Kripalu Yoga • Chicago

Kripalu Yoga was inspired by the awakened spiritual master Swami Kripalu. The practice strengthens the body and mind, balances and harmonizes the energetic system, creates stability, and guides one toward the ultimate goal of Yoga -- Self-realization.

In this class you will be guided to experience meditation in motion as you learn and put into practice the 8 limbs of yoga (see below). Each class begins with a short introduction where you will learn about yoga, followed by focused breathing, opening prayers in Sanskrit to bring your energy and attention/intention into alignment with your practice. The class ends with breathing and guided relaxation.

The Kripalu Yoga practice is a form of Ashtanga (8 limbs) Yoga created by spiritual master and teacher, Yogi Amrit Desai. After receiving shaktipat from his teacher/guru Swami Kripalu, he was inspired to create the popular Kripalu Yoga Method.

The practice is a complete system of yoga that integrates all dimensions of our being -- the physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual. Regular practice gives vibrant health, radiance and vitality, inner peace, centeredness, wisdom, greater self-awareness and self-love.

The purpose of this class is to guide you toward cultivating and awakening a deeper and more conscious, experiential connection with your inner Source.

Yogi Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga:

• Yama: universal ethics
• Niyama: personal observances
• Asana: physical postures
• Pranayama: breath
• Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses
• Dharana: concentration
• Dhyana: meditation
• Samadhi: tranquility, spiritual illumination, union in one’s Divine Source

In this class you will practice the Kripalu Method of Yoga to strengthen and refine your foundation in an authentic yoga practice. If you are currently practicing another style or type of yoga, the Kripalu method can help to enrich and deepen your practice.

Each session you will be guided to explore the deepest levels of body, mind and spirit with the integrative practices of focused intention, breathing, meditation, and conscious integration.

You will practice the “first half” and “second half” of a posture or posture sequence, where you transition from an active state of “doing” a posture, to a relaxed state of “being” and feeling the effects of a posture or posture sequence.

We will practice a balanced and full body posture sequence, including gentle vinyasa flows, and extended posture holding times. You will be guided to consciously encounter your "edge" of body and mind to release stress, deep tensions and holding patterns to restore the natural flow of the vital life force energy (prana).

Each class begins with a short question and answer period, and/or a short discussion where you will learn about yoga, followed by focused breathing, mudras and opening prayers in Sanskrit. The class ends with a guided relaxation.

Good for all levels, from those with some experience to more experienced practitioners. Some experience with yoga and postures is recommended.

• Introduction, teachings, question and answer (approx. 10 - 15 minutes)
• Breathing (3 - 5 minutes)
• Mudras (shambavi and kechari), energy alignment and prayers (5 minutes)
• Asana - meditation in motion practice (approx. 50 minutes)
• Relaxation (approx 10 - 12 minutes)
• Closing prayer for peace and well-being

• Connect on Zoom 10 minutes prior to class start time and silence cell phones
• Wear comfortable clothing, feet are bare for yoga practice
• Refrain from eating 1.5 to 2 hours before practice
• Yoga mats and props such as blocks, blankets and straps are recommended

Sylvie is not your typical yoga teacher. She brings so much more to the table! Her depth of knowledge in the practice of yoga, breath work, meditation, energy work and yoga philosophy, all comes into play with each session. My life has been enriched with her teachings and my day so improved after a class. Thank you Sylvie."

- Linda

"Sylvie has shown me that there is so much more to yoga than the postures, or the physical aspect of yoga. Studying with her I have not only gotten stronger and more flexible but I have learned a great deal about yoga philosophy, the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the spiritual foundations of this practice. Her extensive studies in a number of other countries seem to be woven into each yoga class she teaches. For me personally, it’s helped to bring the spiritual principles of yoga into my everyday life. I think there are very few yoga instructors today who do this kind of teaching.”

- Liz

"Sylvie's yoga classes are excellent, but they go far beyond the asana postures that most yoga classes focus on. She offers deep insights into the science and philosophy of mind, and you always walk away with a new perspective on whatever issues you might be going through. 10/10 highly recommended."

- Jeffrey

"Sylvie has gifted me for many years (nearly 20) with her consistent teaching, encouraging me to focus inward with non-judgemental awareness. Her gifts are many and she imparts them freely with calmness and compassion. My practice with her is my North Star and I feel the grace of her teaching daily as I navigate my spiritual journey.."

- Sarah

If you have cardiovascular disease, a recent surgery, stroke or heart attack, high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, glaucoma, retinal detachment, epilepsy, asthma, psychiatric condition, or any other physical or mental health condition or concern that might effect your participation in class, please ask your doctor if exercise and breathwork are safe for you.

I have been guiding spiritual seekers for over 30 years with the self-transformative teachings of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and breathing.

It is my pleasure and honor to guide you toward self-empowerment, transformation, and awakened consciousness. I will help you connect to your deepest self and inner guide, from the physical to the soul dimension.

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