The Yoking (A Prayer for Unity, Christian and Otherwise)

We are caught inside this swath of love
this massive yoking
where we love one and are all-loving,
this massive yoking
where we love all and are love’s focusing.
Christ’s mystery and enigma,
this yoking love, this kingdom becoming.

But in moments beneath love’s canopy
when rain falls for the thirsty and light shines for the hungry,
ice cracks brutal over the cold and heat scorches dry over the brittle.
So we walk under blue skies and dark ceilings,
through fresh breezes and dusty drafts.
We know the burdening yoke and its blessings,
the rough harness and its relief.

These are our joys and challenges,
the balance of a life,
the yoga of loving.

Oh, that we would have eyes to see and ears to hear,
hearts to love and hearts to be loved,
for in you all things are light.

Amen, amen.

Inspired by Pope Francis and Fr. Beaver’s calls for Christian unity, and by Jason Gray’s “With Every Act of Love.”

 

Class cancellation for Jan. 26

Greetings Yoga Friends,

 
I’ve decided that no one needs to be stressed out about getting to yoga class! (Including me!)   It worries me to think of us driving from back roads in the darkness tonight.  And I don’t want any of us to feel like we’d be missing out if we decided to stay home.  Classes for this evening, Jan. 26, are cancelled.  I will add a class on to the end of this session to make up for it.  
 
However, do your best to keep your “yoga hour” sacred.  This will be a good test.  If you must, lock yourself in your bedroom and breathe!  Take yourself through a yoga class of your own design, look one up in a book or online, or practice what you remember from class.  If you know the sun salutation, practice a few — the heat will be most welcome!  And give yourself time for relaxation at the end.
 
For those of you in the Power Yoga class:  please practice  your sun salutations this evening followed by a few poses of your choice and savasana (relaxation).  Homework for the week:  please try to work this short practice into your day (morning, noon, or night).  
 
Be well, safe, and warm.  See you next week!
 
The Catholic Yogi

Winter Session Begins

New year, new yoga.

The six week session begins this Sunday, January 19.

It’s not too late to register.

Come join us!

Six-Week Sessions
(pre-registration required)

Yoga Exploration
Sundays, January 19 – February 23
6:00pm – 7:00pm
$54

Yoga Exploration is a gentle class designed for people of all levels. It is a “come as you are” kind of class. We will work with the breath (pranayama) and postures (asana) to lengthen and create space within the body for healing. We will focus our attention inward (pratyahara) allowing for calm and relaxation. We will move and breathe on purpose (vinyasa) to lift our spirits and have fun.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never practiced yoga before, if you’ve tried it a few times years ago, or if you are an experienced practitioner; you will be supported, as well as challenged ~ come as you are!

Introduction to Power Yoga
Sundays, January 19 – February 23
7:15 – 8:15pm
$54

Introduction to Power Yoga is an all-levels class designed to build strength and flexibility through vigorous movement and the use of the ujjayi (victorious) breath.  We will spend time working on individual poses, as well as cultivating the “flow,” linking movement to movement through the breath, which is one of the joys of vinyasa (moving and breathing at the same time on purpose). We will learn modifications that support us where we are weak and ones that challenge us where we are strong.  This class is open to beginners, however, it is not recommended for those recovering from illness or injury. Please be prepared to work hard, as many of the sequences are physically demanding.

Location

All classes will be held at No Limits Studio: Upper Level, 106 Delaware St., Lexington, Ohio, 44903, 419-545-1148.

Keep in mind, the studio is located at the top of a large flight of stairs.

Pre-Registration

You may pre-register for class by mailing your payment to Amy Secrist.  Please email amysecrist6@gmail.com for mailing address.  Simply state the class you wish to register for in the memo line.  (You may register for both classes if you’d like.)

Contact

Feel free to email questions or comments to amysecrist6@gmail.com.