Immunity: the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells; protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or a penalty.

This week, as we are bombarded with news of the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve been thinking a lot about immunity—both physical and spiritual.

Every time we do yoga, we are bolstering our immunity, because in yoga we are working to restore balance in our bodies, our breathing and our minds. And being in balance tends to have a positive impact on our bodies’ ability to fight off disease.

From a spiritual perspective, I’ve been thinking of how we balance the time we spend up, in and out: our “up-time” with God, “in-time” with fellow followers of Christ, and “out-time” in the broader community.

When I start my day with up-time, taking some time with God—before I turn on the radio, bring in the newspaper, start scrolling through email, etc.—I get the sense that I’m inoculating myself with peace and a broader perspective against some of the chaos and craziness—or, as the definition of immunity mentions, the sense of obligation and penalty—that can otherwise take over my days.

Earlier this week, I read a beautiful entry in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It felt like both an inoculation and a hug. She writes:

Rest in my radiant presence. The world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is a blur. Yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union with Me. Return to this soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized: filled with My Love, Joy, and Peace.

The world is a needy place; do not go there for sustenance. Instead, come to Me. Learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. When you find your completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to meet your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others. (Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:12)

Amen.

As we move forward into the unknown, I encourage each of you to inoculate yourself each day with prayer and meditation—and perhaps a home yoga practice. (And don’t forget to wash your hands. 🙂 )

Here’s a link to some immunity flows and info on yoga benefits that I had hoped to share with you at Holy Yoga today.

Here’s a link to a handbook of postures we use in Holy Yoga.

Here’s a link to a YouTube channel featuring Christian yoga with Caroline Williams. (I’ve tried a few of her flows and enjoyed them.)