There's so much to see and do at Kripalu, sometimes it takes more than one post to share it all.
I've been returning to Kripalu for nearly 15 years. It has changed a lot over that time. (So have I.) I had forgotten how much, until I started chatting with an instructor that's been there for 20 years. Some changes are big, like when the built the Annex. But a lot of what I find each year are small. Some of them aren't really new, either, it's just that I haven't stumbled across them in the past.
This year's hike relieved another bridge in the woods. I love finding these. I don't recall coming across this Buddha head before, either. I got a kick out of the chipmunk on top. He bolted before I could get a better photo. The lone feather caught my eye as it twisted in the wind. I'm not sure what it was hanging on - it looked like it was just floating there in the tall grass. The flat fungus was just cool. It made me laugh as I recalled a Midsomer Murders episode. (Oh my - such deliciously morbid thoughts in such a pretty place!)
I have no photos, but I found several small rocks with inspiring/encouraging words outside. They were tucked in flower pots and around the shrines. It was like stumbling onto hidden treasure; I kept hoping to find more.
Sunday was rainy, so I did most of my exploration indoors. The third floor walls used to contain various artwork. Last year (I think?) they replaced that with a brief history of Swami Kripalu, including a display of his tunic and shoes (larger photo here). Several of the stairwells have inspirational sayings - the one on happiness spoke to me. (Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi)
I also got a kick out of some of the new restroom signs, especially since there's such a big to-do in the news.
The last bit of oddball amusement was right in our dorm room. It boasts its own emergency exit. As I was reading the sign, I noticed the leaves in the door jam. I went outside and sure enough, the ivy was gravitating towards the door. No idea what the appeal is, but I wondered how much bigger it needs to get before setting off the alarm. How long would that take? And when would anyone notice? I was impressed it managed to shove it's way through the door.
I know that Kripalu is working its magic when I slow down enough to notice the minutia.
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