Thrive!

Last Friday I took a trip to Kripalu Yoga in the Berkshires, a trip I've been wanting to take for a long time.  Thrive, the title of Kripalu's Guest Guide (and Blog) is what happens when you melt into this soothing, calming environment that offers the opportunity for reflection and so much more!

This facility is nestled within the Berkshires, with the beauty of the surrounding mountains, a perfect place to unwind in nature and forget the world.  

Far from a fancy hotel, there are no bell hops, you carry your own luggage to your room, it is a sparse facility with the essentials only, air conditioning not included. A tough adjustment in 90 degree weather, fans where plentiful though! There are no TV's or stereos in the bedrooms, electronic devices are strongly discouraged.  An absolute treat to actually have an opportunity to socialize with many of the guests without the interruption of e-mails and texting.

Upon my arrival, I noticed how calm, quite and still it was, no one was rushing, just kind of sauntering. I think, I am not sure I will be able to manage in this environment, I go to my room, (rooms are similar to dormitory style), decide not to unpack and get the lay of the land.  I find the dining hall, bathrooms (many are not in bedrooms), a bookstore(that had air conditioning!) and to my relief, found a cute little cafe.  Relived to see and smell fresh coffee, was afraid I would have to go all weekend with out my cherished morning cup!  OK, coffee, the view, I think I could like it here!  

To induce relaxation, I booked an Aromatherapy Massage, after that, I easily surrendered to the weekend, went to my room to unpack, I am staying!

I attended a Yoga/Meditation Workshop called Rooted, Relaxed and Radiant! Kripalu Yoga is world renowned, surrounded by nature, there were many well known quality yoga and a variety of teachers, the best of the best only!

This facility attracts people all around the world!  There are an array of events in the evening and endless yoga classes to take!  I was in my glory! Though, I wanted to stay in my stress-free zone, relaxation mode, so I strongly had to resist the temptation of Vigorous Kripalu Yoga, offered for 1.5 hours....next time, will return in the Fall.

The facility serves three mouth-watering, delicious and satisfying organic whole food vegetarian/vegan meals offered buffet style. There may have been some chicken available, but I opted out of meat all weekend. Breakfast is eaten in silence to help promote mindfulness of the food you are enjoying! No reading, no texting, no talking, a different humbling experience.  The best part, all weekend, no cooking, no cleaning, I can understand why my son loves college so much!

People come to decompress, slow down, recharge their batteries from the hurried, stressful lifestyle we live!  People also come to heal physically and emotionally from trauma such as divorce, cancer, death of a loved one and other life changing events.  I personally was so inspired by so many people and the stories of what led them to Kripalu.

Giving yourself the gift of slowing down, reconnecting to yourself is so powerful, there are no words, you would need to experience for yourself.  I was truly not ready to leave Sunday afternoon, craving just one more day, one more yoga class, one more whole food meal I did not have to prepare!  

Based on my inspiring weekend, you will be able to reap all of the benefits with my newly redesigned Gentle Yoga Class (now RH Yoga & More's signature class) that will help you slow down and reconnect to yourself.  Appreciate what it feels like to be totally relaxed, present and stress free in your mind and body.  

Your help is needed, after you melt into this newly redesigned Gentle Yoga flavor, I hope your creativity is vibrant.  Looking for ideas on a new name that best fits the experience of this new class!

Lynn MacDonald, Registered Yoga Teacher/ACE Personal Trainer
www.rhillyoga.com
lmacdonald@rhillyoga.com