The Kripalu approach to yoga

The uniqueness of Kripalu Yoga is that postures, pranayama, and meditation are all happening simultaneously.
—Swami Kripalu

What distinguishes a Kripalu yoga class and the Kripalu approach to yoga?

The structure of a Kripalu class includes

• Coming into the present moment by centering the body, mind, and breath
• Warm-ups and conditioning exercises that synchronize breath with movement, as a 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
• Integration at the end of class through relaxation and meditation
• Gentle, moderate, or vigorous level of practice.

A Kripalu yoga class has the potential to

• Restore the body to its natural state of alignment and balance
• Promote deep concentrated awareness Awaken the prana (life force) in the body
• Provide an experience of meditation-in-motion.

Kripalu's roots in classical yoga practice

• Sometimes presented as distinct stages, the three aspects 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.

Kripalu Yoga: Yoga for life
Ongoing practice of the Kripalu approach to yoga awakens the prana (life force) within. This awakened prana profoundly transforms, heals, and enlivens the body, self, and experience of life.

Is there a goal to Kripalu Yoga?

The intention of a Kripalu Yoga teacher is to 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 (breathe, relax, feel, watch, allow)—transformation
Exploration and inquiry
Connection to Source

by Devarshi Steven Hartman, Director Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training