Winter Spirituality Series (click for description)

in
Event Date: 
Sat, 01/21/2012
January 21
Introduction to Yoga as a Spiritual
Practice within Christian Context
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
contact Susan Pudelek spudelek@ourladyofpompeii.org
 
 Workshop description:
In this workshop we’ll learn what makes Yoga a spiritual practice and how it can complement and deepen a Christian path.   We’ll discuss how Christian teachings can further spiritual growth for those who’s main path is Yoga. Specifically, we’ll explore the yogic concepts of Soul and Nature and the union of the two, known as Enlightenment, and look at Jesus Christ as an example of this union. We’ll also reflect on humanity as imago Dei (image of God) from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Finally, we’ll take our practice on the mat where we’ll become familiar with yogic postures, deep breathing, relaxation and meditation, while learning to still the body and mind in order to be open to Divine Presence.
 
 
Full awareness of the presence of God within us has been the deep longing 
of Christian hearts for centuries.  Yoga’s “proven effectiveness in calming the 
body and quieting the mind has much to offer Christians as a complementary 
discipline to meditation” says Rev. Thomas Ryan, CSP, in Prayer of the Heart 
& Body: Meditation and Yoga as a Christian Spiritual Practice.  Join us for this 
3-part series cultivating a focused awareness of our deepest being. 
 
Co-Leaders:
Marina Lisjonok is a Russian-Latvian native. She has been teaching yoga since 2006, while being certified in Hatha, Universal and Vinyasa styles of yoga at 200 and 500 hour levels. Marina holds an Associate degree in Nursing, Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She continues her spiritual learning through Yog Sadhan Ashram in West Chicago.
 
Susan M. Pudelek is director of pilgrimage ministry at the Shrine and earned the M.Div. at Catholic Theological Union.  She holds a BA in Theatre from Loyola University Chicago, leads retreats and workshops in praying with body and soul and is a liturgical dancer, actor and singer. Susan is a local InterPlay© leader.