Prayerful Yoga & Christian Meditation Tuesdays, 6:00-7:15 p.m., $70 February 7 - March 27 Sanctuary This calm, meditative yoga will support your ability to breathe, stretch, and center your attention on God's presence in your life.  Scripture, prayer, and song will be incorporated into each class.  Led by Certified Yoga Instructor, susan Amick.  Mats will be available for those who do not have one to bring to class.  Class fee is payable at the first session.  Contact the Church office at 248-651-9361 to register.  Class size is limited. A moment of rest, renewal, and peace amidst your busy schedule . . . Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence. Luke 10:27a (The Message)

Group Format

Each Prayerful Yoga class will integrate scripture, yoga postures, gesture prayer, laughter, song and receptive prayer (silence). New material will be introduced during each session, and the class is sure to offer personal challenge (physical, mental and spiritual).

Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own body, yoga practice and level of satisfaction. Your practice can be intensified or modified based on your personal needs.

The sessions will begin promptly. If you arrive late, please enter the room quietly.

General Information

This class is open to all St. Paul’s UMC members and attendees, their guests and the general public. There is a nominal fee for the class and no previous yoga experience is required. You may bring your own mat if you prefer.

• Within two hours of class eat only light snack and drink
• Please avoid wearing strong perfumes
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and breathe
• Remove any jewelry that may interfere
• Please turn off mobile phones
• Please alert the instructor to any health conditions or injuries that may impact your involvement in class

A Few Things to Keep in Mind during Class

BREATHE in and out through your nose continually throughout the class. Rarely will we “hold” or retain our breath. Keep breathing!

If you experience pain, stop what you are doing and tell the group leader.

Allow your body to fully experience each pose within your own ability … your body is unique and requires your full attention.

Alignment that supports your joints is the most important thing … take your time to achieve flexibility. Always work within your own comfort.

You may find that you require particular equipment such as a cushion, yoga tie or a towel. If you find that you benefit from such modifications, please bring these to class each week.

What Might You Gain In This Yoga Group?

• A greater awareness of God’s presence in your daily life
• An increased awareness of your body and its needs
• The experience of integrating mind, body and spirit through embodied prayer and Christian meditation
• Weekly use of prayers, songs, readings, and meditations that compliment the practice of yoga in a Christian setting
• Simple ideas to address common areas of stress and discomfort
• A basic home practice format

 Other general benefits of yoga:

• Reduction in overall stress
• Improved quality of sleep
• Muscle toning and strengthening
• Increased energy and vitality
• Improved circulation
• Improved posture and body alignment
• Normalized blood pressure
• Improved glandular function
• Improved digestion and metabolism
• Flexibility in mind and body
• Increased joy and sense of well-being

Taught by Susan D. Amick, Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher and student of Iyengar, Anusara, Viniyoga and Kripalu yoga for more than 15 years. Susan has been working with people experiencing life transition and transformation for more than 15 years.

She is certified in:

• Recreation Therapy
• Trauma and Loss
• Life Balance Coaching
• Laughter Facilitation
• Foot Reflexology

Learn more about Prayerful Yoga.