KRIPALU YOGA: The Practice of Presence

Sep 21, 2022 | Classes and Special Events, Kripalu Yoga,

The highest form of spiritual practice is self-observation without judgment.
-Swami Kripalu

Twenty years ago, my journey with Kripalu Yoga began. I’d never taken a yoga class, only practiced with CDs, books, and Yoga Journal magazine writeups when I traveled to Kripalu Center, seeking to learn more about yoga. I was entranced with yoga practice but never had I practiced sadhana with others, quietly observed my thoughts, breathed consciously, or sat in meditation. By reading this, you have some idea that my visit was the first of many life-changing steps.

Walking down the third-floor hallway to the dining hall for tea in the evening, I passed the portrait of Swami Kripalu with the quote painted in large letters. “The highest form of spiritual practice is self-observation without judgment.” I had no idea what self-observation meant; I had 34 years of practice with self-judgment, racing thoughts, and constant doing.

Over time, my relationship with my inner world began to change through the practices of Kripalu Yoga–attending to breath and sensation, cultivating body awareness, following my body’s intuition, and lots of breathing. As that world began to change, my relationship with everything transformed

More about Kripalu Yoga:

Kripalu Yoga, an inward-facing practice, focuses on how energy moves through you as postures, breathwork, and meditation direct and expand your awareness. In Kripalu Yoga, attention is harnessed and directed inward, while breath and posture build presence, pointing you to inner quiet and expanded consciousness.

Over time, awareness expands through cultivating attention, attuning to sensation, and watching our breath. When our awareness grows, the opportunity to release the grip of thought arises, and our story, or inner narrative, begins to unravel–we gain perspective. With perspective, reactivity decreases, and compassion arises.

Kripalu Yoga Series: The Practice of Presence

This ONLINE Series, Kripalu Yoga: The Practice of Presence, meets Wednesdays from 7-8:15p, October 5-26. Recordings are available to registrants to use On Demand. In this 4-week series, we will explore posture flows, pranayama, and meditation using Swami Kripalu’s core teachings. Learn through guidance and experience how to harness the transformation tools of Kripalu Yoga

Week 1 – Build Attention and Presence
Week 2 – Align and Explore Your Edge
Week 3 – Unearth Intuitive Wisdom
Week 4 – Awaken Compassionate Awareness

I’d love to guide you through these practices as we build presence, move energy, breathe and move together. There’s nothing physically difficult about the series, yet it is designed for depth, so some yoga experience is suggested for participation.

Learn more about this practice and sign up for the series here.

About The Author

Susan Mathis, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP

Susan is deeply committed to the practice of yoga, pranayama, and conscious living. A Professional Level, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, she offers steady guidance, practical knowledge and infuses the deep wisdom of yoga philosophy into her teaching. A lover of the natural world, adventure, and travel, Susan engages with nature through hiking, biking, and scuba diving. She is the owner and director of alleyCat Yoga and Yoga to Grow.