Mindfulness/Yoga?

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I work in special education and starting this year, they are implementing a mindfulness/yoga program that will take place weekly, possibly daily in the classroom. I’ve seen a glimpse of how its going to go… about 20 minutes of breathing techniques, stretches, and an instructor giving “self-positive messages”. The team of psychologist/admin believe this will help with the stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues that many of the students have. I work with moderate/severe ‘emotionally disturbed’ students (anxiety, bipolar, psychotic disorders and more)

My question is this: What does everyone think of this? I am always weary of Yoga, and self-meditation outside of Jesus… I KNOW Jesus is the answer, and what He has to offer, the world cant provide. What can my role be in this? Any thoughts, suggestions? I am sure it will benefit some of the students, but should I be for this, or against this? or neutral?

Thank You.
 
From what you are saying sounds aright to me. I work with the same population and those kinda of these things seem to help.

Good for you of thinking about these thinks.👍
 
The program as presented seems rather faith-neutral–and as Catholics we can accept that.

If you are still bothered, you may want to investigate more Catholic methods of meditation and prayer–Lectio Divina, the contemplation of The Cloud of Unknowing, and other spiritual forms. The Church has a vast tradition throughout history of Spiritual masters, often mostly unknown while we turn to the “mysteries” of the East instead. Perhaps some of these might be even more beneficial to the students.
 
if it’s just what you describe, I tink it’s fine. as long there’s no spiritual aspects involved, it’s not a problem.

a lot of the poses used in yoga are poses we used in our every day lives without knowing it. and they are used in other exercises as well, just not labled as yoga, just stay away from the praying to hindu gods and all that and it should be fine
 
Yoga can be much more about the exercise and the meditation aspect doesn’t have to conflict with your faith.
 
Please, please stop worrying about this. People are just getting too crazy with the worry about yoga. Anything that might help a person relax, feel less stress, and provide a little time to stretch is not going to open the gates of hell or bring on the devil.

I have worked with the disabled for over 20 years. If the person can become calmer by just having some time to listen to music and do some stretching go for it. It is well worth the decrease in undesired behaviors caused by anxiety, fear and stress. I don’t think we are trying to do anything against God by practicing a little yoga from this perspective.
 
I’d have an issue with it, particularly if they want you to participate. But then I tend to be somewhat overly cautious I’ve been told on opening doors to other spirits…
 
Bookcat said:
Catholic Answers Staff: catholic.com/quickquestions/is-it-okay-for-catholics-to-use-yoga-as-part-of-an-exercise-program

They also have a longer article called “The trouble with Yoga” - I have not read it but it is available on Catholic Answers main site. In there magazine.

Much more could be said -but those are two sources for you.

I do not recommend yoga to anyone.
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The post there from the Staff Apologists address’s

“What about in physical education for children?”

(as to mindfulness - I would be cautious myself and want to look into what exactly is meant and check it out. I imagine various persons can mean various things…etc. One can always then give a call the CA Apologist line with specifics).
 
Jesuslives321 said:
I work in special education and starting this year, they are implementing a mindfulness/yoga program that will take place weekly, possibly daily in the classroom.

Thank You.
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Mindfulness is also an important aspect of Christian spirituality but we call it vigilance, sober minded, alert.

Mark 13:33
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

1 Peter 1:13
Be Holy ] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Such mindfulness puts us in the present moment where Christ is found.
 
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