I still remember my first Kripalu Yoga class in April 20 years ago. I had always wanted to try yoga but was always very intimidated by what I knew about it. All of the images of very fit, very flexible people twisting into pretzels and chanting very much freaked me out. It was an evening class at a tiny school in downtown Providence called Anahata. I was seeking the peace and relaxation after a tough day of work. The moment I walked into the dimly lit space and sat down on my mat, I felt at home. Ever since then I have been a devotee of many types of yoga, but chose Kripalu for my training since it is much more than moving in and out of poses.
I like to describe Kripalu Yoga as a method of transforming yourself into your own sanctuary. The practice is guided by compassion and holds mind, body and spirit in equal value. It is strongly guided by self acceptance and movement at one’s own pace offering modifications throughout making the class acceptable for people of varying physical capabilities.
All of my classes begin with pranayama (breath work). This can show up in many ways. The most basic and accessible pranayama is called dirgha. This is a 3 part breath that focuses on bringing awareness to your belly, rib cage and collarbones as you draw the breath into each of those areas of the body. If students would like to continue deeper into there breathing, we usually layer ujayi over this 3 part breath. Ojayi breathing is the ocean sounding breath that is practiced with a slight constriction of the back of the throat while breathing through the nose. It creates the sound of the ocean and can draw students into a deeper state of centering and meditation.
Every class that I teach begins with a reading or inspiration to set the tone. Common readings come from well known poets that inspire me or ancient texts such as the Bhagavad Gita. Students are also offered to set their own intentions for the practice. An intention can be anything from gratitude to just getting to savasana (deep relaxation) at our closing.
Our movement begins with warming up our bodies. This is often started in a seated or laying down position. Our focus is to gradually begin to warm up the parts of the body that we will be using when we proceed to the asanas - our main practice. Asanas are traditional yoga postures, such as warrior, chair pose, tree, etc. In Kripalu Yoga we offer many modifications and levels of depth and intensity to ensure that all students are being led safely in and out of asanas. There is also attention paid to sustaining and holding in certain poses as well as always linking the breathe to the movement - creating a meditation in motion. There is a deep focus on awareness of the sensations and prana created within the body with each asana.
Asanas are often organized as a mountain where we gradually increase the intensity peaking at a certain pose and then down regulating the body as we move toward savanasana.
Savasana is often a favorite time for many practitioners. Students bring themselves into a position for deep relaxation and are encouraged to find whatever that position may be for them. Suggestions could be laying flat on the floor or on one’s side - however the student can drop into a place of quiet and stillness for several minutes. I often lead into deep relaxation with breathing, visualizations or a body scan to help bring people to this sacred part of the practice. Students are also led back to awareness gently so as to maintain the peace and presence they gain in class throughout their day.
My goal in teaching Kripalu Yoga is to help people find a place of self acceptance, rest and compassion for themselves as well as move their bodies in a safe and beautiful way.
Jai Bhagwan