The Art of Hibernation Retreat

The Art of Hibernation Retreat is a weekend yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by yoga and meditation teacher Jacqui Bonwell. It is for anyone who wants to rest deeply, slow the mind and draw energy from within, whether or not they have practiced yoga or meditation before.

The program is built around hibernation as a practice: learning to be still, to be silent, and to let the parasympathetic nervous system do its work. Jacqui Bonwell guides you through the full range of that rest response, and shows you how to not think much at all.

What to Expect

Over the weekend, program sessions combine writing exercises, breathwork, restorative yoga and meditation. The writing is there to deepen self-inquiry and awareness, while the restorative practice and breath work invite the body to settle. The stated aims of the weekend are to practice being still and silent, to increase bandwidth, patience and focus, to activate visualization abilities, and to balance adrenal fatigue and clear the chakras. You are invited to go home feeling restored inside and out, with a new outlook on everyday life.

The schedule follows the usual Kripalu rhythm. Opening day begins with check-in at 2:00 pm, then a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner from 5:30 to 7:30, and a program session from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening.

Each full day starts with Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am, followed by a silent breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00. A program session runs from 9:00 to 11:30, then lunch, then a second session from 1:30 to 4:00. The day ends with another yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00 and dinner. On the closing day, morning yoga and silent breakfast are followed by a final session from 9:00 to 11:00, and lunch and departure at 11:30. Actual times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the details and room locations.

About Jacqui Bonwell

Jacqui Bonwell is an experienced yoga and meditation teacher who leads this program at Kripalu. Her approach here centers on gathering energy from within and on the quiet strength of rest.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. Guests have access to the Kripalu grounds, which make a natural place for personal reflection between sessions, along with the campus amenities.

Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. Private rooms suit those seeking solitude, and community-style dorms suit those who want connection with other participants. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, but you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels. No prior yoga or meditation experience is required, and the program is taught in English.

Your stay includes three nutritious meals a day, more than ten daily yoga classes, meditation and breathwork instruction, the writing exercises and program sessions, and access to the grounds. Room accommodations are an additional cost. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are also available separately. If the program is full, a waitlist is available.