Jim Percival

Jim’s teachings focus on the beginner — that person who has never before come to a Yoga class. The reasons for this may range from perception ("Only women do Yoga") to practical concerns ("I’m out of shape and haven’t tried any kind of exercise – ever") and this is where Kripalu Yoga shines! No standard routine of postures, no competition with time or the person next to you, no focus other than yourself.

A composite of several yogic forms (Hatha, Karma, Bhakti, Kundalini, Ashtanga), Kripalu means "compassion" and Kripalu Yoga focuses on what your body can do at this time. Bring yourself to your own edge, wherever that may be for you on this particular day, and let that be your teaching. Come safely to this edge, without forcing past it, in each of your practices and you will find that your body progresses, your "edge" advances – as do you. At the same time there is a calming effect, a mental tranquility produced by the practice itself. Imagine that — a physical exercise program that you feel relaxed going to and coming from!

Jim brings forth his love of Yoga to each student from the beginner on up. "I’ve never experienced a physical workout that was so impacted by the breath," says Jim, "nor one that could show such a gain in mental serenity. Really, if you simply did the breathing exercises alone you could reduce stress and blood pressure levels."

Jim has had a varied professional background, ranging from Bartender to Electronics Technician, small business owner to VP or a large retail corporation. He was also a Sergeant in the Marine Corps. Always fitness conscious, over the past 21 years Jim had been exercising through Aerobics and Martial Arts disciplines. When a close friend (now a Kripalu Yoga teacher herself) introduced him to Kripalu Yoga, he knew immediately that he had found a lifelong practice.

Jim is a longtime student of Paul Spector (New Haven) and Dorothy Cochran (Branford). Says Paul, "Jim has a natural ability to connect with his students at their level and open an awareness to their own bodies."