How God Can Use Yoga to Heal and Transform

Social media is the favorite place to debate things we fire-y about. It's easy to engage with a screen. And doing yoga as a Christian is something people have strong opinions about, which is understandable. I mentioned something about my journey to getting my many diagnoses, my yoga teacher training, and my plans to teach in the new year in a women with Christian business type group this week, and surprise surprise (echo in song* Surprise surprise*) someone was offended and even spoke as far as to question my salvation.

I responded by saying how I understand her convictions and used to hold them myself. I explained a bit about my story of struggling to carry all the 'shoulds' I put on my own shoulders and it was only when I tried yoga with a Christian instructor that I was able to step back and ask, 'Did God even ask me to old these heavy things? Or did I put these here myself?' And the answer was so freeing! I engaged as best I could and then agreed to disagree. But I wanted to flesh out my responses and continue to explore the issue!

The journey of faith often leads us to unexpected places. For many Christians, the idea of engaging in practices like yoga can feel unsettling. It’s commonly associated with other religions or secular wellness trends, and for some, this creates tension. But what if we allowed God to redeem what we perceive as "secular and scary," transforming it into something that draws us closer to Him? In my own experience, yoga has become a surprising and powerful tool for deepening my relationship with Christ, enriching my prayer life, and promoting healing in ways I never thought possible. Call it meditation, call it brain retraining, call it neuroplasticity, call it gasp yoga! Whatever you call it, God created it as a tool for healing our minds and bodies.

Stillness

Yoga, at its core, involves movement, stillness, connection, and effort—all elements the Bible encourages in the believer’s life. Scripture reminds us of the value of meditation and stillness: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I have heard secular teachers use this phrase in classes and wonder at God and how his word permeates our culture without people even realizing it!

Caring for our Bodies

Yoga highlights the importance of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). And it emphasizes the necessity of community and connection: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). These principles align closely with the practice of yoga when approached with the intention of glorifying God.

Hesitations and Reclaiming

It’s understandable why some Christians approach yoga with caution. I’ve been there myself, voicing the same concerns and warnings to others. But as I’ve studied its origins, explored its benefits, and prayed for wisdom, I’ve come to believe that God can redeem yoga and use it for His glory. Much like the rainbow, which was created by God but has been adopted as a symbol by various groups, yoga doesn’t belong to one specific belief system. Just because others have labeled it or used it differently doesn’t mean it can’t be redeemed and repurposed for good. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1).

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9, ESV), highlighting the cyclical nature of human experience and the persistence of themes throughout history. This profound truth underscores the sovereignty of Christ, who reigns over all creation and is capable of redeeming what has been appropriated or distorted by various cultures and religions. If we can set aside our predispositions and biases, allowing Him to work through us, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse expressions of faith that exist in the world. Through Christ, we can reclaim the beauty and truth that may have been obscured, bringing forth a renewed perspective that honors His ultimate authority.

There are essentials - hard truths that require no debate. AND there is also room for conversation around non-essentails such as the labels we give to the ways we choose to move and live and breathe.

Personal Conviction

Through yoga, I’ve experienced Christ in new ways—deepening my prayer life and connecting with God through intentional movement and stillness. It’s been a means of healing not only my body but also my mind and spirit. While it’s true that not every Christian will feel comfortable with yoga, and that’s okay, I believe we should leave room for God to work in ways that may challenge our assumptions. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The key is allowing God to lead. If we approach practices like yoga with discernment and invite Him into the process, they can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Yoga, when centered on Christ, becomes a space where the believer can meditate on God’s Word, practice gratitude, and cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trust

Ultimately, letting God redeem what we’ve labeled as “secular and scary” requires trust. It’s about surrendering our fears and preconceived notions and allowing Him to transform these practices into something that aligns with His truth. Whether it’s through yoga or another avenue, God has a way of using what the world sees as ordinary—or even problematic—to bring about extraordinary healing and growth in our lives.

If you are on the fence and want to judge for yourself I'd love to work with you. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions!