Kripalu Affinity Circles: Finding Healing and Connection
At Kripalu, we aspire to create a community of radical belonging. For this to become real, we must create brave and sacred spaces for people to gather, to listen, and to be heard.
We are deeply committed to this ongoing equity work and to amplifying the voices of the communities we serve. It’s about tending to the human need for connection, expression, and care. Our free monthly online affinity circles allow those who share common life experiences, such as grief, or identities such as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+, to heal in an environment of familiarity and safety. This healing is then brought back to the collective, serving us all.
"Affinity groups gather folks around shared experiences, making space for honesty and support without outside pressures. For example, the affinity group I lead gives people space to grieve without needing to explain or defend their experiences. This helps us feel less isolated and more understood. When people have that kind of grounding, they often engage with the broader community in healthier, more confident ways." — Akilah Richards, Grief Affinity Circles
"The circles feel not only helpful but essential, especially these days. In the affinity groups, I see people often feeling alone with no one to talk to, lacking community and support. Many people, regardless of age, don’t have a place to be fully themselves. Leading these groups has shown me how many feel unsupported, unsafe, and unable to be authentic anywhere, not at work or even within their families. The circles offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where people can express, laugh, cry, and feel loved." — Yuval Samburski, Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Circle
"Affinity groups create spaces where individuals build confidence, embracing differences while connecting through shared experiences. Through exploration and conversation, members grow personally and cultivate collective awareness. These groups empower members to show up as their authentic selves, unafraid to express the uniqueness of their ideas and identities. Where we can find strength in being ourselves benefits society at large." — Jamyal Newton, Global Majority/BIPOC Affinity Circle
"Life-changing moments such as taking a yoga teacher training form bonds that can last a lifetime. Our beloved alumni are a community of over 2,700 graduates across 21 countries. The monthly affinity circle allows us to stay connected and close to the teachings of Swami Kripalu, while also providing practical support in real time for yoga teachers." — Monique Schubert, Kripalu Alumni Affinity Cricle
