More About Kripalu Yoga

Translated from the Sanskrit, yoga literally means union. The essence of the practice is the union of our individual being with the universal Spirit.

This is not easily accomplished. To not deny, abandon or judge ourselves and others, no matter what may be happening in our lives or in the lives of those around us, is a very difficult task for most people. Our insecurities, fears and ignorance prevent us from opening our hearts with compassion.

The ancient yogis, in their attempts to establish this union, developed a variety of practices to help the body to engender strength, sensitivity, and flexibility, not only in the physical body, but in their awareness as well. These individual practices slowly evolved into the many systems of yoga practiced today.

Kripalu Yoga is more than just an example of traditional yoga. In its orientation it does honour the truth of the ancient philosophy and practices, yet, it gives equal respect to the living wisdom held in each student’s body/mind. In this way, ancient techniques are continuously adapted and integrated into each student’s changing needs in any given moment.

Strength and flexibility of body and mind, the breath, and energy flow are all encouraged, but the focus of the practice is in a much deeper arena - awareness of the Self. Compassion – the literal meaning of the word Kripalu – and self-respect are paramount. Rather than a strict adherence to classical forms, beliefs, and concepts, the understanding of and sensitivity to one’s experience in the body and in relationship to other lives is the touchstone of Kripalu’s approach to yoga. Pleasing teachers, doing it ‘right’, and looking good are of no importance. Creating personal boundaries, listening to the wisdom of your body, and responding to what brings healing and fulfillment to your life is the emphasis.

Practice of yoga ‘on the mat’ gives us the ability to strengthen, open, integrate and heal the fractured relationships between our body mind and heart. It also helps us to develop awareness - posture by posture and breath by breath - of the condition and potential of our body, not just anatomically but at a feeling/intuitive level. The yoga of relationship comes alive. We begin to recognize, in ourselves, and in each other, a new level of caring and compassion.

The ability to be with this more profound and broader realization of ‘yoga as union,’ in all situations and conditions, is characterized as Kripalu Yoga in daily life or 'yoga off the mat.' This is where the more profound effects of yoga begin to manifest themselves. It is also where we attempt to create 'meditation in motion' or calmness of mind, body and spirit in each moment of our existence. While the blessings of a stronger and more flexible body are wonderful, these pale in comparison to embracing life at a more intimate level. Through practice you develop more and more the ability to be with your authentic self in both light and shadow.

Kripalu Yoga, then, is primarily concerned with freeing up the spirit. The forcing of our lives into established forms and sequences is put aside. While specific guidance about the physical aspects of yoga is provided, the emphasis is not in accomplishing higher and higher levels of the mastery of physical form. The aim is to awaken deeper and deeper levels of Self-awareness. It is the balancing of personal with the traditional, and the internal with the external, that gives Kripalu Yoga its vitality and unique signature.