This season, share the spirit of Esalen and contribute to the ripple effect of generosity and connection. Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide presents offerings that awaken curiosity, inspire healing, and invite transformation — for yourself and those you cherish.
From hand-selected treasures rooted in land and legacy, to experiences that nourish body, mind, heart, and soul, each selection carries a piece of Esalen. Whether it’s an act of self-care, a gesture of gratitude, or an invitation into new possibilities, these offerings embody the beauty of growth, connection, and wonder.
Immerse yourself in the tactile and transformative. Each of these three items is designed to support your journey inward and outward, bringing the art and practice of Esalen into your daily life with our Big Sur Meadow bodywash, lotion, and mist bundle using a blend of lavender, sage, and mint essential oils.
Wrap yourself in warmth, whether on a crisp morning, beneath a canopy of stars, or curled up for a quiet afternoon of reflection. Crafted in collaboration with Trek Light,this blanket is the ultimate companion for moments of pause and presence.
Hydration meets intention. This modern designed bottle keeps beverages perfectly hot or refreshingly cold, accompanying you from workshops to walks through the Farm & Garden, and quenching your thirst during meditative soaks at the Baths. A daily ritual in support of your body’s vitality.
A vessel for thought, intention, and revelation. Whether sketching, world-building, or diving into stream-of-consciousness reflection, the classic Esalen Journal invites you to record the unfolding of your inner landscape — a private sanctuary for ideas and imagination.
by Alexander Tarrant
Step into clarity and self-reflection with this thoughtful three-card Tarot experience. Each hand-pulled reading is written for your intention, carefully printed, and elegantly sealed in its own envelope. Drawing from the Major Arcana, these cards illuminate significant life lessons and archetypal energies, inviting contemplation, insight, and a gentle guide for your personal journey. For online orders, the universe (Esalen trusted staff) chooses your pull for you. Seekers perusing the Bookstore can select from a number of themed pulls.
One literal hat for the many roles you inhabit. From morning walks to afternoon reflection, carry the spirit of Big Sur wherever you go. Subtle yet striking, this embroidered hat embodies Esalen’s blend of playfulness, mindfulness, and grounded style.
A hand-cut cotton knit collaboration with Late Sunday Afternoon, this super soft scarf drapes across the neck. Perfect for dawn walks, meditation circles, or layering into your daily ritual. The cozy accessory blends style and soul with effortless ease.
Embody warmth and connection. Soft, luxuriously comfortable, and subtly designed, this sweatshirt is ideal for coastal drives, quiet mornings, or evenings by the fire. A thoughtful gift for yourself or someone you love.
For the intellectually curious and spiritually minded, this curated bundle offers three essential texts: The Upstart Spring: Esalen and the Human Potential Movement: The First Twenty Years by Walter Truett Anderson; Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion by Jeffrey J. Kripal; and The Future of the Body by Michael Murphy. Together, these works provide a deep, multifaceted understanding of Esalen and the human potential movement, offering insight, inspiration, and the joy of discovery.
Carry history and culture with you. This durable oilcloth tote features iconic illustrations from Esalen’s 1970s era Find Your Potential series. Spacious, soulful, and timeless, it’s perfect for groceries, daily adventures, weekend retreats, or simply carrying the essence of a transformative place.
Infused with redwood and pine oils, this hand-poured soy candle captures the grounding scent of Big Sur’s sacred landscape. Each 4 oz vessel is topped with a pressed fern and a piece of genuine Big Sur jade that is naturally tumbled by the Pacific swells, making every candle a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Wrapped and boxed with a written candle ritual and meditation, this gift connects you with the elements and brings the wild beauty and healing energy of Big Sur into your home.
A taste of nature and a unique piece of art. This two item curated pairing includes an Esalen-inspired art print originally painted by healer and Esalen massage teacher, Silvia Guersenzvaig along with a very special jar of locally-sourced Big Sur Wildflower Honey from neighboring honeybees.
“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?
This season, share the spirit of Esalen and contribute to the ripple effect of generosity and connection. Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide presents offerings that awaken curiosity, inspire healing, and invite transformation — for yourself and those you cherish.
From hand-selected treasures rooted in land and legacy, to experiences that nourish body, mind, heart, and soul, each selection carries a piece of Esalen. Whether it’s an act of self-care, a gesture of gratitude, or an invitation into new possibilities, these offerings embody the beauty of growth, connection, and wonder.
Immerse yourself in the tactile and transformative. Each of these three items is designed to support your journey inward and outward, bringing the art and practice of Esalen into your daily life with our Big Sur Meadow bodywash, lotion, and mist bundle using a blend of lavender, sage, and mint essential oils.
Wrap yourself in warmth, whether on a crisp morning, beneath a canopy of stars, or curled up for a quiet afternoon of reflection. Crafted in collaboration with Trek Light,this blanket is the ultimate companion for moments of pause and presence.
Hydration meets intention. This modern designed bottle keeps beverages perfectly hot or refreshingly cold, accompanying you from workshops to walks through the Farm & Garden, and quenching your thirst during meditative soaks at the Baths. A daily ritual in support of your body’s vitality.
A vessel for thought, intention, and revelation. Whether sketching, world-building, or diving into stream-of-consciousness reflection, the classic Esalen Journal invites you to record the unfolding of your inner landscape — a private sanctuary for ideas and imagination.
Step into clarity and self-reflection with this thoughtful three-card Tarot experience. Each hand-pulled reading is written for your intention, carefully printed, and elegantly sealed in its own envelope. Drawing from the Major Arcana, these cards illuminate significant life lessons and archetypal energies, inviting contemplation, insight, and a gentle guide for your personal journey. For online orders, the universe (Esalen trusted staff) chooses your pull for you. Seekers perusing the Bookstore can select from a number of themed pulls.
One literal hat for the many roles you inhabit. From morning walks to afternoon reflection, carry the spirit of Big Sur wherever you go. Subtle yet striking, this embroidered hat embodies Esalen’s blend of playfulness, mindfulness, and grounded style.
A hand-cut cotton knit collaboration with Late Sunday Afternoon, this super soft scarf drapes across the neck. Perfect for dawn walks, meditation circles, or layering into your daily ritual. The cozy accessory blends style and soul with effortless ease.
Embody warmth and connection. Soft, luxuriously comfortable, and subtly designed, this sweatshirt is ideal for coastal drives, quiet mornings, or evenings by the fire. A thoughtful gift for yourself or someone you love.
For the intellectually curious and spiritually minded, this curated bundle offers three essential texts: The Upstart Spring: Esalen and the Human Potential Movement: The First Twenty Years by Walter Truett Anderson; Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion by Jeffrey J. Kripal; and The Future of the Body by Michael Murphy. Together, these works provide a deep, multifaceted understanding of Esalen and the human potential movement, offering insight, inspiration, and the joy of discovery.
Carry history and culture with you. This durable oilcloth tote features iconic illustrations from Esalen’s 1970s era Find Your Potential series. Spacious, soulful, and timeless, it’s perfect for groceries, daily adventures, weekend retreats, or simply carrying the essence of a transformative place.
Infused with redwood and pine oils, this hand-poured soy candle captures the grounding scent of Big Sur’s sacred landscape. Each 4 oz vessel is topped with a pressed fern and a piece of genuine Big Sur jade that is naturally tumbled by the Pacific swells, making every candle a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Wrapped and boxed with a written candle ritual and meditation, this gift connects you with the elements and brings the wild beauty and healing energy of Big Sur into your home.
A taste of nature and a unique piece of art. This two item curated pairing includes an Esalen-inspired art print originally painted by healer and Esalen massage teacher, Silvia Guersenzvaig along with a very special jar of locally-sourced Big Sur Wildflower Honey from neighboring honeybees.
“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?
This season, share the spirit of Esalen and contribute to the ripple effect of generosity and connection. Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide presents offerings that awaken curiosity, inspire healing, and invite transformation — for yourself and those you cherish.
From hand-selected treasures rooted in land and legacy, to experiences that nourish body, mind, heart, and soul, each selection carries a piece of Esalen. Whether it’s an act of self-care, a gesture of gratitude, or an invitation into new possibilities, these offerings embody the beauty of growth, connection, and wonder.
“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 Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org