Scripture

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15   NRSV

Spiritual Focus “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” Nelson Mandela

Devotion
“Welcome back” is a theme we see at almost every turn this time of the year. Welcome back to school, to church. Welcome back to new rhythms at work and in life. For those returning to faith and yoga practices there is a renewed sense of strength in community, and for those new to such practice there is the wonder of new beginnings.

Our Scripture this week is an invitation to the people of Israel and to us to return to God and rest. The passage adds that in returning and finding rest we are saved. The Latin root word for “saved” or “salvation” is salvus, which means to be made whole or healed. God’s repeated invitation to return, to rest in quietness, and to renew and restore our strength is an invitation to heal, to be made whole. In Yogadevotion we learn to rest in God by practicing in God’s presence. Through movement, breath, devotion, and prayer we celebrate that in God we are always welcomed back.
Breath Prayer
Inhale       I Am
Exhale      Back
Focus Pose: Whether standing or seated, we return again and again in practice to Mountain Pose, tadasana. It provides the centered grounding we need to check in with our breath and body. This week, return to practicing Mountain Pose.  Root your feet into the earth and stack your joints to align your body: knees over ankles, hips over knees, and shoulders over hips. Notice your breath and rest in the quiet strength of the pose.