Welcome to Kripalu Yoga

"In Kripalu Yoga, you learn many of the same postures as in other yoga classes, but the emphasis is not only on how you practice, but also on how you live your life." B.H.Liebman


"People come to yoga for different reasons.  Most are looking for a way to improve their health.  Others are interested in effective tools to manage stress.  Still others seek personal and spiritual growth.  Kripalu Yoga offers all these things.  It's a practice that revitalizes the body, calms the mind, and deepens self-awareness.

Kripalu Yoga works its magic by bringing body,  mind, and spirit into a state of harmony & balance.  Focusing on the sensations that arise as you breathe & move bridges the chasm separating body & mind, allowing you to become fully present in your body.  A balanced sequence of yoga postures stretches and strengthens the enitre body, releasing the chronic tension that so often dulls vitality.  As you conclude your yoga session with deep relaxation, energy naturally flows to the areas of your body most in need of rejuvenation & healing.  You leave feeling balanced, energized to resume your life, and naturally motivated to sustain your practice."  R. Faulds

"It is a non-secular practice which is open-minded meaning that you may bring your own beliefs in to the practice.  Yoga is not a 'religion' or a 'cult' ... it is more of a science.  The 'Science of Unlearning'.  
The Kripalu Method was designed by Yogi Amrit Desai.  By his definition, "Difficulty in the practice of Yoga is not so much in learning what we do not know, but in unlearning what we have acquired so that what is inborn may manifest.  The true practice of yoga is founded on the principle that we are born with every quality and strength we need already present within.  These are popularly known as intuition, insight, inner knowing, the inner voice, inspiration, etc.  But these capacities, which are the higher evolutionary manifestation of prana, are non-functional or inaccesible when they are suppressed by learned belief systems, concepts, habits and other behaviour patterns and attitudes, and preoccupation with meeting goals and ideals.  Therefore the whole practice of Kripalu Yoga is learning how to remove the mental suppressions and inhibitions that keep this higher intelligence from manifesting.  Kripalu Yoga is not for acquiring any so-called new knowledge from external sources but to awaken that which is already inborn."  

To learn more about  Amrit Desai (disciple of Swami Kripalu (Kripalvanandji), please visit www.amrityoga.com .  

 "To read uplifting books or listen to spiritual discourses is good.  But to practice even a little is of the utmost importance.  The profound meaning of yoga is understood only by those who study it systematically through personal practice.  The day you start to practice, your true progress will begin."           -Swami Kripalu.

The Inspiration Room 

 *****************************************************************************

Some Yoga History

Yoga began between 6-10,000 years ago, possibly in the fertile valleys and mountainous areas of what is now Afghanistan.  During these ancient times, the practice was shared verbally in the language of Sanskrit, passed on through generations.  Today, we repeat the names of postures in Sanskrit to uphold the tradition.  It is believed that the 'postures' portion of Yoga helped to prepare the body for long periods of meditation.  The goal of reaching  'enlightenment' or 'oneness' can be more easily achieved if the body and mind are balanced in union.  "To be alive is to be active and if we want to avoid difficulties for ourselves and others, our actions must be benign and also beyond the grip of the ego.  A simple matter really, but how difficult to accomplish in daily life."  Georg Feuerstein

The word 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning to yoke, unite ... a union.  There are several types of Yoga.  The most common Yogas today are:

Hatha Yoga ... a branch of Yoga that requires the aspirant to devote time to physical processes such as pranayama (breath & energy exercises) and asanas (physical exercises).

Karma Yoga ... the Yoga of service to others and your God.  The main thrust is the renunciation of fruits of action.  Selfless action.

Bhakti Yoga ... the path of love & devotion.  Rites, rituals, ceremonies are typically the focus.

Jnana Yoga ... a path oriented towards realizing the eternal in its' transcendent aspect.  The Jnana Yogi seeks to uncover his true self, separate from body or mind.  By denying what is transient, he hopes to abide in the eternal.

Raja Yoga ... "kingly Yoga", a branch which focuses mainly on meditation.  This is a precise system which is accessible to anyone regardless of current spiritual status.  It is a science in which each stage accomplished brings an increasing degree of peace & wisdom.  Patanjali (author of  famous 'Yoga Sutras' around 200BC) is generally recognized as the foremost exponent on Raja Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga ... focuses on awakening the soul's energy (kundalini), up the spine through energy centres called Chakras, activating them.

Kripalu Yoga ... a modern school of Yoga that reflects a synthesis of traditional approaches.  It incorporates teachings from Hatha, Raja, Kundalini and Bhakti.  More than a practice on the mat, Kripalu Yoga can become an holistic lifestyle in which the principles of Yoga are applied in daily life.

Other modern Yoga's

Iyengar (using props and perfecting postures),
Astanga (flowing sequences creating an aerobic experience)
Bikram (a sequence of routine postures done in a heated environment ... 40degrees Celcius) and others such as
Viniyoga, Kriya, Shivananda, Anusara, Tantra, Mantra, Yantra ... and more and more being developed every year.  Make sure to do some research and find the Yoga that suits you.  When you do ... continue your search to then find the Teacher who suits you also. 

This site is in the midst of rebirth ... always!  Please anticipate irregular updates.  

Contact The Spoonstudio for more info, directions, questions, etc.  



Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to start time  to set-up your spot and get settled.  It is disruptive to 'centering' when Students arrive at the last minute or late.   Please park across the street on Shoreview Dr. (parking here is limited).  Promptness is polite & appreciated.  Expect during the first class to spend a few minutes filling out a General Health Form and preparing your Facilitator with any health concerns/questions you may have.  We are a 'scent-conscious' environment and ask that everyone respect that.