Yoga and mindfulness have been my saving grace on and off the mat, as I implement what I’ve learned and apply it in my daily life. As a result, I created a space to hear God, to usher in the Holy Spirit’s presence, and to get grounded in my faith to withstand the looming storms. What you learn on the mat, you can take into the world.
The Ministry of Presence
As a first responder, I’ve walked alongside those who are hurting. I’ve delivered bad news, comforted families, and sat with those who questioned why. Just as there is diversity in trauma experiences, there is also diversity in the helping process. My Intention is always to show up authentically. After I hear “thank you for all you’ve done to help,” I realize it is my mere presence that fills the need. Just being there can provide comfort in a crisis. I understood my true calling was to be present, even if I did it without words.
When tragedy strikes, I’ve heard people say, “Look for the helpers.” We run in when others run out; we hold hands when some let go; we walk alongside when many leave. Yet, the load can get heavy and overwhelming when you’re amid others’ trauma. You may find yourself struggling with the physical, emotional, or mental effects of serving well. Seek the support you need, whether it is a therapist, a close friend, a trusted co-worker, or even a holistic path. Whether it’s serving on the front lines or in the trenches, in a hospital or in a family’s living room, we can all be a comforting, mindful presence.
My lesson and encouragement would be to use your time on the mat for meditative prayers, listening prayers, and being still before God; then you can live that out. It’s like taking your mat wherever you go – to the heartbreaking scene, the office meeting, or the therapy session.
5 Practical Ways to Draw Closer to God
- Fill up on His Word – Attend in-person or virtual faith gatherings to adopt a reservoir of tools for hard days.
- Avail yourself of His power – Intentionally set aside time each day to sit with Him in prayer, whether speaking or listening.
- Meditate on scripture – Read a daily devotion and contemplate throughout the day. Psalm 1:2 (NLT) reminds us, “But they delight in the laws of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.”
- Worship with movement or song — Allow the words to flow over you and embrace what He is saying to you in those moments. Wake up to worship music or practice yoga to music, with words or instrumental.
- Connect with your local faith community or growth group — God wants us to have fellowship, and we need people to walk alongside us as we navigate those hard things in our lives and the lives of others.
Sabbath Rest
Because there is still hope in the hard things, I encourage us all to take our necessary rest, so we can continue to show up for ourselves and those whose lives we touch. Taking this respite allows us to remain present, so many can see our guiding light as they navigate life in a way they never have before. These conscious choices enable us to answer the call to serve. We must care for ourselves well because people need what God has placed inside of us.
Many times, when we hear the word “Sabbath,” we think of observing it on either Saturday or Sunday, a time to rest and reflect. I believe it is a posture of being, a time to focus on God and set aside distractions. I also think of “Shabbat,” which means to cease or stop, but it is also a weekly practice of disciplined rest. And when we rest, we trust God’s provision. Let’s try to make time for rest before work.
How Yoga Can Help
I’ve learned some people are natural nurturers. And sometimes that doesn’t always create a space to say, “life is getting to be too much.” In the past, I’ve prayed, read scriptures and devotionals, and felt that was enough. But then, I realized I needed more, Jesus with skin on, and sought out a community that provided tangible tools to help me embrace that safe space.
One day, I sought that space following a challenging year. I discovered a personal, spiritual retreat nearby, which happened to be a yoga retreat, and fully embraced something new yet nurturing. I learned to manage my breath, movements, and mindset on the mat, and took those skills off the mat to meet daily challenges and change my lifestyle.
I no longer felt anxious when the phone rang or stayed awake tossing and turning when I couldn’t help someone through a tough time. I also prayed and meditated every evening, sitting in silence, listening to God’s directions on how to navigate life. My mind was clearer because I was calmer, and I could create emotional boundaries to do my best work in the world. Because of this exposure to such a unique community, I became a yoga teacher to share with others all that had healed me.
Finding the Balance
Many times, we feel the need to push through and endure without respite. We need to hear more often that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to quit. We also need to know how to avoid staying there and prevent the desire to give up. I’m a believer in the benefits of grounding yourself in healing scriptures, combined with physical and emotional grounding through yoga and meditation. It can create a sense of resilience and embodiment – blueprints we can use and offer to those we walk alongside, especially those who do hard things. When we care for others, we often neglect our own needs, becoming irritable, anxious, weighed down, and more. Acknowledging what we feel is the beginning of healing and can lead to healthy lifestyle changes.
What You Learn on the Mat, You Can Take into the World
My first yoga experience was one centered on prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and being intentional in my everyday life. When the retreat host said, “We will take good care of you.” I knew I was in the right place. I walked into that studio feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and depleted, and walked out having found a supportive community that helped me reconnect with myself. And years later, realized God had given me His word, a community, and practical ways of healing. These are the tools I use to show up in the world. My wellness journey helps me do hard things.
Genesis 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” But that can be easier said than done. When you’re alone with your thoughts, it can be hard to turn the day off, and with more challenging tasks ahead, the capacity to care becomes increasingly limited. So, what do you do? For me, my prayers are my meditations; my poses have become a posture before God; my devotions have become my connection to Him.
4 Practical Ways to Create a Healing Space
Prayer — creating space for your prayer life is just as important as breathing. He wants us to share our concerns with Him.
Devotions — readingabout how God provided in the Bible days can give us hope in what He can do today.
Quality Time — devoting time to be with Him. Take a drive or walk in nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Rest, reflect, refresh, and replenish.
Listening Prayer — embracing moments of silence, listening for His voice, and observing what He reveals to you.
Through biblical perspectives and practical applications, let’s develop a strategy for your personal lived experience.
Yoga Gives Us Back Ourselves and Frees Us to Give to Others
- Show up in a way that honors who you are and what your purpose is–to help those less fortunate, to model kindness, to get grounded in a way that makes you available to support those affected by hard things. Nurture your body, mind, soul, and spirit, and gain a skillset you can use to create a healthy self and community around you.
- Share gratitude for who you were created to be and embrace the way God made you and those around you–nature and all His creation.
- Support your neighbor and your community. If anyone is in need, feed and clothe them, offer a listening ear, or lend a helpful hand.
- Transform lives, one moment and one person at a time. Meet people where they are and walk alongside them in their healing journey.
Meet you on the mat!
About the Author
Gwen Williams has worked in the field of social work for over fifteen years. She has earned degrees in Criminology, Social Work, and Christian Counseling, and is a certified yoga teacher with training in trauma-sensitive yoga. She is called to help the hurt and serves her community by volunteering where the needs are greatest. When not writing, she enjoys farmers’ markets, chai lattes, and the coziness of a rocking chair on a friend’s front porch.