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

Vibrant Silence: Qigong, Breath and Meditation

October 6–10, 2025

Jim Gallas

Our awareness of energy both expands and becomes more subtle as we deepen into relaxation.

The ancient Chinese practice of Qigong, often translated as “cultivating Life Force”, is a system of movement that relaxes and energizes the body/mind. You will find this form “Wai Dan Gong” easy to learn and a powerful means of  experiencing Life Force in and around you. We will enjoy moving on the Earth, under the heavens, while gazing at the Pacific. Wai Dan Gong is an excellent preparation for sitting, walking and standing meditation. Two mornings will be held as a retreat, we will keep noble silence until lunch. At other times we will share with compassion and humor our experiences of riding the wild waves of the mind.

In this rejuvenating retreat we will explore:

  • the 25 movements of Wai Dan Gong.
  • shorter Qigong sequences for ease in daily practice.
  • sitting meditation (you may sit in a chair).
  • walking and standing meditations.
  • gentle meridian stretches.
  • a full body self massage routine.
  • the six healing sounds.
  • simple breath practices.

Please come ready to enjoy a deep sense of ease and an expanded sense of the energy body.

Recommended reading: The way of Qigong by Kenneth Cohen

Jim Gallas

Jim Gallas has been teaching yoga and qigong with a sense of deepening silence and the lightness of laughter for over 30 years. He has had the great joy of teaching at Esalen since 1999. 

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