Awaken Inner Clarity: Proprioceptive Writing and Yoga

Awaken Inner Clarity is a four-day yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, pairing gentle yoga with proprioceptive writing, a form of contemplative writing. It is for anyone who feels tired, dull or detached after the rush of daily life and the holidays, and who wants to turn inward and restore a sense of aliveness. Kim Chandler leads the program, and no prior experience with yoga or writing is needed.

What to Expect

Through gentle yoga and contemplative writing exercises, Kim Chandler guides you to listen to your own thoughts and feelings. The structure of proprioceptive writing is introduced as a guide to that inner listening. It is a contemplative practice rather than ordinary journaling. The program aims to help you free up creativity, cultivate concentration, build self-trust and confidence, renew your connection to your Self, gain new understandings and perspectives, and restore a sense of aliveness in body and mind. You are meant to go home remembering who you are, feeling more energized, relaxed and reconnected to the world around you.

The days follow a steady rhythm. Opening day begins with check-in at 2:00 pm, 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, Kripalu Yoga class runs from 6:30 to 7:45 am, followed by a silent breakfast. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch between them. An optional session from 4:15 to 5:15 comes before dinner at 5:30.

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

About Kim Chandler

Kim Chandler leads this program and is a musician. Kim guides the gentle yoga and the contemplative writing that make up the days.

The Setting

Kripalu sits in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, on grounds of about 300 acres that guests can walk for reflection between sessions. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. Options include a private room for solitude, a semi-private room shared with one other guest, and a community dormitory that fosters connection. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room holds bags until then. Three nutritious meals are served each day, and breakfast is eaten in silence.

Before You Go

The program welcomes all levels, and the teaching is in English. Your stay includes ten or more yoga classes daily, three meals a day, accommodation according to the room type you choose, access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities, and the proprioceptive writing instruction and guided sessions. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.

On departure day, check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm. The group is small, which suits quiet inner work.