The Archetypal Journey of Womanhood

The Archetypal Journey of Womanhood is a women's circle and residential retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. Led by Dr. Amanda Hanson, known as The Midlife Muse, it brings clinical psychology and somatic practice together to explore the inner archetypes that shape a woman's choices, relationships, and sense of self-worth. It is open to all women and to those who identify as femme or female-bodied.

What to Expect

The program treats every woman's life as an epic narrative and follows the archetypal path of womanhood from birth to death. It offers a psychological and somatic framework for seeing where you are now, noticing unconscious patterns, and choosing how to evolve. Time together combines teaching, group sharing, and somatic practices.

Participants leave with:

- a clear understanding of the archetypes and the role each plays in a woman's life
- awareness of the unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs that have shaped the past
- practical, embodied tools and daily rituals to carry home
- a renewed sense of self-worth and inner authority, and a connection with a community of like-minded women

The retreat runs over a weekend, beginning on an opening evening and ending at midday on the final day. Check-in begins at 2:00 pm on the first day, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

The full days follow a steady rhythm. Kripalu Yoga takes place early, from 6:30 to 7:45 am, followed by a silent breakfast. Program sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and again from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, with lunch between them. A second yoga class at 4:45 pm precedes dinner. On the closing day, after yoga and silent breakfast, there is a final session from 9:00 to 11:00 am, then lunch and departure. Times may shift slightly, and the schedule given at check-in has the room locations.

About Dr. Amanda Hanson

Dr. Amanda Hanson, known as The Midlife Muse, draws on clinical psychology and experiential wisdom in her work. Her teaching here centers on the inner archetypes of womanhood and on practices that help women bring insight into the body and into daily life.

The Setting

Kripalu is a center for yoga and health in Stockbridge, in western Massachusetts. Registration includes three meals a day, access to the grounds, and more than ten yoga classes across the stay. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug and feel grounded. Choose a private room for solitude and personal reflection, or a shared dormitory for community with other participants. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, and you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Before You Go

No prior experience with psychology, somatic work, or yoga is needed. The program is taught in English. Accommodations are booked separately from the program. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.