Yoga is probably the most popular of the Indian traditions, it has reached many countries and people of various beliefs and all walks of life. Yoga is a system of beliefs centered on the wholeness and being in the moment of the body, mind and soul. There are numerous yoga traditions, but the most popular appear to be Hatha Yoga, but it has transformed in so many ways that it is difficult to keep track of what was traditional and what is modern. Nonetheless, the practice of yoga has been taken up by different cultures and transformed them into something that is congruent with their own systems of beliefs. The changes in how yoga is practiced included the poses, wherein the more difficult the pose, the more control and strength the yogi has, it became also fast paced, some even do yoga in a hot room to help with the sweating and losing weight. As yoga became modified, the system of beliefs that accompanied it also got lost, and now outside of India, yoga is largely a fitness routine, or at best a way to meditate or be mindful of one’s being in the here and now. Nowadays, there is now a Christian Yoga, where yoga is practiced in a prayerful manner, it advocates for Jesus first, yoga second.
What is Christian Yoga?
Christian Yoga appears to be a misnomer, in the sense that yoga is an eastern system of belief that does not include any God or the bible, instead it is focused on oneness and being, of transcending physical discomfort and achieving peace and serenity. Being a Christian on the other hand is a system of faith that is centered on God and the teachings of the bible, it is like combining the east and west, a fusion of some sort. However, as strange as it may be, in reality, Christian yoga do exist and they also call themselves Christian yogis. There is a certified association of yoga practice, and Christian yoga is categorized as faith based yoga and it now has quite a following. At best, this may be of signs of the future where differences are no longer an issue but rather a way of bringing together people, cultures and beliefs. Christian yoga is based on the belief that God is the creator of everything and that He created the body to be able to commune and be with Him, body, mind, spirit and soul. Moreover, the practice of yoga is mainly the means in which the body is able to pray and worship God, as they practice yoga and the poses, they are offering their body and mind to God and abiding in His words as found in the bible. Yoga is said to be referenced in the bible, and it has been practiced since time immemorial to commune with God, hence, yoga is the perfect way to build a better relationship with God. Being one with God is transformative, and it makes their faith stronger and become good Disciples of Christ and work towards spreading the word of God.
How To Become a Christian Yoga Instructor?
In order to become a Christian Yoga instructor, you first need to train under the Christian Yoga practice, they offer a number of trainings at varying levels of difficulty and complexity. It starts with the 100 hour teachers training, where you will be introduced to the Christian Yoga beliefs and principles, it is based on the key principles of worship and prayer using yoga. With it, you get a certification as a registered Christian yoga instructor and you can even start teaching after completing the 100 hours training modules. This training is available online using distant education format and you can do any time and at any place in the world. On the other hand, another option is to enrol the 200 hours teacher training program, where you become a registered certified Christian yoga instructor, and receive an in depth yoga education that is based on the Christian faith and how happiness and joy is attained through the practice of yoga. There is also the 300 or 500 hours masters training program, where you need to complete four master trainer modules. You cannot get into the masters training classes if you have not completed the 200 hours training program. The masters’ class comes with an online training program, a hands-on training session and you can choose an elective for specialized groups. If you already have the basic training program, you can also opt for the special training programs such as trauma sensitive program, somatic therapy program, prison ministry, addiction therapy program and children ministry depending on your own interests and preferences. Any person is welcome to enrol in the training programs as long as they are respectful of the Christian faith and are able to practice yoga under these system of beliefs.
How Does Christian Yoga Help?
Christian yoga is founded on the teachings of God, and the bible is the only resource needed to create a life that is in accordance with the will of God, thus, when you become a Christian Yoga instructor, you are also advocating for the practice of yoga as a means of communicating with God, and bringing people closer to God. Yoga appeals to many people of different cultures and beliefs, but if you teach Christian Yoga, then you are helping your students learn more about God and what the bible says so that they will become Christ-like. When you do Christian yoga, you are not just doing yoga, but you are actually spreading the word of God and that this is what discipleship is about. By your faith and example, teaching yoga to your students will also bring them to the flock of Christ. Some people go through their lives without any religion or faith, and that is a most unfortunate event, but with your training and your help, you will be able to bring one person at a time to a meditative and prayerful state which makes it easier for them to commune with God. Christian Yoga changes you, and it too will change others in the same way.
