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About Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means
“union”. Union of the body and the mind. Remembering that everything and everyone is connected. Returning to wholeness.
Through the practice of yoga, we develop a new sense of being (or rather: we remember our original state of being); an evolving
consciousness that will increase our awareness about how we feel. This awareness will extend to not only a physical level,
but also to an energetic level, a mental level, an emotional and a spiritual level. In other words: the different levels of
existence will be integrated into a more complete way of being.
During our lives, many occurances,
be it happy or sad, will leave an imprint on our system. At some point, so many imprints may have accumulated that they actually
create obstructions in our body. Disabling the free flow of energy in our system, this will result in disharmony and eventually
dis-ease. Most often, we are not aware of this non-harmonious state we are living in, other than feeling not at ease.
Through practicing yoga and conscious breathing, the obstructions in our body can eventually be dissolved.
Conscious breathing will enhance our flow of prana (i.e. life force). Like using a garden hose to clean our back yard, the
flow of prana can help to clear out our system thus smoothing the rough edges of any blockage. In addition, consciously feeling
what is going on in our body while we practice (and eventually also during any moment of our daily lives), will assist us
in bringing unconscious thought patterns, resistance, anger or sadness to our awareness, enabling us to make any changes we
desire.
The focus of Kripalu Yoga is on developing non-judgmental awareness or so called
witness consciousness. This is the ability to observe ourselves from a distance and witness what we are thinking, feeling
or saying without judging it. Noticing what is happening but not labeling it as “good” or “bad”.
As we develop witness consciousness, we also develop the ability to consciously choose how to act on thoughts, feelings and
emotions, rather than to react on them. This choice gives freedom and will enable us to live a more blissful life.
What to expect in a Kripalu Yoga Class
Classes begin with meditation, warm-up
movements and breath awareness to prepare you for yoga postures. The heart of each class is a sequence of postures that stretch,
strenghten and balance your body. Each class ends with deep relaxation.
Types of Yoga
Yoga is most often related to as physical exercise and
meditation. There are four different types of yoga, however, that can all, in their own way, lead to the union of mind and
body and satchitananda (bliss state).
Hatha Yoga
This is the way of physical well-being. Practicing asanas (postures), by using the body and the breath. Young or
old, healthy or unhealthy, flexible or unflexible, religious or non-religious, Hatha Yoga can be practiced and enjoyed by
everyone.
Karma Yoga
This is the
practice of selfless service, with the focus on action for the welfare of others. Karma yogis do not act for personal glorification,
but to brighten up the lives of those whom they serve. They see the Divine in every person they serve, knowing that giving
is receiving, yet without attachment to any result of their actions.
Bhakti
Yoga
This is the yoga of the heart. The way of devotion, whether it is to God our to our
loved-ones. This approach may include rituals of reference, chanting the various names of God, prayers, repetitive soundings
or mantras or any aspect for the awakening and opening of Universal Love.
Jnana
Yoga
Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom. Through the study of scripture and self
observation, knowlegde is obtained. The practice of yoga will reveal wisdom. Jnana yogis seek wisdom that resides beyond the
language of the mind.
Kripalu Yoga includes all four types of yoga, making it the Yoga of
Life.
With thanks to the Kripalu Yoga Fellowship.
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