracting–and in conflict with–her beliefs as a Christian. An internet search on “Christian yoga” led her to Yahweh Yoga, where she discovered and purchased the Gentle Journey and Faithful Flow DVDs and the book, Christian Yoga: Restoration for Body and Soul. As she began to practice Christian yoga at home, God planted a seed of desire in her heart to teach. However, a back injury shortly thereafter left her wondering and praying.

“How, Lord, can I become a Christian yoga teacher with a bad back?” she asked. She even had to postpone teacher training once because of severe pain. Eventually, Myreya found that her ongoing yoga practice addressed her back pain by strengthening her core and developing healthy spinal alignment. She began to read Christian Yoga. “That was the tipping point,” explains Myreya. “All of my questions [about Christian yoga] were answered.”

Around this time, a mutual friend introduced Myreya to Melissa Gray, Yahweh Yoga graduate and founder of Living Waters Yoga. Incredibly, Melissa lives just five doors down the street from Myreya, and teaches Christian yoga classes in her home-based studio. The friendship that developed between Melissa and Myreya was one more step for Myreya towards teaching Christian yoga.

Myreya enrolled in Yahweh Yoga’s teacher training program, but she initially wondered how robust it would be. She began the online class work. Her studies challenged her to think deeply about her Christian beliefs, strengthened her understanding of biblical doctrine, and helped her to build a foundational knowledge about Christian yoga.

“The hands-on training brought everything full-circle,” explains Myreya. “By the time I left, I was not wondering whether I could be a yoga teacher….I had become one!” After graduation, Myreya took steps toward starting her own Christian yoga business, aptly named Connections Yoga, and began teaching almost immediately.

She engaged Yahweh Yoga’s marketing team to develop the Connections Yoga logo, website and business cards. “They provided the business support I needed. That really sped up the process so I didn’t have to take too much time in finding the right business providers,” she says.

Myreya wasn’t alone as she began teaching Christian yoga. In a way that only God could orchestrate, Myreya joined a closely-knit group of Yahweh Yoga graduates already teaching Christian yoga at Living Waters Yoga, in her hometown of Grosse Pointe, MI.

Within a small radius, God had raised up a group of seven Christian yoga teachers; three of them live on the very same street! They meet every Monday, to pray and plan for the future. In addition to Myreya’s private instruction through Connections Yoga, she now teaches a Faithful Flow class every Friday at Living Waters Yoga.

That group support is a valued part of God’s plan for Myreya to teach Christian yoga–a job that once seemed impossible. “It’s really true,” shares Myreya, “God doesn’t ask more of you than you can handle, and He does equip you for your tasks.”

As Myreya grows Connections Yoga, she hopes her students will grow, too. “Everyone needs something different on any given day, but I hope my students can calm their minds to hear God’s voice,” she shares. “That’s where all good things start; by listening to God. He has a prescription for everything.”

Practicing and teaching Christian yoga has had a big impact on Myreya. She explains it this way: “Mind + Body + Soul = Me,” she says. “Exercising all aspects at the same time, in a conscious way, strengthens all of them, so I can be closer to who God meant me to be.” She says she now spends more time on her relationship with God than ever before. “I believe I’m a better listener, because the physicality of yoga results in a calm mind on and off the mat.” she says. “My friends and family have told me I seem to be more ‘at peace,’ which is wonderful to hear….because I’ve had tumultuous times where peace seemed like a very remote concept.”

Myreya loves to teach Christian yoga and she offers this counsel to anyone who feels the same “tug” towards becoming a Christian yoga instructor. “Don’t hesitate!” she advises. “God will handle the rest. And, you could not be in more capable hands. Yahweh Yoga’s team will assist you every step of the way.”

Today, Myreya Amezcua finds herself in a role she never dreamed possible. She’s living the dream God placed in her heart and enabled her to follow; to become a Christian yoga teacher through Yahweh Yoga. “My teaching Christian yoga is HIS will,” she concludes. “I am so happy to be in service for God’s glory.”

Graduate Story: Robyn Hurst

Why did you decide to become a Christian Yoga Teacher?

I had been practicing and teaching (and loving) yoga for several years, and I wanted to share how wonderful it is with my Christian friends who might not otherwise experience it…When I first began practicing Christian yoga, I went through the same questioning that many Christians do. Luckily, God was faithful to answer my prayers. He assured me that not only was practicing yoga okay, but in many ways, it was a physical representation of the Word.
Also, I wanted to become fully certified, and the program at Yahweh Yoga was the first and only one that fell in line with my beliefs.

What has practicing Christian Yoga meant to your relationship with God?

To say that it has deepened my relationship with God is not entirely accurate, but it has definitely added another layer!!! I love being able to praise God and talk to Him while breathing, sweating, and using this amazing temple during a physical practice that I believe He led me to…my joy and elation are just beyond words. My Christian yoga practice is like a physical metaphor for my life: as I tune in to my body, I tune in to Him…as I breathe through the pose, I breathe through the moment…as I lift my arms up, extending my energy from bottom to top, I lift my arms up in praise to Heaven and receive energy from Him. Many things happen during my Christ-centered yoga practice that I can reflect on and say, “Huh, Robyn, perhaps if you just applied that thing you learned in that moment with God on your mat to this other situation in your life….” Revelation.

What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?

1. Stress relief that is not just temporary. I can breathe and let something go on the mat, but, if I also choose to set it in my Father’s hands, it is gone and lifted away.
2. A calmer, quieter Spirit, as long as I continue practicing; a lot like remaining in the Word (not ironic at all).
3. Physical strength and flexibility, but also spiritual strength, because praising God builds strength within our Spirits. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. I literally look to Him, praise Him, and my body becomes more alkaline and strong, by both supernatural and natural means (at least I think so). We are physical and spiritual beings made in His image.

How has Christian yoga helped your health?

Practicing Christian yoga has made me more calm, flexible, and adaptable. Plus, I am so in tune with my body now, that when something seems out of the norm, I notice it right away!

How has Christian yoga helped your personality “off the mat”?

I believe I am more gentle and compassionate. When I might otherwise choose to stress out, I realize that I either need to just sit with something a minute, or breathe through it, or wait to make any adjustment or take any action until I know the full story; and surrender control. This practice helps me “act out” much of what we are commanded in the Bible: being still, laying down my burden, opening my heart, staying with something (perseverance), recognizing an issue without judgment (physical idiosyncrasy in my body), working with it, being content, while still acknowledging a goal and lifting it up to God…and then once again, surrendering control.

What made you choose to study at Yahweh Yoga?

I was teaching for awhile already and wanted to deepen my certification, but I did not feel completely drawn to or comfortable with some of the trainings I researched. One day, I saw the Yahweh Yoga ad in the Yoga Journal and was elated. When I went to the website, I was delighted by the Word popping right off the page. I it left no doubt Whom this yoga was meant to honor. The descriptions of the yoga itself were beautiful. I asked for the two videos for my birthday, hoping that I would love them and could make plans to go to the teacher training.

What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga Teacher Training Experience?

How can you possibly expect me to narrow that down? So many things come to mind! My favorite part: The wonder of being challenged with yummy, good yoga (by teachers who have a biblical mindset), while worshipping and communing with my Lord in a room filled with like-minded yogis and yoginis! It was amazingly intimate, yet corporate, and totally exhilarating!

How long was it before you began teaching after your training?

I continued teaching secular yoga at a local gym for a few months. As God would have it, my schedule changed and I began teaching Christ-centered yoga just a few months later. I was actually only in the middle of my training at that time (I had to do it in parts). Now I teach three classes per week: two flow classes and one seniors/limited mobility class.

What does teaching Christian yoga mean to you?

It means God is reaching down and helping His people feel better and have another outlet to know Him and be with Him. I am so humbled that I get to be a part of that process. I love sharing what He puts on my heart for His people AND sharing how much fun it can be to conquer a pose and love being in your own skin!

What do you hope people feel when they experience your class?

Intimacy with God. Approval of themselves, and the way He made them. Peace and strength, knowing it comes from Him! Also, getting fired up for Him and with Him, with a community of like-minded believers!

Anything else you would like to share?

I feel so very blessed that God is allowing me to teach Christian yoga. It amazes me all the time. When my students tell me about the benefits and blessings they receive through this, I am just so humbled. How could God use a goofy, flawed chick like me? Isn’t He just the most wonderful and merciful God EVER? Well, of course He is! Hallelujah!
Also, let me just say something to those of you who are considering training, but maybe have some hesitation: First and foremost, pray about it; God will be faithful to answer! If it helps, take this with you: DeAnna and Courtney absolutely embody the best parts of the yoga industry and are shining examples of the love of God and the work of His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within. God will take care of you, teach you, and speak to you through this amazing adventure! You will learn so much amazing stuff, and these ladies have been well equipped by Him to lead you. So, have no fear; just tons of faith! Step out into those marvelous plans God has for you!
And hey, if you ever come to Branson, Missouri, look me up! I’d love to have you come see whatever show I am in (I perform there). Someday, we hope to have a yoga retreat center and alpaca farm on our property, so perhaps you can have fun with me doing yoga and playing with animals, or in the garden!
Feel free to contact me via: VesselsOfClayYoga@yahoo.com
I am also on Facebook: Vessels of Clay Yoga, LLC and Robyn Koelling Hurst. Feel free to look me up and connect!

Graduate Story: Marie Powers

Why did you decide to become
a Christian Yoga Teacher?

In 2007, I started on a journey toward life transformation. After years of pills, potions, diets, and exercise plans, I still weighed 298 pounds. Everything I tried in the past had failed me. I lost weight, but it always came back with a few extra pounds. This time, I decided to try some new avenues and be open to new ideas. This time it was going to be a lifestyle change.

After losing approximately 50 pounds on my own, I sought out a personal trainer. He suggested early on that I add yoga classes in addition to our intense workouts. As a Christian, I was very skeptical about yoga, but I wanted to be open to new ideas, so I agreed to try a class or two, with the condition that I would not continue if I felt my faith compromised in any way. The classes were secular, hatha yoga classes, but the focus was on the movement and flow, without any religious or New Age overtones. Although the moves were very hard for me and I struggled through the classes, I very quickly realized that yoga did something for me that none of my other physical activities could do, so I maintained a consistent practice.

Fast-forward to 2010: I am at a healthy weight, very fit, and a personal fitness trainer myself. I lift heavy weights and compete in triathlons, so my training is very intense. I love all of it, but yoga still does something in and for me that none of my other activities ever will. Besides keeping me flexible and balanced, yoga keeps me centered and at peace. It definitely keeps me in the present moment.
Through hard times, my relationship with God definitely has given me strength to make it through the trials. However, sometimes as Christians, we feel inadequate or guilty when we have a hard time making it through the storm. Many precious saints are depressed and have no zest for life. Their depression worsens because a Christian “shouldn’t feel that way.” I know that they would feel better about life and themselves with a little movement, but being a Christian many times keeps them away from a gym or yoga class for fear of compromise.

My heart’s desire is to take Christian yoga classes to a place of comfort (their church), among Christian sisters and brothers, and to incorporate scripture and worship. I know from my own experience that Christian yoga can bring them wholeness; transformation in body, soul, and spirit; a deeper relationship with God; and new horizons.

What has practicing Christian Yoga meant
to your relationship with God?

Life can be very hectic, and many times, I find myself not getting enough time in the Word with the Lord. I can feel drained and spent, but when I get on my yoga mat and move to my worship tunes, I find myself in the presence of God. I am swept up in the spirit of worship and bathed in His presence. Concerns, anxieties, and frustration melt away. I always end my yoga sessions in awe of God’s marvelous work in my life, and in total gratitude to the Lover of my soul.

What benefits do you receive by
practicing Christian Yoga?

When I worship on my mat, I am able to turn off the “tape recorder” of negative thoughts in my head and see myself and others as God sees. I gain clarity and perspective on current life situations. When I’m in a difficult yoga pose, Christian yoga also reinforces the truth that “all this will too pass.” My practice spills over into others areas of my life and gives me endurance and courage to run the race of faith. When I run/bike/swim in real-life races, my yoga breath and the peace and gratitude from my yoga practice help me to endure to the finish.

How has Christian Yoga helped your health?

We were created a triune being; body, soul, and spirit. As Christian yoga lifts me up in spirit, it affects my health and mental fortitude. Yoga literally massages every internal organ. It has given me the flexibility to participate in sports I was never able to do, even in my younger years (I’m 54 at the writing of this article). It keeps me limber and keeps me from being sore from my other activities. My digestion has improved 100 percent. Mentally, yoga keeps me balanced and able to sail through life circumstances with grace and serenity.

How has Christian yoga helped
your personality “off the mat”?

Christian yoga has given me an even greater appreciation for all people. I have become more encouraging and accepting of others. Because Christian yoga has helped me to accept my own body and person, I have more to give to others. I am more open and able to impart life, vitality, and love to others.

What made you choose to study at Yahweh Yoga?

I felt led to become a certified yoga teacher, so I occasionally checked out schools in Yoga Journal and online. I wasn’t drawn to any of them, and each one seemed to attach something to yoga that I knew would make me uncomfortable in my spirit, so I prayed about it for a while. I saw Yahweh Yoga’s ad in Yoga Journal and felt a little pull, but I still was uncertain. I began to research Christian yoga schools online, didn’t reach a decision. One of my local yoga teachers had signed up for Yahweh Yoga. She returned with renewed vigor and a much more serene spirit. She was totally thrilled with her experience there. After more prayer and talking with Courtney Chalfant, I decided this was where God was leading me.

What was your favorite part of the
Yahweh Yoga Teacher Training Experience?

I have to pick one?! My teachers, Courtney and DeAnna, are awesome and precious sisters. The camaraderie and encouragement of the group was fantastic. I appreciated how Yahweh Yoga brought in other yoga teachers and experts in raw food, yoga therapy, inversions, etc. We experienced many different styles of teaching and practice. Both the online and hands-on parts of the course were well thought-out and gave us the necessary skills. Even though our group was big, there was ample personal attention. But what I appreciated most was that Courtney and DeAnna did not limit anyone. They encouraged each one to reach their potential, whatever that was. They demonstrated that there would be a place and niche for each person.

How long was it before you began
teaching after your training?

I returned home from Yahweh Yoga and began my first 8-week series in a local church within three weeks. My first private session was a week later. I substitute taught a 3-week class for another Christian limited mobility class (boy, did I learn oodles from those seniors!) and began regularly substituting for a local gym soon thereafter.

What does teaching Christian Yoga mean to you?

It is both an awesome blessing and an awesome responsibility. Christian yoga has done such a work in my body, soul, and spirit. It is a blessing to play a part in God’s restoration and transformation of others. It also is an awesome responsibility that I do not take lightly. For others to experience God’s love, to understand and apply scripture to their lives, and to be renewed in my class is the greatest reward in this world.

What do you hope people feel
when they experience your class?

God’s love and care, His presence, His arms; peace in and about themselves and their world; hope for renewal and transformation; wonderful physical and health changes; and LIFE!

Anything else you would like to share?

The Yahweh Yoga training was top-notch. I am amazed by Courtney and DeAnna’s perseverance to make it what it is today. They are great examples of what can be accomplished with God’s leading, throwing off limitations, persevering, and reaching for the heavens! I also am impressed that Yahweh Yoga is not a “one man” or “mother/daughter” show. They are humble and secure enough to embrace other yoga teachers, other styles, and even other studios. Living in the Midwest, our repertoire of yoga often is limited to a basic flow, so it was nice to experience other styles and types. It truly is “body ministry.”

“Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:15,16 - New Living Translation

Marie offers personal fitness training and private yoga instruction through Maples Training & Fitness Center in Branson, MO (417-239-1199), where she also teaches a weekly life transformation class. If you would like Marie speak to your church, to organize a Christian yoga class, or help you find current Christian yoga classes, contact her personally at 417-598-0144. In the near future, she will have a website at www.whollytransformed.com.

Graduate Story: Dawn Jones

Why did you decide to become a christian yoga teacher?

My desire to teach Christian yoga came to the surface only after I attended a secular yoga retreat in Mexico several years ago. I had booked the trip as a birthday gift to myself. I never desired to teach, but only to learn from well known teachers and leaders in the field so I could grow in my personal yoga practice. So, I signed up for a retreat with the famous yoga expert, Baron Baptiste. I was yoga partners with another yoga industry leader, Wade Morissette, that week! It was a totally transformational time in my life. Baron Baptiste helped me realize that not wanting to teach was a selfish desire. Yoga is an amazing practice on the mat, even more meaningful off the mat and off-the-charts meaningful when you can share it with others. I remember the feelings I had after that retreat. God totally dealt with me and placed in my heart the desire to share yoga, but not just yoga; Christian yoga. The great need for Christian yoga in the body of Christ is why I decided to become a Christian yoga teacher.

What has practicing christian yoga meant to your relationship with Christ?

My relationship with God has become more intimate through my practice of Christian yoga. For years, I incorporated praise and worship in my personal yoga practice. I found myself in poses and praying before I learned that Christian yoga was available. With the knowledge I gained from Yahweh Yoga, I am able to enjoy beautiful, God-centered yoga. Now I can share the truth of Christ by teaching classes and holding Christian yoga retreats.

What benefits do you receive by practicing christian yoga and how has it helped your health?

The benefits of Christian yoga are numerous, but the obvious ones are:
• A deeper connection with Christ through prayer, devotion and intention
• The physical benefits of flexibility , weight control and physical strength
• A calm, collected mind
• A balanced life
All three components of the body, mind and spirit are wonderful characteristics and benefits of Christian yoga.

How has christian yoga helped your personality “off the mat?”

Yoga on and off the mat became a way of life for me. While I was on the mat, I experienced strength of body, mind, and spirit. Off the mat, Christian yoga has magnified my acceptance and forgiveness for others and for myself. It has given me more grace in difficult circumstances. Deadlines, responsibilities and other outside influences in my life have become more manageable, bearable and certainly less exhausting. The best personality trait that I have recognized in practicing Christian yoga is a change in my focus, to less of myself and more of others. I understand that my life on earth is for service, rather than to be served. I am quite sure my friends and family are delighted with those character changes! I continue to respond and grow as I practice Christian yoga daily.

What made you choose to travel so far to study at Yahweh Yoga?

I remember the day that I chose to Google “Christian yoga.” Yahweh Yoga popped up. My thoughts were “Arizona? But Lord, I am in Florida and I have a full-time job and family. How will this be possible?” The answer was clear: nothing is impossible with our God! I would travel to the ends of the earth to learn and study with DeAnna Smothers and Courtney Chalfant. They continue to be instrumental on my path with Christ though Christian yoga. I praise God for them and their vision of Yahweh Yoga.

What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga training experience?

Besides the knowledge I gained to help people learn and grow safely in their yoga practice, my favorite part of teacher training was the union and bond that was created with each participant in yoga school. I now belong to the best tribe in the world: the Yahweh Yoga Christian yoga tribe.

How long was it before you began teaching after your training?

Initially, I struggled to start teaching, as time would not permit it, with the travel in my job. DeAnna and Courtney’s words played over and over in my mind to “start teaching as soon as possible.” I had the tools to start teaching the day I returned from school, but it took a few weeks to start working with individual clients. Eventually, I committed to a class once every two weeks. I knew God placed the idea, concept and insight into my heart for Christian yoga retreats because of my time constraints. Finally, I started working on a business plan and my ministry started to unfold.

What do you hope people feel when they experience one of your classes and what does Christian yoga mean to you?

Christian yoga is now as integral to my life as breathing. It is my destiny. I hope that anyone who takes a class with me will feel God’s love and receive peace of mind, healing for their body and wholeness for their soul. I also hope that Christian yoga retreats will be a venue to help others find the time to get away and absorb a profound life with God through prayer and healing of their body with yoga and good nutrition.

Anything else you would like to share?

I named my company True Light Yoga www.truelightyoga.com. We just had our first retreat, which accomplished everything I hoped for. People walked away with the knowledge and desire to start a healing path. The True Light Yoga retreat ministry has started. It will bring wonderful retreats to amazing locations all over the world.

Yahweh Yoga has been so supportive that they are among the first to engage in business with True Light Yoga to produce the Yahweh Yoga’s Vacation Experience of a Lifetime in Israel in June 2011. For more info please visit…Yahweh Yoga’s Vacation Experience of a Lifetime

Secular yoga has its home in India. Now Christian yoga has a home in Israel. What an honor! We will be practicing on His Holy Land, walking where He walked, praying where He prayed, feeling His energy.

Just imagine sea breezes, awesome, healthy food, beautiful people and a sacred, holy feeling that seeps into your soul. You may never be the same, as your life with Christ grows in intimacy you have never known. My own experience traveling in Israel totally changed my life and the way I resonate with the written Word. I hope and pray it will be the same kind of positive, life-altering experience for you.

Graduate Story: Mary Beth Senechel

By DeAnna Smothers & Mary Beth Senechel

Why did you decide to become a Christian Yoga Teacher?

Because I love the healing and physical benefits of yoga and to have it intertwined with my Christian faith was a perfect match.

What has practicing Christian Yoga meant to your relationship with God?

It draws me closer to him, not only during my practice, but also outside of my practice, by bringing more of His presence into my life on a daily basis.

What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?

My circulation, upper back, neck and knees have all improved. My flexibility and breathing too and of course the spiritual part is also such a huge benefit. The music and the movements help me worship Him with my body, which I never really understood before Christian yoga.

How has Christian yoga helped your personality “off the mat”?

Gaining peace is so huge. I certainly can’t say I have that one completely figured out, not even close, as I would imagine no one has peace ALL of the time. However, as I pray for my students to “take their peace” with them as we finish class it is a constant reminder for me to do that as well. I remember that throughout the day.

What made you choose to study at Yahweh Yoga?

I have to admit that I went into the Yahweh Yoga training a bit blind but with God’s assurance that He wanted me there. I’m not so sure I chose YY as God chose it for me. Looking back now, I realize how blessed I was the He lead me there because the training was fantastic and the overall experience – incredible.

What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga Teacher Training Experience?

The actual hands on training was awesome because of the way DeAnna and Courtney made everyone feel so loved. We learned so much so quickly and made fast friendships. Needless to say, all the great yoga every day made it an unforgettable experience.

How long was it before you began teaching after your training?

About one week. My training was completed at the end of January of this year and I began teaching on February 1st. I had been working through the previous fall to set up my first classes. Additionally, God has inspired me to start doing Christian yoga retreats up at our cozy place in Pinetop, AZ. What a perfect setting under HIS pines - doing yoga while enjoying the cool, fresh mountain air. Courtney has blessed me by willingly jumping in to help. We will both be teaching a variety of Christian yoga classes during this retreat which is coming up soon on June 4-6th. I can’t wait to see what God brings! mbsenechal@cox.net

What does teaching Christian yoga mean to you?

It is a ministry, it is a business, it is fun and it is a wonderful way to watch My Sweet Jesus work in my life. He brings the students of His own choosing. I watch the blessings pour forth in the lives of my students and consequently into my life. I feel incredibly blessed and privileged to teach Christian yoga.

What do you hope people feel when they experience your class?

More than anything I pray that they feel God’s presence and His peace. I want them to feel whatever they need physically, too: whether it is healing, strengthening, flexibility or stress relief but more than anything that they would use their God-given body to connect with the one true living God that created that body. If only for a moment that they would feel complete surrender and adoration of Him. That they would feel His complete Love for them.