Soften Into Your True Self: Rediscovering Who You Are Now

This weekend wellness retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is for anyone who wants to slow down and reconnect with themselves at this stage of life. Led by Missy Brown, a wellness educator and longtime Kripalu staff member, it brings together gentle movement, yoga nidra, sound meditation and a shared creative project in a supportive community. No prior experience is needed.

What to Expect

The weekend is built around the idea that calm, clarity and wisdom already live within you, and that the right conditions help them surface. Sessions explore:

- Gentle creative movement and embodied breathing to soothe the nervous system
- Guided imagery and yoga nidra, inviting the mind to unwind and inner wisdom to emerge
- Sound meditation with chimes, crystal and brass bowls
- Gratitude, lovingkindness and meditative practices that nurture self-compassion and presence
- The co-creation of a large, colorful sand mandala, a mindful way to connect with yourself, with others and with the present moment

The rhythm is steady and unhurried. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner, and a first program session from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening. The full day begins with Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am and a silent breakfast. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and again from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch between them. A second yoga class and dinner close the day. On the final morning there is yoga, silent breakfast and a program session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure. Times may shift, and the schedule given at check-in has the details and room locations.

You leave with a collection of nourishing practices to carry home.

About Missy Brown

Missy Brown is an E-RYT 500, E-RCYT and YACEP, and has dedicated her life to supporting people of all ages in opening to their true potential. She teaches classes and training programs, bringing creativity and playfulness to mindfulness and body-centered practice, which she approaches with humor and open-hearted authenticity. She is the president and founder of Deep Play for Kids, LLC.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for solitude and privacy, or a shared room in the community dormitory if you would like connection with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Three meals are served each day, and breakfasts are taken in silence.

Before You Go

The program is open to all experience levels. The movement is gentle, and the meditation and sound practices require no background. It is taught in English.

Your stay includes overnight accommodation, three nutritious meals a day, more than ten daily yoga classes, all program sessions and guided practices, and access to the Kripalu grounds. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available separately for purchase. On the day of departure, room check-out is at 10:00 am, and you are welcome to stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.