Hey,
Would be interested in knowing what you know about Yoga. All my life I've ignored it as an Eastern religion, but have nothing upon which to substantiate that.
Do any of you practice it? Results?
Used to? Results?
I'll give you that background behind these questions when I have a bit more time.
Friend,
Wes
Linda doesn't consider Yoga to be a religion. She prefers Pilate Exercise, but when no Pilate class is available, she goes to Yoga class. It is just another form of exercise. She says it is a great way to improve muscle tone.Originally Posted by Wes Smith
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I know a lot of folks that look at it just like that.
Fear not those who argue but those who dodge. -- Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
I don't know about yoga. I attempted marial arts (Shotokan) for a while, could not find a dojo that did not hold to eastern traditions. Once I understood the rituals, I just could not perform them in good conscience.
Yeah, I don't know much about marital arts. I've only known a few that have pursued it beyond the kids level. Yoga seems to be everywhere. Health clubs, the Y even churches. The ones I know anything about stripped out the religious/philosophical aspects and focus on the exercise, stretching, breathing, etc.
Fear not those who argue but those who dodge. -- Marie von Ebner-EschenbachPost Thanks / Like - 4 Thanks, 0 Laughing
Okay, got my internet problems solved and a few projects completed. So, here's what is behind my question.
There is a Yoga group here at Osa Mountain Village and I had a couple thoughts. One is that I love to walk, but other than pretty good leg strength and lung health, my old bod really needs some attention! So, I had some good conversations about how Yoga might help me.
Also, I thought it would be good for Colleen. She has been through a LOT of stress in the past year with our transition to Costa Rica. One major problem has been some heart issues. She is doing better, but I just thought it would be good for her to participate in something that would be good for her heart and bring her into a social context where she could make some new friends.
SO, we have now been to Yoga classes 3 times and are loving it! We've not picked up on a whisper of cultism and, speaking for myself, every single person in the class has been prayed for, in the name of Jesus(!), in each class session.
Within 24 hours after the 1st class I could not believe how sore I was. It was even worse after the 2nd class. Today was the 3rd and I'm actually doing quite well. So, I walked 3 miles or so early this morning and then had the Yoga class. Not bad!
Am eager to hear more.
Friend,
Wes
PS. I heard of a church recently where the pastor preached against yoga and had people sign a card that they would never participate. That gave me a bit of pause thinking he knew something I didn't. Wikipedia actually has lots of information about pure yoga that does seem to be cultic, but what I've picked up on in our class is just good stretching and strengthening.
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 0 LaughingGina Stevenson - "thanks" for this post
People in the east get more and more flexible as they get older.
People in the west get less and less flexible, and suffer from incredible joint pain, blood pressure, and other issues.
The main difference is that the folks in the east practice stuff like yoga or tai chi daily.
At heart, Yoga is simply a practice of knowing your own body. There are, in fact, people who end Yoga in prayer. It tends to wind and wend in that direction if practiced appropriately.
F'r instance: http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Christian...Christian+Yoga
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Here you go:
Oh wait, you said "yoga," not, "Yogi..." Never mind!
Wilson
"But by the grace of God I am what I am." (1 Cor. 15:10)Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Laughing
Wes -
Maybe instead of that pastor knowing something you didn't, he didn't know something you did.
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Which Yogi - The Bear or Berra?
A lot of this comes from the idea that eastern exercises contain a lot of their religion and it will force itself on you because of the way in which the exercise and religion is set up. When in more understanding the idea of breathing and meditation can be just as Christian as some eastern religion thing. I use breathing techniques which some would call eastern mysticism and in reality is just a method for which to slow down your breathing and get you to relax and clear your mind so that you don't get into a state of panic. It amazes me the amount misrepresentation that goes on from people who just choose to ignore learning about something before they judge it.
Also if you are getting really sore you might up your water intake it will keep you hydrated and help with muscle soreness.
"Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek."Post Thanks / Like - 4 Thanks, 0 Laughing
Wes, it seems to me that attending yoga classes is a bit like when Paul talked about "eating meat." Some of the early Christians wouldn't eat meat because it was likely that the meat was originally offered to idols. As I understand Paul's instruction, if you don't feel right eating meat, don't. If you feel clear about it, go ahead. Some don't feel right about yoga or even meditation because it is part of eastern religious practice. Many are able to see that the practices are beneficial without the religious aspects. I vote for getting in shape. You will feel better and you might be able to keep up with me.
Post Thanks / Like - 2 Thanks, 1 LaughingWes Smith - thanks for this funny post
I went through a period of time (influenced by greatly by my first husband, I think) where I thought a lot of things were bad, including yoga. I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and had bought a book on yoga. There were a couple of poses that I wanted to achieve and really felt would be beneficial to me. I never was very consistent at practicing it and got rid of the book during that time of thinking it was a bad thing because of what I had heard about the connection with Eastern religion.
I am now at a point in my life where I am re-examining a lot of my previously held beliefs and finding them lacking. While there are probably some things we should stay away from, I think there are others that have merit. Yoga is one of those. There are many different types of yoga and some are more concerned with religion while others are related more to health and well-being. My thoughts about yoga being helpful to my back have proven true as chiropractic adjustments have held better when I have been consistent in practicing certain poses. Unfortunately, I'm still not consistent!
I ran across a website recently that you might find interesting. I did.
Christians Practicing Yoga
I have also found T-Tapp which combines the best of yoga, pilates, and other types of excercise to create unique and very beneficial workouts. Teresa Tapp, the creator of T-Tapp also has scoliosis, so she knows how to deal with it. Now, if I could just get back to being consistent with that!
Blessings,
BettyPost Thanks / Like - 4 Thanks, 0 Laughing
Thanks, Betty. Have looked a bit, & will check them out further some other time (bit late now).
Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.
~ Stella Adler ~
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It takes a great deal of maturity to accept that trying to eliminate all risk eliminates life.
~ Susan Lapin ~
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