deep roots yoga
cultivating joy one breath at a time
“the joy of the lord is my strength”
-nehemiah 8:10
welcome- i’m emily.
i love jesus, my husband and three sons, digging in the dirt, feeding people, and yoga. i’m passionate about community, because i crave connection. i believe the lord created us to be in community with him and in community with others. whether we’re gathering at my table or on our mats, my prayer is that you will feel welcomed and loved, not only by me, but by your creator and father who loves you and desires to meet you in a real and personal way.
i started doing yoga ten years ago because i thought it would make me long and lean and super flexible, just like all the pictures of yogis on the internet. i thought yoga was a destination- if i tried hard enough i could perfect all the poses and be the best one in the class. looking back, it’s actually pretty funny, considering i claim not to have a single competitive bone in my body.
but yoga is a journey, not a destination. just like on the journey of life, sometimes we feel strong and capable, and other times we feel empty, like we don’t have anything left to give. we’re always a work in progress.
the lord knows us and sees us just as we are, on our best days and our worst. he created us in his image with a god-shaped hole in our hearts just for him. being the creative god he is, he created each one of us uniquely. we are all different shapes and sizes. our bodies all move differently. some of us are more flexible than others. some of us are physically stronger than others. but we all have something in common...
we all have breath in our lungs and we were created to worship with our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.
through the mountains and valleys of life, the lord has been faithful to meet me in my quiet moments. over the years, i’ve learned to slow my breath, quiet my mind, and be still before him on my mat. i’ve learned to meditate on his word, to create intentions that honor him, and to be honest with myself about what my body is capable of and what it needs. sometimes it’s a hot power yoga class- i thank him for a strong and capable body and the breath in my lungs. i thank him for the ability to hold a difficult pose. i thank him that nothing hard lasts forever. and other times it’s a gentle yoga class, where i rest in his presence and pray over someone he’s placed on my heart. he is kind to give me rest.
i’m passionate about how the lord is meeting me through yoga and i’d love to share it with you.
why yoga?
physical benefits
“or do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy spirit within you, whom you have from god? you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. so glorify god in your body.”
i corinthians 6:19-20
increased flexibility
increased lubrication of joints
stimulation of organs
muscle toning
pain management
mental benefits
“peace i leave with you; my peace igive to you. not as the world gives do i give to you. let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”.
john 14:27
reduces stress
increases emotional balance
combats anxiety
improved concentration
spiritual benefits
“behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart”.
psalm 51:6
DEEP CONNECTION WITH CHRIST
QUIETING OF OUR MINDS
COMMUNITY WITH OTHERS
HONORING OF OUR BODIES
balance
“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”.
3 john 1:2
of our nervous system
of the assymetry in our bodies
of the mental urge to control
Details on upcoming classes and events coming soon!
I’d love to connect with you.
ewgray@live.com
