Kripalu's Institute for Extraordinary Living (IEL) has produced some pretty amazing research in its nine years -- looking at the benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness on school communities, with first responders, veterans struggling with PTSD, college students, musicians, and more. The benefits of this research to all of us are a much deeper understanding …
A moment of silence….
"Silence is not silent. Silence speaks. It speaks most eloquently. Silence is not still. Silence leads. It leads most perfectly." ~ Sri Chinmoy
Working together with the world takes practice
The changing light, the later mornings, the texture of the air and the symphony of crickets' chirps outside remind me that summer is waning and autumn is nearing. I have mixed emotions at this time of year. I am wistful that summer is ending but excited about the turn of the season, the crisp air, …
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Summer Days
Practice takes many forms. For some, it is yoga movement, mindfully moving the body and attending to the breath to bring body and mind to stillness. For others, it is sitting quietly to attend to breath and gently coax the mind's activity to calm. For others, it's a long bike ride, hike or kayak, feeling the …
The Fruits of Practice
We walk away from a yoga or meditation practice feeling refreshed, energized and calmer in body, mind and spirit. Any one practice might reveal insights, give peace to a troubled heart or bring us back to our center to help us move forward in our day. But sometimes the true benefits of a yoga or meditation …
Spring Emerges
Witnessing the emergence of spring and the gradual letting go of winter is exciting and subtle all at once. Take time to tune into the sights and sounds of the season, the emerging light, the melting of ice and snow, the sun's warmth on your body, the animal activity and invite the pleasure of being in …
Be Love!
"The major characteristic of love is the absence of conflict. When conflict is born and increases daily, true love gradually diminishes. Where conflict finds fault, love sees virtue. When love increases daily, its flower blossoms fully, spreading its sweet fragrance everywhere." Swami KripaluAs we turn the calendar to February, we welcome more light into our …
Welcome the New Year with Intention
Whether with resolution, intention or ritual, the activities we choose to welcome in the new year are an opportunity to reassess and recommit to qualities we desire in our lives. Taking the time to reflect on the past year and letting go of that which does not serve us any longer is a great start …
The Benefits of Yoga, Starting the Day You Begin!
(reprint from Huffington Post, Carolyn Gregoire, 10/28/13) AFTER YOUR FIRST CLASS: Improved Brain Function.. Just 20 minutes of yoga can improve cognitive function, boosting focus and working memory. In a University of Illinois study, participants performed significantly better on tests of brain functioning after yoga, as compared to their performance after 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic …
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Practice is 99% doing, 1% theory
With apologies to Ashtanga Yoga Guru Pattabhi Jois, who had a favorite saying that "Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory," I would amend that slightly to say that practice is 99% doing and 1% theory. Like Nike's "Just do it" tagline. Just choose a practice and do it. Stop spending more time gathering information, or …
