I was reading up on National Relaxation Day (which is August 15th) and was intrigued to learn that sometimes gets confused for National Slacker Day, which started in England (Wikipedia). I found this interesting considering in the American culture we struggle to relax as it often makes us feel like a slacker.
It’s all about the hustle, right? It’s all about what we can control. The more I am doing, the more I feel like I’m doing something about the issues in my life. In my research, I read the definition of relaxation in chemistry. The website https://timeanddate.com said, “in physics and chemistry, relaxation is a concept that refers to the movement of a system or a process from a state of disorder or disruption to equilibrium.”
Considering God’s desire for us to take a Sabbath rest, I think this definition makes a lot of sense! His command to us in Psalm 46:10 to “be still and know that I am God” it makes sense as well. So, relaxation is the way we do that. Relaxation allows stillness. Allows rest. Brings back the equilibrium to a disordered mind or heart.
So, what are some ways you can relax this August 15th? There are two very specific ways I would like to share with you, and they are in the title of our organization, Holy Yoga.
First, the holy part. The holy portion of who we are as disciples of Christ comes from His faithfulness, not ours. While religious activity is good and right, it cannot make us whole or heal us, only He can. This sets us free to enjoy life and be cheerful about it. It takes the hustle from us – for our goodness, our salvation, and our trust. It takes things out of our hands and into His. This allows us to rest and know that HE IS GOD, not us. This knowledge provides equilibrium and balance, bringing order to our often chaotic lives.
Second, the yoga part. The yoga part of Holy Yoga is near and dear to us as it is the functional “how-to” of trusting God and letting go. Through breathwork, meditation, and movement, we get the Word of God into our being and work it into every cell. Being still and knowing He is God becomes an action through yoga and not just something we think about. He told us to “work out” our salvation not think out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). When we meditate on God’s Word, breathing deeply and moving into tension and release, it becomes a powerful tool to drive home the things God is trying to tell us.
So, we would love to see you practicing Holy Yoga this National Relaxation Day! Make sure you post a pic of what you do to relax on National Relaxation Day. The hashtags to use are #nationalrelaxationday and #holyyoga on your posts and be sure to tag @holyyogaglobal so we can relax with you on National Relaxation Day!
If you have yet to start a Holy Yoga practice, be sure to check out our Holy Yoga TV offerings and practice with our teacher trainers! Visit https://holyyoga.net/holy-yoga-tv/ for more info.
Post by: Jonnie Goodmanson is a Senior Trainer for Holy Yoga Global®, LLC. Jonnie leads HYG’s core programs including their 200-hour Teacher Training, Master’s Program, Touch Training, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga Certification with an emphasis on injury modification and anatomy and physiology. Jonnie is a continuing education provider for Yoga Alliance and ACE Fitness. She teaches yoga at Lifetime Fitness and Mainstreet Church in Mound, MN. You can read more about Jonnie’s role at www.hystaging4.wpengine.com.