Moving Through Stillness: Somatic Meditations to Support Your New Year Transition

Moving Through Stillness is a restorative weekend yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by Sandrine Harris. It brings together somatic meditation, guided movement and quiet writing to help you ease stress and close out the year with a settled body and a peaceful heart. It is open to all adults who want a gentler way to cross into the new year.

What to Expect

The turning of the year invites a look inward, and this retreat gives that looking time and space. Over the weekend you move between several meditative and contemplative practices, guided movement and body-centered work, and periods of writing and reflection. A guided somatic awareness process lets the language of the body speak, so you can find meaning in the year that is ending and meet yourself with tenderness. There is also a compassionate community in which to share what you are learning.

The days follow the usual Kripalu rhythm. The weekend begins on a Friday with check-in from 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. On the full days, Kripalu Yoga starts at 6:30 am, followed by 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. After an afternoon yoga class and dinner, a short evening session from 7:15 to 8:15 pm includes a dance party. On Monday morning there is yoga, silent breakfast and a final session from 9:00 to 11:00 am, then lunch and departure. Actual times may vary, and the schedule you receive at check-in has the details and room locations.

About Sandrine Harris

Sandrine Harris is the presenter of this program, guiding the somatic meditations and reflective practices throughout the weekend.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, and is known for yoga, spirituality and ancient wisdom programs. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room or a community-style dorm if you would like more connection with other participants. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three nutritious meals a day, more than ten yoga and movement classes over the stay, and access to the Kripalu grounds are part of the experience. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.

Before You Go

This retreat is suitable for all adults, and the program is offered in English. Some meditation experience is suggested, but everyone is welcome, including people for whom meditation has felt challenging in the past. Chairs are provided for all participants, and no floor sitting is required.

Wear clothing you can move in and rest on the floor in, and bring layers for warmth. Bring a notebook and pen for the writing and reflection time.