Yoga instruction and metaphysical consulting.
The "sun and moon" theme, which is the emblem of the Community of Francis and Clare, comes from St. Francis, "The Canticle of The Sun," which says:
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun
Who is the day and through whom You give us light...
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in Heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful...
A variation on this song was recorded by Donovan and is perhaps best known from the 1972 movie about the life of St. Francis, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon."
The early church fathers Ambrose and Augustine saw the sun as a symbol of Christ and the moon as a symbol of the Church. The sun/moon theme has other meanings as well, representing masculine/feminine, revealed/hidden, or the Chinese yang/yin.
In addition, the Sanskrit word "hatha" in "hatha yoga" is translated "sun-moon" implying balance of the outer and inner, the body and soul. The ancient Hindus understood health as something which is not only physical, but also spiritual, and these exercises were designed to bring about the health of the whole person by strengthening and purifying the body while calming and focusing the mind. The spiritual aspect of health is something which is only now beginning to be acknowledged by mainstream medicine in the west.
The word "yoga" means "yoke" or "union" - unity of body, mind and spirit, and ultimately union with the Divine. In the modern world, yoga is treated by some as mere physical exercise, or even an athletic competition, completely ignoring the spiritual dimension. On the other hand, religious persons have sometimes focused on the soul while neglecting the body, regarding it as unimportant or even perhaps evil. Let us remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians, including Franciscan monks and nuns in Assisi, do yoga as part of their spiritual practice. Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mat. 11:29).
At Lothlorien house our goal is to help you attain physical fitness, but we hope you will also leave here feeling spiritually refreshed, ready to meet life's challenges and to be a channel of blessing to yourself and others.
Private lessons and group classes in yoga and pilates are available at various times during the week by appointment. Yoga at Lothlorien is unique because the classes are small - a maximum of 4 people - so you will receive plenty of individual attention and be able to proceed at your own pace according to your own level of experience and comfort.
Fees for 1-hour classes:
1 class $12
5 classes $50
10 classes $90
Private instruction/personal training: $40 per hour
Metaphysical consulting: $25 per half hour
To sign up for yoga or pilates classes or inquire about metaphysical consulting or visiting for a retreat, please click on "Contact Us" above.
Lothlorien House 5704 Arnold Road, Panama City, FL 32404
