Why We Need To Talk About The Stigma Of Religion In Wellness

Ask a seasoned yogi if they're religious, and they might say something along the lines of, "I would consider myself to be more spiritual." It's a common distinction, as the binary between religion and spirituality is pretty pervasive. But there's a certain stigma with both—the former is thought to be too conservative or judgmental, while the latter may have a woo-woo, mystic stereotype. 

But according to certified personal trainer, registered yoga teacher, and founder of TMAC FITNESS Todd McCullough, it's time we stop fueling these binaries—religion and spirituality are more similar than you may think. 

Meditation and yoga require you to quiet the mind and tap into your intuition, which is similar to how one might feel during prayer. What's more, spirituality and religion are both based on the values of a higher power, a certain energy that helps you differentiate between the moral and immoral. "You need some sort of base for morality," he says. "Where do you learn this value from the spirituality side without religion?"

It's also quite difficult to separate your spirituality or religious beliefs from your personal identity. McCullough explains how you carry your practice to whomever you're dating or working with, even if you may do it subconsciously. Your practice is part of who you are, says McCullough, no matter whether you're sitting in a church pew or on a yoga mat. 

McCullough wholeheartedly believes that while religion itself is paramount in mindfulness, there is no "correct" way to believe. "God believes in the approach, not necessarily what religion you follow," he tells me. 

That said, while McCullough found God through Christ, he acknowledges that all religion belongs in mindfulness, no matter what certain practices or Scriptures you follow. "I don't care what you say you belong to; I just care how you live your life." A rather spiritual way to look at it, if you ask us.