A travel advisory is in effect for Highway 1.
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

The Embodied Compass: Resilience Through Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness and 5Rhythms®

September 18–20, 2026

Lucia Horan and David Treleaven

This retreat invites you into a rich, integrative journey of embodiment, where movement and mindfulness come together to deepen emotional resilience and self-awareness. Embodiment is not just a conceptual idea but a lived practice — an ongoing conversation between the body, emotions, and mind. By blending the dynamic, fluid language of 5Rhythms® with the grounded, compassionate presence of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, we will create a safe space for deep exploration and growth.

Trauma often disconnects us from our bodies, narrowing our capacity to feel safe and present. Through embodied, trauma-sensitive mindfulness practices, participants will learn to reestablish safety and attunement within their bodies. Practices will include grounding techniques, working with external anchors, and cultivating a sense of agency and consent.

Embodiment is only as valuable as its translation into our lived experience. Together, we will explore how mindfulness can serve as a bridge to integrate the transformative insights of movement into daily life. From practices for emotional regulation to techniques for self-compassion, participants will leave with practical resources to sustain their growth beyond the retreat.

This retreat will be co-facilitated by leaders in the fields of movement and trauma-sensitive mindfulness. Together, they will guide participants to access creativity, emotional depth, and authentic expression while also bringing a grounded and relational approach to embodiment. A transformative space to explore the interplay of movement and mindfulness, offering a powerful framework for healing, connection, and growth.

Recommended Reading: Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness by David Treleaven, Dancing with The Dharma edited by Harrison Blum and Sweat Your Prayers by Gabrielle Roth.

This workshop includes an additional $100 in faculty tuition.

Lucia Horan

Lucia Horan was born in 1976 on the sacred land of Esalen in Big Sur. She was raised in the Esalen community and taught the practices that were developed by those who came before her. She was certified as an Esalen® Massage practitioner in 1994. She became a Hatha & Ashtanga yoga teacher in 1997. Lucia received lifelong direct training with Gabrielle Roth in the 5Rhythms® moving meditation practice and has been teaching 5Rhythms since 1998. She also has a BA from Goddard College with a major in expressive art therapy.

Full Bio

David Treleaven

David Treleaven, PhD, is a trauma professional and author of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (W. W. Norton). His work bridges mindfulness and somatic practice, supporting movement teachers and clinicians in creating trauma-informed spaces grounded in safety, embodiment, and nervous system awareness.

Full Bio