On Campus Creativity & Expression Poetry Is (Not) Prayer Pádraig Ó Tuama See all presenters Explore the Mystery at the Heart of LifeIs a poem a prayer? Sometimes. Is a prayer a poem? Occasionally. Are all poems prayers? Definitely not.Join acclaimed Irish poet, theologian, and conflict mediator Pádraig Ó Tuama as we discover the searching nature of prayer: the human yearnings it taps into and the sometimes-known, sometimes-strange terrains of the soul it voices. Through exploring well and lesser-known poems, shared discussion, writing, and quiet reflection, we'll discover how poetry can become a language for wonder, grief, joy, uncertainty, and hope.Kripalu is pleased to offer this special opportunity with Pádraig, the influential host of the popular podcast Poetry Unbound from the On Being project, which has introduced millions of listeners to the transformative power of poetry. He is the author of several books of poetry and prose, including Kitchen Hymns, Love Between Men, and Feed the Beast, and serves on the faculty of Yale Divinity School.In this program, you will:Explore the surprising relationship between poetry and prayer.Read and discuss both well-known and overlooked poems in a thoughtful, compassionate community.Discover how language can illuminate your own inner life.Experience poetry as a living, embodied practice.Make space for personal reflection, curiosity, and meaningful conversation.This retreat is appropriate for people of all approaches to poetry: well-read and new to reading poems. If you've ever wondered how a poem can help you listen more deeply—to yourself, to others, or to the mystery at the heart of life—this program offers a rare chance to learn with one of today's most beloved guides to poetry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kripalu (@kripalucenter) Included In Your Stay 10+ Daily Yoga Classes 3 Nutritious Meals a Day Access to the Kripalu Grounds Schedule OPENING DAY2:00 pmCheck-in begins4:45–6:00Kripalu Yoga class5:30–7:30Dinner7:30–9:00Program SessionDAILY6:30–7:45 amKripalu Yoga class7:30–9:00Silent Breakfast9:00–11:30Program Session11:30–1:30 pmLunch1:30–4:00Program Session4:45–6:00Kripalu Yoga class5:30–7:30DinnerCLOSING DAY6:30–7:45 amKripalu Yoga class7:30–9:00Silent Breakfast9:00–11:00Program Session11:30–1:30 pmLunch and DeparturePlease 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 What are your accommodations? 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.View All Accommodations What’s included in my overnight stay? 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. Healing Arts sessions as well as items in the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for purchase.Plan My Visit Can I book for me and another person? Online booking is available for 1–2 guests. Please select the appropriate booking button on the program page. Do you have a waitlist if my preferred program is full? 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. Where do I go to see all programs offered at Kripalu? For a full view of programs, visit our experiences page.Explore All Programming Presenter(s) Pádraig Ó Tuama Presenter Read Bio Book Now December 18–20, 2026 Tuition: $365 Per person, plus required accommodations BOOK NOW (1 ADULT)BOOK NOW (2 ADULTS) Minimum accommodation per night: Weekday $109 / Weekend $129View full accommodation pricingView our cancellation policy Jump To... Overview Included In Your Stay Schedule FAQs Presenter(s)
What are your accommodations? 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.View All Accommodations
What’s included in my overnight stay? 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. Healing Arts sessions as well as items in the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available for purchase.Plan My Visit
Can I book for me and another person? Online booking is available for 1–2 guests. Please select the appropriate booking button on the program page.
Do you have a waitlist if my preferred program is full? 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.
Where do I go to see all programs offered at Kripalu? For a full view of programs, visit our experiences page.Explore All Programming
December 18–20, 2026 Tuition: $365 Per person, plus required accommodations BOOK NOW (1 ADULT)BOOK NOW (2 ADULTS) Minimum accommodation per night: Weekday $109 / Weekend $129View full accommodation pricingView our cancellation policy
On Campus Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026 The Space Between Writing and yoga for times of change Lisa Jakub
On Campus Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026 The Wild Scribe Writing our way back to the living world Mary Reynolds Thompson
On Campus Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026 Let Your Yoga Dance Teacher Training Module 2 Megha Nancy Buttenheim
On Campus Kripalu Experience Program Oct 2, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026 Liberated Expression Through Dance Yuval Samburski
On Campus Oct 4, 2026 - Oct 9, 2026 How to Hear Your Inner Self A proprioceptive writing immersion Ann Mullen Kim Chandler
Online Online Workshop Oct 6, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026 Fall Writing Immersion Return to remember Victoria Erickson Kaitlin Curtice Monique Schubert
On Campus Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026 The Great Untangling A contemplative writing immersion Sarah Selecky
On Campus Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026 Grief as a Sacred Invitation A poetry experience Rosemerry Trommer
On Campus Kripalu Experience Program Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026 Reclaim Your Creativity Laura Dickstein Thompson
On Campus Oct 23, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026 Embody: Feel, Heal, and Transform Through Movement A JourneyDance experience Toni Bergins
On Campus Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 28, 2026 Ancestral Voice Liberation Reclaiming song as a birthright Anne Walsh
On Campus Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026 Creative Disruption Awakening creativity, belonging, and hope for challenging times Shelley Best
On Campus Kripalu Experience Program Nov 6, 2026 - Nov 8, 2026 Write Now Writing and yoga workshop Asif Ullah