Kripalu yoga is a form of Hatha yoga and it is one of the most popular types of yoga. The name Kripalu, meaning compassion, has been correctly assigned to this yoga type which helps individuals connect to their inner self through gentle and meditative yoga postures. A great way to exercise gently and learn self acceptance, Kripalu yoga does not only help a person become physically and mentally healthy, it also teaches him to love his body and accept it as it is. This yoga type has truly incorporated the mind-body-spirit philosophy in its practice. In the practice of Kripalu yoga, our physical body is used to get in touch with our spirit, our inner self and this can have profound effects on the mind and the body. It influences the emotions of the practitioner and helps him become a wholesome human being. Within our body exists an energy or life force called prana and Kripalu yoga by focusing on Pranayama, or proper breathing techniques, during the asanas makes sure that the energy flows in our body without being blocked thus enhancing a person’s overall well-being. Kripalu yoga is believed to heal a person internally helping him achieve a state of blissful happiness accompanied with stability of emotions, clarity of the mind and well-being of the body.

Kripalu yoga does not put much pressure on an individual to get the poses right. As mentioned earlier, this yoga type teaches an individual to be patient with himself and not get frustrated. It helps him learn to live in the present and accept what is while helping him attain achievement through acceptance at the same time. Motion and meditation become one in the practice of Kripalu yoga which proves that this yoga type truly united the body with the mind. The movements and breathing techniques are synchronized in such a way that they increase the life force in a person’s body. Kripalu yoga helps an individual get rid of negative feelings, feelings of self-criticism and lack of self-esteem, those emotions that prevent a person from achieving emotional stability. Each posture is practiced gently with absolutely no pressure on the individual to get them right. This not only helps the practitioner learn self acceptance, it also instills in him a desire to improve. The postures are not guided by anyone except the individual himself and this motivates the individual internally to get better. What can be better for a person than being self motivated? Kripalu yoga brings positive changes in a person’s body, mind and emotions consequently enriching his life.