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

Wintering Within: Meditation, Music, and Gentle Yoga for the New Year

December 26–28, 2025

Chandra Easton

Bring in the New Year with a rejuvenating weekend of meditation, music, and gentle yoga, guided by Buddhist teacher and author Lopön Chandra. As winter invites us to slow down and turn inward, we’ll explore “wintering” — the art of embracing rest, renewal, and the quiet gifts of this time.

Enjoy meditation sessions, both indoors and outside, while gazing over the Pacific Ocean, perhaps even spotting migrating whales. Learn techniques for developing shamatha, meaning “calm abiding,” and concentration, including mindfulness of breathing and Buddhist-based awareness practices. Experience the healing benefits of mantra recitation and devotional music, along with gentle, therapeutic yoga to support deeper states of relaxation and insight.

This weekend is designed for fun, reflection, and restoration. Whether you’re new to meditation and yoga or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find accessible practices, supportive accommodations, and a welcoming community. Seated and supine meditations will be offered for all bodies and abilities.

Come as you are and leave refreshed, carrying winter’s quiet wisdom and renewed inspiration into the New Year. All are welcome.

Chandra Easton

Chandra Easton is a Buddhist teacher, devotional music artist, author of Embodying Tara, and co-translator of Sublime Dharma. Rooted in Dzogchen (Great Perfection), she holds the title of Dorje Lopön (Vajra Teacher) and has led annual retreats at Esalen since 2003.

Full Bio