Kripalu. I have heard about this place for awhile now. A beautiful place in the Berkshires that offers weekend and week long yoga retreats. It seems like every "Good " yoga instructor and my more seasoned students have been at one time or another. All I knew about it was it was the place yogi's light up about, as they say "You just have to go!" Well, I had enough of the mystery. I signed up and went this past weekend! No kids, no husband, just me and my yoga mat.
When I arrived it was almost how comical how "yoga-like" everyone was. The first thing I noticed was how slow everyone was walking. In my head I was thinking some not so yoga like things. I was on a mission, I had to check in. I had to hurry up so I could relax.
The next thing I did was fill up my free time with activities. I went to the activity board and checked out what yoga classes I could attend, what music event I would like to go to in the evening, etc. I realized how uncomfortable I felt with the emptiness of a schedule.
As you can see, it took me awhile to ease into the relaxation part. Even as a yoga instructor, someone who is supposed to be very in the moment and mindful, it is difficult to switch gears from the hustle and bustle of a work and family life. But I did my best.
I went to a weekend program by Jillian Pransky, a beautiful soul you just immediately feel connected to. We moved extremely slow. Many restorative poses, long, juicy meditations, and lots and lots of props for extra comfort. There were even assistants that went around giving hands on assists. They were like little angels floating around. I felt so pampered and cared for. I could get used to this. This was exactly what I needed.
The part of the weekend that stuck with me the most was the Journey Dance class. It was taught by the founder, Tony Bergins herself. If you are not familiar, it is a branch of yoga dance, where you use freestyle and structured movement that gets you out of your head and into your body. This really did the trick for me! I respond so well to fiery movements like this. The music really drove me. It was very tribal. I am totally diggin' it! All of my chakras are flowing baby. I feel reborn. It was so wild and tense! I let go of things I didn't even know I had been holding onto. I will definitely find more of this.
I also want to mention the amazing food. It was all organic, amazingly healthy stuff. Stuff I would never be able to cook for myself at home. Buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I just filled up with this soul food and it nourished me in ways I am not used to. I really need to eat healthier and this is helping to kick start that.
The weekend gave me just what I needed. A step away from reality. Oh, and I just realized- I forgot to mention the most important part! This place does not allow anyone to be on electronics. You can only talk and text in your room. That's right! I think this is where the real magic came in. Being in an environment where everyone has no choice but to be present and look at each other was so freshing. It was like it was the 1900s again. It brought me way back, man. There were moments of just sitting in stillness, not needing to look at a phone. I kind of forgot how to do that, but it came right back. It was so natural. I think this was the best part of the weekend. To be away from technology.
I just wanted to share my little getaway experience with you. I hope you can find a way to rejuvenate as well. It really is so important, especially during these deep winter months. Even if you cannot take a physical vacation, taking a break from technology can do wonders. Even if just for a few hours.
By the way, by the end of the weekend, I was the one walking slow. :) The slow walkers are on to something.
Love and Light,
Namaste,
Melissa
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