Yoga

lunamoth · 10-06-2008, 04:41 PM

I have started taking 'fitness yoga' and find that I like it quite a lot. I take two classes a week, one of which is actually split between yoga and pilates. I'd like to include more yoga in my fitness routine but I'd like to understand more about it first.

First, I've heard that 'real' yoga should be done in a very warm room. Is that true or necessary? I think it would make me sick to exercise like that in a very warm room.

Second, I'd like a yoga routine that maximizes strength and flexibility and also includes a bit of meditative practice. How would I go about finding or developing such a routine for myself. Is there a certain kind of yoga studio or class I should look for?

Third, I'd especially love to have the physical yoga moves combined with Christian contemplative prayer, if such a thing is possible. Has anyone ever heard of "Christian yoga?"

GlorytoGod · 10-06-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

Third, I'd especially love to have the physical yoga moves combined with Christian contemplative prayer, if such a thing is possible. Has anyone ever heard of "Christian yoga?"

CHristian Yoga does exist, but Yoga is really a Hindu practice IMO, why not just do Pilates ?

seattlegal · 10-06-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

I have started taking 'fitness yoga' and find that I like it quite a lot. I take two classes a week, one of which is actually split between yoga and pilates. I'd like to include more yoga in my fitness routine but I'd like to understand more about it first.

First, I've heard that 'real' yoga should be done in a very warm room. Is that true or necessary? I think it would make me sick to exercise like that in a very warm room.

Yes. It depends, of course, upon what you mean by a 'very warm' room. 75° might work well for you. I prefer 80+°.

Quote:

Second, I'd like a yoga routine that maximizes strength and flexibility and also includes a bit of meditative practice. How would I go about finding or developing such a routine for myself. Is there a certain kind of yoga studio or class I should look for?

I would highly recommend Iyengar yoga. Your girls would probably love to try some of the postures, as well.

Quote:

Third, I'd especially love to have the physical yoga moves combined with Christian contemplative prayer, if such a thing is possible. Has anyone ever heard of "Christian yoga?"

I would concentrate on learning and practicing the asanas, paying attention to and learning to listen to your body first. Once you become proficient, then you can start to incorporate some of the asanas into your contemplative prayer.

earl · 10-06-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlorytoGod

CHristian Yoga does exist, but Yoga is really a Hindu practice IMO, why not just do Pilates ?

GtoG-there's this view to consider:
Christian Yoga by Dan Wakefield -- Beliefnet.com

Lunamoth-combining contemplative prayer perhaps in tune with the rhythms of the breath as it flows through your body, (allowing for mindfulness of the body in the process) sounds like a great idea. earl

GlorytoGod · 10-06-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earl

GtoG-there's this view to consider:
Christian Yoga by Dan Wakefield -- Beliefnet.com

A a Christian why would I want partake in other Spiritual Traditions ?

Jesus is enough !

But on the other hand this thread is in the Secular Section, so I will shut up now

Snoopy · 10-06-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

I have started taking 'fitness yoga' and find that I like it quite a lot. I take two classes a week, one of which is actually split between yoga and pilates. I'd like to include more yoga in my fitness routine but I'd like to understand more about it first.

luna, it starts with yoga and then, before you know it, you'll be worshipping an elephant-headed deity. I just want to save your soul from eternal damnation, that's all. Please think very carefully!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/6972070.stm

s.

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

luna, it starts with yoga and then, before you know it, you'll be worshipping an elephant-headed deity. I just want to save your soul from eternal damnation, that's all. Please think very carefully!

BBC NEWS | England | Somerset | Church bans toddlers' yoga group

s.

I am moved by your concern for my soul Snoopy. I can see how baby yoga is really a subversive attempt to lure the innocent off the one true path. What I need to know is "where are their mothers?" while such heathen practices are going on?

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earl

GtoG-there's this view to consider:
Christian Yoga by Dan Wakefield -- Beliefnet.com

Lunamoth-combining contemplative prayer perhaps in tune with the rhythms of the breath as it flows through your body, (allowing for mindfulness of the body in the process) sounds like a great idea. earl

Thank you earl! An Episcopal priest who has written books about Christian yoga...I will be looking into that!

Those nutty Episcopalians! ;-)

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattlegal

Yes. It depends, of course, upon what you mean by a 'very warm' room. 75° might work well for you. I prefer 80+°.

I would highly recommend Iyengar yoga. Your girls would probably love to try some of the postures, as well.

I would concentrate on learning and practicing the asanas, paying attention to and learning to listen to your body first. Once you become proficient, then you can start to incorporate some of the asanas into your contemplative prayer.

"Yoga is not a religion, yoga is the science of religions" B.K.S. Iyengar (Light on Yoga)

Thank you seattlegal, I will look more into this. I'm not sure at all about the 80 plus degrees though!

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlorytoGod

CHristian Yoga does exist, but Yoga is really a Hindu practice IMO, why not just do Pilates ?

I like the pilates too, but I find myself enjoying the yoga more, plus I do like the meditative, spiritual aspect of it.

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlorytoGod

A a Christian why would I want partake in other Spiritual Traditions ?

Jesus is enough !

But on the other hand this thread is in the Secular Section, so I will shut up now

I see a lot of similarity between different spiritual traditions. Integrating mind, body and spirit is important to me, and I'm not into aceticism. Connecting prayer with a physical discipline that is healthy seems like a good thing to me.

Snoopy · 10-07-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

What I need to know is "where are their mothers?" while such heathen practices are going on?

Probably bumming around on internet forums

s.

Snoopy · 10-07-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunamoth

I'm not into aceticism.

Well it didn't seem to do this chap a lot of good.

s.

lunamoth · 10-07-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Probably bumming around on internet forums

s.

Oh, the shame...