Refine, Reflect, Release, Rihanna

Kriya Yoga: What the Practice of Yoga Actually Looks Like

As the new year rolls around, many of us start making resolutions, setting goals, and reflecting on ways to improve. While self-improvement is valuable, traditional resolutions often fall short. They tend to zero in on what we need to fix rather than celebrating what we’ve done well and inviting more positivity into our lives.

Yoga offers a more holistic approach to reflection and growth. Instead of a once-a-year scramble, yoga philosophy encourages ongoing self-awareness and intentionality. In Yoga Sutra 2.1, Patanjali defines yoga practice through three actionable principles: self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher truth.

1. Self-Discipline (Tapas)

Self-discipline is about tuning into the body’s energy and taking intentional action. In modern practice, this often takes the form of Asana (physical postures), which helps us assess how we feel and listen to the body’s innate wisdom. Regular movement, mindful breathing, and staying consistent with these practices cultivate strength and balance—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

2. Self-Study (Svadhyaya)

Self-study involves reflecting on our experiences and understanding our inner world. Tools like journaling, meditation, or simply taking a moment to notice our thoughts and emotions are all ways to practice self-study. This daily habit helps us connect with ourselves on a deeper level, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

3. Surrender (Ishvarapranidhana)

The final step is surrendering to a higher truth or purpose. It’s about letting go of control and trusting in something greater—whether you frame it as universal wisdom, spirituality, or devotion. This act of release allows us to move past obstacles and align with our true potential.

A Practical Takeaway: Refine, Reflect, Release… Rihanna

To make Sutra 2.1 easy to remember, think of it as Refine (self-discipline), Reflect (self-study), and Release (surrender). And just for fun, add Rihanna to the mix—because what’s a practice without a little rhythm and joy?

By integrating these principles into daily life, yoga becomes more than a physical practice—it’s a transformative journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.

December Happenings

• Sound Bath w/ Dylan - As we look back on 2024, we can't help but notice that y'all love Sound Baths. So, we're continuing monthly sound experiences for the foreseeable future! In the December edition, Dylan's orchestra of crystal bowls, chimes, a gong, and his voice will help students set New Moon intentions for a holiday season that nourishes, rather than depletes.
  • Sunday, December 1, 7:30-8:45p, East Hollywood
• Italy Retreat Info Session - Possibly one of the most reflective experiences one can have with yoga is to enjoy it with a small group of like-minded individuals in a tranquil and idyllic setting. Join our next info session to learn about the accommodations, itinerary, teachers, excursions, payment plans, and more!
  • Wednesday, December 3, 8-8:45p, East Hollywood & Online
• Sound Bath w/ Joycie - Every month, Joycie guides a nearly-packed house to a transformative state of reflection and relaxation, and she'll do it again just when you need some calm before the holiday storm!
  • Sunday, December 8, 5:30-6:45p, Eagle Rock
• (Literal) Reflection Social Giveaway - Join us on the socials between December 8 - 21 for a chance to win 1 free month of unlimited yoga and fitness – the perfect prize if you're looking to commit to a more consistent yoga practice in 2025.
• 10 Days of Giveaways - Join us on the mat between December 9 - 18 and get free stuff! We've randomly selected one class per studio per day to give something away from brands we love, like Skimpies, Sugared + Bronzed, Lazy Acres, Love Sweat Fitness, Aesop, Iris & Romeo, and more to come!
• Good Karma Party - While Kriya Yoga is yoga in action, Karma yoga is the yoga of action. Come to give back to the local community by helping us pack up meals for the residents of the Downtown Women's Center. Stay for tasty treats, festive vibes, mantra sharing, and book exchange!
  • Thursday, December 19, 6-8p, Echo Park
• Holiday Gift Guide - We're going "OM For the Holidays" with gift ideas for every budget and every one on your list, whether a yoga enthusiast or yoga skeptic. From class pack deals and local apparel, candles, beauty products, and fitness accessories to yoga adventures and experiences or even a group sound bath or studio rental to celebrate your hardworking employees, there's something that will make anyone smile – and maybe even fall in love with yoga, if they haven't already!

Playlist of the Month

In this month's playlist, we're turning reflection into connection with our community and ourselves. Be the Rihanna you wish to see in the world with these tunes designed to get you thinking about the underlying truth of all your 2024 experiences, so you can release what doesn't serve you and work work work work work work with that knowledge to overcome just about anything 2025 can throw at you.

Click to shine bright like a diamond

Asana of the Month

In Hinduism, Garuda is the vehicle of the god Vishnu, and this bird-human represents virtue, hope, rebirth, and heavenly power. This translates into an advanced, bird-like stance that: 

• Strengthens the core, thighs, legs, and ankles, while stretching the shoulders, upper back, and thighs
• Improves balance, concentration, posture, and flexibility
• Activates the chest, rib cage, and diaphragm, which can help relieve asthma, colds, allergies, and other respiratory disorders
• Through its twisting motion, can help flush out toxins from the kidneys and stimulate the digestive organs
• Helps relieve stress and back pain

Here's a Quick Guide to Getting into Garudasana:

1. From Mountain pose, bend your knees, engage the core, and send your hips down and back to come into Chair pose.
2. Bring the weight into your left foot and gaze at a fixed point ahead of you – or Drishti.
3. With your arms out to the sides for balance, lift your right leg and cross it over your left thigh as high up as you can, squeezing your thighs together.
4. Hook the top of your right foot behind your left calf. Depending on your body, it may stay out.
5. Exhale and take your right arm underneath your left, bend the elbows pointing your fingers to the sky.
6. Bring the backs of the hands towards each other together.
7. Take hold of your left thumb with your right hand if you can, or press the backs of your hands together.
8. Reach your clasped arms toward the sky.
9. Keep the base of the neck and your face and jaw relaxed, as you take a few breaths.
10. To come out of the pose, uncross your arms and legs and come back to Mountain pose.
11. Repeat on the other side.

Pranayama of the Month

Enhance your clarity, focus, and emotional regulation with this box-breathing practice, so you can truly focus on putting yoga into action:

1. Sit comfortably with your back supported and feet on the floor
2. Close your eyes
3. Inhale slowly through your nose while counting to four
4. Hold your breath while counting to four
5. Exhale slowly while counting to four
6. Pause for four counts after exhaling
7. Repeat for 10 breaths or until you feel calm

Sutra of the Month

This entire blog has been an exercise in putting Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 2.1 into practice! Get ready to refine, reflect, release, and, most of all, RIHANNA your way through 2025.