I’ve been thinking a lot lately about things that are passed down to us. Culture is a chosen way of life that is passed down from family to family. As family culture is passed down, some people may adhere to it (whether it’s good or bad) while others may reject it and seek to change it.
Heredity, on the other hand, consists of certain physical and mental characteristics that are passed down biologically. You don’t get to choose the hereditary traits you gain from your family. You do, however, get to choose your culture. Even better – you get to create culture.
The dictionary defines culture as “the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people or other social group.” Two particular parts of that definition stand out to me; “customs” and “social institutions.” I think Christian culture has plenty of customs and social institutions. Some are vital to our remembrance of the gifts that Christ has given us. Others, however, are presented to us as half-truths or misunderstandings about what Scripture says. These misunderstandings are often an unfortunate means to division in our world.
I’m very grateful to be a part of Holy Yoga. The culture of this community rises above the customs and social institutions that often divide people. More than anything else, we love each other well. We are made up of every color, gender, age, denomination, and worship style. We consist of those who don’t yet know how they feel about Jesus, those who have devoted their lives to Jesus, and those who love yoga. We can disagree politically, spiritually, doctrinally, and in every other way, and still love each other. We appreciate those differences and see them as contributions that unite us as a mosaic of prismatic beauty.
The threads that connect us in Holy Yoga are Jesus, yoga and each other. And that’s enough. Jesus and His work, yoga and its ability to connect us to Jesus in a deeper way, acceptance that we are all a work in progress – it’s all enough. We are safe and accepted in this community. Knowing this truth makes God’s love for us even more recognizable.
The best way to discover more about the amazing culture of Holy Yoga is connecting through one of our trainings!
