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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by holymama on March 27, 2004, at 14:03:18
As a newcomer to Christianity, and as a person developing a new, strong faith in God and dedicated to a Christian path of spiritual development, I have also started practicing yoga again. I go to a studio 4-5 times a week and have a fantastic, young teacher who is really open to discussing things with me and helping me get what I need out of my practice there. The problem is, I am having a slight problem getting adjusted to this eastern philosophy again. I was a very serious yogini before my Christian 'experience' over the last year or so, so this is the first time I have practiced both similtaneously. Does anyone have any experience or advice for me regarding this? I am having a hard time integrating the two especially in terms of feeling like I want to pray (fill my mind up) during yoga, when I feel like I am being asked to empty my mind. I'm also wondering where yoga fits into my life now...it used to work so well for me on a physical and spiritual level. I am definately finding the physical benefits to be great, but the spiritual part has been tough for me to integrate. Thankfully my teacher has been keeping a conversation going with me about this and thinks yoga and ayurveda (the indian medicine using yoga, diet and lifestyle changes to gain maxinmum health) will strengthen my body and mind, making me a stronger container for the spirit (his words, not mine). It sounds good to me...but maybe I'm suffering from spiritual overload. :) Any thoughts or advice would be wonderful.
Posted by PeggyY on March 29, 2004, at 12:02:47
In reply to How to integrate yoga with Christian practice, posted by holymama on March 27, 2004, at 14:03:18
This is a tough one, as I have experienced this dilema myself before. I find that private studios tend to be more focused on the whole eastern philosophy. The atmosphere itself is like into the realm of the spirit that is not Godly. If you were a real yogi, you know the sensation or the feeling you get when you walk into a room like that. I also found that yoga does wonders for anxiety and stress and all around physical fitness. My solution then is to find classes at places like gyms, they very rarely focus on the "spiritual side" of yoga. It may not "feel" as relaxing but that is because you are not being drawn into the spiritual realm that opens you up for ANY spirits to come in. That is what the emptying your mind is all about. I have also found tapes to do at home. Where the spiritual environment is not compromised. If your heart and mind are open to the holy Spirit that is a good thing, but if you are open to all kinds of spirits in a studio type atmosphere you don't really know what you are getting. Spiritually, it is not safe for me.
Hope this helps!
Peggy
Posted by holymama on March 30, 2004, at 5:43:37
In reply to Re: How to integrate yoga with Christian practice, posted by PeggyY on March 29, 2004, at 12:02:47
Dear Peggy,
Thanks so much for your reply. What do you mean by
"being drawn into the spiritual realm that opens you up for ANY spirits to come in."???
Autumn
Posted by PeggyY on April 2, 2004, at 12:35:55
In reply to Re: How to integrate yoga with Christian practice, posted by holymama on March 30, 2004, at 5:43:37
Hi Autumn:
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I haven't been on the board all week.
Your question about the spirit realm opens up a subject that can be debatable. I believe that we operate in two realms, the physical and the spiritual. The Bible says "We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against power and principalities". There is a constant battle for our souls between good and evil (Christ and Santan). In a practice like yoga you are encouraged to empty your mind. I believe you are either filled with the Holy Spirit or negative spiritual influences. Yoga opens you up to the oppession of negative spirits. I believe the less educated one is about the spiritual realm the more likely they can unknowingly become oppressed, I didn't say possessed! I believe there are actual spirits like the spirit of depression, the spirit of anger, the spirit of fear etc. When you accept Christ into your life you are filled with the Holy Spirit, which is more of a defense against spiritual attack.
I hope this makes sense.
Because He Lives,
Peggy
Posted by Jai Narayan on April 2, 2004, at 15:07:33
In reply to How to integrate yoga with Christian practice, posted by holymama on March 27, 2004, at 14:03:18
I was baptised a catholic and embrace Jesus and all the angels and saints....
I have also done years of yoga and embraced the Sikh religion.
I am now out on my own but feel that both faiths are compatible and safe.
The path is the way to God. All the choices of paths are for the diversity of our human race.
We have choices.
The path is just that a path. Just like a road can take you to another town.
All paths lead to God.
God isn't owned by any one religion.
I think the opposite of God is fear. I think the opposite of love is fear.
I am aware that sometimes we get scared but I believe that God will always hold us in the light of love.
I do not embrace fear.....I hope to be filled with light and love just as Jesus was.
My best to you in your search.
Posted by gardenergirl on April 3, 2004, at 21:57:37
In reply to My best to you in your search, posted by Jai Narayan on April 2, 2004, at 15:07:33
I am inspired by your post. Since my mother is Catholic and my father is Methodist, they never really provided any spiritual upbringing for me. I have always believed that I was on my own spiritual path, but also felt guilty sometimes that I did not embrace any one religion. Your post helps me to see that as long as I am going forward in a mindful way, I am closer to God.
Thank you.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on April 5, 2004, at 17:09:47
In reply to Re: My best to you in your search, posted by gardenergirl on April 3, 2004, at 21:57:37
This is the end of the thread.
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