Welcome

Thanks for visiting my site. I am passionate about teaching Yahweh Yoga and honored that the Lord has chosen me to share this dream with others. Whether you are a believer (as I am), a seeker (as I was), or just want to exercise (that too), you are welcome in my classes.

I have been doing yoga for a long time, and started teaching in 2011 after completing my training at Yahweh Yoga. To learn more about Yahweh Yoga, visit www.yahwehyoga.com.

Yahweh style yoga classes are a lot like secular yoga classes, but we always start our practice by sharing an uplifting scripture verse and end our practice with the same verse so that God knows he is welcome with us. We also include Christian praise songs in the soundtracks we use as background music for our practice. Sometimes this inspires people to sing and praise the Lord (and that’s good too!). Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

But many Christians rightly ask: “Is yoga a religion? I am not comfortable exercising or worshiping in another religion.” The answer is no, yoga is not a religion. It is a health methodology and exercise system that can be practiced by people of all faiths and those with no faith at all. There is archaeological evidence to support the contention that yoga practice predates all of the world’s major religions, going back as far as 5,000 B.C., where cave drawings of people in the Indus Valley show people doing yoga! That said, it only seems fair to thank the good folks of India for this wonderful contribution to world culture. 

In ancient times, the yoga practiced in India did not emphasize asanas or postures as much as we do today in the west, so things have evolved. The yoga I teach is called Hatha Yoga, which is mostly about dynamic and restorative postures for the body and learning to breathe in a healthful way (called pranayama). Hatha means sun (ha) and moon (tha). And this idea of uniting opposites, balancing effort with ease, coordinating breath and movement, is central to yoga practice.

Yoga means to yoke or join, and it has always been about reconnecting with our maker. Jesus said: Come to me, all you who are 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).

The Bible also tells us to Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) and Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling (Zechariah 2:13). Yoga is a great way to obey God’s word because it helps us slow down our busy minds so that we can reconnect with him.

If you are a Christian and have been wanting to try yoga, but had some reservations because of your faith, please come and join one of our Yahweh Yoga classes and see for yourself. There is no reason you should not enjoy the wonderful health benefits of a yoga practice. As Joel Osteen says, “I promise, we’ll make you feel right at home.”

Peace and thanksgiving,

Hal

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing … (Romans 15:13).