Sacred Mirrors: Honoring Powerful Stories for Ourselves, One Another, and Mother Earth

Sacred Mirrors is a healing retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by Kaitlin Curtice. It uses storytelling, drawn from Indigenous wisdom, to look at the stories we carry about ourselves, about one another, and about Mother Earth. It is open to anyone, whatever their background or experience, and may suit those who feel worn down by grief or by the weight of being an activist in the world.

The retreat draws on Curtice's latest book, Everything Is a Story. Over a weekend at Kripalu in the Berkshires, participants move slowly through three phases of mirroring: self, kinship, and the Earth.

What to Expect

The stories told about us, and the ones we tell, often carry strong emotion and bring up grief. They also raise the question of what healing means. This retreat makes room for that, with a tender pace.

In the first phase, you honor the stories that have been told to you throughout your life and consider how to embrace new stories of healing for yourself. The second turns to kinship, asking what stories we tell about each other and how we can mirror care to others. The third explores the sacred relationship with Mother Earth and imagines how that relationship brings healing.

Sessions include readings from Kaitlin's book and her poetry, journaling, embodied practice around the wisdom of mirroring, and sharing in small groups. The retreat closes with a sharing time, so you can take home the spiritual medicine gathered together.

The days follow Kripalu's regular rhythm:

- 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.
- Full days: Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am, silent breakfast, a morning program session from 9:00 to 11:30, lunch, an afternoon session from 1:30 to 4:00, yoga again from 4:45 to 6:00, and dinner.
- Closing day: morning yoga, silent breakfast, a final program session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure.

Times can shift, so check the Guest Boards or the schedule given at check-in for details and room locations.

About Kaitlin Curtice

Kaitlin Curtice is a musician and the author of Everything Is a Story, the book that shapes this retreat. She brings Indigenous wisdom into her work with story, and she also leads an online workshop, Living Our Sacred Resistance.

The Setting

Kripalu sits in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and its accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room with single occupancy or a shared, community-style dormitory room. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a Luggage Room holds your bags until then.

Three meals a day are included, and breakfast is taken in silence. The grounds are open to guests throughout the stay.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed, and the retreat is held in English. Your stay includes:

- three nutritious meals each day
- daily yoga classes
- access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities
- the guided program sessions, with journaling and reflective practices

Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for purchase and are not included.

On the day of departure, room check-out is at 10:00 am. You may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.