People approach yoga for different reasons; for instance some are interested in the benefits physical others look for spiritual growth or a combination of both. My introduction to yoga as a child, came when my mom bought a yoga book by Raquel Welch that took a more practical approach to yoga. Specifically, it is Raquel: The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program. However the book is out of print but it is worth looking for on used book sites or stores.

I am of the opinion you don’t that have to believe a certain way to practice yoga. To quote T.K.V. Desikachar from his book The Heart of Yoga on page 6 “yoga is “to be one with the divine”. It does not matter what name we use for the divine- God, Allah, Isvara or whatever- anything that brings us closer to understanding that there is a power higher and greater than ourselves is yoga.”

For those who are Christian and wanting to find a way to bring Christianity to the mat Finding Jesus on the Mat could be worth a read.

A Little Yoga Back Story

There’s disagreement between Christians about yoga being appropriate to practice. Some think you are worshipping other gods by practicing yoga poses. A few poses are named after Hindu gods but most are named after nature ( mountain) or animals (downward dog) and people. That is not the same as worshiping them while practicing. Ancients yogis needed to be able to sit for long periods of time for meditation. To make long periods of time sitting more comfortable they came up with a handful of asanas.

The truth is modern yoga as practiced in studios and at home from videos is not ancient. Krishnamacharya “the father of modern yoga” mixed gymnastics, traditional hatha yoga, Indian wrestling and British calisthenics for what we know as yoga today. I am not saying this to insult yoga or to dismiss the history of yoga. I am highlighting the fact people do not have to worry about worshipping a god they do not want to ,just because they are practicing yoga. Which brings me to my review of a book that I read. The book’s called; Finding Jesus On The Mat ;Your Daily Yoga Devotional By Bethany B. Connelly .

The Book

Bethany B. Connelly brings together faith and yoga on the mat in this book. Finding Jesus On The Mat was designed for daily use, it’s broken up into day 1,2,3, and so on. Each day consists of a theme, prayer and scripture. She does a great job of respectfully blending yoga and Christianity.

Looking at day one the theme is the meaning of yoga. Excerpt from page 1 Day 1 ;

The word yoga means to yoke or to form union. It is the union with the Holy One. The practice connects your breath, intention and action.

Close your eyes and visualize being yoked to Jesus, experiencing God-breathed verses igniting you from the inside out.

Inspirational Bible Verses

She then brings in the Bible passage; Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28 – 30)

After the scripture is a prayer she has written. Each day is different but follows the same outline. Day eight’s focus is about ahimsa (nonviolence) The scripture for this day is Luke 6:29. The familiar turn the other cheek passage.

Farther into the book the focus is a specific pose. For example day eighty seven is tadasana also known as mountain pose. The passage for this day is from Exodus. You will bring them on the mountain of your inheritance- the place, LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established. ( Exodus 15:17)

On the days where a pose is the focus she explains how to do that pose. The book is focused on daily devotionals being integrated with the readers personal practice. This book does not have set yoga sequences. At the same time this book is easily used by beginners and those with a solid yoga foundation.

To Sum Up

In conclusion there are 365 days in a year (not counting leap year). This book includes 365 yoga daily devotionals each with a different focus. Yogalates is even included. I truly think this book is a must for anyone interested in uniting Christianity and yoga on the mat. I also believe anyone just curious on how combining the two would even work will find this book of interest.

Yoga is one of my favorite wats to destress and help my body feel better. To help you figure out which type might work for you I have written Popular Types of Yoga Great for Beginners . I wish you much fun on your yoga journey!