Kripalu Wellness Resort and “Braiding Sweetgrass” Book Program

Last year I picked up a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer called “Braiding Sweetgrass.” At the same time I had subscribed to news and events from the Kripalu Center of Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, MA. Coincidentally, early this year I saw that they had a 3-day program where the author was discussing her book. Interspersed throughout the program were healthy meals and multiple yoga classes that you could take. The setting included many miles of hiking trails, meditation gardens and more on the 125 acre+ estate.

Another coincidence was that Natalie, Tony, Alex and Xavier were heading home from Saratoga Race Track and would pass right through Stockbridge on their way home, on the same day that I was to arrive. We were able to coordinate a great lunch and a few minutes to catch up on things before we went our separate ways.

The book discussion was great – Robin is a botanist, decorated professor and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She talks in the book about how to foster the reciprocal relationship we have with the rest of the living world (plants, animals and Mother Earth.) One of the things she discussed that I thought was very applicable was what she called the “Honorable Harvest” …

Never Take the First One, Never Take More Than 1/2, Never Take the Last One, Share the Bounty, Be Grateful, Minimize Harm, Take Only What You Need, Ask Permission – Listen For the Answer, Use Everything You Take and Reciprocate With a Gift.

Pretty much common sense but we seem to forget …

It is always a shock to the system to go from the hot, dry desert environment of Utah to lush, green humid locals. The weather was cool and there was a bit of rain during the weekend but I didn’t mind!

Maple syrup is actively harvested from the sugar maples on the property in the Fall. The photo of the sign came out blurry but it explained that several years ago they removed the buckets and hangers and went to the modernized tube system (blue) that you can see among the trees.
There were many options for lodging – shared dorm rooms (5 to 22 people per room … c’mon, be serious …,) single rooms with shared bathrooms and single rooms with your own bathroom … yes, please.

Lots of classes during the day – many guests attend what they call an R & R retreat for as many days as they want full of unlimited classes, food and other activities … must keep in mind – a “Sister’s Retreat” in the future?

They had a great and varied menu – options for vegan, vegetarian and some chicken and fish dishes for good measure. Also a separate sandwich bar and Indian food bar. No coffee in the rooms but always out in the lobby before 6am!

One very interesting tree on the property is the Camperdown Elm which I took a look at. Not sure exactly how old it is but it has an interesting history (see sign below.)

And lastly, a clue to the eternal question, “Does a bear poop in the woods?” Apparently not, as this huge pile was in the apple orchard when we were given an assignment to visit with the plants (I chose the vine.)

2 thoughts on “Kripalu Wellness Resort and “Braiding Sweetgrass” Book Program”

  1. Krista Huffman's avatar

    That must have been a fun retreat!!! Which style of yoga do you usually practice? Did you learn to braid sweet grass?

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    1. Alison & Joel Schenk's avatar

      It was fun. A little different than I envisioned since I had never been to a book discussion. I thought it was going to be 10 – 20 people sitting in a circles discussing the book. It was about 250 people in a lecture hall! She referenced the stories in the first and last chapters only but then dedicated the rest of the time on what we can do to give back to the earth. No sweetgrass braided! I usually do the Bikram 26/2 Hot Yoga but took it easy this weekend as my ribs still hurt a bit!

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