By: Amy Bernier Almost a week into covid recovery, during a slow walk in the woods, I was reflecting on wholeness. Here is one definition from good ole Webster “the state of forming a complete and harmonious whole or unity.” This aligns with my yogic definition of wholeness - increased … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Wholeness
Blog
Yoga for Mental Health Awareness Month
By Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Mental Health has recently started becoming less taboo to talk about in the 21st century, however, stigma is still one of the many problems surrounding mental illness. May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Let us look at the history … [Read more...] about Yoga for Mental Health Awareness Month
Yoga for Asthma
By Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT For as long as life is in me, And the breath of God is in my nostrils, Job 27:3 May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month.. If you or a loved one have ever had an asthma attack, you know how scary it can be to struggle to breathe. … [Read more...] about Yoga for Asthma
Easing Your Anxiety
There are millions of people who struggle with anxiety, myself included. There are times where it shows up as just nervousness, but then there are times where I could just be sitting there and begin to feel an upset stomach. And it doesn’t just show up as an upset stomach, it shows up as a tense jaw … [Read more...] about Easing Your Anxiety
Understanding & Finding Your Drishti
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT The first time a yoga instructor told me to find my Drishti, I was confused, to say the least. No one had prepared me for any of the Sanskrit words I heard. Using logic, I figured anything ending in “asana” was the pose we were going to move toward. This … [Read more...] about Understanding & Finding Your Drishti
Bringing Yoga to the Office for Global Employee Health and Fitness Month!
If you subscribe to Christian Yoga Magazine, the last copies of the May issue are going out in the mail today! Inside, be sure to check out the issue by Dr. Andrea Tackore Cunard, Office Energy Boost. by Tina Russo Lancey May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month. As we transition back … [Read more...] about Bringing Yoga to the Office for Global Employee Health and Fitness Month!
Timeless Yoga Wisdom, Exploring the Kleshas
By Amy Bernier “Ignorance consists of regarding a transient object as … [Read more...] about Timeless Yoga Wisdom, Exploring the Kleshas
A Christian Guide to the Crown Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The seventh energy center in the body is the crown chakra. Sanskrit: word for the crown chakra is called sahasrara. This word translates as “thousand-petaled.” Location: At the top of the head. Color: Violet Element: The crown chakra … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Crown Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Third-Eye Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The sixth energy center in the body is the third-eye chakra. Sanskrit: word for the third-eye chakra is called Ajna. This word translates as “perceive.” Location: Between the eyebrows, just above eye level. Color: Indigo Element: … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Third-Eye Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Throat Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The fifth energy center in the body is the throat chakra. Sanskrit: word for the throat chakra is called vishuddha. This word translates as “filter.” Location: At the base of the throat Color: Blue Element: Sound/Space Function: The … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Throat Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Heart Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The fourth energy center in the body is the heart chakra. Sanskrit: word for the heart chakra is called anahata. This word translates as “unhurt.” Location: At the heart Color: Green Element: Air Function: The heart chakra is … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Heart Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Navel Chakra/Solar Plexus Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The third energy center in the body is the navel chakra. Sanskrit: word for the solar plexus chakra is called Manipura. This word translates as “lustrous gem.” Location: At the navel Color: Yellow Element: Fire Function: The solar … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Navel Chakra/Solar Plexus Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Sacral Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The second chakra is the sacral chakra. Sanskrit word for the sacral chakra is called svadhistana. This word translates to where your being is established. Swa = self and adhisshana = established. Location: Lower body/inner pelvis Color: … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Sacral Chakra
A Christian Guide to the Root Chakra
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Number: The first chakra is the root chakra. Sanskrit word for the root chakra is called muladhara. Mula means root. Adhara means base (support). Location: The base of the spine. Color: Red Element: Earth Function: The root chakra is … [Read more...] about A Christian Guide to the Root Chakra
A Yogi’s Guide To Spring Cleaning
by Tina Russo Lancey, CYT, R-AYF, R-CYAMT Winter is finally on its way out and signs of spring are starting to show up! With the sweet sound of birds, and beautiful colors starting to also return, the urge to do a spring cleaning may take hold. Traditionally we think of spring cleaning as a … [Read more...] about A Yogi’s Guide To Spring Cleaning
Hope in Things Unseen
During my walk in the woods today, I heard the distinct call of the red winged black bird. My spirit leaped! This is one of my favorite birds, a true sign of spring. I found myself looking for the beautiful black bird with the red section on its wing, sometimes hidden as well and clearer when it … [Read more...] about Hope in Things Unseen
Cultural Appropriation or Religious Accommodation: Getting to the Truth About the Christian Yoga Controversy
By Dr. Amanda Brees, EdD RMT RYT; Pastoral Counselor & Meditation Researcher Where did Yoga Originate? “Furthermore, the interreligious and intercultural exchanges--primarily between Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions--throughout the history of yoga in South Asia problematize the … [Read more...] about Cultural Appropriation or Religious Accommodation: Getting to the Truth About the Christian Yoga Controversy
Wonder and Awe for Personal Transformation
The other day, I was feeling a bit off, nothing big just a tad angsty perhaps stemming from a bit of empath overload worrying about family members or self-perceived lack of love and understanding from my husband. So, I did what I usually do when I need to get right with myself and with God, I headed … [Read more...] about Wonder and Awe for Personal Transformation
Good Vibrations
When I became a yoga teacher I felt very out of my league. I had only been practicing yoga for a few months when I received my teaching certificate. I just KNEW it was what God put me on this earth to do! I made a trip to the local “hippy store” as I liked to call it. I needed something to make me … [Read more...] about Good Vibrations
But God . . . Wisdom From The Kitchen Sink
Have you ever been so busy with life, you step into the kitchen only to come face to face with a pile of dirty dishes? I believe prayer, Faith, and life can be like that sink full of dirty dishes, where prayer and faith are the soap and water. You don’t know where to start, you just know you need to … [Read more...] about But God . . . Wisdom From The Kitchen Sink
Anger
Anger. It’s an emotion that we all deal with from time to time. It’s a nasty emotion, and do you ever notice that rage seems to want to stick around? You find something to be angry about, then soon enough, you find even more reasons to stay in that emotional state. Anger is such a powerful and … [Read more...] about Anger
Gratitude Journaling For Your Health
Do you journal? Have you ever wondered what journaling really is? How it helps individuals in their lives? There are so many different forms of journaling, for example: The Blank Notebook Journal: If you genuinely feel inspired to write, a blank notebook journal is perfect! It’s like a small safe … [Read more...] about Gratitude Journaling For Your Health
Why You May Need to Practice Yin Yoga
Why You May Need to Practice Yin Yoga by: Jessica Bryant Yin yoga is more of a mental practice rather than a physical one. Whenever practicing yin, you won't be working up a sweat. Instead, you'll be staying in forms for about 3-5 minutes on average, depending on the class, the form, and the … [Read more...] about Why You May Need to Practice Yin Yoga
How Yoga Changed My Faith
From the time I was able to understand who Jesus was and what He represented I knew I wanted Him to live in my heart. I remember being a child and having audible conversations with Him as though He was there, sitting down for a tea party at the little plastic table at my grandmother’s house. I grew … [Read more...] about How Yoga Changed My Faith
The Uncomfortable Side…
How Being Uncomfortable Can Bring Us Closer to Him. Early morning, gazing down quietly at my mat, feet soaking up the energy with a long inhale. I look out between the open slats in the blinds to see if the sun has begun to rise. Still black. Then inhale, hands rise. Exhale, fold. Inhale, … [Read more...] about The Uncomfortable Side…
An Encouraging Word
"You've got this!" "Keep going!" You're doing great!" "Don't give up!" These phrases often bring hope to the hopeless, peace to the restless. Many times our hearts seem so overwhelmed, the thought of doing just one more thing can set our minds off into an exhaustive downward … [Read more...] about An Encouraging Word
Righteousness – Getting Right With God
A vibrant discussion about righteousness with my wise 21-year-old son, led to this blog. We were talking about all the righteousness in the world these days and how it stems from ego dominance, and the inability of folks to be wrong or to see things from a broader lens of compassion and … [Read more...] about Righteousness – Getting Right With God
I Am So Tired
“I am so tired” Do you ever find yourself thinking it or saying it? I do. The kind of tired that isn’t restored by sleep? Mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. The endless dishes, the work seeming to produce little versus the amount of work you’re putting in, a spouse that isn’t filling … [Read more...] about I Am So Tired
Like Oxygen to the Soul
Like oxygen to the soul, yearning, needing, so deeply desiring the Spirit to move within us. Oxygen is a necessary ingredient to life; without it, we cannot survive. This same concept applies to our soul, without the Spirit of God living within us, we crumble, desperately searching for a life-giving … [Read more...] about Like Oxygen to the Soul
Enjoy the Journey
For one reason or another, there is this misconception that you need to look a certain way in a yoga class. What people don't understand is that yoga is about having an experience rather than looking a certain way. I can understand that frame of mind because I still struggle sometimes with … [Read more...] about Enjoy the Journey
Off the Mat Yogi
Being a yogi is more than just practicing yoga. It's a lifestyle, which means taking some of the things you learn off the mat and out into the world. I've mentioned in a previous article about what yoga has taught me. I've learned to be more contentious about what I'm putting into my body. That … [Read more...] about Off the Mat Yogi
Be Still and Know
Yin yoga is a slower-paced yoga, designed to go deep into the fascia to release tension, more than just beneath the surface, that has accumulated due to stress or trauma, whether it be emotional, mental, or physical. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will … [Read more...] about Be Still and Know
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Amy Iverson brings us this AMAZING, easy, and healthy, Crockpot Turkey Breast! The best Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe that is SO easy! Learn how to cook a turkey breast in the crockpot! Perfect for Thanksgiving. If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, you know the struggle to use every single … [Read more...] about Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Fire of Faith
When you first get a fire going, it can take a significant amount of effort to get it really going. There are times where you think you have something going, but then it starts dying again. The flame gets bigger then smaller, bigger then maybe it turns back into embers. God does not … [Read more...] about Fire of Faith
Walking Through Darkness
Life doesn’t quite look like how we’d all imagined. It’s been interrupted with illness, fear, and divisions-all weighing heavily on our minds, an overload many find difficult to handle. The despair begins to set in; the darkness takes hold and consumes the small crevices of our hearts. It is…a … [Read more...] about Walking Through Darkness
Baked Acorn Squash
On the heels of Jessica Bryant's article, Eating Healthy During the Holidays, here is a recipe I have enjoyed since childhood. The recipe is from my mom! I prefer to use acorn squash, but any squash will do! If you have been to a pumpkin patch this season, you probably have seen many varieties … [Read more...] about Baked Acorn Squash
Eating Healthy During the Holidays
Eating healthy can be difficult any time of year, but it is especially difficult around the holidays. The reason being is there are unhealthy traditions surrounding food that are so ingrained into society, it is hard to escape. Comfort food is a great example. When I think of comfort … [Read more...] about Eating Healthy During the Holidays
Surrender to God
by Jessica Bryant Surrendering to God is not always as easy as it sounds. Whenever you hear sermons or articles online say to "let go and let God," it is easy to say and hear, and even harder to actually do. Whether it's jealousy, anger, resentment, bitterness, or whatever else. In the Bible, … [Read more...] about Surrender to God
Strength in Jesus = Strength on the Mat
by Ashley Marshall Stepping onto the mat, closing my eyes, breathing in the peace of the Lord. Beginning to prepare my body, mind, heart, and soul for what the Lord has for me during this time. Saying a quick prayer, I begin to open my eyes and move through a flow with expectations of lightness, … [Read more...] about Strength in Jesus = Strength on the Mat
Can Christians do Yoga?
By Dr. Amanda Brees, EDD RYT RMT, Meditation Researcher & Pastoral Counselor I happened upon yoga, reiki, and meditation as a fifteen-year-old evangelical coping with symptoms of developmental trauma. At the time, I was unprepared for the resistance I would face given how much these … [Read more...] about Can Christians do Yoga?
Yoga Using (Almost) Everything Around the Home
by: Jessica Bryant There is a common myth about the use of props being "taboo" or makes you "less than." Props are an amazing tool for any practitioner level. Not only do they help the beginner get the stretch in the targeted area, but they can also help the more seasoned yogi to deepen the … [Read more...] about Yoga Using (Almost) Everything Around the Home
The Why & How of Ujjayi Breath in Yoga
Yoga is the unity of mind and body and to achieve this unity, we often focus on our breath as we move through postures. Previously, I talked about How Pranayama Breathing Relieves Anxiety, but now let’s look at a type of Pranayama known as Ujjayi breath. In Sanskrit, Ujjayi breath means … [Read more...] about The Why & How of Ujjayi Breath in Yoga
