Kripalu Yoga is rooted in stillness, the deep inner stillness that arrives when the mind is at peace, the body is free of stress, and the emotions are in harmony with the needs of the moment. The focus of Kripalu Yoga is on developing an unbroken awareness of our inner core stillness, along with the ability to choose whether, when and how to act on our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. We begin to know this core stillness through the act of seeking out the physical tensions that hold our bodily energies in check, separating us from our true nature.

Yoga postures, combined with breathing techniques and a focused yet compassionate attitude during practice, are used as vehicles for finding and releasing these energy blocks. Paradoxically, when you intentionally put your body into a yoga posture you frequently produce more tension than before. However, the sensations evoked serve to bring your attention precisely to the pre-existing contraction. The underlying tensions, already present in the specific area of your body, are now, so to speak, under the microscope of your concentrated awareness, ready for your examination.

As you slow down into the natural rhythm of the body, gently becoming aware of the various holding patterns, fears, and tensions encountered within, the safety felt by the physical intelligence signals that it is okay to let go...let go...let go. You are safe. With the release of this tension, deep relief streams not only through the particular part of the body that is used to hold the posture but throughout your entire body, mind, and energy system.

-- The Kripalu Yoga Fellowship