Esalen Institute is open!

However, Highway 1 south of Esalen is closed indefinitely. Don't let this stop you — there are other routes to reach us. Please review these alternate route driving directions and allow for a little extra travel time while on your transformational and healing journey.

We look forward to welcoming you to Esalen.

Self-Guided Explorations

Choose your own transformational adventure at your own pace — solo and as a part of our dynamic, open group classes.

Letting go of entrenched ideas — who we are, how the world works, our place in it — is a challenge. It takes energy. Time. Space. Security. This growth encourages us to examine ourselves and understand our connection to the whole. This more flexible, less structured model of change encompasses both personal and communal, aligning with the core of our mission.

Self-Guided Explorations are designed to function outside of the group structures of our workshops for a more freeform, spacious healing journey. These experiences are for those who want to immerse themselves in the peace, space, and natural majestic beauty of our campus, exploring the edges of personal growth and open group classes when compelled. The beauty of our Big Sur campus supports serenity for the mind, the body, the spirit, and offers nourishment for all three.

Exploring human potential.

Our dynamic open class schedule changes weekly, but always features opportunities to sit in meditation and mindfulness, explore embodiment and movement practices, and connect with nature. An opening circle, hosted by an Esalen Staff member or a visiting teacher, welcomes you as you begin your stay. A closing circle on the final day provides a reflective conclusion to your time with us.

Feeding mind and body.

Savor three hearty, healthy meals per day. Our kitchen draws on global culinary traditions, using the fruits of the Esalen Farm & Garden and other local Big Sur providers to create delicious meals that support holistic health — for you and for the earth.

Creating space for reflection.

Esalen’s beloved mineral hot springs perch dramatically over the Pacific Ocean, a juxtaposition of intimate and infinite. A core part of Esalen from its inception, the baths and tubs are an ideal place to reflect, find clarity, and set new intentions.

Choose Your Dates
A man dances facing the Pacific Ocean on the pool deck at Esalen.

Imagine if you pressed pause
on your life for four weeks to
give yourself time and space
to transform.

Self-Guided Explorations Sample Schedule

This is a sample schedule only. Please refer to the posted schedule on campus for actual class offerings during your stay.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure, and meal times.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY














5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen

8:00 – 9:00 pm
Self Guided Exploration Welcome Circle


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ



2:15 – 3:15 pm
Afternoon Class
Visiting Faculty

4:30 pm
Intro to Gestalt
JJ



7:30 – 8:30 am
Moja Yoga
Megan



2:15 – 3:15 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self-Renewal
Micha


7:30 pm
Wednesday Evening Program
Visiting Faculty


7:30 – 8:30 am
Soul Movement Sanctuary
Jovinna


2:15 – 3:15 pm
The Hive and the Hum
Deva






11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle




5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ



2:30 – 3:30 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self-Renewal
Micha


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pranotthan Yoga
Jovinna

11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle





MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY


No classes on Monday


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


No classes on Sunday

4 – 5:00 pm
Restore


4 – 5:00 pm
Restore


4 – 5:00 pm
Restore


4 – 5:00 pm
Restore


4 – 5:00 pm
Restore

MONDAY


5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen


8:00 – 9:00 pm
Self Guided Exploration Welcome Circle

TUESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ


2:15 – 3:15 pm
Afternoon Class
Visiting Faculty


4:30 pm
Intro to Gestalt
JJ

WEDNESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Moja Yoga
Megan


2:15 – 3:15 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal
Micha


7:30 pm
Wed Evening Program

THURSDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Soul Movement Sanctuary
Jovinna


2:15 – 3:15 pm
The Hive and the Hum
Deva



FRIDAY




11:00 – 11:45 pam
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle


5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen

SATURDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ


2:15 – 3:15 pm
Afternoon Class
Visiting Faculty

SUNDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pranotthan Yoga
Jovinna


11:00 – 11:45 pam
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle



MONDAY


7:00 – 7:45 pm
Orientation


8:00 – 9:00 pm
Self Guided Experience Welcome Circle

TUESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ


2:15 – 3:15 pm
Afternoon Class
Visiting Faculty


4:30 pm
Intro to Gestalt
JJ

WEDNESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Moja Yoga
Megan


2:15 – 3:15 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal
Micha


7:30 pm
Wed Evening Program
Visiting Faculty

THURSDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Soul Movement Sanctuary
Jovinna


2:15 – 3:15 pm
The Hive and the Hum
Deva



FRIDAY




11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Experience Closing Circle


7:00 – 7:45 pm
Orientation

SATURDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ


2:30 – 3:30 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal
Micha



SUNDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pranotthan Yoga
Jovinna


11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Experience Closing Circle





MONDAY


No classes today

TUESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


4:00 – 5:00 pm
Expand

WEDNESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


4:00 – 5:00 pm
Expand

THURSDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


4:00 – 5:00 pm
Restore

FRIDAY


4:00 – 5:00 pm
Expand

SATURDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Enliven


4:00 – 5:00 pm
Expand

SUNDAY


No classes today

MONDAY


5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen
‍‍
8:00 – 9:00 pm
Self Guided Exploration Welcome Circle

TUESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ

2:15 – 3:15 pm
Afternoon Class

4:30 pm
Intro to Gestalt
JJ

WEDNESDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Moja Yoga
Megan

2:15 – 3:15 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal
Micha

7:30 pm
Wednesday Evening Program
Visiting Faculty

THURSDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Soul Movement Sanctuary
Jovinna

2:15 – 3:15 pm
The Hive and the Hum
Deva

FRIDAY


11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle

5:00 – 5:45 pm
How to Drop Into Esalen

SATURDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pathways to Joy
JJ

2:30 – 3:30 pm
Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal
Micha
‍‍

SUNDAY


7:30 – 8:30 am
Pranotthan Yoga
Jovinna

11:00 – 11:45 am
Self Guided Exploration Closing Circle

Class Descriptions

Bathing Rituals of Self Renewal

Micha Merrick

(

Ongoing

)

Meditate with the surging energy of the waves and let tension dissolve on the ocean breeze. Adorned with flowers and local healing herbs, this unique experience at the Esalen baths blends personal inquiry, herbal education, and sensory delight. Each ritual is an emergent collaboration of sound, sensation, intention, and floral offering to the sea. Come early, class size is very limited.

How to Drop Into Esalen

Staff

(

Ongoing

)

So, you’ve finally arrived at Esalen — welcome home! Join us in exploring Esalen’s historic, culture-shifting origins, the vision for human potential, and our core values, as we embark on another 60 years of transformational education. Prepare to learn, grow, experiment, and evolve as we shepherd you on how best to integrate into this unique community and get the most out of your time on this sacred, ancient land.

Intro to Gestalt Practice

JJ Jeffries

(

Ongoing

)

Gestalt, like meditation, is an awareness practice that also provides a means for us to connect in the present moment. In this class, we will re-create and experience an Esalen style check-in, building spontaneous and intentional community. An Esalen tradition.

MojaFlow

Megan Cassamas

(

Ongoing

)

MojaFlow is an experience to provoke and elevate you to discover new realms of energy and inspire you to experience the joy of going beyond barriers in your own practice and life. Class will include a somatic warm-up, breath-work, and strengthening exercises to support the body/mind connection.

Pathways to Joy

JJ Jeffries

(

Ongoing

)

Start your morning by awakening your energetic body, tracking each of the chakras through the experience of meditative guitar and resonant voice. Then, emerge fully into sunrise energy with Dance Awake, connecting to your YES! and inviting ecstatic play and heart opening!

Pranotthan Yoga

Jovinna Chan

(

Ongoing

)

In class we contemplate spiritual/philosophical teachings, slow down and move mindfully by co-ordinating breath with movement, sustain poses to deepen focus and awareness, practice breathing exercises and meditation to hone skillfulness in listening to the inner subtle experiences.

Soul Movement Sanctuary

Jovinna Chan

(

Ongoing

)

This is a conscious dance practice for people who love or are curious about movement. Here in the company of non-dancers and dancers, we get supple and strong, we explore expressions, we celebrate creativity, we expand empathy, we move and are moved.

Meet Our Teachers
JJ Jeffries

JJ Jeffries

Ongoing

JJ Jeffries resides at the Esalen Institute, and has been offering movement classes here for almost two decades. Though BEING is his preferred state, he is intensely curious about all things DOING leading to BEING. He is a devotee of play and laughter, and welcomes your company.

Jovinna Chan

Jovinna Chan

Ongoing
jovinna.com

Jovinna Chan, E-RYT 500, YACEP, is co-founder of Shakti Initiation Yoga Leadership School and A Wild Life Sanctuary™. She is a certified Soul Motion™ and LetYourYogaDance Teacher, and co-founder of Pranotthan School of Yoga. She leads transformational programs around the world.

Megan Cassamas

Megan Cassamas

Ongoing
@moja.yoga

For nearly a decade Megan has provided a somatic-based approach to yoga. Her passion is to serve as a guide to support others in bridging meditation and motion in empowering embodiment classes. She is the founder of Moja Yoga.

Micha Merrick

Micha Merrick

Ongoing

Micha shares vibrational ritual and embodied herbalism as a heartfelt communion with our living ecosystem. Through personal mentorship with shamanic Lahu medicine women of Thailand and spiritual midwives in Bali, Micha currently facilitates the Herbal Clearing Ritual at Esalen, an energetic healing practice combining sound, touch, herbs, and intention. Micha offers sanctuary and grounding in connection with the earth.

Sadia Bruce (she/her)

Sadia Bruce (she/her)

Ongoing

Sadia Bruce (E-RYT 500, YACEP) combines her expertise in breath-based movement, her reverence for the human experience and her energetic gifts to guide you to an electrifying sense of your own embodiment. With over 20 years of teaching experience across disciplines and contexts, and over 15 years of dedicated yoga practice, Sadia endeavors to create energized, radically inclusive learning environments that are guided by breath and driven by inquiry. As Head of Experiential Programming, she stewards Esalen’s pioneering self-development curriculum, curating experiences that are supportive of personal and planetary healing.

Choose Your Dates

Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.

Photos: Daniel Bianchetta, Ali Kaukas, Jens Wazel.