Kripalu Teacher Training Review
Are you considering a 200 hr. yoga teacher training? If so, you are in luck, because there are about a gazillion to choose from. It’s no surprise that most students do their training at the studio they practice at or with one of their favorite teachers, but that is not always the case. And, while all trainings must meet Yoga Alliance’s requirements, the format of the training and the style of yoga taught can vary greatly.
This is the first of our Teacher Training series that explores trainings through the perspective of a teacher that recently completed the course. Here we go!
The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is a health and wellness sanctuary located in Stockbridge, MA. It’s a behemoth of health and wellness, at just over 160,000 square feet, and offers services from yoga classes to retreats to spiritual healing in a beautiful setting. You can go for a day, you can go for a week, you can for a month or longer for teacher training. You can hike, boat, do yoga, get a spa treatment, heal your spiritual energy.
Madeline Blair, completed her training in September 2018 and gives us the inside look at training in such an idyllic setting.
Maddy, why do you practice?
I heard it was something that would help me calm down and help me become more flexible. I tried my first class when I was in high school at my local gym, continued to practice where I could, and then when I moved to Lake Tahoe I had this one teacher who really changed the game for me. She encouraged pranayama and different breathing techniques. I discovered the magic of the calming capability in that, and realized there was so much more to this practice than I thought.
Now, my practice is something that is part of my daily routine - it keeps me grounded whether it’s a few sun salutations or a 90 minute practice, I always squeeze it in.
Why did you choose Kripalu?
I first heard about Kripalu when practicing at home in Fairfeld, CT at a studio called Yoga for Everybody. This studio will always be a special place for me, I was intrigued by the style and thoroughness of Kripalu certified teachers and classes. People who love Kripalu, love Kripalu and the way they described the curriculum, the environment and experience I thought to myself I want in.
When I found out that Kripalu did a weekend format I was stoked that I could do the training and still keep my full-time job. The timing was perfect. So, I started writing my essay.
How does Kripalu define “yoga” and how does it frame the training in context of other styles of yoga?
Kripalu yoga is rooted in a wisdom tradition in the hatha yoga family – influenced by the life and teachings of Swami Kripalu. Kripalu yoga is the practice of seeing and choosing “what is real and true to you”. Kripalu is an experience, it is how you are guided. Yoga means union. Under this definition, one practices postures and meditation—two common disciplines of yoga—to harmonize body and mind. Seen in this light, yoga is described as a spiritual path, often broken down into the following eight stages as delineated by the sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras:
Yama/Restraint: Actions best avoided
Niyama/Observance: Positive actions to cultivate
Asana/Posture: Releasing tensions from the body
Pranayama/Breath Regulation: Harmonizing body, mind, and breath
Pratyahara/Introversion: Withdrawing attention from external distractions
Dharana/Concentration: Focusing the mind on a single point
Dhyana/Meditation: Accessing a state of flow
Samadhi/Oneness: Effortless, integrated being
Kripalu uses four definitions that describe the qualities of a person acting from a state of yoga. Each is drawn from an ancient and authoritative yoga text:
Yoga is skillfulness in action, a reference to a yogi’s capacity to act dynamically in ways that reliably produce positive life results. (Bhagavad Gita)
Yoga is equanimity and equilibrium, a reference to a yogi’s capacity to sustain evenness of mind while confronting inner limitations and outer challenges. (Bhagavad Gita)
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind, a reference to a yogi’s capacity to see life and reality as it is, without the filters of fears, fantasies, or other distortions. (Yoga Sutra)
Yoga is freedom, a reference to the bliss of well-being experienced whenever one steps into one’s natural rhythm of being. (Yoga Bhashya)
And then how does it deliver on that definition?
Kripalu is a very special place and provides an incredibly deep, authentic training. We were provided with a comprehensive training manual on the first day. Containing detailed instructions for teaching postures; methodology for teaching basic movement principles; a comprehensive section on warm-ups; the history and philosophy behind Kripalu Yoga; and lesson plans for a complete series of classes. I think the all immersive learning program, meaning you are living there full time while training at a thriving in a beautiful environment, having a sense of being “held” was one of the most beneficial things about this program.
What did you love about this training?
Everything from the content to the posture trainings. Michelle and Jess were both incredibly thorough and very unique, they provided a great balance. There were 5 assistants who were also present for the training who were so awesome, I felt extremely supported. Kripalu provided a very mindful schedule, allowing for free/rest time when needed and also taking care of our needs as students. For example, after one of the most challenging training weekends, they led us through a Yoga Nidra session and another time, through a restorative class. These sessions allowed me to really relax and put my mind and body at ease and take a break from the intensity of the course. Oh and THE FOOD!
Go on...
The meals at Kripalu are prepared with the health of the planet and our bodies in mind. They use high-quality, all-natural ingredients to offer an array of nutritionally sound choices at every meal. Meals are served buffet-style - fresh salad fixings and a selection of delicious salad dressings are always available along with their house made breads. The Ayurvedic-influenced Buddha Bar offers simple preparations of legumes, grains, vegetables, and an assortment of balancing condiments - it is all centered around mindful eating. One of my favorite things is the encouragement of not using you cell phone while dining. You can also participate in other things. I treated myself to a massage, their healing arts services are amazing.There were complimentary classes, concerts and meditation sessions.
Why do you teach?
I am interested in teaching because Yoga is a huge passion of mine. Having the opportunity to share this with others is special. Teaching keeps me leveled, grounded and allows me to be constantly growing and learning. Not only am I grateful to be able to share this with others but it is so beneficial for my personal practice as well.
Madeline currently teaches charity classes for YogaInBoston. Check her out next at Athleta on Newbury Street on May 2nd.
You can also check out Kripalu at https://kripalu.org/
Kripalu Pre-requisites and Format:
So there were pre-reqs to get in?
Yes-
Minimum of 2 years' experience practicing yoga
Regular yoga practice of 4–7 times per week for 45 minutes or more
Be at least 18 years of age
Display English-language competency
Have received a high school diploma or GED
And an essay
Format:
The 200 hr. training was led by Michelle Dalbec & Jess Frey, there were 48 graduates.
8 weekends (Thursday- Sunday)
6:00–7:45 am Sadhana Morning yoga
8:00–8:30 am Breakfast
9:00–11:45 am Program Session
11:30 am–1:30 pm Lunch
2:00–4:00 pm Program Session
4:15–6:00 pm Yoga Practice
6:00–7:00 pm Dinner
7:30–9:00 pm Evening Session/Homework time