Summer

Yoga is a state of being AND the practices that help us reach that state of being. The practices of yoga are laid out in an 8-limbed path that includes everything you would suspect: movement, breath, meditation. But the path of yoga begins with what it means to live in right relationship. As we explored in our study of YAMA, yoga begins with ethics. With living in right relationship with others. It continues with NIYAMA, which are the daily rituals we enact in order to care for ourselves. This introductory sermon helps us explore the question: Who are we ... (Continue Reading)

I wrote this sermon at the end of 2020. But its message continues to feel relevant. As we make our way into the heart of winter, I offer you this meditative, practical sermon. It's filled with both ancient and modern wisdom. It will help you find the ground beneath you. It will help you listen inward for guidance. May it be a blessing for your heart. What Grounds and Guides You? REFLECTION QUESTIONS As we move into the dark depths of winter, take time for stillness. Over and over ... (Continue Reading)

Gratitude as a Quality of Being REFLECTION QUESTIONS How would you define the concept of gratitude? Do you agree with the assertion that life is fundamentally a gift? If so, how do you stay rooted in the ongoing practice of gratitude? Have you ever wondered why there is something rather than nothing? If so, where have your wonderings taken you? As little kids we’re taught to say thank you. After a child is given something, the parent asks: “What do you say?” My ... (Continue Reading)

Welcome to the Yoga Church Sunday Sermons Late Fall 2020 Svadhyaya: Exploring the stories that shape us. REFLECTION QUESTIONS These are big questions and I encourage you to explore them on your own and with the people you love. You were born into a family and a country that gave you holidays. What are the holidays you were taught to celebrate? What’s the traditional story and history of these holidays? And what’s the story of the holiday in your family? Do these two stories have anything to do with each ... (Continue Reading)

Sometimes strong emotions—like anger or despair—make us feel uncomfortable or guilty. Sometimes we're tempted to push strong emotions away. But our emotions keep us rooted in our humanity. And our world needs our humanity right now. We've got to build the capacity to stay with (and learn from) our strong emotions. This sermon draws on the wisdom of Valarie Kaur, Donna Farhi, and the Upanishads to help us remember the importance of feeling our feelings. The Beauty of Feeling REFLECTION QUESTIONS What strong emotions have you been feeling recently? Do ... (Continue Reading)

Welcome to the Yoga Church Sunday Sermons Early Fall 2020 There’s so much happening in the world right now and we need to meet it as our best selves. (Please know when I say "best selves" I'm not talking about notions of perfection or false happiness.) Our best self is the part of us that yearns to reach our highest potential. And in this moment, reaching our highest potential requires a willingness to feel our feelings and face the discomfort of uncertainty. Reaching our highest potential requires a willingness to be present with what’s real. So I decided to ... (Continue Reading)

We're coming to the end of our study of the yama-s (for now...) and I'm excited to share a guest sermon written by my friend and colleague Marci Becker. She offers deep personal reflection (that I know so many people in this community will relate to) and her hope for what's possible in this life through practice. Lady Gaga, Jesus, and an angel walk into a bar... (A recap of the Yama-s) by Marci Becker REFLECTION QUESTIONS What does it mean TO YOU to be non-violent and truthful? What ... (Continue Reading)

This sermon dives deep into the final yama, which is non-grasping or non-attachment. How does our need to acquire and possess keep us from living in right relationship with the world? This question is important. In fact, it's so important that the yoga sutra-s link it to the meaning of life. Yoga Sutra 2.39 Aparigraha (& Freedom) HOW TO APPROACH THE YAMA-S This practice is based on Yoga Sutra-s 2.33 & 34, which outline the practice of pratipaksa-bhavanam. We're told that when negative feelings/thoughts (anything counter to the yama-s) ... (Continue Reading)

This week we're exploring brahmacarya—which is quite possibly the most confusing yama. This sermon explores the many facets of brahmacarya and asks good questions about how we build, contain, and harness our energy so that we can move toward Divine Mystery and practice loving better. Yoga Sutra 2.38 Brahmacarya (& Energy) HOW TO APPROACH THE YAMA-S This practice is based on Yoga Sutra-s 2.33 & 34, which outline the practice of pratipaksa-bhavanam. We're told that when negative feelings/thoughts (anything counter to the yama-s) restrict us, the opposite should be ... (Continue Reading)