Happy Habits: Change Your Life, Change the World, One Habit at a Time

Happy Habits is a weekend wellness retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by Tal Ben-Shahar, who taught Harvard University's most popular course on Positive Psychology. It is for anyone who wants practical, research-based ways to feel better and live more fully, and it welcomes beginners as well as experienced practitioners. The guiding idea is simple: small changes, practiced consistently, add up to a real difference.

What to Expect

The program is built around evidence-based tools that are as brief as possible and as long as necessary. You will explore how a 30-second breathing practice, a one-minute journaling exercise, or 45 seconds of movement can accumulate into lasting benefit. Alongside these, Tal Ben-Shahar presents the SPIRE model of wellbeing, which brings together spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional health. The weekend blends theory and practice, East and West, the latest research and what the course calls "me-search."

Over the weekend you will work with:

- Tools and techniques to increase happiness
- The SPIRE model of wellbeing
- Breathwork, movement, and journaling exercises
- The ways inner work benefits not only the individual but also the collective

The rhythm follows the usual Kripalu pattern. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner from 5:30 to 7:30, and a first program session from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening. Full days begin with Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am and a silent breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and again from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch from 11:30 to 1:30 between them. Another yoga class at 4:45 and dinner at 5:30 close the day. On the final morning there is yoga and silent breakfast, a program session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure. Times can shift, so the schedule given at check-in is the one to follow.

About Tal Ben-Shahar

Tal Ben-Shahar taught Harvard University's most popular course on Positive Psychology. In this retreat he draws on that background to help participants make meaningful change in their own lives and, ultimately, in the world around them, one habit at a time. His approach here is practical and personal, aimed at cultivating health and happiness for yourself, your family, and your community.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for rest and reflection, or a shared, community-style dormitory room if you would like more connection with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available for bags before then. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Your stay includes three nutritious meals a day, with breakfast taken in silence, and access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities.

Before You Go

This retreat is open to all levels. No prior knowledge of positive psychology, yoga, or meditation is needed. The program is taught in English.

Tuition covers the program sessions with Tal Ben-Shahar, three daily meals, more than ten daily yoga and movement classes, and use of the grounds. Accommodation is required and is priced separately. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are not included. Online booking is available for one or two guests, and if the program is full, you can join a waitlist and will be contacted in the order requests were received.