Have you tried yoga? A somatic & spiritual journey

18 Sept

As a practitioner in somatic practices, we are often the ones holding space for others—helping them reconnect with their bodies, observe their inner world, and release trapped emotions stored deep within. Yet, we too need a space where we can be held, a place to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. For me, that space is yoga.

To many, yoga is seen as just exercise or, as we enter new stages of life, a way to maintain health and physical wellness. But for me, yoga has become something much deeper. It’s a practice of tuning in, finding stillness, and being fully present in my own body—a place of refuge where I can reconnect with the essence of who I am.

As a psych nutrition coach, I advocate for holistic wellness. We teach others that lifestyle choices—movement, nutrition, rest—are non-negotiable foundations for health. These should always come before medication in most cases. We remind our clients that true healing often starts from within. Yoga fits perfectly into this philosophy.

Here in the Barossa Valley, I’m fortunate to have a studio within walking distance, True North Yoga Studio. What I love about this place is its variety. They offer different styles, plenty of time slots, and even online options for those who can’t make it in person. But there’s one class in particular that I’ve come to cherish: Gentle Yoga. This class is a beautiful combination of Hatha and Yin yoga. It’s ideal for novices, not only in terms of the physical practice but also for those new to the concepts of mindfulness and tuning into the body’s subtle signals. It’s a slower, more intentional form of yoga that encourages reflection, presence, and deep listening to oneself.

Yoga, I believe, is an incredible way to create a space between therapy sessions, a place to check in with yourself, to come home to your body, and to reconnect with your own needs and emotions. Looking back, I wish I had made this a priority earlier, especially in the early days of motherhood when it would have helped me stay grounded.

The Power of Hatha yoga, an ancient practice developed in the 11th century, was originally designed to control both body and mind and to support the flow of energy within. Though rooted in ancient Indian spiritual traditions, it was created to enhance spiritual growth and realisation. However, the practice itself is not inherently religious, contrary to what some might assume.

As a Christian, I often hear people express concern that yoga is tied to paganism or the worship of other gods. But I find this view limiting. Yoga has a profound spiritual application that can beautifully support and even enhance our spiritual walk with Christ. Let me share a few examples of how yoga can be deeply aligned with Christian spirituality:

Child’s Pose (Balasana) - A posture of surrender, this pose mirrors our surrender to God. It’s a position of humility and trust, echoing the call of Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Pranayama (Pranayma) - Breath Control, emphasises stillness and meditation, fostering a deep spiritual connection through mindful breath control. It reminds us to "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) - Strengthens focus and endurance, much like the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:11.
It builds both mental and physical resilience.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana) - Balance and harmony, this pose invites us to stand strong and well-rooted through life’s challenges, reminiscent of Psalm 1:3, where we are likened to trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season.
Savasana (Corpse Pose) - Stillness & reflection, gratitude. Much like being present with God in moments of deep reflection.
It reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances."
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) - This is my favorite pose, one of a)Openness and receptivity. The hips, in this pose, metaphorically represent openness to God’s grace and guidance. It’s also a reminder of b)Transformation and Renewal, reflecting Romans 12:2: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." c) It’s a pose of surrender, letting go of our burdens and casting them onto God, as we are invited to do in 1 Peter 5:7.

There is so much more I could share about the beauty and depth of yoga, not only as a tool for physical and mental well-being but also as a means of deepening our spiritual connection. Yoga can bring us into alignment with our faith, fostering a sense of stillness, presence, and gratitude in our relationship with God. In this ancient practice, we find an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to come home to ourselves. It’s a practice that nurtures both body and spirit, offering a powerful pathway to health, wellness, and deeper spiritual connection.

So, have you tried yoga? Not just as a workout, but as a way to create space for yourself to reconnect, reflect, and surrender to something greater? If not, I encourage you to explore it. You might just find the peace you’ve been looking for.