I've had my 'Namasta' moments, I too, was into yoga as I loved the stretches and being able to do them. There are so many classes that my friends and my family members have been invited to, however as Christians, we've opted out of them. It doesn't matter that we don't have to 'chant' what they chant, the bottomline is 'why place ourselves in their environment and listen to them?'
I love exercise and dancing. It's a part of me, however it's not the ruler of my soul and nothing that we as Christians has to have any flavor or scent of the outside world mixed in with our faith... meaning there is no exercise that requires any type of meditation, absolutely none.
God has blessed us with so many other ways to 'stretch' our minds and bodies without being a part of darkness. God wants us to be healthy and happy...the Joy of the Lord is indeed our strength. An idle body is not a healthy body. We sit all day at our desks, then sit again with hours of commuting and running errands.
We indeed need to exercise and stretching our bodies is indeed a healthy activity. The practice of yoga is not a good recommendation. I learned the hard way.
I can tell you all some things that we've witnessed in the Dance Community alone. These folks are out there and we've chosen not to be among them. I've never seen so much attached to being spiritual and it has nothing to do with the Spirit of God. No...
These yoga gurus are not to be dallied with. Their ways are not 'our' ways and their thoughts are surely not our thoughts. This thread topic that
sweetvi has shared with us is more than enough proof of that as a fact.
People can get off into meditation that takes them away from the presence of God. The Holy Spirit is no where in their minds, let alone their hearts. They have become their own god (god with a little 'g'.)
As Christians, we have the mind of Christ and the heart of God the Father and seek not to indulge otherwise.
Jesus is our Lord...
Amen.