Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Capacity Building Through Healing-Centered Learning Environments

October 17–19, 2025

Angel Acosta and Yolanda Ruiz

We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking. — Richard Rohr

In a world in flux, where uncertainty is the norm, how do we cultivate the inner resilience to enact outer change? This workshop invites educators, social impact leaders, and business professionals to explore healing-centered learning environments as a means of building personal and collective capacity.

This guided weekend retreat experience integrates two transformational frameworks: the Healing-Centered Education Paradigm, a restorative and contemplative approach to learning and leadership, and the Archaeology of Self™ Methodology, a reflective practice of self-excavation to deepen self-awareness and disrupt biases.

During our time together, participants will engage in:

  • Mindfulness-based practices — grounding techniques to navigate uncertainty and develop inner clarity.
  • Somatic and embodied reflection — movement-based and sensory practices to attune to our body’s wisdom.
  • Journaling and critical reflection — guided writing exercises to explore personal narratives.
  • Peer-to-peer dialogue — interactive discussions to deepen connections and share insights.
  • Poetry writing and storytelling — creative practices to unearth wisdom and reimagine possibilities.

This retreat is for those at the intersection of education, leadership, and community care — those committed to deepening their own growth while contributing to collective healing and systemic transformation. Participants will be given the tools to discover a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in their work to leave rejuvenated, reinvigorated, intellectually stimulated, and spiritually grounded.

Angel Acosta

Dr. Angel Acosta integrates healing-centered education, leadership, and mindfulness in his work. 

Full Bio

Yolanda Ruiz

Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz is an award-winning scholar focused on racial literacy, self-excavation, and justice in education. Together, they guide transformative learning experiences that empower change-makers.

Full Bio