Feeling God’s Presence during Christian Yoga Teacher Training

DeAnna shares a candid moment.

Hello Friends, I wanted to share a little story from our recent graduation.

On graduation day, we usually have a special graduation ceremony acknowledging everyone for all their hard work and how hard they pushed themselves and what they achieved.

However, several days prior to this last class graduating, my heart was tugged by God to change the focus of our graduation ceremony.

Words from Him strongly came to my heart. None of this is about you or them…it is about feeling My Presence within them at all times and sharing this peace as they teach so others can feel the same way.

I prayed “What do you want us to do Lord?”

He said, Just wait…I’ll show you. So with full confidence I waited.

Shortly after this awareness, one of our graduates Lisa O’Quinn came up to me while I was on break at my desk and said “Listen to this song, it will move your soul.”

Lisa brings me her IPod and I heard “Your Presence,” by Bethel Live. This song moved my heart and I knew instantly: this is the song to remind our graduates why we choose to teach Christian Yoga.

So, here’s the kicker.

Now we all know how the Lord works, He never leaves us or forsakes us and always seems to bring home a point to let us know we’re on track and that we’ve heard Him correctly, right?

Our very last teach scheduled was Tathiana Wan, a young snowboarder athlete. As Taty lead the class in her beautiful final teach (which is always kept secret from others until it is actually presented) we learned that her chosen Scripture was revolved around remaining in God’s presence.

Of course, Taty’s final song was the beautiful “Your Presence” by Bethel Live! It seamlessly segued into what was the most moving graduation ceremony that we have ever had. As any of the graduates present can tell you, emotions flowed and boxes of tissue were used!

The moral of this story is that we are always in His presence.

God always with us through character-building times that range from good, bad and just plain painful and gives us fellowship with others to encourage us and uplift our spirits.

Christian yoga allows us the precious time to be quiet on our mats for a few minutes each day with others who love Him. (Remember, Christ went to a quiet place to rest and pray every day.) He speaks in our hearts, and blesses us to move our bodies in health for HIM and to inspire others to do the same.

What an awesome God we serve! How blessed are we to have been chosen to do this for the Kingdom!

Love and Peace,
DeAnna

Recent Yahweh Yoga Graduates Speak Out!

Our first teacher training graduates of 2010 share their experiences.

People interested in enrolling in the Yahweh Yoga RYT teacher training program always want to know what to expect when they enroll in teacher training. Here what our graduates have to say in their own words:

My experience going through the Yahweh Yoga training was like no other experience I have ever had. Nothing even closely compares. Learning the beautiful art of yoga in a Christian setting with two outrageously amazing godly women is not something easily described. There were so many added benefits: learning about nutrition and about starting your own yoga business…the list goes on. I am so grateful that God brought me to Yahweh Yoga.
~Mary Beth Senechal
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The teacher training exceeded my expectations. Not only did I get the proper education on becoming a yoga teacher: learning postures, proper alignment, anatomy, marketing of my business, etc, but you gave us a holistic approach to embracing our yoga lifestyle. I was thrilled to learn so much about living/raw foods, and making healthy choices to take care of and nurture my mind, body and spirit.
~Marta Bailey
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I would describe my Yahweh Yoga teacher training as very intense, in body, mind and spirit; nurturing, supportive, loving and knowledge filled.
~Angela Ross
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I would describe my teacher training experience at Yahweh Yoga as a necessary preparation. The curriculum was exceptional and the hands on instruction gave me the confidence to take the seat of a teacher. In my opinion it is the best training in the world. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.
~Dawn Jones, Truth Yoga
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The Yahweh Yoga experience has been A M A Z I N G. Deanna and Courtney are such an inspiration—their love toward others and passion for spreading Yoga in using a Christ-centered approach is such an inspiration. They are really good people pursuing their passion for Yoga for HIS glory. They are a blessing in the Yoga community.
~Susan Spangler, ProSkills Plus and Pilates Wellness Center
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The most important thing I learned about the teacher training experience is that it is not about me, but to give my students a gift, an experience that is energizing, relaxing, and worshipful.
~Darbra Adair
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Every single one of the students as well as both instructors were so encouraging and supportive. There was NEVER a feeling of competition. The feedback we were given was consructive rather than critical. There was alot of emphasis on creating an environment in which to give our students an EXPERIENCE rather than just a yoga class. I don’t think I would have learned this in other teacher training programs.
~Kim Dumas
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To be a great Christian yoga teacher means that everything you do is to serve your students. DeAnna and Courtney have given us all we need to know about postures, alignment, marketing, anatomy, teaching methodologies, adjusting and so much more. All of these tools are just to do one job, to serve our students. Teaching a Christian yoga class is about giving a gift to our students. One class it may be the gift of stress relief, or freedom in a joint in another the gift of grace or peace. We will be most successful when we allow God to be Himself through us, and He is always others focused, serving and loving. This is the most important lesson Yahweh Yoga teacher training has imparted to me.
~Hope Crane, Breath of Life Christian Yoga
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God doesn’t waste even one opportunity to draw all of us closer to HIM all the while providing and preparing each of us to recall and regain inner strength and peace to give back. The true meaning of life cycle I learned at Yahweh Yoga.
~Christie Banyas
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We treasure every one of our graduates and feel blessed to have a role in their ongoing education about Christian yoga, health, nutrition, and spirituality. Thank you, graduates for allowing us this role in your personal growth and transformation.

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Do you love Jesus? Do you love yoga? You may learn more about the Yahweh Yoga Christian Yoga RYT program by reading our FAQ.We are now accepting applications for our April course. Enroll now to secure your space - our last class sold out quickly.

Teaching Both Christian Yoga and Pilates: Meet Susan Spangler

Fitness professional Susan Spangler offers Christian Yoga at her wellness studio

Yahweh Yoga graduate Susan Spangler was already a health professional before embarking on her Christian Yoga teacher training. Susan owns Pro-Skills Plus and Pilates Plus Wellness Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Susan received her CCYT designation from Yahweh Yoga in 2009 and will receive her Yoga Alliance RYT designation in January, 2010 after completing the Yahweh Yoga 15-day RYT program.

Susan is a busy woman but kindly took the time to share her Christian Yoga journey with our readers:

Why did you decide to become a Christian Yoga teacher?
I decided to become a Christian Yoga teacher because I wanted to merge the physical aspects of Yoga (balance, strength, etc.) with the Christ-centered spiritual aspects which Yahweh Yoga offered. I was hesitant to enroll in other programs and intrigued at how Yahweh was merging traditional Yoga training in a Christ-centered format.

What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga teacher training experience?
My favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga program was learning and practicing Yoga with like-minded and spiritually grounded teachers and students.

What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?
I am benefiting by practicing Christian Yoga because the practice puts me in the presence of God.

What has practicing Christian Yoga meant to your relationship with God?
This practice has greatly improved my relationship with God, improved my spiritual meditations on God’s word and made me truly grateful for the gifts I have been given.

Has Christian Yoga helped your health? If so, how?
My body is definitely transforming—I have always exercised and been a devout Pilates practioner, but something had been missing. The Christian Yoga was definitely what I was searching for.

How has Christian Yoga helped your personality “off the mat?”
My goal is to interact and relate to every human and creature that I come in contact with sharing the word of God. I feel very blessed to be in position to motivate others to improve their health and wellness. My goal is to be the best that I can be and to help others do the same.

What made you choose to travel so far to study at Yahweh Yoga?
Honestly, it was DeAnna. In my initial conversation with her, I said something like, “I can’t imagine being able to travel away from my studio and family for an extended time.” She simply said, “Pray about it and ask God to make a way.” I am returning for the second time in Jan 2010 thanks to DeAnna and Courtney.

What does teaching Christian yoga mean to you?
Teaching Christian Yoga is important to me be because it allows me to do what I love (teach) while connecting to God and the students in a way that I can’t in other classes that I teach.

What do you hope people feel when they experience one of your classes?
I hope that people will feel better, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I hope they will feel peace and more connected to God’s word.

It is most important to me is that my students feel feel loved and served.
~Susan Spangler

What was your favorite part of your training and stay at Yahweh Yoga?
I loved all of it, but especially to focus on nutrition and eating.

Anything else you would like to share?
It has been amazing to see how God has worked through all the talented folks at Yahweh and I love seeing them be blessed with success. I look forward to a long lasting relationship with Yahweh and wish them the best.

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If you feel called to learn more about the Yahweh Yoga Christian Yoga RYT program, please see our FAQ.

Christian Yoga Thrives in Italy: Meet Jo-Dee Collins

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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If you feel called to learn more about the Yahweh Yoga Christian Yoga RYT program, please see our FAQ.

DeAnna Smothers: Becoming an athlete at 60

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.

Ashley Getz: Bringing Together Christian Yoga and Dance Therapy

Meet Christian Yoga Instructor and future Dance Therapist Ashley Getz

Many people become Christian Yoga teachers for personal fulfillment. Others become certified in order to teach yoga classes in a local studio. But for Registered Yoga Teacher Ashley Getz, Christian Yoga is providing a way to outreach to those from all different walks of life.

Ashley teaches Christian Yoga while she studies Dance Therapy as a second-year graduate student at the celebrated Pratt Institute in New York City. She has used her studies to work in a variety of settings; a methadone clinic (substance abuse), homeless shelters, and mental health.

Getting Her Start

Ashley first discovered Christian Yoga while she was earning her undergraduate degree in Modern Dance from Arizona State University.

After taking a studio class at Yahweh Yoga, Ashley knew it was an answer to her prayers and believed God had led her to Christian Yoga. She felt that it aligned perfectly with what God was calling her into as a dance therapist. “I love to dance and I love the Lord,” she says. “With Christian Yoga, I felt like I could use my body to glorify God.”

Ashley quickly moved from taking studio classes to enrolling in the Yahweh Yoga Christian Yoga Teacher Training program, where she graduated in 2007 with her RYT designation. The following summer, she went home to Michigan where she taught classes all summer to family and friends. Five women from her home town including her mother and two sisters, loved Christian yoga so much that they recently also got certified through Yahweh Yoga.

Looking Forward

When she graduates in 2010, Ashley wants to pursuer her career as a Dance Therapist as well as teaching Christian Yoga. “I would first like to stay working in a clinical setting,” Ashley says. “Eventually I would like to start my own practice where I can combine Dance Therapy with Christian Yoga.”

Dance Therapy is well-known as a psychotherapeutic use of movement that effects changes emotionally, cognitively, physically, and socially in individuals. So what can Christian Yoga add to a patient’s treatment regime?

“Yoga and dance by themselves are extremely therapeutic,” explains Ashley. “But without the Lord there is no hope. I believe Christian Yoga can provide individuals true healing, which can only come from Jesus Christ.”

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.”