Strengthening Body ~ Renewing Mind ~ Inspiring Spirit
Dayna Gelinas, Founder of New Day Yoga
Welcome to my life where I hope everyday to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord with every thought, word and action! I may not succeed 100% of the time, but thanks for the gift of God–yoga from a Christian perspective–I am better able to hear and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit moment-by-moment and day-by-day!
New Day Yoga was “birthed” in January of 2003 after my husband received a clear word from the Lord to let me live out my life dream of teaching yoga full time just as he was living out his dream as a musician. Boom! Just like that I scheduled a meeting with the principal at North Cobb Christian Highschool and let him know I would not be returning to teach in the fall. My life changed instantly with that decision.
Little did I know that soon I’d be teaching 11 classes of New Day Yoga per week at 4 different locations, that my weekly classes would turn into a love for curriculum development that would become a 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2005 and an advanced 300-hour yoga teacher training in 2011. (This website details the content of those curriculums, as well as the 12-hour intro course and the 7 retreats that I lead and direct each year.) Whew! Thank you, Honey, for this life “dream” that is also a lot of heart work and elbow grease! But it is so worth the effort and the sacrifice!
Little did I know that soon I’d be teaching 11 classes of New Day Yoga per week at 4 different locations, that my weekly classes would turn into a love for curriculum development that would become a 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2005 and an advanced 300-hour yoga teacher training in 2011. (This website details the content of those curriculums, as well as the 12-hour intro course and the 7 retreats that I lead and direct each year.) Whew! Thank you, Honey, for this life “dream” that is also a lot of heart work and elbow grease! But it is so worth the effort and the sacrifice!
It has been through the development of these teacher training programs that I have become well-acquainted with the deeper significance of the spiritual practices of yoga. It has been through the teaching of hundreds of students and the development of the NDY Team that these same practices have been proven to be solid gold. My life choices, my friendships, my endeavors, my marriage, have all been set straight again and again by continuing to practice the eight limbs of yoga that I have studied and continued to teach from a Christian perspective.
You might notice that I did not say that yoga has caused my relationship with Christ to grow… I know myself. I know that even without yoga my relationship with Christ would continue to grow. That’s because He is my life. My love for Christ is way beyond a “practice.” I know for a milllion facts that Christ alone is my joy, my strength, my hope, my love, my security, my SAVIOR. I do not need yoga to steady me in those truths. Christ is in my heart. Christ is the One who steadies me.
BUT, I also know, without a doubt, that God has used New Day Yoga and the writing and teaching of the curriculum of yoga from a Christian perspective to keep me focused, balanced, humble, learning, teachable, strong, steadfast, certain, joyful, and growing in the Lord. Because I practice the yoga that I teach, I have seen firsthand the huge benefits of living a lifestyle that seeks to bring balance and tranquility to my being of body and mind. For this reason, I want to pass on to others these tools that God has placed so purposefully into my heart and consciousness. I see the people around me who love God, who want to please Him, who want to live a life of purpose and strength and confidence and joy, and I see how they fall short and struggle. Yoga teaches us how to find the joy, how to find the contentment, how to find the strength that is only found in Christ. Yoga is the tangible tool that you can pick up every day to help you do God’s work of love and faith.
Did I realize all this in 1998 when I went to my very first yoga class in a small local gym in Cartersville, GA? No! But I realize it now! Now I understand why I heard a voice in my mind, the very first time I did Revolved Side Angle in that very first class, that said, “I can teach this, and I can teach it from a Christian perspective.” God planted that idea in my mind and heart. As I attempted to hold my balance and steady myself in that pose, I felt the tremendous power of my own intention. I felt the absolute necessity to focus on what I was doing. I had no choice but to concentrate! In that moment I sensed God, His design, His pleasure, His smile. It was awesome! And then, after class, as I floated out of the gym and into the parking lot, I recognized that I had never felt so relaxed in all my life. It was so sweet to my soul, and to my body and mind!
So fast forward 22 years to 2020… Here’s what I am thankful for today: Practicing and studying yoga has revealed to me my own potential. It has taught me about God’s design for my body and mind so that I can use these two gifts to be the person God created me to be. It has helped me to understand what I do and why. It has taught me how to wait before I make a decision. It has taught me how to temper my emotional energy by monitoring my thoughts. In essence it has taught me how NOT TO BE conformed to this world and how TO BE transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may “prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
I hope you join me in this life of hope and strength and purpose! It is possible, even in this stressed out world where we make our home. God can make it happen, and sometimes He even uses yoga to help us along the way.
You might notice that I did not say that yoga has caused my relationship with Christ to grow… I know myself. I know that even without yoga my relationship with Christ would continue to grow. That’s because He is my life. My love for Christ is way beyond a “practice.” I know for a milllion facts that Christ alone is my joy, my strength, my hope, my love, my security, my SAVIOR. I do not need yoga to steady me in those truths. Christ is in my heart. Christ is the One who steadies me.
BUT, I also know, without a doubt, that God has used New Day Yoga and the writing and teaching of the curriculum of yoga from a Christian perspective to keep me focused, balanced, humble, learning, teachable, strong, steadfast, certain, joyful, and growing in the Lord. Because I practice the yoga that I teach, I have seen firsthand the huge benefits of living a lifestyle that seeks to bring balance and tranquility to my being of body and mind. For this reason, I want to pass on to others these tools that God has placed so purposefully into my heart and consciousness. I see the people around me who love God, who want to please Him, who want to live a life of purpose and strength and confidence and joy, and I see how they fall short and struggle. Yoga teaches us how to find the joy, how to find the contentment, how to find the strength that is only found in Christ. Yoga is the tangible tool that you can pick up every day to help you do God’s work of love and faith.
Did I realize all this in 1998 when I went to my very first yoga class in a small local gym in Cartersville, GA? No! But I realize it now! Now I understand why I heard a voice in my mind, the very first time I did Revolved Side Angle in that very first class, that said, “I can teach this, and I can teach it from a Christian perspective.” God planted that idea in my mind and heart. As I attempted to hold my balance and steady myself in that pose, I felt the tremendous power of my own intention. I felt the absolute necessity to focus on what I was doing. I had no choice but to concentrate! In that moment I sensed God, His design, His pleasure, His smile. It was awesome! And then, after class, as I floated out of the gym and into the parking lot, I recognized that I had never felt so relaxed in all my life. It was so sweet to my soul, and to my body and mind!
So fast forward 22 years to 2020… Here’s what I am thankful for today: Practicing and studying yoga has revealed to me my own potential. It has taught me about God’s design for my body and mind so that I can use these two gifts to be the person God created me to be. It has helped me to understand what I do and why. It has taught me how to wait before I make a decision. It has taught me how to temper my emotional energy by monitoring my thoughts. In essence it has taught me how NOT TO BE conformed to this world and how TO BE transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may “prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
I hope you join me in this life of hope and strength and purpose! It is possible, even in this stressed out world where we make our home. God can make it happen, and sometimes He even uses yoga to help us along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning NDY Teachings
How do you handle chakras in your training and in your studio? Do you teach chakras in the traditional sense or as an aspect of yoga philosophy?
Chakras are “wheels of energy” theoretically located along the spine. We know energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. At NDY we teach the chakras as the essential energy created by God for God that is contained within and expressed by the body. We have nothing to fear in researching and examining the energy within us, just like we have no reason to fear researching and studying anything that God has created such as nature, laws of gravity, speed, light, sound, etc. Just because we don’t understand it all and may not get it exactly right all the time, doesn’t mean it’s not worth our attention. Just look at all the advances being made right now in the understanding of our minds and the mind-body connection! Our brain and nervous system are amazing, and they are controlled, for the most part, by our own thoughts, which are energy! To be a good steward of the body and brain that God has given us requires that we examine our energy–where it comes from, where it goes, what restores it and what depletes it. At NDY we study all the bodily systems and the energy associated with each one.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Do you teach poses, mantras, mudras, and pranayama practices that are designed to balance the chakras?
Absolutely! Every movement you do with your body is impacting your energy, as well as lack of movement. Our body and brain have physical, emotional, and neurological pressure points that respond when stimulated by various yoga postures. Over time you can learn which poses energize you and which ones calm you. Simply moving the spine in all six directions will bring balance to your overall being. The same is true for mantras (affirmations), mudras (hand gestures), and pranayama (breathing) practices. A mantra might be repeating, “With God all things are possible.” A common mudra is to place your hands in prayer. A common pranayama is to gently lengthen the exhalation. All of these simple spiritual disciplines will balance out our energy when practiced intentionally over time.
What are your thoughts about Meditation?
Meditation is what you make it: an exercise in concentration, prayer, mindfulness, contemplation, spiritual discipline, etc. We all meditate on something even if that something is nothing. At NDY we meditate on the truth found in God’s Word. We also practice being still in God’s presence and enjoying His company in silence, beyond words.
Do you only teach meditation on the word of God or are there mantras that you consider “safe” for Christians?
It is “safe” and pleasing to God to meditate on “whatever is true, right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.” (Phil. 4:8) If what you use as a mantra or affirmation lines up with the Truth of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, you are “safe.”
Since I have been able to access the new online program, it has been so helpful. Wow! God has a funny sense of humor! I went from trying one Christian "self help" book to another and they were nice. Nice, but whipped cream. Not even homemade whipped cream, but just cool whip. Cool Whip has its place, but I crave meat! Ding dang! Did our Lord deliver meat! Wow! It's pretty heady stuff, so I'm diving into it about 30 minutes per day. – God knew I needed this right now.
Alicia Coxwell
I have to tell you how much taking your spiritual, relaxation yoga classes for the last 4 yrs. have helped me through my back surgery. I had two cervical herniated discs removed (C5-6 & C6-7), and I now have a 3’ vertical cut in the front of my neck with no neck brace. While waiting in recovery for two extra hours, I used the deep breathing method to relax and increased my oxygen leave back up to 98%. Bob said my color looked better than any one in our family after major surgery! [Thanks to yoga and the Lord], my only restrictions after the surgery are no heavy housework or riding in a car for one month. Your Yoga classes have taught me how to breathe & relax through pain & are now helping me to relax at home & listen to my body & figure out how to sleep comfortably
Joy Lambie
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your teaching and the opportunity to learn more about yoga through New Day Yoga Teacher Training. I have been teaching this year and also taking classes at studios. It has made me realize just how blessed I am to have been exposed to your approach. It truly laid a great foundation in order to pursue teaching as well as exploring yoga personally. Just wanted to let you know how grateful I am.
Lindsey Johnson
Just a note to say what a beautiful time it was to be with you and others at the Holy Spirit Monastery this weekend. “How lovely are the feet of those who bring good news”. I woke up this morning with a grateful heart and some new ways to approach my yoga practice and to integrate my faith. I just returned from my class and it was wonderful. Thank you! Know that I will be praying for God’s favor for you and for others to be enriched and stretched in their faith and yoga practice for having been with you.
Just a note to say what a beautiful time it was to be with you and others at the Holy Spirit Monastery this weekend. “How lovely are the feet of those who bring good news”. I woke up this morning with a grateful heart and some new ways to approach my yoga practice and to integrate my faith. I just returned from my class and it was wonderful. Thank you! Know that I will be praying for God’s favor for you and for others to be enriched and stretched in their faith and yoga practice for having been with you.
Barbara D. Carlin
When I first started my yoga journey in 2015, I was expecting to learn more about yoga. Not only did I learn more about yoga, I learned how truly wonderful yoga is not only for the body and mind but for the soul. It has definitely drawn me closer to Christ. Knowing that every aspect of yoga, the breath, movement, mindfulness are all gifts from our heavenly Father still overwhelms me at times. Even now as I am writing this. I am so grateful to God for leading me to NDY, the 200 hr program, and the 300 hr program...I look back on my training as a time of constant learning spiritually and cognitively. It has always been a time of refreshment for me and I hope to continue that time of refreshment after graduation...
Just like you giving up your full time job as a teacher, my NDY experience allowed me to leave a job that was increasingly becoming less satisfying, and more stressful each day. According to my husband, since I have left that job and become a yoga instructor, I am a nicer person. He never wants me to look for additional income, because he likes who I have become.
Your impact in my life has been monumental. Please never forget it.
I wouldn’t have wanted to train for my 200 level certificate with any other teacher or through any other program. New Day Yoga was the perfect place for me. If you’re a Christian and you love yoga this is the place for you!
I wouldn’t have wanted to train for my 200 level certificate with any other teacher or through any other program. New Day Yoga was the perfect place for me. If you’re a Christian and you love yoga this is the place for you!