Embodied Freedom: Reclaiming Wholeness

Embodied Freedom: Reclaiming Wholeness is a six-day yoga retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, devoted to Continuum, a somatic movement practice. It is led by Robin Becker, a highly sought-after teacher of contemplative movement, and is meant for anyone who feels a longing for peace and wants to slow down, rest, and listen to the body's own wisdom. No prior yoga or movement experience is needed.

What to Expect

Continuum is a movement practice that recognizes the body as a living model of a fluid biological process. Through breathwork, sound, and simple movements, the program invites you into what the organizers describe as an intimate conversation between the body, the senses, and your awareness. You explore the capacity for both deep rest and creative innovation, and you become familiar with the ever-changing river of movement within you, which can become a steady touchstone of presence, renewal, and inspiration. The container is meant to be safe and nurturing, with room for the many dimensions of your being. Continuum is also said to inform and benefit other movement practices, including yoga, shiatsu, massage, and dance.

The days follow a steady rhythm. On the 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 in the evening.

On the full days in between, the schedule runs like this:

- 6:30 to 7:45 am: Kripalu Yoga class
- 7:30 to 9:00 am: silent breakfast
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm: program session
- 12:00 to 1:30 pm: lunch
- 2:00 to 5:00 pm: program session
- 4:45 to 6:00 pm: Kripalu Yoga class
- 5:30 to 7:30 pm: dinner

On the closing day there is a morning yoga class and silent breakfast, a final program session from 9:00 to 11:00, and lunch and departure from 11:30 to 1:30. Actual times may vary, and a schedule with room locations is provided at check-in.

About Robin Becker

Robin Becker is a beloved and highly sought-after teacher of contemplative movement. She guides this program in Continuum, the practice founded by Emilie Conrad, whose words frame the work: "Movement is the message and the messenger of the universe." Participants often report a sense of well-being, increased vitality, inner authority, and a feeling of great possibility.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. Options include private rooms for solitude, shared double rooms for connection, and community-style dormitories with multiple beds. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier.

Three meals a day are served, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and breakfast is taken in silence. Your stay also includes access to the Kripalu grounds and campus facilities.

Before You Go

The program is appropriate and safe for everyone at all movement levels and body types. It is taught in English. Your registration includes instruction in Continuum, ten or more yoga classes over the stay, three daily meals, grounds access, and accommodations, which vary by room type. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for purchase separately.

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