Finding Purpose In Our Practice Yoga For All Ages Finding Purpose In Our Practice

What is yoga? Combines fitness for the mind, body and soul Originates from Eastern Tradition Integrates meditation with exercise Reinforces healthy breathing techniques Serves the needs of a global audience Engages in an open door policy for all religions

A History of Yoga Post Vedic Age Patanjali- A Founding Father of Yoga Patanjali’s Sutras The Backbone of Yogic Philosophy Written in Sanskrit during the 12th Century Principals concerning the practice of Yoga 196 total Arranged in 4 chapters Sacred Words Sutra 2.44 From self-study and reflection on sacred words (svadhyaya), one attains contact, communion or concert with that underlying natural reality or force. Where are sacred words found for a Christian? The Bible (Word of Life). Everything should align with the principals of the Bible

Finding Purpose In Our Practice 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?  17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Benefits Yoga Meditation Counters Arthritis Drains lymphs and boosts immunity Improves balance Alleviates back pain Increases blood flow Tones muscles Increase flexibility Improves Focus Stress Management Lowers Heart Rate Decreases Blood Pressure Supports a healthy Nervous System Affirms Spiritual Convictions

Meditation and Yoga Joshua 1:8 This book of the Lord shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, My Lord and My Redeemer. Phillipians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things. Meditation is built into a practice and usually occurs during shavasana, a resting period at the end of practice. In Yin Yoga, poses are held for a longer period time, an appropriate setting for meditation. Before classes, yogi can meditate to set their intention for their practice.

Mantras- Holy Words for Meditation Christian Mantras Om- sound of creation. By His stripes, I am healed. Neti, Neti- Not this, not this. In all things, give God praise. Sat Nam- Truth is my name. El-Shaddai- God Almighty. Ong Namo, Guru Dav Namo- I bow to the creative energy of the infinite and its channel of wisdom. Maranatha (Aramaic) Come Lord.

Breathing Techniques Breath of Life Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Breathe In: I’m grateful for the breath of life Breathe Out: Thank You Lord The breath is connected to movement. With Yoga you will use diaphragmatic breathing. In addition there are techniques such as Bastrika or Ujay Breath that aim to calm or stimulate the body.

Let’s Give It A Try!

Picking The Right Class For You! Seniors Chair Yoga Yin Yoga Adults Restorative Prenatal Youth Hatha Vinyasa

Conclusion For more info: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 King James Version (KJV) 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. What is good about yoga? It’s exercise for the mind, body and soul. With meditation, it helps to manage stress. Going to classes forces me to prioritize personal time for personal care. For more info: www.copticyogi.com