Kripalu Yoga is a type of hatha yoga, which refers to the physical aspects of yoga practice – entering and releasing postures and stretches and practicing breathing and relaxation techniques. While there are as many types of hatha yoga as there are teachers, some of the best known include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kripalu, and Kundalini. Kripalu Yoga is a moderate, beginner-friendly style that allows for modifications and encourages awareness of breath and sensation. It's named after the Indian yogi who inspired it, Swami Kripalvananda, who taught that compassion for self and others is the basis of a spiritual practice in which we embrace our inherent divinity.

Kim’s classes  designed to help you stretch, tone, and strengthen your muscles as you reconnect with your body's wisdom. Deep, even breathing is emphasized, as is the modification of postures to suit all bodies. A spirit of exploration and compassion guides the classes, which consist of warm-ups, postures, a guided relaxation, and, occasionally, meditation. All levels of practice are welcome. Please see Calendar for the latest classes and schedules. Kim also offers private lessons in your home for those too busy (or shy?) to attend group classes. If you think a private session is best for you, please contact Kim to discuss your concerns and desires.

Workshops are described below. Click Calendar to see if they are being offered this season. Kim is always open to new venues for presenting workshops, so feel free to suggest one in your area.

YOGA BASICS FOR BEGINNERS
This workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of yoga practice - breathing, centering, aligning, and tuning in to your body's wisdom as you explore some classic Kripalu yoga warm-ups, postures, and relaxation techniques. You will learn how yoga can help you stretch and strengthen your muscles, improve your immunity and well-being, and maintain balance amid life stresses. We will modify postures to suit all bodies and experience levels, and leave lots of room for questions. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

MINDFUL EATING
The practice of mindful eating leads to greater energy, better sleep, improved digestion and mental clarity, and ideal weight maintenance. You'll explore your relationship to food, discover how and why you may eat unconsciously, and learn ways to truly nourish yourself. The workshop also includes some easy stretching and breathing exercises to tune in to your body's wisdom, some sharing and discussion, and an experience of conscious eating. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal or notebook. (Note: This is not a nutrition class, and we will not serve a meal during the workshop, so please plan your meals around it. Experiment with eating half the amount you usually consume for lunch that day).

PARTNER YOGA
Enhance your relationship (couples, best friends, relatives) with partner yoga and light massage. Some conscious communication and playful exercises will also be included, to deepen understanding between partners. Yoga experience is helpful, but not necessary. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Kim’s yoga philosophy…

“I bring lots of compassion and personal experience to my classes – encouraging students to approach yoga and personal growth from a self-loving and self-accepting place. I don’t believe in forcing bodies, minds, or spirits to enter postures for which they aren’t ready. I do believe that we grow stronger and more prepared for new challenges by listening to our bodies and our inner wisdom, and honoring those messages. I spent two years living and working at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where I learned holistic health and transformational practices from a variety of teachers and traditions. This knowledge guides my teaching.

My beloved child, break your heart no longer. Each time you judge yourself, you break your own heart.
You stop feeding on the love which is the wellspring of your vitality.
The time has come. Your time. To live, to celebrate, and to see the goodness that you are.
You, my child, are divine. You are pure. You are sublimely free.
You are God in disguise, and you are always perfectly safe.
Do not fight the dark, just turn on the light, let go, and breathe into the goodness that you are.
--Swami Kripalvananda (Bapuji)