
Recently, I've become aware of many people expressing concern about the spirituality behind the practice of yoga and questioning whether it is in conflict with Christian or Catholic teachings. For me, yoga has never been a spiritual lesson in the sense the creators might have intended or the detractors allege. It has been a journey; a challenge in a physical, personal and spiritual way.
When I started, I had no idea it would be this physically difficult. But, with that difficulty, has come amazing progress. I have found a strength, both inner and physical, that I never knew I possessed. I've found a willingness to meet that pain head on and keep going, with mostly minimal grumbling.

It challenges me to try new adventures and pay close attention to my body and how God made me. It helps me realize that hard work and dedication pay off and yield wonderful results. I am continuously amazed at this body that God created and what he has enabled me to accomplish with it. Of course, there are lots of moments when I simply laugh out loud after twisting up and falling over. But, I try again and sooner or later I make progress toward that strange twisty pose, or being able to stand on my head.
There have been many times during breathing exercises or while holding a difficult pose, I have found myself looking to prayer or offering praise. This conflict in the Christian community over yoga has taken me completely by surprise because for me, yoga feels like a celebration of God's creation.