Designing and Leading Transformational Workshops: The Craft of Mind-Body Teaching

This week-long workshop at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is a training in the craft of mind-body teaching. It is for teachers, healers, coaches, and facilitators who want to design and lead workshops, retreats, and trainings that create real connection and meaningful learning. Ken Nelson, a Kripalu legacy faculty member, leads it with his coauthors and longtime collaborators Lesli Lang and David Ronka.

The program is built on the book Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops: Creating the Conditions for Transformation in Your Groups, Trainings, and Retreats. It is one of three modules in a transformational leadership training series. Each stands on its own and can be taken in any order.

What to Expect

Over the week you work on the conditions that make a group experience land: clarity, confidence, and compassion in how you lead. The faculty introduce the science of mind-body learning and show how it shapes the design of a session. You explore ways of drawing out the collective wisdom of a group and sparking its creativity. A central part of the training is guided practice leading mind-body experiences in a small group, with feedback from faculty and peers. Support for marketing and advancing your own work is part of the program too.

The days follow a steady Kripalu rhythm. Mornings begin with a Kripalu Yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45, followed by a silent breakfast. Program sessions run in the morning (generally 8:45 to 11:45, a little shorter midweek), again from 2:15 to 4:15, and on most evenings from 7:15 to 8:45. A second yoga class takes place before dinner. The first evening begins with check-in from 2:00 pm, yoga, dinner, and a session from 7:30 to 9:30. On the final morning there is one last session from 9:00 to 11:30, then lunch and departure. Times can shift, so check the schedule given at check-in.

About the Leaders

Ken Nelson is a Kripalu legacy faculty member and the lead presenter of this training. He is a coauthor of the book the program is based on.

Lesli Lang is a coauthor of the book and a longtime collaborator of Ken Nelson.

David Ronka is also a coauthor and longtime collaborator of Ken Nelson.

The Setting

Kripalu is a center for yoga and health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for rest and quiet between sessions, or community-style dormitory lodging if you prefer connection during your stay. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Three meals a day are served, with breakfast taken in silence.

Before You Go

The program is aimed at experienced leaders and facilitators. Tuition includes the week of program sessions in a small-group format, a training workbook, daily Kripalu Yoga and movement classes, three meals a day, and access to the Kripalu grounds. Accommodations are required and booked separately.

Healing Arts sessions and purchases at the Kripalu Shop and Cafe cost extra. The recommended book can be bought ahead of time through the Kripalu Online Shop. On departure day, room check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.