Yoga Philosophy

Here at Freedom Journey Yoga, we offer you a way to release the stress you accumulate throughout your day. Enjoy an environment that promotes peace, health and self-discovery.
Yoga philosophy has a lot to offer citizens of the west and Christians looking to enhance their understanding of and relationship with God.

Yoga is about your journey and who you are becoming. God made each and every one of us with different bodies, different minds, and different spirits. He also gave us a wide range of tools so that each of us has what we need to take good care of ourselves and put back good energy into the world. Yoga is one of those tools. Here we embrace the yoga journey. We provide yoga classes and one on one yoga instruction. Freedom Journey Yoga is based out of Oakwood, Georgia bringing yoga instruction to Gwinnett County, Hall County and North Georgia.

Below are some of the highlights of yoga philosophy.

Chakras


The Chakra are energy centers located throughout the body that correspond with body systems like the nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the musculoskeletal system.

Chakra 1 - Muladhara
(Root Chakra - Element: Earth)

Jeremiah 17:8 “And I will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out my roots by the stream. I do not fear when heat comes; my leaves are always green. I have no worries in a year of drought and will not cease to bear fruit."

Psalms 16:5 “The Lord gives my portion and fills my cup. He keeps my lot secure."

Muladhara is located at the base of the spine, includes the sciatic nerve and extends down through the legs and the feet. It is associated with the adrenal glands. When working with the first chakra, we tune into our own sense of security and safety. We ground down through the feet and trust the earth to hold us up. We trust that God will hold us up and create the paths that we are to walk.

When our first chakra is "out of balance", we may feel either sluggish or restless. We might be fearful, spacey or disconnected. Some might experience thougths of greed or hoarding due to a feeling of not enough. When this chakra is balanced, however, the effect on our lives is stability, grounding, physical health, prosperity, and a healthy sense of trust.

Hatha yoga is a great balancing practice for Muladhara, as is running or any form of excersize. Reconnect with your body, treat yourself to a massage, or take a walk on a nature trail.

Affirmations: “It is safe for me to be here."
"The Earth supports me and meets my needs."
"The Lord is my helper, I will not fear"
"I love my body and trust its wisdom"
"I am immersed in abundance"
"I AM here, and I am REAL"

Chakra 2 - Svadhisthana
(Sacral Chakra - Element: Water)

Ecclesiastes 1:7 “All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again."

John 4:14 “but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Svadhisthana is located in the pelvic basin, the sacral plexus, the hips, lower abdomen and genetalia. It corresponds with the reproductive organs and kidneys. When working with the second chakra, we open up to the flow of life. We learn to accept change and in so doing allow for all sorts of opportunities and discoveries. We become like water, fluid and able to adapt to circumstances the way water takes the shape of its holder while strong and compelling like a raging river that carves out its path and washes away any obstructions.

When our second chakra is "out of balance", we may experience a poor sense of boundaries or even trouble with our social expressions. Some may experience co-dependency while others experience a lack of passion. Other signs of imbalance include oversensitivity, fear of change, or a rigid body and attitude or a denial of pleasure. When this chakra is balanced, the effect on our lives is graceful movement, emotional intelligence, healthy sense of pleasure, nurturance of self and others, ability to change and adapt, and healthy boundaries.

Mindfulness can help to balance in this area as we become more and more aware of how we interpret our sensations. Notice whatever emtotions arise from time to time and without following the same old patterns simply notice the cause of the emotions and perhaps the reason for the emotion. You may find that some emotions actually mask deeper emotions, and that those deeper emotions may be something to be addressed to improve your overall level of well-being. This is a large part of self-discovery and healing.
Visit a large body of water and spend a moment taking in the bigness of life. It makes all those little things that bother us seem, well, little. Get a sense of the bigger picture.
Another good balancing practice is to establish healthy boundaries. We hear it all the time, but to put it into practice can be quite the challenge. Make sure to always allow time for yourself to experience something that you enjoy for no other reason than the fact that you enjoy it.

Affirmations: “I am able to surrender my fears"
"I trust myself to follow my dreams"
"I am in tune with my emotions"
"I adapt with grace to any situation"
"My steps are ordered by God and He delights in my way"
"I am in the flow of my life"
"I release ideas that are no longer useful"
"I am ALIVE and I am JOYFUL"

Chakra 3 - Manipura
(Solar Plexus Chakra - Element: Fire)

1 Corinthians3:13 “Every man's work will be made clear in that day, because it will be tested by fire; and the fire itself will make clear the quality of every man's work."
The same way the fire purifies metal, the heat we build during practice burns away toxins. When we push through obstacles with determination we become stronger and our perceptions begin to become clearer.

Hebrews 12:1 “As for us...let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way...and let us run with determination the race that lies before us."

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Manipura is located in the solar plexus. It corresponds with the digestive system and muscles, the adrenals, and the pancreas. Here in the third Chakra we address our will, our determination, and our self reliance/independence. It is the center for power, but it is also the center for joy. Passion has many ways of being expressed, be it through laughter or through anger.

When Manipura is "out of balance", we may have a constant need to be in control, ruled by a rigid will, experience excessive anger and/or fear, micromanage, or feel stressed out or anxious. On the other side of it, the imabalance can cause low energy, poor self-discipline, easily manipulated, depression, and fear of risk. When our third Chakra is balanced, it is displayed by a good sense of humor, healthy self-esteem and sense of self, strength of will, focus, energy, and a strong sense of purpose.

Allow for some spontenaeity! Accept that life has its ironic comedies, and enjoy the moments when things don't go just as you had planned. Laugh more! Re-evaluate where your energy is being invested. Are you focusing your energy on things that are not producing results? Time to redirect. If you are overstressed or experience anxiety, practice restorative yoga. If you feel depressed or that you are experiencing a weakness of will, then challenge yourself with perhaps some martial arts or a self defense class. Spend some time meditating on your motivations behind your actions, or behind your inaction.

Affirmations: “I honor the power within me"
" The fire within me burns through all blocks and fears"
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"
"I can do whatever I will to do"
"I accomplish tasks easily and effortlessly"

Chakra 4 - Anahata
(Heart Chakra - Element: Air)

Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not harm you...plans to give you hope and a future."

Psalms 139:13 “You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb."

Anahata is located in your heart center. It corresponds with the heart, lungs, and thymus. Here in the fourth Chakra we focus on compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, balance, patience/temperance, and sense of being connected. Anahata is at the center of the seven main Chakras, and there are some models that even begin here in the heart center.

When Anahata is "out of balance", we may be jealous or demanding, experience poor boundaries or codependency, even breathing complications. On the other side of it, the imabalance can cause or be displayed by shyness, bitterness, depression, lack of empathy, or a general feeling of isolation.

When our fourth Chakra is balanced, our immune system is in good function and we experience a sense of love for others AND ourselves. We are peaceful, we are balanced, and we recognize the connection between all living beings.

Forgive. When we hold on to grudges we are only trapping ourselves. As difficult as it can be sometimes, really see the situation from another person's persective. This practice can often be enlightening and produce stronger feelings of empathy, compassion, and patience. All of these things work together. When we begin to understand this, forgiveness begins to come quicker and easier. This same rule applies to ourselves. It can be easier to forgive someone else than it is to forgive yourself. So have compassion for you! Know that you are a complex, beautiful, important child of God and accept all the triumphs and mistakes that make up you. Loving and accepting yourself will, in the end, give you the tools that you need to be able to do the same for others..

Affirmations: “There is an infinite supply of love"
"I live in balance with others "
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made"
"I am worthy of love. I am loving myself and others"
"I can forgive, because I am forgiven."

Chakra 5 - Vishuddha
(Throat Chakra - Element: Sound)

John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth."

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Luke 20:21 “We know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance iwth the truth."

Vishuddha is located in your throat center. This is the notch in the base of your throat. It corresponds with the throat, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, pharyngeal plexus, thyroid, and parathyroid. Here in the fifth Chakra we focus on truth, communication, creativity, listening, resonance, and finding your own voice.

When Vishuddha is "out of balance", one may talk too much or talk as a defense mechanism with an inability to listen OR on the other side of the coin may have a weak voice and fear of speaking. Imabalances include gossiping, interrupting, poor rhythm, and difficulty putting feelings into words.

When our fifth Chakra is balanced, we experience clear communication, a strong creative flow, a resonant voice, good listening skills, and a good sense of timing and rhythm.

Try free writing. Grab a pen and paper and write down whatever comes to mind. It may be words, phrases, sentences, song lyrics, or whatever. If you feel up to it, find someone you trust to listen without saying anything in reply as you read back what you wrote, enabling you to feel what it is like to really be heard. You can also be the active listener, listening to what someone else has to say. Make it a point to not interrupt or comment, but continue to make known that are listening with eye contact and comprehension. Another great practice to help balance the fifth Chakra is chanting or speaking a mantra. This can be your favorite quote, verse, song lyric or affirmation. Whatever you choose, speak it aloud over and over again and notice the feeling of your body and your emotions when it concludes.

Affirmations: “I hear and speak the truth"
"I express myself with clear intent"
"Creativity flows in and through me"
"My voice is necessary"

Chakra 6 - Ajna
(Brow Chakra (Third Eye) - Element: Light)

Phillipians 4:8 “Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Matthew 17:20 “...For assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountaint, 'move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Psalms 36:9 “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

Ajna is located between your eyebrows, your third eye. It corresponds with the Pituitary Gland, which is responsible for secreting hormones. It has been called the master edocrine glad. Hormones secreted from the pituitary glad help control growth and aging, blood pressure, sex organ functions, thyroid glad functions, metabolism, temperature regulation and other body processes. Here in the sixth Chakra we focus on imagination, visualization, pattern recognition, our dreams, and our perceptions.

When Ajna is "out of balance", one may experience hallucinations or delusions, obsessions, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, headaches. On the other side of it, the imabalance can cause or be displayed by poor memory, lack of imagination, difficulty visualizing, and an inability to see patterns.

When our sixth Chakra is balanced, our imaginations are free and strong, our intuitions are strong and trustworthy, we will have good memory and dream recollection, a positive perceptions.

Engage your imagination. Turn of the television and read a book instead. Spend more time outdoors, bathed in natural sunlight as opposed to indoor artificial light. Take your lunch break in the picnic area instead of the cafeteria. Keep a dream journal. We forget sooner than we expect to almost every time, so keep a pen and pad beside your bed and write down your dreams when you wake up. Revisit what you have written and see what your dreams reveal to you. Visualize your future. Bring it to fruition by manifesting who and where you want to be. Avoid any self-judgment. Nurture your home meditation practice. There are many different forms of meditations, and many different methods. The practice of meditation will help you in balancing your hormones, lowering your blood pressure, thinking more clearly, recognizing your emotions earlier, and so many other wonderful things.

Affirmations: “I see all things in clarity."
"I am open to the wisdom within."
"I can manifest my vision."

8 Limbs of Yoga

1. Yamas
Five attitudes to practice toward others

¨ Ahimsa (non-violence)
Matthew 5:21-22 tells us that violence is not just a physical act, but an act of the heart.

¨ Satya (truthfulness)
Psalms 51:6 is a clear depiction of the fact that truth runs deep, more than facts vs. fiction it is a clear understanding of the true nature of things.¨

¨Asteya (non-stealing)
Ephesians 4:28 invites us to have our own paradigm shift, suggesting that rather that stealing we work hard so that we may have enough to share with those who are in need.

¨ Bramacharya (moderation)
1 Corinthians 6:12 gives us the freedom to have moderation, reminding us that lack of moderation results only in being mastered by that which we do not master.

¨ Aparigraha (non-attachment)
Luke 12:15 reminds us that life does not consist of the abundance of possessions.

2. Niyamas
Five attitudes to practice toward yourself

¨ Sauca (cleanliness)
Matthew 15:18-20 “But the things that come out of the mouth come out of the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean’.

Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Cleanliness begins on the inside of a person, and is manifested by their lives.

¨ Samtosha (contentment)
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? … … But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

This principle is a simple one, yet so very imperative. When we worry, we can make ourselves sick. The opposite of worry is faith, and faith promotes peace – which deposes worry.

¨ Tapas (body maintenance)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

Respect your body, and Honor God by taking care of your body.

¨ Svadhyaya (self-examination)
Psalms 77:6 “I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired.”

David allowed time for introspections and reflections. In this he was granted wisdom and comfort.

¨ Isvarapranidhana (surrender to God)
Matthew 22:37-38 “Jesus said, ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

True, passionate love involves a complete surrender of the ego.

3. Asanas
Physical or Hatha yoga


4. Pranayama
Breathwork


5. Pratyahara
Withdrawal of the senses


6. Dharana
Concentration


7. Dhyana
Meditation


8. Samadhi
Contemplation

More information coming soon.