Why I Came to Kripalu: Learning to Be Gentle With Myself

Devyn first came to Kripalu on a whim, searching for a place to slow down and reset without fully knowing what to expect. What she found was something far deeper: a renewed sense of purpose, a connection to mindfulness and yoga, and a new understanding of what it means to be gentle with herself. In this guest perspective, she reflects on healing, breathwork, and the transformative power of saying yes to the unknown.

What brought you to Kripalu at this moment in your life?

My first time at Kripalu was spontaneously planned. I wanted to go out of the country for a midsummer vacation but had to renew my passport. So with limited options, I did a Google search of "relaxing places in the northeast" and found Kripalu. None of my friends had ever heard of it, but upon further research, I found they had some scholarship options, and I checked off most of the boxes. I applied and in the process of being accepted, checked to see what some other options were – there were none like Kripalu. When I got accepted, I took it as a sign to lean into the unknown. So I'd say the universe brought me to Kripalu.

Was there a moment here that really stayed with you?

I think the moment that stuck with me most, outside of the 'aha' experience of me deciding I wanted to be a yoga teacher, was my most recent breath work session with Jon O. This somatic healing session was extremely surreal and felt like a psychedelic experience, even with zero substances. I cried, I sweat, I saw so many healing things that truly opened my heart to a different meaning of love and way of loving. Thank you, Jon.

Another honorable mention special moment was my first time doing archery at Kripalu with none other than Jon O. We took a brief walk and pondered the meaning of mindfulness. And as we shot our bows, he took the primitive nature out of shooting and brought a unique mindfulness perspective into the picture. He introduced me to the idea that mindfulness is everything in life and is simply a way of being more than just an act of meditation.

How did you feel when you arrived, and how did you feel when you left?

When I first arrived Kripalu, I was confused and kind of scared. I really did not know what to expect. My first real time in the mountains, and I didn't know anyone or anything. I was also drained from working all week at the community center. When I left, I had so much energy and felt like I was reunited with purpose. I felt a new love for life and for people and was excited to get back to work.

What are you taking home with you from this experience?

I took home more than just memories and a new singing bowl. I took home a love for yoga and slowing down that I didn't even fully understand. I remember telling a teacher "thank you for this class because I realized I never knew how to be gentle with myself." And ever since that afternoon session I've learned it more and more for myself every day and done my best to share this magic with other others.

I'd recommend Kripalu to ALL people of color. There's so much love and wisdom to be learned in this space and I feel even we have gifts to elevate the space in a sacred way. I feel the symbiotic relationship would deeply benefit everybody involved. And so much more magic could be created.