PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Worcester County Warriors cofounder Heidi McNeeley on Saturday will host a holy yoga class at Zenna Wellness Studios in Berlin.

By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

(Jan. 31, 2019) Meditative poses and a deeper connection to God inspired Berlin resident Heidi McNeeley to offer a Holy Yoga Experience, which will take place in the Zenna Wellness Studio in downtown Berlin, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Holy yoga is an international movement of yoga,” McNeeley said. “We’ve never done one in Berlin, and with all the controversy about yoga this past year, I thought it would be really appropriate for us to host an event for people to come out and find out what holy yoga is all about.”

Last year, a Buckingham Elementary School organized yoga program was discontinued after the activity drew ire from a local church. McNeeley said the focus of holy yoga is to become closer to God.

“Holy yoga is basic yoga that is done to worship God,” she said. “It uses scripture and bible readings to bring the worship of God into yoga. Yoga is such a trendy thing and so popular with so many people it evens the playing ground. Someone who might not otherwise walk into a church or bible study buy [might] be comfortable going to a yoga class and experiencing God in a yoga class.

“I think there’s a little bit of info about yoga in general and a little bit about holy yoga people may have some misunderstandings and concepts that might not be correct,” McNeeley continued. “This [event] is for learning what holy yoga is but also just to have a wonderful morning worshipping God and enjoying community.”

Participants will start off with a 15-minute basic class and end the four-hour-long activity with an hour of yoga flow. In between there will be other yoga flows as well as a bible study and further explanation of what holy yoga is.

“Everyone should feel welcome to attend,” McNeeley said. “We’re really excited to hold this event.”

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online at x.holyyoga.net or at Zenna Wellness. Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles and their own yoga mat if possible, though additional mats will be available at the studio.

For more information, visit the Holy Yoga Experience Facebook page.