From the Spring 2025 Issue, by Virginia Norman, Editor-In-Chief
As I sit down to write this I am thinking about all the changes my body has been through over the past five years, many of which I am not thrilled with. From there, I can zoom out and think about the changes my body has seen through puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, and perimenopause. I can cast my vision into the future and predict the sorts of changes I will experience if I am afforded the privilege of continued aging. On top of these very normal, anticipated changes there’s the unexpected. We live in a fallen world, a world in which God’s glorious creation has been tarnished by sin and all of creation groans because of this. As a consequence, we deal with injuries, disease, disorders, and ultimately death.Â
On that cheerful note, what’s a Christian yogi to do? I can thank God for this body (mind and spirit), which has been fearfully and wonderfully created by the Master Designer of the universe and everything in it. Despite its injuries and maladies, it has given me years of faithful service, borne me two children, taken me to all 50 states and beyond, allowed me to experience countless embraces, and so much more. I can practice wise stewardship of this gift by exercising, eating well, and living out other wellness practices, ALL of which can be adapted to my specific needs. Learning the best way to heal and maintain your individual body is yoga for EveryBODY. This is an unfolding, ever-changing process as our bodies are continuously evolving. Finally, I can practice kindness and grace toward my body. For anyone reading this who has ever spoken or thought harshly toward their body (self-included) – our words and thoughts have power. Consider thanking and blessing your body instead.Â
I pray this issue finds you well. I pray you will find ideas and inspiration for making yoga work for you in the practice of stewarding your body, mind, and spirit.
Shalom,
Virginia
