A Class From: 24 Christian Yoga Class Outlines: Two a Month Based on the Season and Holidays
This class can be enjoyed anytime such as a Monday class, the first of any month or wherever you see fit.
New Beginnings: Trusting God for the Year Ahead
January, the start of a new year, is the perfect time for reflection, renewal, and setting spiritual intentions. This class emphasizes the idea of new beginnings, starting fresh, and trusting in God’s plans as we move into the new year. It encourages participants to embrace God’s guidance and to cultivate a heart of hope, peace, and trust as they embark on the journey of the year ahead.
Encouraged Points of Reflection
- New Beginnings & Renewal: Reflecting on the opportunities a new year provides to start fresh in our walk with God.
- Trust in God’s Plan: Acknowledging that even though we don’t know what the future holds, God is already there, guiding and preparing the way.
- Peace & Presence: Taking time to quiet the mind and body, and focusing on God’s peace, allowing His presence to fill us as we move forward into a new season of life.
- Surrendering to His Will: Letting go of the past, embracing God’s grace, and surrendering our desires and anxieties about the future to Him.
Class Flow
1. Opening Prayer & Intention (5 minutes)
- Begin the class by welcoming participants and introducing the theme of “New Beginnings: Trusting God for the Year Ahead.” Encourage them to reflect on the year that has passed, let go of any regrets or burdens, and open their hearts to God’s renewal.
Opening Prayer Example:
“Father, we come before You at the beginning of this new year with grateful hearts. We thank You for the opportunity to start fresh, for Your grace that covers all things, and for the promise of new beginnings. We surrender this year to You, trusting that You will guide our steps and lead us into the future You have prepared. May we embrace Your peace, Your will, and Your presence in every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
2. Gentle Warm-Up & Breath Awareness (5 minutes)
- Begin in Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or seated comfortably on a block or cushion. Encourage deep breathing, focusing on the inhale and exhale to center the mind and prepare for the practice ahead.
- Guide participants to set an intention for the class, inviting them to think about the new opportunities God is bringing into their lives in the coming year.
Breathing Exercise:
- Inhale deeply, imagining the newness of the year filling you with hope.
- Exhale slowly, releasing any tension or worry from the past year.
- Focus on a mantra such as: “Lord, guide me in the new season ahead.”
Reflection:
“The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) — Reflect on the new beginnings God offers, and open your heart to His transformation in your life.
3. Heart-Opening & Grounding Sequence (10-15 minutes)
In this section, we’ll focus on opening the heart and finding grounding, reflecting on God’s peace and presence as we embrace the new year.
Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
- Start in Tabletop Position (hands under shoulders, knees under hips).
- Inhale to drop the belly and lift the chest (Cow Pose).
- Exhale to round the spine, tuck the chin (Cat Pose).
- Repeat for 5-6 rounds, syncing breath with movement.
Reflection:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18) — As you move, let go of past regrets and mistakes, focusing on the newness of God’s grace and mercy.
Child’s Form (Balasana)
- From Tabletop, sit back onto the heels and extend the arms forward, resting the forehead on the mat.
- Hold for several breaths, allowing the body to fully relax and surrender.
Reflection:
“He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:3) — Rest in God’s peace, surrendering your mind and body to His care, allowing His presence to refresh you as you begin the year.
4. Standing Sequence & Strengthening (10-15 minutes)
This section will focus on strength and balance, encouraging participants to stand firm in their faith and trust in God’s guidance for the year ahead.
Mountain (Tadasana)
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides.
- Ground through your feet and reach upward through the crown of your head.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths, feeling strong and steady.
Reflection:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) — As you stand strong, reflect on trusting God’s plan for the new year, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
- Step one foot back, bending the front knee to 90 degrees, arms extending overhead.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths, feeling strength and confidence in God’s provision.
- Option to move into Warrior II to Extended Side Angle, to Bird of Paradise.
Reflection:
Reflect on God’s strength and His ability to fight for you, trusting that He will lead you in the year ahead. Return to Warrior I or Mountain: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
Tree (Vrksasana)
- Stand tall, shift weight onto one leg, and bring the opposite foot to the inner thigh or calf (avoiding the knee).
- Bring your hands together in prayer position or extend your arms overhead.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths.
- Option to move into Big Toe. From Tree bring the knee into the chest, clasp the big toe while extending the leg out front or to the side.
Reflection:
As you balance, reflect on how being rooted in God’s love and presence helps you stay steady, even in the midst of change. “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psalm 92:13)
5. Seated Stretching & Relaxation (5-10 minutes)
This section will focus on releasing tension and bringing the body to a place of calm, as participants reflect on the peace of surrender and trust in God’s will.
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
- Sit with legs extended long, feet flexed. Inhale to lengthen the spine, and exhale to fold forward over the legs.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths, allowing the body to soften into the stretch.
Reflection:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) — As you fold forward, release any worries about the future, trusting that God hears and cares for you.
Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
- Sit tall, cross one leg over the other, and gently twist toward the bent knee.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths, then switch sides.
Reflection:
“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) — Reflect on the future God has for you, knowing that His plans are filled with hope, peace, and purpose.
6. Final Resting (Savasana) (5-10 minutes)
- Lie on your back, arms at your sides, palms facing upward.
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath, letting your body relax into the mat.
Reflection:
“The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) — Rest in the Lord.