My dad sent me an email today, like he often does forwarding information to all of his children in hopes that we will; adhere to the message presented, that our faith will be deepened, that maybe we will be educated from it, and sometimes in hopes that we will change our ways. His challenge is that he raised girls that are independent thinkers, strong willed, and sometimes defensive. He seems to present what he thinks is teaching in a critical fashion, which often leads to the point being lost and the reader's emotions riled. The bit I will share with you today he sent to his children, of which six I can say have most likely at some point in time had a regular yoga routine. The daughter that responds is a dancer and licensed yoga instructor. Maybe his point was to bring the error of finding God in yoga to our attention and to lead us all to look more closely at the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist- I assure you she didn't get the message.
Dear Family,
The link below is to an article by a former Yoga teacher who concludes:
“Yoga appeals to modern America because it is a pseudo-science. It is technique-driven and codified. It is also addictive as one becomes more and more used to the pleasure of altered states (which can lead to habitual dissociation). Americans desire for self-improvement, endless youth and ultimate knowledge and power have fed the yoga craze. The concepts of sacrifice, suffering and guilt of mainline Christianity are replaced by a philosophy of endless progress, bliss and control over one 's own destiny.”
“In closing, yoga and all New Age practices have filled the void that exists because we abandoned the greatest source of bliss and comfort, the Eucharist. A return to the Eucharist and a renewed program of instruction on contemplative prayer will bring many Catholics back from these deceptively beautiful practices and philosophies. “
http://www.crossveil.org/
Love,
Dad
My sister's response
That is a load of crap I have got to say. Yoga is great exercise and keeps a person healthy. It is not anti Christianity nor is it pseudo science! It is neurotic and obsessive to focus on blaming yoga for less people being involved with having faith. Keeping it real.
I would be curious to know if she read the article.
Any thoughts or comments about Yoga when used as an exercise routine?
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