First Born Daughters: Healing for a Unique Sisterhood

Healing & Wholeness

First Born Daughters

Healing for a unique sisterhood

Relax Into Receiving Instead of Giving

Are you the first daughter born to your mother? If so, this workshop is designed for you. Together, we will explore the neurobiology unique to you, soften the inner critic that pushes you to perform and pretend, and create a safe, supportive place to familiarize yourself with the four healing exercises from Kelly McDaniel’s chapter on first born daughters in her new book Mother Hunger.

The combination of Mother Hunger and being a first-born daughter creates a unique legacy of emotional deprivation. Part biological and part cultural, as the little family matriarch, many of you grew up too fast meeting the needs of your caregivers. You missed essential elements of maternal care—nurturance, protection, or guidance—and at the same time, provided those things for others, maybe even your mother.

Do any of these sound like you?

Asking for help is not something you know how to do.
When someone offers, you struggle to receive help.
Choosing yourself feels wrong, even dangerous.
Having partners or employers who exploit you.
Overextending yourself for lovers and friends.
Overcommitting to community, family, and authority figures.
Feeling anxious when alone or trying to relax.

In this workshop, you will be invited to:

Go off duty.
Practice self-protection.
Reimagine the relationships with the women in your life.
Relax into receiving instead of giving.

Please join us in this sanctuary of sisterhood support and care.

NOTE: To prepare, it's helpful to have familiarity with Kelly McDaniel's book Mother Hunger.

Included in Your Stay

Daily Yoga Classes

3 Nutritious Meals a Day

Access to the Kripalu Grounds

Schedule

OPENING DAY
2:00 pm	Check-in begins
4:45–6:00	Kripalu Yoga class
5:30–7:30	Dinner
7:30–9:00	Program Session

DAILY
6:30–7:45 am	Kripalu Yoga class
7:30–9:00	Silent Breakfast
9:00–11:30	Program Session
11:30–1:30 pm	Lunch
1:30–4:00	Program Session
4:45–6:00	Kripalu Yoga class
5:30–7:30	Dinner

CLOSING DAY
6:30–7:45 am	Kripalu Yoga class
7:30–9:00	Silent Breakfast
9:00–11:00	Program Session
11:30–1:30 pm	Lunch and Departure

Please note: Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm. You may store your bags in the Luggage Room until your room is available. On the day of departure, room check-out time is 10:00 am—you may remain on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm. Actual times and schedules may vary; please see the Guest Boards or the schedule provided upon check-in for details and room locations.

FAQs

From private rooms to community-style dorms, our accommodations are intentionally simple—designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. Whether you're seeking solitude or connection, we offer a variety of options to support your stay.

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Registering for any Kripalu on campus experience includes three daily meals, daily yoga, and movement classes, and access to the Kripalu grounds and other amenities: including Healing Arts, the Shop, the Cafe, and our grounds.

Plan My Visit

Online booking is available for 1–2 guests. Please select the appropriate booking button on the program page.

Yes. If a program is full, you may add yourself to the waitlist or by contacting registration@kripalu.org. If space becomes available, we’ll contact you in the order received.

For a full view of programs, visit our experiences page.

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