Yoga Devotion is a small Christian yoga company started by two women trained to teach a fitness form of yoga.  During their training they both expected to realize the physical benefits of yoga, but were pleasantly surprised at the spiritual aspects of yoga.  As Christians, they felt that this alert calmness that they experienced during and after their practice, could be used in a devotional way, to encourage a closer relationship with Christ.  They started Yoga Devotion in two churches and have now grown to 14 area churches.  They hear many life stories of health and healing.  They understand Christ as Healer and they use yoga as a vehicle to help others make that connection.

Yoga Devotion is a level 1 class that will focus on breath work, lengthening and strengthening muscles as well as balance and flexibility.  Participants should wear loose, layered clothing and bring water.  Mats are recommended.  They can be purchased at area stores.  If you choose not to purchase a mat, a large beach towel will work.  The class format is as follows:  Class opens with 10 minutes of breath work.  The instructor sometimes offers class participants a Christian mantra such as the Jesus Prayer that you can time your breathing to or you can use a favorite Bible verse, line from a hymn, or anything that will help you focus your attention on quiet time, in the presence of God. Then the body of the class is releasing and lengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and range of motion through hatha yoga poses.  The class closes in restorative pose.  A devotion is read at this time.  Christian music is played during the class. 

For more information about Faith and Health Ministries at Gloria Dei, please contact Mary Jo Hallberg, Parish Nurse, at 651.699.1378.  Interested in volunteering and becoming involved with one of these ministries? It's as easy as clicking Volunteer at Gloria Dei.