What Yoga Means

The Path to Union

Yoga. A word that often brings to mind images of serene poses, deep breaths, and meditative stillness. But at its core, yoga is much more than physical movement, it is a practice of union, a journey inward, and a tool for healing.

The word “yoga” comes from the ancient Sanskrit root yuj, which means “union” or “to yoke.” This union is traditionally understood as the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Yoga originated thousands of years ago in India and was first systematized by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, a collection of teachings that serve as the philosophical foundation of yoga.

Hatha yoga, one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms, places particular emphasis on breath and movement. While many today recognize yoga for its physical benefits, its origins are deeply rooted in self-discipline, reflection, and inner peace. Hatha yoga specifically focuses on the balance of energy within the body, using breath as a bridge between the physical and spiritual.

A common myth among some Christian communities (many of whom I grew up around), is that yoga is inherently tied to Hinduism or incompatible with any other faith. However, yoga itself is not a religion—it is a practice. While yoga originated in a culture where Hinduism was predominant, it does not require belief in any deity or religious system. Rather, it is a tool that individuals of all faiths can use to cultivate mindfulness, discipline, and a deeper relationship with God.

In my personal journey, yoga has been a gift that has strengthened my faith rather than detracted from it. I am a Judaeo-Christian, and for me, yoga has provided a way to live out the principles found in scripture. Where the Bible calls us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5), yoga has given me the practical tools to do just that through breath-work, movement, and stillness that lead to surrender. It is one thing to be told to trust in God; it is another to physically embody that trust by learning to release control, to breathe through discomfort, and to sit in quiet confidence with Him. We are, after all, creatures of habit who crave rites and rituals, of physical acts that embody spiritual journeys.

Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), and in many ways, yoga has become that quiet place for me, a space to listen, reflect, and simply be in God’s presence. My journey of healing has been shaped by faith, scripture, and the support of loved ones, but yoga became the tool that helped me actively walk the path of inner restoration.

Throughout my training, I was privileged to learn from teachers of varying faiths; Hindu, Buddhist, Evangelical Christian, and Catholic. And yet, despite their different beliefs, they all found that yoga led them closer to their personal faiths. It provided a space to quiet the noise of the world and reconnect with something greater than themselves.

Yoga does not demand a particular belief system; rather, it invites each of us to explore who we are and what we truly believe. It is a practice of returning home to our breath, our bodies, and, ultimately, to God.

For me, yoga has been more than just a practice; it has been a means of healing. It has helped me process past trauma, find peace in uncertainty, and experience the presence of God in ways I never had before. The physical movement of yoga is not just about flexibility or strength but is about learning to be present, to surrender, and to trust the process.

My hope is that through Endameo Yoga LLC, I can offer others the same opportunity. Whether you approach yoga from a place of curiosity, healing, or spiritual connection, know that it is a practice meant to support you, not change or replace your faith.

If you’ve ever wondered whether yoga could have a place in your life, I encourage you to step onto the mat with an open heart. You may just find that yoga is not about changing what you believe but about about deepening it.

With love and gratitude,

Niah Blue