New Year's Yoga Retreat: Awaken Your Heart, Align Your Life

This New Year's yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is a three-night stay devoted to Ashaya Yoga, an alignment-based, heart-centered system rooted in Tantric philosophy. It is led by Todd Norian and welcomes practitioners of all levels who want to cross into the new year with rest, clarity and a steadier practice, rather than a long list of resolutions.

The theme is simple: pause at the turning of the year, listen deeply, and return to the part of you that is already whole. Alignment, breath, therapeutics and philosophy are woven together, so the retreat works on the body and the mind in the same breath.

What to Expect

Days follow a steady rhythm. Mornings begin with a short early program session of sunrise meditation, pranayama and mantra, followed by a silent breakfast. A longer morning session comes next, then lunch, then a further afternoon session. Late in the day there is a Kripalu Yoga class, then dinner. Over the stay, there are more than ten yoga and movement classes.

The teachings include:

- Alignment-based, therapeutic yoga to restore balance and relieve tension
- Sunrise meditation, pranayama and mantra to awaken inner stillness
- The wisdom of nondual Tantra, to widen perspective and open the heart
- Yoga nidra, reflection and guided journaling for deep rest and integration
- Practice alongside a supportive, like-minded community

As the old year falls away, you are guided to release what no longer serves you and to welcome what wants to emerge. The emphasis is on remembering who you are, not becoming someone new. You leave with practical tools and embodied insight for keeping up a heart-aligned practice through the year.

The retreat opens with check-in from 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner and an evening program session. It closes on the final morning with a program session, silent breakfast, a last session and lunch before departure. Times can shift, so the schedule given at check-in is the final word. Yoga teachers can earn 18 CEUs.

About Todd Norian

Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, is an internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, author, musician and founder who has taught for over 42 years. In 2012 he founded Ashaya Yoga, an alignment-based, transformational system that draws on Tantric philosophy, the five elements, shadow and light work, and the integration of body, mind and heart. Students know him for his depth in therapeutic alignment and Tantra philosophy, and for his warmth and unapologetic sense of humor in the room.

His books include a memoir, Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, along with the manuals Ashaya Yoga: Align Your Body, Awaken Your Heart, Introduction to Ashaya Yoga Therapy, and Touch of Grace: Hands-On Adjustments. All are recommended reading for those who want to go further.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Its accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for quiet and solitude, or a shared dorm if you would like the company of fellow practitioners. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room holds your bags until then. On the last day, check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and join workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three meals a day are served, with breakfast taken in silence.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome, from beginners to long-time students. The therapeutic approach of Ashaya Yoga is accessible to newcomers and still offers depth to experienced practitioners. The program is taught in English.

Your stay includes more than ten daily yoga and movement classes, three nutritious meals a day, accommodation on the Kripalu grounds, access to the facilities and grounds, and program materials and guidance. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.