Yoga Joy Studio
the Kripalu approach to yoga as taught by Kimberly
A Kripalu yoga class generally includes:
- Coming into the present moment by centering the body, mind and breath
- Warm ups (pratapana) - conditioning exercises that synchronize breath with movement, as means of inducing concentration and preparing the body for more in depth asana
- Creative asana sequences that are precisely designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body including: standing and balancing, forward and back bending, spinal twists, lateral bends and inversions
- Classes often include time for unguided exploration and expression or meditation-in-motion
- Classes close with integration through relaxation and meditation
- Classes range from gentle to vigorous
The purpose of a Kripalu yoga class is to produce these results:
- Restore the body to its natural state of alignment and balance by increasing body awareness
- Promote deep concentrated awareness
- Awaken the prana (lifeforce) in the body
- Experience meditation-in-motion
Kripalu’s roots in classical yoga practice:
The three stages (see below) and the practices of asana, pranayama and meditation are integrated throughout every Kripalu class.
The Kripalu approach to alignment combines the science of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology with yoga’s energetic system of prana to empower the individual to make body-intelligent choices from within. Kripalu practices are led as a creative inquiry with an emphasis upon personal experience being the authentic teacher.
What is Witness Consciousness?
Witnessing one’s experience without judgment during a yoga class allows compassionate self-acceptance that expands beyond the formal practice on the mat into life.
Is there an intention to Kripalu Yoga?
Ongoing practice of the Kripalu approach to yoga awakens the prana (lifeforce) within. This awakened prana profoundly transforms, heals and enlivens the body, self and experience of life.
Is there an intention as a Kripalu Yoga Teacher?
Awaken the possibility of a truly fulfilled and satisfying life through the practice of yoga as a comprehensive system for self-development
The Kripalu Approach
- Creative sequencing
- Breath coordinated with movement
- Witness consciousness
- BRFWA – transformation*
- Exploration and inquiry
- Connection to source
Kripalu Yoga helps you find your own yoga to take what is learned “off the mat” and into daily life.
*“B.R.F.W.A: breathe, relax, feel, watch, and allow.”
The Three Stages of Kripalu Yoga explained
Kripalu Yoga offers a framework of three stages of practice. The first stage emphasizes postural alignment and coordination of breath and movement, bringing the mind fully present to the body and to sensations through classical hatha yoga asanas. During this stage, postures are held only for a short time, which stretches and strengthens the body, releases chronic muscle tension, and encourages relaxation. The goal is to allow a strong flow of prana throughout the body and to develop mental concentration.
In the second stage, the inner experience is systematically deepened through meditation and the holding of postures for prolonged periods. In addition to strengthening muscles, this prolonged holding helps develop concentration and an ability to recognize and release deep-seated emotional and mental tensions. Over time, unconscious material comes to the surface, where it can be felt, seen, and let go of to restore emotional balance and mental clarity. The heart opens, creating an increased capacity for learning and growth.
During the third stage, also known as “meditation in motion,” both the body and the mind are deeply relaxed, and the body is invited to move spontaneously from one posture to another in direct response to the inner urges and prompting of prana.
A Typical Class
Beginning Kripalu Yoga classes focus on stage one, while more advanced classes may include all three stages. Classes are often defined as gentle, moderate, or vigorous, referring to the intensity of practice; however, because our needs vary from day to day and over time, students in Kripalu Yoga classes are encouraged to tune in to their bodies and practice at an intensity that feels right in the present moment. Each class includes centering, pranayama, postures, and meditation, and ends with a period of deep relaxation to revitalize the respiratory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, and other major systems of the body.
Taking Yoga off the Mat
Regular yoga practice is designed to increase sensitivity to the body’s needs, which naturally leads to healthier choices about diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits. Observation of the mind’s activity—without judgment—helps to deepen the ability to express oneself, to truly listen to others, and to be authentic in relationships. Since its inception, the Kripalu approach has been an integrated one and has included focus on a healthy diet and body care, authentic communication and relationships, and right livelihood and service.
In other words, this is yoga as a way of life, often described in the Kripalu approach as taking yoga “off the mat.” With Kripalu Yoga, students are invited to bring the fruits of practice-concentration, focus, awareness, compassion, intention, clarity, and inner peace-into all aspects of everyday life. Consistent practice creates thriving and the opportunity for extraordinary living.