FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get Quick Answers to Your Questions
Welcome!
I’ve pulled some of the most frequently asked questions from my clients and compiled them all into one place.
HOW IS YOUR "CHRIST-CENTERED" YOGA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER YOGA?
My yoga practice is founded on the Authentic Word of God as revealed in the Bible.
This practice is a modality, a form of recognition and honor for God, developed by experience in order to deepen one’s connection to their Higher Power. The word “yoga” is derived from Sanskrit, a root language and dialect of India. This word directly translates to our English language as “unite" or "yoke.” The sacred practice of yoga was developed to enhance our holiness as we are set apart and devoted to Our Triune God by yoking with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through heart, mind, body, and soul.
Traditional yoga explores varying avenues to the Universal divine spirit and provides opportunities to connect with something larger than self. Christ-centered yoga, however, focuses the heart to be prayerful, intentional, and worshipful towards God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
HOW DO I RSVP FOR A YOGA SESSION?
I handle all of my RSVPs through REMIND. If you are new to me, you must fill out an ONLINE WAIVER before your first RSVP is confirmed. Please CONTACT me and I'll get you started!
DO I HAVE TO BRING ANY EQUIPMENT WITH ME?
If you own a mat, block, or strap, please bring them with you. If you do not own a mat and are new to the practice, I have very few to loan out during your practice; please contact me in advance to reserve one.
You will also need to complete this ONLINE waiver before all classes and before you can hold your spot for any of the classes that require an RSVP.
Otherwise, just bring a water bottle, a small towel, and your openness to connect with God.
WHAT IF I'M NEW TO YOGA, NEVER PRACTICED BEFORE, OR NOT VERY STRONG/FLEXIBLE?
If you can breathe, you can practice with me!
Public sessions are available to BOTH men & women at any fitness level, unless otherwise noted.
I offer modifications for the physical postures; gentle instruction for beginners,
more challenging options for the seasoned practitioner.
Each session is practiced on the floor with your yoga mat.*
"Chair" yoga is practiced off the floor using a chair for the entire practice.
If you are limited in your mobility, unable to get down on the floor, chair yoga is for you.
If you're a First Time Visitor, please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and get oriented.
Wear comfortable clothes, bring your mat and water bottle (block/strap if you use them in your practice).
We practice barefoot for 60-75 min each session. This includes 10-15 minutes of stretching and breathing at the beginning of practice and 10-15 minutes of relaxation and meditation at the end.
No pedicure or flexibility is necessary.
Come as you are.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Clothes that allow you to move and rest comfortably are all you need. You'll want to avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose. Breathable cotton layers are best. Yoga is ideally practiced barefoot but your socks may be worn for warmth if you prefer. Shoes are left outside the room/space.
ARE THERE "RULES" OR CERTAIN ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW?
Yes!...
and I'm so glad you asked because I made a VIDEO PLAYLIST about such guidelines.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before our start time, don't hurt yourself, and treat the practice as a prayer meeting or just a time to intimately connect with Jesus.
Check out THIS great article that covers almost everything else you'll need to know.
WHAT IF A PRACTICE IS CANCELLED
Life happens.
The weather changes.
Our practice may cancel for a host of reasons; weather-related, church needs & staff changes, host site building issues, etc.
I have a "Class Information Line" to check for cancellations. There is a recorded message there that is always up to date.
Dial (234) 719-3213.
This is how I communicate last minute cancellations.
WHY ARE THE PRACTICES LISTED AS "DONATION"?
"Donation" practices are listed this way so that attendees know they are encouraged to donate the designated amount; these donations are appreciated but NOT necessary in order to attend. Average yoga studio practices are $12-$15 per session and I want this practice available to everyone. But, if finances are tight, please come anyway.
I trust God will lead the hearts of those who attend to give whatever they can.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
You may offer donations via:
Cash, Cash App, Apple Pay, or Zelle.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A REGULAR YOGA PRACTICE?
1. Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength, and stamina for healthy joints, ligaments, and tendons.
2. Increased blood flow and circulation.
3. Relieves anxiety, reduces stress and tension, alleviates symptoms of depression, helps to balance mood swings.
4. Improves memory, concentration, and focus, calming mental clutter, offering clarity of thought.
5. Lowers body fat and assists in maintaining healthy weight.
6. Helps asthma, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems.
7. Assists in pain management, promoting happiness and sense of well-being.
8. Establish connection with others and join in a unique Christian worship and fellowship.
9. Teaches expressive prayer in a very intense yet intimate way.
10. Helps one to understand our intense connection to and complete reliance on our Triune God.
WHAT ABOUT "NAMASTE"?
What does Namaste mean?
Namaste’s literal translation is “I bow to you,” in Sanskrit. “Nama” is to bow and “te” is to you. Namaste also translates as the “light in me sees the light in you, the divine in me sees the divine in you, the truth in me sees the truth in you.” As created in the image of God, Christians practicing yoga bow to our Creator of the Universe. With hands folded in prayer at the heart center, we bow our heads in honor to the Light of Truth, Jesus Christ. This gesture is also used as a greeting and sign of respect in Eastern Cultures. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the LIGHT of the world.”
Here's a beautifully comprehensive article written by my friend and sister in Christ on this subject.
Although I do not end my typical classes with "Namaste" (simply because of the confusion it causes for those who don't understand the meaning), I will happily return your "Namaste."
ISN'T YOGA A RELIGIOUS PART OF HINDUISM?
Although yoga originated in India, and Hinduism was the first major religion to adopt yoga as a way to the Hindi understanding of the Divine, Yoga is NOT a religion.
Yoga is a spiritual discipline; a practice of mind and body control and connection. Much like fasting, meditation, and prayer, yoga cannot be owned by one specific religion. Yoga originated in India, predating written history and all major world religions. Stone carvings depicting figures in yoga postures have been found in archaeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more. While yoga predates Hinduism, Hindus were the first to give yoga a written structure, adopting it as a way to their understanding of the Divine.
Believers in Jesus Christ, however, can practice yoga (yoking our mind, body, spirit) as a means of worshiping Our Lord
with all of our “heart, soul, mind, and strength.” (Luke 10:27)
Yoga postures were originally named in Sanskrit. In my yoga practice,
I teach in my native tongue (English) to avoid any confusion.
My practice embraces the essential elements of yoga: breathwork, meditation, and physical postures. In all of these elements, Christ is the focus of our intention and worship. There are other concepts and traditions that may be part of some yoga practices that are not a part of my yoga practice, such as chanting "OM" or using chakra theory to explain the interplay of the physical and energetic dynamic in the human body.
For more in-depth information about the Christian perspective of Eastern practice, please visit:
ISN'T YOGA DEMONIC FOR CHRISTIANS?
Simply stated, No. It's not. But you probably heard that from someone who (although they likely had the best intentions of protecting your soul) was just parroting information they once heard and never really studied the practice of yoga. HERE is educational information for you to consider, written by my friend and brother in Christ. I pray you'll do your own research.
I hope you found your answer. But if you didn’t, feel free to contact me so that we can discuss exactly what you need.