Get to know: Alan Haras ’16, combining religious traditions into something new

In January, Jesuitical, a podcast presented by America Media, which publishes America, The Jesuit Review, posed the following question “Is it possible to blend yoga and Catholicism?”

On that podcast, Bobby Karle, S.J., answered questions about Ignatian Yoga, a new movement gaining attention and which he co-founded with Alan Haras, a 2016 graduate of University of Detroit Mercy.

Haras, who came to Detroit Mercy to earn a master’s degree in Religious Studies, said Ignatian Yoga draws upon the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises and, specifically, the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, or care of the whole person. It’s about finding God in all things, including yourself, and giving thanks for the gift of life.

Read More:

Ignatian Yoga Lent 2018 Video # 2

Ignatian Yoga is a collaborative ministry of Jesuits and lay people that integrates the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola and the practices of yoga and meditation. Ignatian Yoga invites participants to reflect on God’s presence in their life experiences, connecting mind body and spirit with a diverse array of old and new practices.   

                                                       

Core Pillars of Ignatian Yoga:

• Community - Unifying Jesuits, Jesuit educators, spiritual directors and pastoral workers, parishioners and spiritual seekers to build community of mutual support toward an intentional lifestyle
• Spirituality: Practices the spirituality of St. Ignatius and of yoga to more deeply connect with God, others, and self. These practices help us to recenter, to more deeply hear the call of Christ in our life.
• Embodiment: Integrates the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional body to more wholly embody the joy of the Gospel. 
• Social justice: Links “the service of faith” and “the promotion of justice” through advocacy, education, and solidarity: As children of God across all racial, economic and social divides, we strive for an ever more mutual and inclusive practice.

Learn more at https://www.ignatianyoga.com/

Prior posts on Ignatian Yoga -
https://movingbeyondcancerinnola.blogspot.com/search?q=Ignatian+Yoga

Prior Posts on the Benefits of Yoga: 
https://movingbeyondcancerinnola.blogspot.com/search?q=yoga