By Nancy Fernandez Mills – Presented by Berkshire Wellness Radio ~

Yogi Stephen Cope, MSW, is a rock star at at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. During his almost 30-year tenure he’s been a leader in its transformation from a large ashram led by a popular guru into a lifelong learning center for adults seeking wellness and wisdom.

Cope is a Senior Scholar-in-Residence and Kripalu Ambassador, an inspiring teacher, best-selling author, psychotherapist and researcher. He’s studied the impact of taking Kripalu yoga “Off the Mat” and into public schools, health care facilities and human service organizations.

I spoke with Stephen about yoga going mainstream, the power of friendship and his decision to build what he calls a “conscious community” in his sixties.