The Truth About Yoga
The attractive couple on the television screen gracefully moved their bodies into the next yoga pose: arms extended, head tilted slightly back, a deep breath in. In front of the TV set, a seven-year-old girl and her mother did their best to mimic the posture. The little girl, Laurette, loved this special time with her mom.
It was 1965, and Laurette's mom, Jacquie, didn't think twice about exercising along with this yoga program that came on the TV after Jack La Lanne. She developed a passion for yoga, and began instructing free classes in her home. Laurette served as the demonstration model for her mom. The young girl relished the attention—and her family never suspected this seemingly innocent exercise would open the door to a New Age lifestyle that would affect Laurette for the next 22 years.
Speaking Out
Now 46, Christian speaker/author Laurette Willis tells everyone she meets about the dangers of yoga. The Oklahoma resident addresses groups across the country, speaking from personal experience and her knowledge as a certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor. She's developed a prominent presence on the Internet, largely due to her new exercise program, PraiseMoves, which she calls "a Christian alternative to yoga." She shares her testimony on the website (www.PraiseMoves.com) in a pull-no-punches style, and responds to numerous e-mails—some curious, others critical of her stance on yoga. Additionally, she posts comments on the message boards of other fitness and religion websites. She's also self-published a book and video about PraiseMoves.
So what caused Laurette to become vocal about yoga? And is yoga really all that bad? Her testimony is a bold answer to both questions.
Throughout her childhood, Laurette's family regularly attended church. "If someone had asked us, we would have said we were Christians," she says. "But we never heard the message of salvation at our church." Lacking knowledge about the Christian faith, Laurette's mom found herself drawn to New Age practices, and began reading books by Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce (both claimed to have psychic abilities) and taking Laurette to an ashram, a Hindu yoga retreat.
As an adult, Laurette immersed herself in every New Age and metaphysical practice she came across: chanting, crystals, tarot cards, psychics, channeling spirits.
"I tried everything—Kabbalah, Universalism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism —because I was spiritually hungry," Laurette says. "I call the New Age movement 'Burger King' because it's like the fast-food restaurant's motto: 'Have it your way.' That's what the New Age movement tries to do, to achieve God on its terms."
There was one thing Laurette wasn't remotely interested in pursuing: Christianity. "I thought Christians just wanted to give me a bunch of rules and dogma," she says. "I didn't know they were speaking about a relationship with Jesus."
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2005, March/April, Vol. 27, Issue 2, Page 40
Related Topics:
Christian Alternatives, Exercise, Hinduism, Meditation, New Age, Occult, Yoga
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Jose Luis Sanchez
It is impossible for me to empty my mind while doing yoga, or anything else for that matter. A person who lives a spirit filled life is a beacon of our Lord Jesus where ever we are, and we must profess and carry His message everywhere. I believe that we must exercise and if you think yoga is dangerous then follow your God given instinct. No matter what type of activity in our daily lives we choose, Jesus Christ should be in our minds every step of the way.
casey
I think drinking alcohol leads to alcoholism and depression. Yoga certainly didn't make you drink that doesn't make sense. Take responsibility for your own actions. Yoga helps it doesn't hurt. I am a christian who does yoga, both make me a strong person. I stopped drinking after starting my yoga practice. Please do not knock yoga when it has the ability to change lives. It can be a starting point for people.
megzylou
Thank you for this article. I have always believed yoga was not a good idea for Christians based on the fact you have to 'empty your mind'. Now I understand the real implications of it (Hinduism) and will be able to tell friends further information about why we shouldnt practice it.
Anonymous
Laurette, Praise God for your stance. Obstaining from "all" appearance of evil is a good enough reason for me. I don't have a problem having wine at a meal , but I don't because of the weaker brother. Keep up the good work!
the artist
Western culture has totally bought into the lie of eastern thought, philosphies, yoga, meditation, vegetarinism, etc. How odd that in a Christian nation, we now have yoga studios on every corner and all of our advertising is based on this 'Zen' , 'Nature' concept. I too 'into' the cult of the 'Self' for over 20 years-- it only appeals to our lazy, selfish ambitions. If any one is ready to hear...Christ offers Truth & Salvation both. (Hinduism, doesn't--do a little research). When you have the Truth, you don't need all the acoutrements of new age...incense, bells, chanting, special diets, self-indulgence, astrology, reincarnation...etc. Be free from the capricous gods once and for all! Find a bible, find a church, find Life-Jesus.
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