Dorm Housing Is All You Need to Thrive at Kripalu

When I come to Kripalu, I am seeking community. I live alone back home and while I relish the peace and quiet, I also crave connection and community. That’s what brings me back to Kripalu again and again. Whether it’s in a yoga or meditation class, group hike, the dining hall, or dorm housing, opportunities to connect with new people are everywhere.

In our tech-enabled modern lives, the promise of connection is also everywhere. Log on to any social media platform and it is designed with all the bells and whistles to lure you into “connecting” with others online. But I find that this promise is often more of an illusion than reality. I am still sitting on the couch, alone, scrolling on a tiny screen. I am connecting with the device, but am I really, truly connecting with other humans? The question lingers.

When I choose dorm housing at Kripalu, I am choosing community. Shared housing reminds me of our shared humanity and how much we have in common. We all want rest. We all want peace. We all want joy and laughter. We all want camaraderie. In dorm housing, I have the opportunity to practice compassion and put the techniques that I am learning on the mat into use. Whether it’s sharing a smile with someone, closing a door softly in the evening so as not to disturb others, opening a window overlooking mansion lawn to allow a gentle breeze in, or leaving a note of gratitude on someone’s pillow, the dorm experience reminds me that we all have the same fundamental human needs, and that we really don’t need much to thrive. A simple twin bed, fresh linens and blankets, a drawer to store belongings, and a shared bath is really all that you need. I sleep soundly with an eye mask and ear plugs in the dorms and wake up refreshed and ready for a day of meeting new friends and enjoying all that Kripalu has to offer.

In dorm housing, I feel held by the community in the room. We form our own understanding. Sometimes that means recognizing and honoring the need for quiet and space. Sometimes that means offering someone a hug. Sometimes that means engaging in a jubilant conversation about a shared experience. You just never know what kinds of connections you might make when you choose dorm housing.

It goes without saying that it is the most cost-effective option to allow a stay at Kripalu, which opens up the cornucopia of experiences to many who might not otherwise be able to afford to be here. But even if you could afford more, try dorm housing. It may be more surprisingly pleasant than you expect—and a good reminder of how little we truly need to thrive.

NOTE: This piece was written without AI assistance.

Please note that there are different sizes and types of dorm spaces at Kripalu with options for both same-gender or gender expansive housing. Shared hallway baths support this community-style setup. Learn more about Kripalu Accommmodations.