Celebrating 60 years of exploration, transformation, and connection

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Photo: @qsternphotography

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on 2022, we have so much to be grateful for — thanks to you.

This year, we marked 60 years of service as a holistic retreat center and educational institute. We look back with gratitude on six decades, standing at the leading edge of research and practice in the human potential space. 

As we chart our next 60 years, we count on your continued partnership and engagement in order to expand our offerings and realize our shared aims.

  • Our scholarship program offers access to those who would not otherwise be able to experience Esalen due to financial need. 
  • We continue our reconciliation work with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, co-stewards of the sacred tribal lands and waters of the region, which is evolving into a healing collaboration, including the co-creation of integrated programming and a joint land acknowledgment.
  • The stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care; protecting the land, updating our structures, and improving accessibility for all. In 2023, our priorities include renovations to the Leonard Pavilion and updates to our farming and gardening practices in order to qualify for biodynamic certification. 
  • Improving metrics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability across our community of guests, faculty, and staff is a guiding principle. A key focus is our commitment to fostering broader diversity and representation among our workshop leaders who bring their curriculum to Esalen. 

We are grateful for our community’s perseverance through the challenges of recent years, with the knowledge that our resilience will continue to be tested in an ever-changing world. Still, we remain resolute in purpose. In the words of our co-founder Michael Murphy, “Our mission to facilitate change within self and society has never been more vital than it is now.” 

Thank you for helping to ensure our continued vitality by making a gift to Esalen today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary O’Brien                       
Director of Development               
mary.obrien@esalen.org

Camille Allen Jeffries
Chief Executive Officer

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


Esalen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give Now

About

Esalen Team

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Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Photo: @qsternphotography
Celebrating 60 years of exploration, transformation, and connection

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on 2022, we have so much to be grateful for — thanks to you.

This year, we marked 60 years of service as a holistic retreat center and educational institute. We look back with gratitude on six decades, standing at the leading edge of research and practice in the human potential space. 

As we chart our next 60 years, we count on your continued partnership and engagement in order to expand our offerings and realize our shared aims.

  • Our scholarship program offers access to those who would not otherwise be able to experience Esalen due to financial need. 
  • We continue our reconciliation work with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, co-stewards of the sacred tribal lands and waters of the region, which is evolving into a healing collaboration, including the co-creation of integrated programming and a joint land acknowledgment.
  • The stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care; protecting the land, updating our structures, and improving accessibility for all. In 2023, our priorities include renovations to the Leonard Pavilion and updates to our farming and gardening practices in order to qualify for biodynamic certification. 
  • Improving metrics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability across our community of guests, faculty, and staff is a guiding principle. A key focus is our commitment to fostering broader diversity and representation among our workshop leaders who bring their curriculum to Esalen. 

We are grateful for our community’s perseverance through the challenges of recent years, with the knowledge that our resilience will continue to be tested in an ever-changing world. Still, we remain resolute in purpose. In the words of our co-founder Michael Murphy, “Our mission to facilitate change within self and society has never been more vital than it is now.” 

Thank you for helping to ensure our continued vitality by making a gift to Esalen today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary O’Brien                       
Director of Development               
mary.obrien@esalen.org

Camille Allen Jeffries
Chief Executive Officer

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


Esalen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give Now

About

Esalen Team

Celebrating 60 years of exploration, transformation, and connection

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all articles

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Photo: @qsternphotography

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on 2022, we have so much to be grateful for — thanks to you.

This year, we marked 60 years of service as a holistic retreat center and educational institute. We look back with gratitude on six decades, standing at the leading edge of research and practice in the human potential space. 

As we chart our next 60 years, we count on your continued partnership and engagement in order to expand our offerings and realize our shared aims.

  • Our scholarship program offers access to those who would not otherwise be able to experience Esalen due to financial need. 
  • We continue our reconciliation work with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, co-stewards of the sacred tribal lands and waters of the region, which is evolving into a healing collaboration, including the co-creation of integrated programming and a joint land acknowledgment.
  • The stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care; protecting the land, updating our structures, and improving accessibility for all. In 2023, our priorities include renovations to the Leonard Pavilion and updates to our farming and gardening practices in order to qualify for biodynamic certification. 
  • Improving metrics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability across our community of guests, faculty, and staff is a guiding principle. A key focus is our commitment to fostering broader diversity and representation among our workshop leaders who bring their curriculum to Esalen. 

We are grateful for our community’s perseverance through the challenges of recent years, with the knowledge that our resilience will continue to be tested in an ever-changing world. Still, we remain resolute in purpose. In the words of our co-founder Michael Murphy, “Our mission to facilitate change within self and society has never been more vital than it is now.” 

Thank you for helping to ensure our continued vitality by making a gift to Esalen today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary O’Brien                       
Director of Development               
mary.obrien@esalen.org

Camille Allen Jeffries
Chief Executive Officer

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


Esalen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give Now

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all Journal posts

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Photo: @qsternphotography
Celebrating 60 years of exploration, transformation, and connection

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on 2022, we have so much to be grateful for — thanks to you.

This year, we marked 60 years of service as a holistic retreat center and educational institute. We look back with gratitude on six decades, standing at the leading edge of research and practice in the human potential space. 

As we chart our next 60 years, we count on your continued partnership and engagement in order to expand our offerings and realize our shared aims.

  • Our scholarship program offers access to those who would not otherwise be able to experience Esalen due to financial need. 
  • We continue our reconciliation work with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, co-stewards of the sacred tribal lands and waters of the region, which is evolving into a healing collaboration, including the co-creation of integrated programming and a joint land acknowledgment.
  • The stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care; protecting the land, updating our structures, and improving accessibility for all. In 2023, our priorities include renovations to the Leonard Pavilion and updates to our farming and gardening practices in order to qualify for biodynamic certification. 
  • Improving metrics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability across our community of guests, faculty, and staff is a guiding principle. A key focus is our commitment to fostering broader diversity and representation among our workshop leaders who bring their curriculum to Esalen. 

We are grateful for our community’s perseverance through the challenges of recent years, with the knowledge that our resilience will continue to be tested in an ever-changing world. Still, we remain resolute in purpose. In the words of our co-founder Michael Murphy, “Our mission to facilitate change within self and society has never been more vital than it is now.” 

Thank you for helping to ensure our continued vitality by making a gift to Esalen today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary O’Brien                       
Director of Development               
mary.obrien@esalen.org

Camille Allen Jeffries
Chief Executive Officer

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


Esalen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give Now

About

Esalen Team

Celebrating 60 years of exploration, transformation, and connection

About

Esalen Team

< Back to all articles

Darnell Lamont Walker leading Rituals Writing Workshop
Photo: @qsternphotography

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on 2022, we have so much to be grateful for — thanks to you.

This year, we marked 60 years of service as a holistic retreat center and educational institute. We look back with gratitude on six decades, standing at the leading edge of research and practice in the human potential space. 

As we chart our next 60 years, we count on your continued partnership and engagement in order to expand our offerings and realize our shared aims.

  • Our scholarship program offers access to those who would not otherwise be able to experience Esalen due to financial need. 
  • We continue our reconciliation work with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County, co-stewards of the sacred tribal lands and waters of the region, which is evolving into a healing collaboration, including the co-creation of integrated programming and a joint land acknowledgment.
  • The stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care; protecting the land, updating our structures, and improving accessibility for all. In 2023, our priorities include renovations to the Leonard Pavilion and updates to our farming and gardening practices in order to qualify for biodynamic certification. 
  • Improving metrics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability across our community of guests, faculty, and staff is a guiding principle. A key focus is our commitment to fostering broader diversity and representation among our workshop leaders who bring their curriculum to Esalen. 

We are grateful for our community’s perseverance through the challenges of recent years, with the knowledge that our resilience will continue to be tested in an ever-changing world. Still, we remain resolute in purpose. In the words of our co-founder Michael Murphy, “Our mission to facilitate change within self and society has never been more vital than it is now.” 

Thank you for helping to ensure our continued vitality by making a gift to Esalen today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary O’Brien                       
Director of Development               
mary.obrien@esalen.org

Camille Allen Jeffries
Chief Executive Officer

“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.” 
–Aaron

“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve

“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer

“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne

“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter

“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.

“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori

“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.


Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.

What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?


Esalen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give Now

About

Esalen Team