TWO OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER AND RENEWAL THROUGH YOGA
I am excited about two upcoming opportunities for spiritual renewal, healing, and meditation. These opportunities have the potential to make a difference in how we experience God’s presence through prayer, movement, and wholeness.
The first opportunity is Yoga Mass, which for the first time is being continued throughout the summer (in past years, Yoga Mass has taken a break in the summer months – but this year, Yoga Mass is being held without a “summer break”!). In Yoga Mass, we remember and embody the promise of Jesus, that “the Kingdom of God is very near you” (Luke 17:21). Yoga Mass is a unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our senses -- physical, psychological, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and breathing practices, to God’s presence among us, within us, and in the liturgy of Holy Communion that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Integrating yoga’s breath work, body movements, and meditation into the sacred liturgy of the Eucharist offers a uniquely participative experience for holistic wellness and well-being through physical practices that help us to attend to the mystical union with God in our bodies and our souls, personally and collectively as a group.
For me, Yoga Mass is an experience of wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. I am reminded of 3 John 1:2, where the apostle writes: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” The next Yoga Mass at St. Gregory’s will be held this Saturday, July 26, at 4:00 PM in the Chapel. I hope you will join us!
The second opportunity is a brand-new experience for St. Gregory’s. Starting next month, on Thursday, August 21, St. Gregory's will be piloting a new program: "Yoga and Sacred Movement at St. Gregory's". This program will meet in the church on the third Thursday of every month at 4:00 PM, beginning this August. Join parishioner and yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo and friends around the chancel for gentle stretching and strengthening with a Christian focus on prayer and sacred movement. Bring a yoga mat and prepare to be refreshed and renewed through movement, breathing exercises, and reflections on Scriptural verses and traditional Christian prayers. Perfect for seniors, families, and anyone who wants to find quiet space during the week for renewing their prayer life through movement, this new opportunity promises to be a refreshing experience of awakening our bodies, minds, and souls to the love of God. The very first “Yoga and Sacred Movement at St. Gregory’s” program will be held on Thursday, August 21, at 4:00 PM in the chancel. For more information, please contact me at rneville@st-gregorys.com or via the church office phone number at (561) 395-8285. Sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Formation at St. Gregory's.
In Christ,
Robyn+