Faith first, fitness second.
July 28, 2019
Yoga.
Just the word yoga is scary to some people. Misconceptions can skew the perception of what yoga is and what yoga is not.
Many people feel that yoga is a religion. Yoga is not a religion. It is an ancient practice of yoking the breath with movement in the body. Each time you come to a class or session, I want you to know what to expect. The scripture, devotion prompts, music and even the yoga flow are all prayerfully and carefully crafted with YOU in mind. “Well Amy, how could you possibly know what I need?” I don’t; but He does. The time spent developing the sessions come from me seeking the Lord’s input as to what needs to be taught. I have no idea how He is going to use that class, but my prayer is that He is using that time we spend together on the mat to move in your life. It’s not me, all glory goes to Him first and foremost. I am just the vessel.
Physically yoga carries a variety of different meanings for people. When people say, “Oh I can’t do yoga, I’m not flexible.” I ask, “Are you breathing?” The person always says, “Well, yeah.” I smile warmly and respond, “Your breathing means you’re doing yoga right now.” I’ve seen people in my class who most would assume are physically fit and flexible struggle with movement. After regular practice of attending classes over time, their flexibility has improved. I have seen first hand people who struggle with mobility due to chronic pain, autoimmune issues, etc. experience a change in how their body feels and increase movement and decrease stiffness.
On the flip side I hear from many athletes and people who are accustomed to traditional styles of workout, “Ha, I don’t like yoga because I just don’t get a good sweat.” or “Yoga is just for stretching, I don’t need that.” Come to a power class, I promise you will sweat and get your heart pumping! Everyone needs to stretch and counter the intensity of what they’re doing on a daily basis; it helps in our aging, physical recovery and reducing stress…oh I could go on here.
People from all physically fit levels, shapes, sizes, and ages find peace on their mats. Our bodies are capable of far more than we give them credit for and we just need to get out of our own heads. This is not a place where I am going to force you to “strike a pose.” Willow Lane Yoga is here to serve you to grow spiritually and physically while finding peace at the feet of the cross on your mat. Whether or not you’re at the top of your game or if life seems to have thrown you too many curve balls, remember to bend before you break.
Be blessed,
Amy
Amy