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

Seeding Self-Renewal

December 15–19, 2025

Didier Sylvain with Guest Faculty Chun-mui Miller

The destiny of Earthseed is to take root among the stars.

— Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower

In winter’s stillness, renewal begins underground — quiet, unseen, and full of potential. This season invites us inward, offering the space to reflect, restore, and root deeply in what truly matters before new growth emerges. As our intentions and ambitions sharpen, we get to discern what parts of our lives we will continue, what we will leave behind, and what we will start. Whether we are feeling stuck at a crossroads in life or work, transitioning through relationships, or beginning a new project, now is the time to seed self-renewal.

In this week-long workshop, we will turn to the teachings of nature, the stars, embodiment, guided inquiry, and collective wisdom — all for the sake of regenerative growth.

Through highly interactive journaling prompts, paired and small group discussions, guided movement meditations, and other ritual practices for renewal, participants will discover tools to clarify hopes and dreams, release old beliefs and behaviors, and chart new strategies for curating the future. Join us as we internalize a powerful framework from nature to refresh our worlds and seed possibilities for life to come.

Didier Sylvain

Didier Sylvain is an executive coach, artist, and facilitator of life alignment. With a background in philanthropy, consulting at Deloitte, and teaching university-level leadership courses, he applies his training in adaptive leadership, psychosomatics, and the healing arts to inspire transformative change.

Full Bio

Chun-mui Miller | Guest Faculty

Chun-mui Miller is a ceremonial artist, herbalist, and dancer devoted to Love, Beauty, and Remembrance. Founder of Remembrance Apothecary, she weaves plant wisdom, embodiment, and ritual to honor Earth, the feminine, and the creative spirit through movement and ceremony.

Full Bio