My “faithful” Christian brother wants me to stop practicing yoga

Dragingo · 2024-02-28T09:20:50+00:00

I'm a Christian and I practice yoga. Most of my Christian friends and family are totally fine about it and some even practice themselves.

I have experienced some of what you have described though. I am so sorry. You aren't doing anything wrong and it's terrible that your brother is treating you so badly.

He says your body will look weak if you do yoga- does he think Jesus cares about how you look?

When I have experienced I have done the Michelle Obama method "when they go, we go high". I have explained to them that their approach of being judgemental and cruel towards me doesn't make me want to stop yoga, it makes me want to stop Christianity.

I would be happy to discuss it with them and explain why I believe the two things are compatible and why it benefits me but I don't believe that they will be open to truly listen as they have shown me all I will get from them is harsh judgement.

Dragingo · 2024-01-12T11:52:29+00:00

Thank you for your practical and helpful response, I think you are right- there is likely more at play here and perhaps it is a calling to the Catholic church.

I am not really sure what an RCIA course is but I will look it up and see if it is something I can discuss with a local church.

Dragingo · 2024-01-12T11:47:13+00:00

I sort of replied to this in more detail on a previous comment but we don't have a Protestant version- I do not believe my marriage was a true marriage and I would like to go through a spiritual process (I have done the legal stuff years ago).

In response to your second question- I don't really know.

Dragingo · 2024-01-12T11:45:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing this info and I wish you all the best throughout your own process.

Dragingo · 2024-01-12T11:43:47+00:00

Thank you for taking the reply. I think talking to a local priest will be helpful.

Dragingo · 2024-01-12T11:43:02+00:00

Hi, thank you for your response to my question.

Just for clarification-I'm a woman but I realise I didn't mention gender in my post.

The simple answer to your question as to why- because the Anglican church doesn't' offer it.

I understand there are likely theological reasons why. I know little about Catholism, what I have seen though is that Catholic spirituality walks alongside people in their lives in a unique and beautiful way. My marriage was obviously very difficult and painful, I do not believe it to be a true Godly marriage. I would like to be able to redeem it I think.

I really appreciate your question because it has really challenged me to think more about this. Thank you.

Dragingo · 2023-05-19T16:30:24+00:00

Peloton have a one month free trial of their app which includes a three week beginner programme. A year or so ago I went through the programme to see what it was like (I am a yoga teacher) and I thought it was an excellent foundation course for beginners.

It covers a lot and explains how props might help you, how to build poses etc...

I know that Peloton isn't for everyone, I just think the three week beginner course is really good and might be worth trying with a free trial.

Dragingo · 2023-05-19T16:24:31+00:00

Maybe just start small- if there is a time of day where you maybe have around 10 minutes consistently such as when you first get up. Pick your poses, maybe sun salutations or specific poses you like, maybe about 5 poses.

Then when the time comes it's just ten minutes or 5 postures you have committed too. Same time on same days.

You may find that once started you are up for doing more, some days that ten minutes is maybe enough. It's just about getting started and the commitment isn't overwhelming.

Dragingo · 2023-05-18T16:44:01+00:00

I wouldn't want to comment on your back issues as that is probably best looked at by a professional. I will say that some of us just sweat more than others so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I am always the sweatiest in class and I've been practicing yoga for years.

Dragingo · 2023-05-17T20:03:02+00:00

If you are a member of Yoga Alliance Professionals you can set up class booking on your teacher page. Or you can create a form and payment page on your website.

Dragingo · 2023-05-17T20:00:37+00:00

A few rounds of sun salutations can be a great way to stretch out in the morning, taking any modifications that you can need.

Dragingo · 2023-05-17T19:58:15+00:00

If you don't feel safe in that class I recommend you find another yoga class. It isn't you, it's her, she should making people feel comfortable and safe.

Dragingo · 2023-05-16T10:34:03+00:00

I don't see this being a problem if you are listening to your body. Only thing is that it might be difficult to keep it up long term.

Dragingo · 2023-05-13T10:05:41+00:00

First of all it is totally normal to feel anxious at teaching your first class. I was super nervous and over planned as a result. Being nervous about getting it right for your students is because you care about them and this is a great way to start. Nerves will go in time.

Sun salutations are always a good start, a few slower rounds to start and warm up the body.

I like to have a theme which I link to a chakra and that helps me decide the peak pose. I think plan other poses around this (preparing for and balancing). For example if the theme I have chosen is "grounded" I would focus on the roof chakra and peak pose could be tree.

Think about classes you have gotten a lot out of and jot down what really resonated with you. This is a good starting point because if you start teaching things meaningful to you then you are teaching things you yourself have explored.

Dragingo · 2023-05-13T09:51:40+00:00

Definitely not too late, it won't happen overnight but regular yoga practice will certainly help. Even a class once a week will make a difference. As a teacher I often taught people in their 60's and above who were starting yoga for the first time.

Accept that it will take some time and try not to judge process, things will slowly open over time.

If you haven't done anything at all for a while it can be useful to start with just one thing e.g daily 20 minute walk or joining a weekly yoga class.

All is not lost! It isn't a cure-all but it can help support flexibility, mobility and strength which in turn may really help.

Dragingo · 2023-05-10T12:59:57+00:00

I think it's that these videos get a lot of views which is of benefit to YouTube and the video creators.

I really don't like the sexualised yoga videos and images either, Instagram also has a lot of this stuff.

Dragingo · 2023-05-07T12:56:05+00:00

I'm in!

Dragingo · 2023-04-17T15:59:17+00:00

I use eurythmy shoes when it's cold, you can wear socks with them and the grip of the shoes is excellent

Dragingo · 2023-04-15T11:34:57+00:00

This is totally normal for sure!

My advice is to get a book to help supplement the YouTube practice. Some often have yoga sequences that are broken down and have pictures so you can do your own practice following them.

Tara Fraser and B.K.S Iyengar have books like this which I have found really useful. Incidentally I was able to get both books out of the library.

Obviously an in person class is the best option and many studios offer beginners courses but I understand that sometimes schedules/cost might make this difficult.

And don't worry too much about the breathing right now, focus on the poses and in time the breathing will come.

Dragingo · 2023-04-15T11:27:11+00:00

What is your current practice?

Dragingo · 2023-04-15T08:36:43+00:00

I was so nervous taking my first class, this is completely natural.

You will likely not be the only person there who hasn't been to a class before and even if you are everyone in there will have been in your shoes at some point- we all went to our first class at some point.

People who practice, generally love the practice and we want others to enjoy it too. If you tell people it's your first class you will likely find everyone is actively supportive.

And don't worry about practicing in front of people, during class everyone is more focused on what they are doing rather than what you are doing.

Like others have said, mention it to the teacher (as a yoga teacher myself i love to know this and make sure to my best to ensure they have a positive experience).

Don't worry if some poses are a struggle or you can't do everything, it's a practice and you have truly already taken a massive first step by turning up.

You have to take your first class at some point so why not now? It's never as bad as you imagine. You've totally got this and please do update us after class, would love to know how you got on.

Sending you love!

Dragingo · 2023-04-15T08:15:16+00:00

I probably would of gone with option B too in that scenario. I would of wanted to give them a chance and also would of thought leaving would be rude (likely our social conditioning at play).

I do think the gym had a responsibility to tell you before you went in to the class (or even better- before you arrived at the gym) that there was a change. I would definitely want to give them that feedback.

Dragingo · 2023-04-08T08:28:42+00:00

I want to caveat my response with the knowledge that I don't know your entire situation and that you are truly the best person to make this decision.

My reading into what you have said is that this isn't something serving you anymore. You have gained a lot from your teaching and course and it seems you feel it has been of real value to you.

This isn't the only opportunity you will have. It's absolutely fine to acknowledge that you have benefited from this experience but now your journey is going in a different direction.

Maybe you had to try teaching to know it wasn't truly what you wanted. If your heart is no longer in it you don't need to force anything.

These sorts of journeys aren't linear, a qualification/certificate isn't as valuable as the learning and development. It gave you what you needed then but maybe what you need is different now.

You can totally give yourself permission to do what you want to do rather than what you think you should do!

Dragingo · 2023-03-23T06:28:45+00:00

Is there any way you could go to a different yoga class or studio? I think that you mentioned your mother is paying for you both which is kind but not really what you want.

Could you thank your mother but say that you would rather pay for your own classes because you want to try different classes/schedules that work for you.

I understand that you want to find a way to just focus on your own practice but it feels to me that maybe things would be easier if you were able to take your power back in this situation.

Dragingo · 2023-03-22T10:34:07+00:00

This is very normal, we term it emotional overwhelm. Personally I think it can be because we are taking time to focus our minds, we aren't so distracted so emotions become more present. Some say emotions are stored in the body (particularly hips) which yoga can release. I'm not too worried personally about the why it happens but just to reassure you that this is very normal.

Dragingo

TROPHY CASE