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

The Future We Choose: Human Empowerment in the AI Age

March 20–22, 2026

Sam Stern and Cecilia Callas

What does it mean to remain human in the new age of artificial intelligence? In this immersive weekend workshop, we’ll explore this profound question together, journeying from awareness to empowerment to integration as we discover how to shape our relationship with AI while preserving what matters most.

Through hands-on AI demonstrations, creative labs, and experiential exercises, we’ll witness firsthand both the remarkable capabilities and profound implications of this technology. We’ll experiment with AI as a creative collaborator — making music, art, and even building simple apps. With somatic practices, guided meditation, and time in nature, we’ll envision the future we want, free from tech industry narratives about what’s “inevitable.”

Each session will blend practical exploration with deep reflection. Morning sessions will focus on understanding AI’s current state through live demonstrations and group discourse. Afternoons will combine creative experimentation with embodied practices. In our evening circles, we’ll integrate insights through authentic sharing and community connection.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your personal AI Code of Practice, create conscious engagement with technology, and forge genuine connections with fellow participants. This workshop offers resources and perspectives to support you in bringing these meaningful conversations to your own communities, helping others find empowerment rather than overwhelm in our rapidly changing world.

Sam Stern

Sam Stern is a Senior Content Creator at Esalen and host of the million-download podcast Voices of Esalen. He speaks about and teaches human-centered AI at Esalen, exploring how emergent technologies can be engaged with curiosity, critical thinking, and play.

Full Bio

Cecilia Callas

Cecilia Callas works at the frontier of AI, creating events and experiences that champion safety and human-centered development. She co-founded The AI Salon, a 6,000+ member global community exploring AI's societal impact, and hosts the RemAIning Human podcast.

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