How a Summer Solstice Retreat at Kripalu Changed My Life

Written by Kripalu guest Johan Grace

I signed up for the Summer Solstice retreat last June because I needed a reset from screens and sedentary days. Summer is a time for being outside. I’d never been to Kripalu before, but I’d heard it was a sanctuary, and when I heard about the outdoor retreat, it felt immediately like a “yes.” That’s what I needed—a reset and renewal outdoors.

“What surprised me was how much I brought home. The beautiful memories and simple practices, ways to walk and pay attention that I still use in my daily life.”

The Kripalu grounds in summer are beautiful. The lush greenery, the pond, birds flying around, and the days stretching long. In fact, this was the longest day of the year, which gave the whole weekend a feeling of celebration. Ami Jean Aubin and Katie Hagel led the program. We spent three days outside together, walking trails mindfully, sitting in a circle, sharing with people I’d just met and quickly grew close to. It felt like a return to a simpler time.

We made flower crowns, which I’d never done before, and felt like I’d been missing out. We created earth mandalas from stones and leaves, these temporary little offerings that we would scatter back into the forest after we left. And most memorable, we birthed fire with flint and steel. I still remember the moment; it was a unique experience.

Between sessions, I wandered the grounds, took yoga classes, and let myself slow down. Kripalu makes that easy. The nervous system calms down when you’re in a soulful place.

What surprised me was how much I brought home. The beautiful memories and simple practices, ways to walk and pay attention that I still use in my daily life. That weekend planted something important for me. One month later, I was back to train with the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. What started as a solstice retreat became a new direction for my life.