- The typical yoga practice currently promoted in the West is not just "exercise." It's rooted in the Hindu religion.
- The philosophy of Yoga is incompatible with Catholic belief and thought
- Many Yoga studios and classes are religious in nature despite claims to the contrary.
- Hatha Yoga (the type in most classes) is a gateway to the other more spiritual Yoga practices
- Yoga is spiritually harmful to Catholics and should be avoided.
I'd like to say that my own experience with Yoga proves him right. I dabbled in it about 5-6 years ago to help with menopause symptoms. I started out in a "gentle yoga" class at the Y and also used DVDs at home. It did help with the symptoms somewhat but I found myself becoming confused. I started feeling a general dislike for my Catholic faith and an increased interest in Eastern meditation. I wasn't a Carmelite at the time and wasn't involved much in my parish. I started attending more Yoga classes and eventually sat in on a meditation class at a studio. I didn't realize it at the time but I was drifting out of the Church.
What turned things around for me?
I began to backslide into certain sinful behaviors. I started to resent my husband and kids and my role as a mother. At one point I realized: I was being lead astray.
On the day that I recognized this, I went to Eucharistic Adoration. That started to change things. I started making regular holy hours. Then, one day I found a pamphlet for the local chapter of the Secular Carmelites and my life really got on track. I found a much more suitable substitute and my life is better for it.
I don't think I would have survived my cancer treatment if it hadn't been for my Carmelite program. Catholic spirituality is so much more human and compassionate. It's a faith full of hope and I know that my God loves me and cares for me. It's a much better place to be.
Thank you Father Sullivan for reminding me of that!