Slow Yoga and Qigong Relax and Restore

In a world that demands constant speed and productivity, your nervous system is craving permission to slow down. This weekend retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA offers exactly that—a chance to step off the treadmill and reconnect with the quiet wisdom of your body. Held September 4–6, 2026, Slow Yoga and Qigong Relax and Restore weaves together the gentle, flowing principles of qigong with yin yoga, restorative practice, and meditation to counteract modern life's relentless pace.

Led by Kripalu faculty Ken Nelson, martial artist and qigong teacher John Haggerty, and facilitator Lesli Lang, this retreat meets you exactly where you are—no prior experience needed. Whether you're dealing with chronic tension, exhaustion, postural imbalances, or simply the accumulated stress of daily living, you'll spend three days learning practices designed to calm your nervous system, restore balance, and ground you in breath and body presence.

By the end of the weekend, you won't just feel rested; you'll leave with accessible daily practices and a tangible sense of restoration rooted in connection to yourself and the natural world.

What to Expect

Expect a carefully paced blend of gentle movement and deep rest. Your days will include slow, intentional sequences that support posture and balance; long, passive stretches to release chronic tension in the hips and spine; guided rest practices that signal safety to your nervous system; outdoor walking meditation; and periods of quiet contemplation in Kripalu's serene grounds.

The teaching emphasizes presence over performance—there is no goal of deeper backbends or advanced poses. Instead, you'll learn to listen to your body, honor its needs, and discover the profound healing available in slowness. Ken Nelson brings Kripalu's integrated yoga perspective, John Haggerty brings decades of martial arts and qigong expertise, and Lesli Lang guides you into a state of deep relaxation. Together, they create an environment where restoration feels natural, not forced.

By your final session, you'll have practical tools—breathing techniques, gentle movements, and meditation approaches—that fit seamlessly into everyday life.

Venue & Logistics

This retreat takes place at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, a renowned sanctuary nestled in the Berkshires. The retreat runs Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026. Wear comfortable, loose clothing suitable for gentle movement and rest. The retreat welcomes all bodies and all levels of experience. Kripalu provides vegetarian meals and a supportive community environment; contact the center directly for accessibility accommodations and any specific needs.