An accessible and transformative practice helping us to learn and grow, mentally and physically.
Join Barabara Dunn E-RYT
Gentle Kripalu Yoga – Tues & Sun 10am EST
What is Kripalu Yoga?
Kripalu Yoga is an accessible and transformative practice helping us to learn and grow mentally and physically. Its message is about presence, compassion and non-judgment, and the practice is suitable for all levels of experience, fitness and ability.
This practice embodies the definition of Yoga: “Yoking Together the Breath, Body, & Mind.”
Kripalu’s BRFWA “prescription” is fundamental to the goal of exploring and accepting the state of the mind and the body:
- Breathe: Awaken the Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Relax: Release Tension, let go of something
- Feel: Scan the body, notice or witness sensations resulting from breath and movement
- Watch: your “witness,” tune into your feelings, sensations, emotions without judging
- Allow: Give yourself permission to be you in that moment, forgiving, vulnerable, not critical
The founder of the Kripalu tradition, Swami Kripalu, taught “The Highest Form of Spiritual Practice is Self-Observation Without Judgement.” Put into practice this means focusing inward; noticing what is (being present), not judging, and moving forward. Kripalu Yoga is designed to support your individual needs and goals through a meditative practice.
Gentle Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu can be practiced as a gentle (very comfortable) form of yoga or more strenuous. A wide range can co-exist in class because we emphasize the use of modifications, and encourage people to “Make It Your Own.” In my classes I guide coordination of every movement with breath. We begin with gentle warmups, joint opening and focused breathing and move on to a graceful flow practice. We explore the senses through body scans and control effort and letting go, exploring edges and boundaries, all the while moving in a way that breath can remain steady and peaceful. As every breath is coordinated with movement, we focus inward, feel present, and stretch and flow become meditation, not exercise. We breathe and relax finding places to stay in the postures, without straining, and explore sensation from one edge to the next. The emphasis is on the breath, movement and sensation and this combination supports inward focus and presence, a moving meditation.
I love to weave breath and movement throughout the practice, from warmups to graceful flow sequences to conscious relaxation. I encourage people to explore, trust their intuition, and feel what they need and do it without looking to see what others are doing.
The Benefits of a Kripalu Yoga Practice
Kripalu enables us to explore the state of our mind and body – our “inner atmosphere.”
The breath practice throughout stimulates the Parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, responsible for digestion, decreasing anxiety, and lowering blood pressure.
I encourage people to be comfortable without struggling, and to explore boundaries if they wish to do so. Even without going to their “edges” the benefits of stretch and flexibility and strengthening are present by virtue of the stretch and strength required for postures in the warmups and the flow. By coordinating every breath and movement, the practice allows you to emerge refreshed and as though you have completed a beautiful journey.
Kripalu has supported me over the past 7 years as a student and as a teacher. I have a special place in my heart for this transformative practice that has provided immense support when needed and so much joy throughout the years.
I encourage you to join me for a class as we unite the breath, body and mind.
Empowering Healthy Living for All Ages
Feel free to email Barbara directly with any questions at barbara@presentwisdom.com
