I consider Yoga to be a powerful and universal tool for processing; we voluntarily embark upon a (usually) physical practice that strengthens and stretches the physical body, only to open a gateway to the deeper parts inside of us that are also in deep need of strength and stretch. The physical practice of Yoga allows us to somatically out-process who we have been, so that we can gain a deeper understanding of who we authentically are. From this place we can consciously create who we were always meant to be.
What is Kriya?
Kriya Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice with roots in the yogic traditions of India. It was popularized in the modern era by Paramahansa Yogananda, who introduced it to the West through his book "Autobiography of a Yogi." The term "Kriya" means "action" or "deed," emphasizing the practice's focus on disciplined techniques to achieve spiritual awakening. Traditionally passed down from guru to disciple, Kriya Yoga integrates breath control, meditation, and specific postures to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the teachings of ancient sages and scriptures, aiming to accelerate spiritual evolution and self-realization.
Himalayan Kriya Yoga, of which I am a student, guide, and explorer, allows participants to take actions that accelerate the evolution of their lives. The practice of Kriya Yoga refers to a specific set of movements, breath patterns, Mudras, and sometimes even tongue and eye placements; all designed to be done repetitively, over and over again, to direct energy towards a certain outcome related to one’s growth and evolution.
The Sanskrit more specifically translates the word Kriya to mean “complete action, deed, or effort.” In Kriya yoga we take powerful and intentional action, again and again. We send our efforts towards the target of the growth of our personal healing, consciousness, and expansion.
Benefits of Kriya
Kriya offers profound benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Regular practice of Kriya helps to harmonize the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity. By enhancing the flow of prana (life force energy), Kriya boosts vitality and promotes a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being. Additionally, it fosters emotional balance, helping practitioners to release negative patterns and cultivate positive states of mind. Ultimately, Kriya supports spiritual growth, connecting individuals to their inner wisdom and facilitating a deeper experience of unity and consciousness.
Kriya work is a deeply profound practice of Tapas; we learn to stay in the fires of change, to allow the flames to forge and strengthen us, and to illuminate our inner Truth and Authenticity. It is through this individual burning away and rising up, that the experience of the collective will change. I believe deeply that when everyone does their own inner healing work, the content we see on the news every day will change.
How to Practice Kriya
In my Signature Breakthrough Group Coaching Program called Awakened Authenticity, the work is divided into three phases; Release, Accept, and Manifest. In each phase, we have specific thought work and personal excavation that we engage in together, as well as embodiment practices that support the mental work that we do to extend down below the neck into integrated and actualized wisdom. We use different Kriya and Pranayama (breath) practices during each phase to aid in the integration of your Awakened Authenticity. It is powerful and life changing. See when the next 12-week program begins.
Start your journey with Kriya
Kriya, for me, funnels the power and the miracle of Life more deeply into my personal power in the present moment. It supports me to heal in real-time. Kriya gives me a way to participate in my growth without having to effing THINK about it all the time, logically trying to solve. How exhausting. Himalayan Kriya Yoga gives clean power back to my mind, body, and Spirit, and for this life-changing practice I am deeply, deeply grateful.