Achieving Flow State: A Guide to Living in the Moment with off the mat Stage 3 Kripalu Yoga

Are you seeking a state of bliss and inner peace? Join me on a journey to discover the art of living in flow, inspired by my transformative experience at The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.

In the summer of 2010, I embarked on a 3-day retreat at Kripalu, where I immersed myself in yoga and meditation training. During this time, I encountered moments of uncontrollable laughter--experiencing a profound sense of joy and contentment.

So, what enabled me to access such bliss? It was my approach to living in the present moment, guided by the principles of Stage 3 Kripalu yoga.

The formal practice of Stage 3 Kripalu yoga encourages practitioners to listen to their inner wisdom and intuition, allowing for a spontaneous flow of postures known as "meditation in motion." This unique practice involves moving in response to the body's internal energy, resulting in a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.

During my stay at Kripalu, I practiced Stage 3 Kripalu yoga off the mat--following my internal energetic guidance and thus engaging in a variety of activities, from exploring the meditation garden to enjoying leisurely walks around the grounds. I embraced each moment, whether it was swimming in the lake or simply chatting with friends.

But can we incorporate this sense of flow into our daily lives outside of a retreat setting? Absolutely.

One strategy is to dedicate a day or a shorter period each week to living in the moment, listening to our needs, and acting accordingly. By asking ourselves, "What do I want to do right now?" and being open to new ideas, we can cultivate a sense of spontaneity and joy in our daily lives.

Even amidst our responsibilities and obligations, we can infuse the spirit of Stage 3 Kripalu yoga into our actions. Whether it's changing a diaper or washing dishes, we can approach these tasks with mindfulness and intentionality.

By making micro choices and slowing down, we can tune into our desires while attending to our daily responsibilities. We might choose to sing or practice mindfulness while completing these tasks, transforming them into opportunities for self-expression and growth.

So, I invite you to experiment with these ideas in your own life. Set aside time to live in the moment and observe how it feels to do exactly what you want. Embrace the spirit of Stage 3 Kripalu yoga as you go about your daily routine, and notice the difference it makes in your sense of well-being and fulfillment.

You can start right now. What does your spirit guide you to do in this moment? Embrace the opportunity for a short off-the-mat Kripalu yoga experience and let the flow unfold.