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Yoga for Christians in Austin
I've been all over the web today doing research. Was looking up Attention Deficiency Disorder, and improving ones diet, and eventually, I made my way to yoga. It's interesting reading the different opinions on yoga.
I've done yoga off-and-on for about a year (mostly off). And started back up this week. Main reason was because I am wayyyy out of shape. It's pretty pathetic actually. But after sitting in a car for twelve hours driving to and from Kansas City, I needed something to loosen up.
First day back, I stretched some muscles in my back that... wow, that was just incredible... much needed. The trip got me thinking that there should be some sort of travel yoga tips. I did find some for air travel, but not really for car travel.
What's interesting is that some Christians do not look fondly on yoga since it is supposedly based around the Hindu religion. At one point, I had the same mode of thinking, but these days, I'm not concerned.
In Jesus' day, people walked most places. They worked in the fields. They were probably a lot more mobile than I am sitting at my computer typing for eight to ten hours a day. We need exercise. And while I need more aerobic exercise, yoga kinda fills the gap, allowing me to stretch my muscles, get the blood pumping, and gives me quiet time I don't take.
No, I don't do those mantras, "oo'ing" and "ah'ing". But yoga, or if you're a Christian who doesn't like a hindu term, stretching is good for the body. A healthy body flows into all aspects of your life, and in your prayers. I wouldn't be suprised if a contemporary Jesus woulda held free yoga lessons combined with quiet, calming prayer out in Pease Park in Austin...
But what's also interesting is that while some condemn yoga as a Hindu religion, they still celebrate Christmas and Easter. I guess you could say that contemporary yoga is not too much different from those formerly Pagan holidays. Which is kinda odd on my part, because I prefer not to really celebrate either of those holidays. Guess I'm somewhat of a hypocrit too.
It certainly gives me reason for thought. I have, at least with Christmas, accepted it more, and use it as a time of reflection to remember Christ's birth, but at the same time to realize that it is not a holy day by my standards.
Well, I'll let you figure out for yourself what you think of Christians and yoga, Christmas, and Easter. As for me, I know I have no religious debate about yoga for Christians.
Posted by Marc Gunn on Monday, January 05, 2004 |
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