“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t want a life that is free and light? Unforced? Full of grace? I think there is something that appeals to everyone in this promise. This desire in us for a different sort of life doesn’t appear out of thin air. The longing is deep. I’m reading a book right now that is really speaking to my soul, called Spiritual Disciplines and the author Adele Calhoun says, “this longing for a different kind of life, no matter how weak or crackling with heat, is evidence that God is already at work in your life. You wouldn’t want more of God if the Holy Spirit wasn’t first seeking you. “

I just love this visual of GOD pursuing us. I have always felt this in my life. When I drift away for whatever reason, He is always so generous to pull me back. His love for us is reckless (my favorite song by the way!)

As you come on to your mats this week, make a simple intention to just keep company with Jesus. No pressure, just grace. Allow your practice to become a spiritual discipline. Spiritual disciplines are opportunities to bring our aches and longings, our desire to connect with our Creator, and just keep company with Jesus by making space for Him. This is where God works within us doing what He alone can do. When we practice yoga as a spiritual disciplines we give our bodies up to the unhurried rhythms of grace. It’s active surrender.

So as you move your body, breathe and be intentional about spending time with Him, to notice Him and to respond to His word to you.

As you close out your practice, go back to Matthew 11:28-30. Is there a word or phrase that seems to pop out at you? If so, just rest with this word and ask God what He wants to reveal to you about this word from scripture. Repeat your word to yourself. Picture it – what does it look like in your life? Does it evoke an emotion? Share that with God. Ask Him what He wants you to know about this word? Ask Him what He wants you to do with this word. What does He want to teach you? He is our teacher, our counselor, our friend. Just enjoy this time of keeping company with Him. Unhurry your soul before God and just be with Him.