Winter road trip Kripalu.

As a person who lives to learn, I am constantly on the look out for interesting things to do that can be combined with my love for a change of scenery. This time, I decided to shake things up a bit and trade in my usual mode of transport – two wings, for a more earthy set of four wheels and voila…a road trip!

Road trip!

Destination: Kripalu – Centre for Yoga and Health in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Trip Distance: ~ 700 km.

Purpose: Restorative Yoga Teacher Training.

What is Kripalu? Well…their website says it better than I can…

Kripalu (kri-PAH-loo) provides a sanctuary for your body and soul. A stay at Kripalu immerses you in an experiential curriculum designed to bring vitality to your life from the inside out. While you are here, we invite you to enjoy daily yoga classes, our world-class natural-foods cuisine, massage and healing arts, hiking and walking trails, a lakefront beach area, indoor whirlpool and sauna, a labyrinth, extraordinary views—all in the natural beauty of the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.

Hmmm…I was sold!!

Monday morning, 7:30 am: I lugged my baggage for the month…oops…I mean week…into my car (I was really enthused about not having a weight restriction on my luggage). Armed with Map Quest, Google and Yahoo maps printouts (just in case), my Mom’s GPS for backup and a mug of coffee, I selected my “Feeling Good” playlist, reset the trip odometer and off I went.

Coffee…not a great plan, and my first stop turned out not be at the border crossing but a Tim Hortons in Burlington!

On the road again…about to enter another country!

I don’t remember ever having made a car trip across the border, so this was a rather exciting moment!

Deep breaths at the border…but of course I had nothing to hide. After all, I was going to a Yoga retreat!!

The hours flew by despite my four wheels and miles and miles of highway. I was pleasantly surprised that I could occupy myself with my thoughts and not get bored!!  I strove to be present for the journey – I really wanted to experience this fully. The logistics were made simple with lots of signage and the ubiquitous Interstate roadside rest stations every 45 minutes or so, complete with fast food, washrooms and gas station. Feeling rather virtuous (did I mention I was going to a yoga retreat?), I decided to bypass the anti-foods and ate my packed lunch instead! Yup, nothing like eating clean!!

mmmm lunch!

I was thrilled to cross the border into Massachusetts. There is a particular energy in the Berkshires that permeates right to the core of my being – a sense that words don’t adequately describe, but which feels a bit like coming home (except that I got lost coming off the I-90…due to a plethora of unclear directions and a GPS that lost her voice). I drove around the side roads for awhile and eventually came upon a sight that warmed my weary traveler’s heart…

Don’t be alarmed…that was not my accommodation for the week!!

Almost there...

Ahhhh…home sweet away from home…

At Kripalu, you have the option of staying in a dormitory, a standard room (with hall bathroom) or standard plus (private bath) accommodations. I stayed in the dorm on my first visit a couple of years ago, but since this was my “birthday week”, I opted to treat myself to my own room. Very simple, but perfect (check out the view)! Near the treatment rooms, the aromas of essential oils linger in the halls, which triggered my limbic system and unearthed deep emotions for investigation.

My room.

Meals are served buffet style in the huge dining room and the Kripalu Kitchen is second to none…an absolute dream. One thing (among many) that I love about being part of a Kripalu program is the transition one makes around meal times. On the first evening, you may find yourself sitting alone if you came alone, but once you meet the other people in your class, you start to dine with them and by the end of the week, you’ve got not only a table full of people to eat with, but a table full of new friends as well. Breakfast is a silent meal, which at times I found challenging and found myself wishing I had brought a roll of duct tape to assist with the process! I more than made up for it at lunch and dinner.

Kripalu is set on acres of lovely grounds. I took a few walks while I was there, immersing myself in the tranquil surroundings…

A beautiful sundial…

…sits outside of a labyrinth where I wandered on the snow packed path among the trees.

What do you think of this? I called it Buddha on a Christmas Cake!

There were 17 people in my program…mostly certified yoga teachers, looking to expand their knowledge base, their own practice and in turn offer more to their students.

The classes were held in a beautiful space called the Sunset Room.

Tools of the trade…

Restorative yoga uses props like bolsters, blocks, blankets, straps, chairs and walls that support and stabilize the body. The postures are designed to promote relaxation, gently open the body and release deeply held tension.

Kripalu features world-class presenters who are subject matter experts in the areas of yoga, self-discovery and holistic health. Sudha was one of the finest teachers I have ever had the pleasure of studying with. Along with her extraordinary ability to be completely present with her students, her thorough knowledge of restorative yoga, she also had a great sense of humour and an interesting way of getting right down to the bare bones of the subject matter!

Supta Badha Konasana

The scene above greeted us on our last night of class and I will never think of “Supta Badha Konasana” in the same way again!

I am happy, filled full and looking forward to applying what I have learned this week.

…AND checking out the calendar for my next visit! Have a look…www.kripalu.org

Namaste