Bobbe E.

I’m in my late 70s and have been coming to Kripalu for more than 30 years. My first visit, I came for an R&R Retreat by myself. My life at the time was very busy and stressful. I had been devastated by a divorce, I was working hard running my own travel agency, and my daughter and I were having some problems. I was trying to be all things to all people. Because of the stress, I hadn’t been paying attention to what I was eating, and as a result I’d developed high blood pressure and was taking medication for it.

I had heard about Kripalu and thought I would give it a try. I reserved a room overlooking the lake. The visit completely revived me—Kripalu was exactly what I needed. I felt no pressure; I could participate or just be quiet. I spent some time alone, and it was also easy to meet people and talk with them. I loved the massages and healthy food. I went to meditation classes and yoga classes. I went walking on the trails. And I danced with no inhibitions in the noon class!

Driving home afterwards, I noticed that everything looked so different. There was such quiet and calm inside me. I felt very motivated to keep eating healthfully, and I didn’t want to continue to take pills for the high blood pressure. I went to a nutritionist and within six weeks, I got off the medication and haven’t been on anything since.

I’ve come back to Kripalu many, many times—by myself and with my family, including my wonderful second husband. My three adult children have been many times, as well as my grandchildren. My daughter-in-law completed the Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training and became a yoga teacher and a life coach.

Kripalu has always helped me to relieve stress. It gives me a chance to be with like-minded people and to spend time alone with myself as well. I still feel that quiet and calm inside me every time I return from spending time there.

—Bobbe E., travel agent, Stamford, Connecticut