Everyone told her she could not do yoga and be a Christ-follower, even Google. Brooke Boon, founder of Holy Yoga said, “Never do an internet search for Can you be a Christian and do yoga.” because Google had me questioning my design. I was created to move and to have yoga as a practice.”
Brooke felt very connected to something when she was on her yoga mat, but it was not until she became a Christian that she recognized it as God. As she read through the Bible, she saw that the elements of yoga–breathwork, meditation and movement are the things God talks about. Breathing and movement appear throughout the Bible, and it speaks of meditating on scripture.
Brooke questioned, “If these things are in scripture, how can that be bad, and why can’t I use this to worship God?”
She answered that question by beginning to do yoga from a Christ-following standpoint.
Jen Moye, Director of Marketing for Holy Yoga Global, says, “I needed something slower-paced, but wasn’t excited about going to yoga. It lacked something. Then I found Holy Yoga and once I started taking some classes, I could tell the physical benefits of balance and strength, and it helped me become more aware of my body, my posture, and how I was standing and walking,” she says. “Holy Yoga focuses on alignment of the body and doing the pose correctly. We emphasize getting the foundation and fundamentals right. It translates to our relationship with our spiritual life; He is to be our foundation.”
Class member, Anne Marie, says, “Holy Yoga has changed my life! When I first started the classes and we would breathe, I thought, 'I don’t think I had ever breathed so deep in my life'. I cried in one of my first sessions maybe because I was taking time to slow down and process some things in my life. After a few classes, I could totally see and feel the difference in my life. During this journey I know God’s verse for me was “Be still and know that I am God.”
“Holy Yoga is for everyone,” says Jen. “It is for Christians and non-Christians alike. No matter where you come from–if you have never tried yoga, aren’t physically fit, worry that you aren’t bendy enough or are overweight–you just have to show up on your mat and simply be there and present in the moment. We are different than a lot of other places. We do not want you to feel like you have to have it all together to come. Yoga is a conduit to let God do his work,” Jen says. "Our goal in our community is that everyone would find a place to belong."
Recently having spent four days at Holy Yoga’s retreat in Williams, Arizona, Jen came home refreshed and relaxed and encourages everyone to go if they have the opportunity.
“There really is not a more beautiful place to have a retreat,” she says. “Lost Canyon Camp is west of Flagstaff and close to the Grand Canyon in a breathtakingly beautiful wilderness area.”
“The retreats are open to everyone. We even had people come who have never done something with us before,” Jen says. “It is a time to rest and replenish and get your soul filled back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. There are classes, morning meditations and creative experiences, like painting. You can participate in the parts you would like to attend. Nothing is mandatory. I am looking forward to our next retreat scheduled October 17-21 this year.” HolyYoga.net
After a few classes, I could totally see and feel the difference in my life.
