Why Kripalu? by YoGanesh teacher Erica Arce

Erica (handstanding) with fellow Kripalu instructor Jay Karlinski.

• Erica Arce is YoGanesh's official Kripalu instructor, teaching Fridays at 6pm. | Erica Arce Yoga on Facebook
• Train to be a Kripalu Yoga Teacher at YoGanesh! Feb 9 - Jun 24, 2012

To climb deep down into the rabbit hole of your subconscious and feel within your own mind, body and soul what is present and what comes next ... for me, it was the clearing out of ancient samskaras.

Yoga is pregnant with countless benefits: the unification of the mind, body and spirit; the journey into the realm of non-dualistic nature, and the cultivation of harmony, equanimity and wholeness. It inspires awe - not mention the fact that it just makes you feel really good.

I came to Yoganesh through Co-founder Andrew Tanner, who was my instructor in New Jersey following my Kripalu teacher training in 2009. Andrew was pivotal to the maintenance and growth of my personal practice and thus my teaching. By osmosis, my classes are Kripalu with a sprinkle of Andrew inspiration.

I’m an only child to a single mom, and I had a rough time growing up in New Jersey. There were events from my youth that brought me bouts of impenetrable darkness and all the demons that live there. Through high school and art school, and even through another’s unconditional love, I couldn’t ever really shake the darkness. Not to paint a bleak picture - I certainly had joyful and happy moments, but it wasn’t until my Kripalu yoga teacher training in 2009 that something life changing happened.

Providence brought yoga to me over 10 years ago, however, it wasn’t until 2009, when I completed my 200hr teacher training at Kripalu, that my inner landscape began to dramatically shift. No words could adequately describe it. To climb deep down into the rabbit hole of your subconscious and feel within your own mind, body and soul what is present and what comes next ... for me, it was the clearing out of ancient samskaras (scars), profound healing, the creation of inner sanctuary and life skills, and the road to spiritual evolution.

Kripalu yoga is, among many things, a lineage devoted to bhakti (love, devotion and compassion in its supreme and divine form), Shiva energy (the power of transformation), and asana (postures) as a meditation in motion. I believe that this is what separates Kripalu from any other lineage. Everything I’ve shared in this blog is my reason for why I think you should consistently practice Kripalu yoga and why, if you feel the call to teach, take the teacher training at Yoganesh. It is my hope that as your Yoganesh Kripalu instructor, I can create a safe space and guide you to find your yoga.

By Swami Kripalu:

My beloved child, break your heart no longer.

Each time you judge yourself, you break your own heart.

You stop feeding on the love, which is the wellspring of your vitality.

The time has come. Your time. To live. To celebrate,
and to see the goodness that you are…

Do not fight the dark. Just turn on the light.

Let go, and breathe into the goodness that you are.

Feb 9 - Jun 24, 2012:  Train to be a Kripalu Yoga Teacher at YoGanesh

Related posts:

Kripalu at YoGanesh's 1 Year Anniversary

Kirtan & Kripalu: Celebrating our 1-Year Anniversary!

Ganeshers pull a perfect crescent moon!

Story, photos and video by Lynette Chiang

(Teaching Mondays & Fridays @ YoGanesh)

PHOTO GALLERY of the Workshop and Party

It's been many crescent moons and sun salutations since we first opened our little door on 7th Ave exactly 12 months ago - and we were delighted to celebrate with some of our best friends in true YoGanesh style.

Devarshi Stephen Hartman makes you "love
your butt and back."

First, YoGanesh co-founder and Andrew Tanner took time out from his new role as the Director of Professional Trainings, Kripalu Institute, to host a special 2-hour workshop. We were also honored by the presence of the Dean of the Kripalu School of Yoga, Devarshi Steven Hartman, who taught the first half of the workshop. Devarshi gave us a flavor of the Kripalu style - six spinal exercises to limber up that part of our bodies that chiropractors make a living from.

"People think yoga is all about the limbs, but a healthy spine is key," he said.

He then took us through some chiropractic spinal flexions and extensions, as well as some delightfully grueling moves reminiscent of Pilates. One that cracked us up called "public toilet asana" - a chair pose variation - with your butt well and truly off the seat!

Andrew Tanner taught the Hatha Vinyasa second half, and those who know and love his evocative and meditative teaching style were treated to a really great sequence of advanced poses.

VIDEO:  Andrew teaches Koundinyasana

Signature Andrew Tanner moves include one of his favorites, Koundinyasana, ("technically not that difficult") plus Feathered Peacock, Scorpian and a flat out lizard pose (one day we'll get our chests on the floor...). See above video.

Moves are afoot to create a Kripalu teacher training in NYC at YoGanesh, which is very exciting for all concerned. Please contact us if you are interested in this program.

Three legged down dog.

After the workshop the food came out and the party began, with a Kirtan by YoGanesh front desk gal and yoga teacher, Kristin Mirabelle, John Kazar on percussion and singer Ashni.

L ro R: singers Ashni and Kristin Mirabelle, and John Kazar on percussion 

Later, we were thrilled to have Nahdi Devi and her beau Gabriel grace us with a harmonium and percussion:

Yoga teacher Nahdi Devi and Gabriel

 

Have a listen! 

 Even Jeff of Sacred Spaces NYC who built the studio, was present. His company has a lot of experience building yoga studios, retreats and other "sacred spaces." Did you know that the walls of YoGanesh are especially clad in non-toxic clay to give you the healthiest environment possible, considering we're in the middle of Manhattan!  Read about clay walls here.

Thank you to everyone who came along, sang, danced, taught, did asana, moved furniture, brought food and ate it - we hope to see you in class soon! Most of all, thank you Norma Kerner for providing such a generous and beautiful studio.

Remember, we're still very small, and we really need and appreciate your word of mouth recommendation to your friends, co-workers and and family (if you have any in Manhattan!) to keep yoga affordable.

Please make sure you pick up some of our vibrant new class cards when you next visit, to give to everyone you know.

Namaste!

More photos on the YoGanesh Facebook page

Masterful instruction includes knowing how to do asanas safely - including protecting the knees!