Berkshire Yoga Festival 2026

Perimenopause and post-menopause produce vast bodywide changes to the female body. But its impact on fascial tissues has only recently emerged in scientific literature. Fascia remodels due to the presence or lack of estrogen. This transformation can result in pains that invisibly erupt out of “nowhere" in joints large and small. This workshop will take you through critical data to help, whether you are female bodied encountering these changes, or you work with this population. Expect rollouts that support common pain complaints during peri/post/menopause including frozen shoulder, hip pain, breast tenderness, pelvic floor pain and more.
Part lecture/Part experientialPROPS: Blocks, Strap, Mat

Grow into joyfulness and unconditional well-being!

We need all the limbs of the Yoga Sutra’s ashtanga yoga, (plus a bit of help from Yoga Sutra’s Four Attitudes) to reconfigure persistent painful habits of body and mind. A brief look at the functions of the mind and nervous system reveals how and why the full range of yoga practice is potent, effective, and necessary.

In this intensive we’ll look at the kleshas (afflictions) in light of modern neuroscience and explore what it means to embody the Yoga Sutra:
● Correct misalignments of survival instincts with restraints (yamas) and yoga practice
● Practice breath-aligned movement and yogic breathing to balance the nervous system and develop interoception (mindfulness and self-awareness)
● Correct emotional and behavior misalignment with observances (niyamas) and four attitudes—antidotes to common undesirable tendencies
● Learn a simple short but powerful daily self-reflection practice
● Correct conceptual and perceptional misalignments through meditation and self reflection (svadhyaya)

This 90-minute Kripalu Yoga workshop explores dharma as the lived expression of purpose, values, and right action in daily life. Through a grounding dharma talk, mindful asana, pranayama, and meditation, participants will examine how inner alignment informs outer choices. The practice emphasizes listening deeply to the body and breath as gateways to clarity, integrity, and service.

"Immerse yourself in a transformative evening with renowned musical artist DJ Taz Rashid as he guides you through a unique blend of dance, meditation, and heart-centered music. The experience begins with a grounding meditation, tuning into the rhythm of your breath, igniting your inner voice and setting a personal intention. As the atmosphere shifts, invigorating beats will lead you on a dance journey through the five elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Ether. Each element connects with qualities we embody daily, fostering a sense of peace and unity through your own expressive movement. Embrace this deeply personal yet immersive musical journey enveloping you in the resonance of DJ Taz's original music, enchanting visuals, light-guided journeys, songs, and poetry. This is an opportunity to spotlight the story of YOU, unearthing your dreams, desires, and personal truth. No dance experience necessary – all you need is an open heart and a willingness to explore.”

Garth Stevenson is a double bassist and composer known for creating music in direct communion with the natural world. On a 2010 expedition to Antarctica with biologist Dr. Roger Payne, Garth imitated whale calls on his double bass, attracting a dozen sei whales to their icebreaker. In 2025, he traveled to Baja, Mexico, to play for humpback whales. Standing on a small fishing boat, Stevenson played his bass live through underwater speakers while listening to the underwater sound of humpbacks through hydrophones, creating an environment where they could hear and respond to each other. These interactions were captured by National Geographic director Andy Mann for an installation at the Museum of Natural History in Mexico City.

Join Garth for an evening of music, storytelling, and film at the Berkshire Yoga Festival. He will be playing along with footage and underwater recordings of his interactions with whales in Mexico, telling stories about his time in Antarctica playing music for penguins, seals, icebergs, and premiering music from his new album.