Yoga & Christianity

Mercy and Compassion - Christian Yoga Classes

Series of four classes led by Dawn Summers

In this series of yoga classes, we will explore the teachings on Mercy and Compassion using scripture, chant, ritual, reflection, prayer, breathing practices and postures in a comtemplative yoga practice. This yoga is appropriate for beginners and taught in Viniyoga style, which uses breath and movement and skillfully adapts the class to the level of those in attendance.

Saint Bartholomew Parish Community
Corner of Alameda de las Pulgas and Crystal Springs Rd.
San Mateo, CA 94402

Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27
6:00 to 7:15 p.m. in the Media Center

The cost for the series is $50 per person, or $15 drop-in.

Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel and wear comfortable clothes.

Register as soon as possible with your name and contact information. Make checks payable to St. Bartholomew and send to:

St. Bart's—Yoga Class
600 Columbia Dr.
San Mateo, CA 94402

For questions, or more information, please call the Barby Regan at 347-0701, ext 18 or email barby@barts.org.

---

Church Retreat Opportunity - Faith, Intention, & Acceptance

Christianity has a rich tradition of inward practice and outward service to move us closer to God. Jesus modeled these practices, and serves as our guide and intercessory. The Science of Yoga has much to offer a congregation in support of Christian practice and devotion. The following from yoga can deeply enrich your church retreat:

• Physical practices which can relax and strengthen the body
• Breathing practices which soothe the nervous system and focus the mind
• Meditation techniques using Christian mantras and prayer beads (mala or rosary)
• Chanting in English, Latin, or other source Christian languages
• Lectio Divina in a context of a breath, movement, and ritual practice
• Body prayer - slow, prayerful movements of intention
• Rituals done with Christian readings, chants, art, sound, devotion
• Information and philosophy which explains Christian practice and devotion
• Reflective Journaling

These group activities can be adapted to the physical abilities of those present, and harmonized with the culture and traditions of your wonderfully unique church. See sample schedule for a one-night retreat which illustrates how yoga can be incorporated into a retreat program.

Sample Schedule
Friday
4:00 - 6:00 pm	Registration
6:00 - 7:00	Dinner
7:30 - 9:00	Gathering and ritual - Introduction by pastor. Ritual of blessing and building altar can be conducted by Dawn Summers or Pastor
9:00 - 9:20	Christian Mantra initiation and explanation of how to use prayer beads - Dawn. Brief meditation, ending with prayer by Pastor
Silence recommended thereafter.
Saturday
Silence recommended before breakfast.
7:00 - 7:45 am	Yoga practice - Dawn (Other physical practices may be led concurrently if there is a congregant who can lead Tai Chi, Chi Gong, etc.)
7:45 - 8:15	Breathing practices and meditation - Dawn
8:30 - 9:30	Breakfast
9:30 am - 12:30 pm	Session - lecture and discussion - Dawn and Pastor Journaling - Pastor leads
12:30 - 2:30	Lunch, free time
2:30 - 3:45	Practice with movement, Lectio Divina, chanting, meditation - Dawn with readers
4:00 - 5:00	Closing ritual and communion - Pastor

The Eastern teachings of yoga expound the science of transformation and communion. It is a profound and vast foundation which relates to how the mind, heart, and spirit function, and how to unfold the integrated functioning of each. This wisdom of yoga is nonsectarian (not Hindu) and goes beyond the common version taught in the West, which focuses primarily on physical postures. Yoga philosophy can provide the bones of practice to which Christianity can add the meat and culture from the wisdom of our Master Teacher, Christ. In fact, most Christians who practice yoga become better Christians.

Dawn Summers has taught yoga since 1985 in a variety of contexts, including a Lenten yoga series, working with pastors to deepen their spiritual practice through yoga and ritual, teaching conferences and retreats. She also trains yoga instructors and yoga therapists. She is certified at the highest level as a yoga therapist in a rigorous program by the American Viniyoga Institute. She is artful in the use of chanting and ritual, and sensitive and skillful in creating a safe, accessible physical yoga practice for any level student.

For the extended retreat schedule into Sunday, I would suggest much more free time on Saturday afternoon with an afternoon yoga practice beginning at 5:00 pm and Lectio Divina or other evening activity. Sunday morning would be similar to the Saturday morning schedule, but including a Sunday worship service.

Lecture topic: Suffering and Atonement - How Yoga Explains Christian Practices Towards God.

---

Honoring the Body - Christian Yoga

Six Tuesdays
Lent 2011
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm » $90

Mercy Center
2300 Adeline Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010-5540
Map/Directions

The idea of "discipline" has gotten a bad image in our culture - of something staid, inhibited and restrictive. It is in fact a powerful tool for creating freedom and lightness in our lives. It simplifies our relationship with desires and the ties that so often bind us. » read more...

---

© 2005-2010 | New Dawn Yoga Therapy | webmaster