KRIPALU YOGA...A MINDFUL APPROACH

"The heart of Kripalu yoga is to allow postures to emerge from a meditative state of consciousness, spontaneously and effortlessly, with inward directed attention" ~Yogi Amrit Desai

Each class begins with a centering: we attune to the breath, quieting the conversation in the mind so that our awareness of physical sensations increases. This creates a bridge in which to bring the body and mind into a more harmonious relationship.

To gradually awaken the spine and the muscles, we warm up and move into various flowing postures (asanas). We draw our attention to alignment and the slow rhythmic flow of the breath.

Through the process of balancing body and breath, and through feeling
and sensing the body unfolding, one learns to surrender to the moment's experience, letting go of judgment and expectation.
 
Pranamaya is a yogic system of breathing that trains the student to
control the flow of Prana (energy, life force) in the body. It is practiced
after the centering or before relaxation.

"Breathing is the key. Breathing brings the poses to life. It's what animates the stretches and gives yoga it's fluidity and flow" ~Erich Schiffmann

After an hour or so of yoga, we complete the class with a guided, conscious relaxation (yoga nidra). This allows the integration of the practice into our total being. Focusing inward, we will relax each part of the body and surrender to the pull of gravity; the deeper layers of physical, mental and emotional tensions are released.

These beautiful quotes have inspired me, perhaps they will inspire you also!

"I care less about being able to achieve the next advanced pose and more about the quality of awareness in each pose. I use yoga to  get deeper into my life and support my health." ~Sudha Carolyn Lundeen

"Yoga is not about the pose, but about the release, the openness and the spaciousness that occurs in the body after the pose." ~Nina Wise