Rhythmic Flow Yoga is a transformational vinyasa based practice developed by Kristin Cooper Gulak and guided and inspired by the creative rhythms of the Kunga Drummers. Beginning in 2000, Rhythmic Flow yoga has evolved over the years as a communal yoga experience of movement and live music; consisting of five elemental practices: Earth, Water, Air, Fire & Space.
All Rhythmic Flow Yoga offerings; workshops, cd’s, and dvd’s are dedicated to educating the public about service based yoga related projects, and 5% of all proceeds are donated to
Class 5 non-profits serving children, animals, and the environment. We are also in process of creating a yoga based non-profit that brings Rhythmic Flow Yoga to under-served and special populations.
Tattvas: State of Matter
Each elemental practice is based on the teachings of the tattwas; the five elements of nature. These elements form the structure of our mind/body and the world we live in; and a deeper understanding of the elements allows our practice to evolve with changing seasons and life cycles, and creates a foundation from which to sustain a lifelong practice of yoga. The teachings of the elements, are found throughout many eastern and western healing systems, and is the basis of Ayurveda and yoga therapy.
As an application to Rhythmic Flow Yoga; we cultivate each element through a synthesis of specific vinyasa sequencing & kriyas, along with intentional visualizations, instrumentation and rhythms; culminating into a non-verbal “play” between the practitioners and the drummers. As the practice and rhythms build, the action of movement and sound create the power to transform; revealing power, presence and passion in the practice. If feeling stagnant in your yoga practice, this is an opportunity to break through the mold of old habitual patterns, and enjoy the evolution of your body through rhythm.
With the inspiration from the drummers, Kristin guides the practice of each element; leading up to the final portion of the practice allowing the student to move into their own free form personal prana sadhana. During prana sadhana Kristin plays percussion with the other drummers, so that the practitioners have the opportunity to explore moving the body without instructions or limitations…all the while the drummers accompany your practice and the music builds. Beginners are welcome, especially those who may feel nervous but have that curious spark….this is a special, live, liberating, creative, juicy, evolving practice. Come play!
Enjoy the grooves of long-time Rhythmic Flow percussionists: Troy Pierce, Loren Gulak, Adam Stetten & Kristin Cooper Gulak on djembe, congas, cajone, doumbek, darbuca, udu, didjeridoo, tongue drum, and Tibetan bowls.
Earth Practice
Prithivi - Grounding
Earth practice is a grounding, slow moving, roots based depth practice centered around apana vayu, or downward movement of energy, and the steady, bass heavy rhythms of the djembe and bufflo drum. This practice builds strength, awareness, and stability with a focus on foundation, and hip-openers. All levels are welcome, as we move through a slow, deep vinyasa practice; completing with a restorative savasana and longer period of meditation. This practice is slow, steady, and strong.
Muladhara Chakra; 1st Chakra Root is discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.
Fire Practice
Agni - Transformation
Fire Practice is centered around the energy of transformation, purification, and passion, with a focus on staccato rhythms-rapid, sharp, and very energetic!
This practice can help with digestion and detoxification, and helps the mind to break through habitual patterns. Fire represents metabolism, heat, and the practice of “tapas” or discipline. All levels welcome; be prepared to build heat, sweat and detox as we move through a series of rapid kriyas, along with a yang based vinyasa flow, lengthy relaxation, and kirtan. This practice is rapid, expansive and strong.
Manipura Chakra; 3rd Chakra Navel/Solar Plexus is discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.
Water Practice
Apas - Rejuvenation
Water Practice is a nurturing, rejuvenating practice incorporating yin, fluid vinyasa, tai chi and circular wave motion through the body with a focus on softer
slower instrumentation. This is a nourishing, practice with the intent to cultivate inner balance from depletion, stress, and over-stimulation/yang based living and yang based yoga practices. As a male or female practitioner, the Water Practice is also an opportunity to honor the feminine; lunar element, and embrace shanti-
peacefulness and the state of tranquility. We work to visualize and move the body as liquid matter; releasing old patterns of stress/tightness/feeling “stiff”. This practice is quiet, internal, and nourishing.
Svadhishthana Chakra; 2nd Chakra Sex & Ajna Chakra; 6th Chakra 3rd Eye will be discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.
Air Practice
Vayu - Expansion
Air Practice is centered around the energy of movement and expansion! Incorporating the fluid quatlies of water, the transforming qualities of fire, and the
spontaneous quality of wind, this practice is swift and light. Arm balances, backbending, and pranayama will be explored in detail. This practice is fun, light-hearted and playful.
Anahata Chakra; 4th Chakra Heart will be discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.
Space Practice - Rhythmic Dance!
Akasha - Freedom
Space is the mother of all other elements; and the experience of space as emptiness is taught as the basis of spiritual experience. The most mystical of the elements, space is omnipresent. Space forms physical attraction/repulsion, receptivity/ expansion; and is often associated with the sky/heaven/the invisible/ and everything in-between. Within the body we relate to space within the emptiness-within the lungs, the mouth, the stomach.
The most free form of all of the practices, Rhythmic Dance evolved out of the desire to roll up the yoga mats and allow the drummers to let loose! This practice begins with an exploration of the rhythmic movements of the 4 foundational elements, leading into the exploration of free form movement/dance exploration of space in the room. This is a liberating, joyful, no attitude, loving, no “I can’t dance” statements-an opportunity for every individual-big and small, young and old, to GET FREE and have a great time as a community. This practice teaches us how to let go and give ourselves permission to a practice complete non-resistance, self-love, and JOY.
Rhythmic Flow Yoga is an offering of the joining together of two of my greatest loves - the infinite teachings of hatha yoga and the liberating joy of drumming. It has become a vehicle to combine two art forms and a journey for yoga students to perhaps have a deeper experience from live music accompaniment. It is quite an inspiration having real human beings with incredible instruments from around the globe providing your own private yoga soundtrack... jamming away while you move and sweat. It is truly an honor to share this "jungle practice" and I am so grateful to the yoga community for embracing the creative process and to the drummers along the way that I have been able to jam with and learn from. It is our hope and vision that through Rhythmic Flow we can create more awareness of yoga as service in a way that is fun, liberating, and open to any and everyone.
Thank you from my heart.
All Rhythmic Flow Yoga offerings; workshops, cd’s, and dvd’s are dedicated to educating the public about service based yoga related projects, and 5% or more of all proceeds are donated to Class 5 non-profits serving children, animals, and the environment.
The 5 Elements
photo by Pat Casey Daley
click on the images below to view slideshows
Costa Rica Retreat 2005
Greece Retreat 2007
Costa Rica Retreat 2006
Blue Lotus Studio 2007