About Kripalu Yoga

Kripalu yoga is a specific form of yoga derived from Hatha yoga.

It’s focus is one of therapeutic and spiritual growth. Kripalu yoga aims to build internal peace by using the prana (aka life-force energy) as a tool for developing self-love and inner calm. Kripalu utilizes meditation and inward focus along with many common yoga poses (asanas) combined with controlled breathing techniques to achieve these goals.

Kripalu yoga aims to bring together the mind, body and life-force energy (prana). Prana is often described as an energy flow or energy pulses. Any negativity is thought to harm the prana and perhaps even manifest as problems within the physical body. Kripalu works to prevent negativity from blocking the life-force energy, allowing it to flow without disturbance. It sort of acts as an antenna for tuning into your inner self by using breathing, control and thought awareness for better emotional and mental well-being.

Kripalu yoga students believe this form of yoga is essential for removing blockages in the prana in order to experience the greatest possible positive life existence – spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Yoga is known as an excellent practice for toning the body and fostering muscle flexibility, strength and control as well as overall physical health. Kripalu takes these yoga benefits a step further by using them to develop mental clarity and emotional stability through meditation and introspection. Many yoga students appreciate this holistic approach to health and see Kripalu as the preferred form of yoga.

Kripalu’s main benefit is the release of mental and emotional negative toxicity. This allows the prana (life-force energy) to flow. By combining the physical benefits of yoga with Kripalu’s focus on self-examination, Kripalu leads to independent self-empowerment. Your yoga instructor is there as a resource, however, yoga students are encouraged to become their own leader. Internal focus and growth will lead to an awareness of the world and people around you and the power of your life-energy to positively affect your world. Some students even believe that as you develop through Kripalu, you will be able to use your body as a conduit or temple for the attraction of a greater power. At the very least, greater introspection and self-awareness are excellent tools to have in a hectic and stressful existence.

Very often, when attending Kripalu classes, you’ll note that the instructor addresses each student in the class in a similar way, regardless of their level of experience. Of course, each student will receive proper instruction to achieve the correct asanas and breath control exercises, but the point is to encourage becoming aware of your own personal mental state and using that independent self-awareness to increase the flow of prana.

Kripalu is not about leaving what you learn at the door at the end of each session. It’s about making changes within all areas of your life. Kripalu teaches about using your newfound state of self-awareness within all activities of your day. It’s about life-change and being a better person, not just doing another workout routine.