As the days get shorter and fall creeps into the quiet season, those longer nights set the stage for reflection and renewal. Our autumnal/hibernal workshops will help you finish 2022 with strength and healing — culminating with a New Year for new beginnings!
Published August 20 – September 5, 2022
Authentic Alignment: Creating an Authentic Life of Purpose, Value, and Vision, November 11–13, 2022 with Anne Van de Water
The number one regret of the dying is that they lacked the courage to live a life true to themselves. Reconnect with your authentic self through a series of exercises, including guided meditation, self-inquiry, journaling, Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as Tapping), and one-on-one and group sharing and embodiment practices. With new clarity about your purpose and core values, you’ll craft a written statement declaring who you truly are — and manifest that version of yourself into reality.
Healing Waters: The Medicine Wheel and Embodied Motion, November 14–18, 2022 with Cari Herthel and Douglas Drummond
Where have you come from? Where are you now? Where are you going? You are invited to question your direction deeply with this special union of The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County and the Esalen Institute. Through Healing Waters, we weave the deep knowledge of the medicine wheel, led by Esselen Tribal Medicine Woman Cari Herthel, with the powerful and moving meditation practice of the 5Rhythms®, led by facilitator Douglas Drummond.
Shamanic Spiritual Healing, November 21–25, 2022 with Carlos Sauer Tradições Nativas
Shamanic healing is intuitive, hands-on energy work that integrates various practices for spiritual extraction and removal of intrusive and potentially harmful energies. Learn methods to clear and balance the emotional body and spirit, releasing energy blockages for peace and centering. Reconnect with the power and wisdom of the life force within!
Spiritual Massage: Laying on of Hands, November 25–27, 2022 with Carlos Sauer Tradições Nativas
This workshop will offer practical methods for using the hands as instruments of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Designed for bodyworkers, therapists, health professionals, and anyone interested in learning how to work with energy and bodies, you’ll learn and practice how to apply the technique and also experience its personal benefits.
Introduction to Esalen® Massage: The Art of Healing Touch, December 4–9, 2022 with Dean Marson and Peggy Horan
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’re invited to rest in the natural beauty of Big Sur while gaining a foundation in the art and practice of Esalen® Massage. Beginners will be taught basic skills and gain the ability to give and receive a simple and satisfying massage session. Experienced practitioners will come away with techniques to integrate into their sessions, inspiring and infusing their work with a deep sense of presence and flow.
Aligning with Nature: A Winter Solstice Yoga Retreat, December 16–18, 2022 with Sarana Miller
For centuries, winter solstice has been a time of reflection. It’s an opportune moment to turn inward, take time for self-care, and focus on the awareness within. Practicing in the dark days, students can cultivate vitality and brightness to return home renewed. Revitalize the body and calm the mind through yoga asana, meditation, and chanting in the exquisite and healing natural environment of Esalen.
New Year Meditation Retreat: Self-Love and Kindness That Benefits All, December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023 with Mark Abramson
Meditating in noble silence offers a unique opportunity to focus inward, deeply connect with oneself, and reflect on life goals. The New Year, with its connection to the winter solstice and new beginnings, is the perfect time to find your quiet peace. This retreat is a reflective New Year celebration with the opportunity to discover a deep, centered place within.
Awake in the New Year: Setting Conscious Intentions for Our Lives and Our World, December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023 with Deborah Eden Tull
The New Year is a powerful threshold. It is an opportunity to listen deeply, reflect, restore, and create anew. This retreat invites you to go on a powerfully restorative journey through meditation, mindful inquiry, relational mindfulness, conscious movement, deep time in nature, writing, and ritual. Set intentions for the new year from the heart of your being, celebrating who you actually are beyond limiting beliefs and the illusion of separate self.
Ready to renew and jumpstart your metamorphosis before the year’s end? These exciting upcoming programs still have openings. Reserve now before they fill up!
We have even more workshops for healing and self-exploration. Enroll now, or join our waitlist!
Plus, for those who want to immerse themselves in the peace, space, and natural beauty of our campus without the structure of a workshop, we recently opened dates in November and December for Self-Guided Explorations.
What would happen if you pressed pause on your everyday life and gave yourself four full weeks to evolve and transform at Esalen? If you’re ready to take the LEEP, we’re accepting applications for these exciting programs.
Esalen® Massage Intensive: Presence and Practice, September 24 – October 21, 2022 with Brita Ostrom, Char Pias, and Dean Marson
Learn how to connect with others through the healing touch of massage. Esalen Massage melds hands-on technique with awareness practices, recognizing the unity of body, mind, and spirit. This is not a professional training course; however, professionals can refresh their technique. All students will receive an incredible array of new awarenesses and skills, including the ability to give a basic Esalen massage.
Integrative Gestalt Coaching, October 22 – November 18, 2022 with Perry Holloman
Integrative Gestalt Coaching™ (IGC) is a method developed by coach and bodyworker Perry Holloman over the last 40 years while living and working at Esalen. Ideal both for people wanting a month of self-exploration as well as those wanting to develop Gestalt Coaching skills to enhance their work, this well-rounded program will help you develop awareness of how your internal experience influences your relationships, and how your relationships transform you to powerfully impact the quality of your life.
Vibrance™ Breathwork and Pranayama for Physical and Metaphysical Expansion, November 19 – December 16, 2022 with Ellen Watson
Join master breathwork facilitator Ellen Watson in this singular opportunity to transform your life by exploring breathwork. Through a powerful blend of experiential breathwork meditation practices, supportive bodywork protocols, mandala drawings, and group sharing, you’ll be empowered with new tools, knowledge, and an understanding of the power of breath.
“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?
If you’ve always wanted to visit Esalen but couldn’t find the room in your budget, do you know about our scholarship program?
As the days get shorter and fall creeps into the quiet season, those longer nights set the stage for reflection and renewal. Our autumnal/hibernal workshops will help you finish 2022 with strength and healing — culminating with a New Year for new beginnings!
Published August 20 – September 5, 2022
Authentic Alignment: Creating an Authentic Life of Purpose, Value, and Vision, November 11–13, 2022 with Anne Van de Water
The number one regret of the dying is that they lacked the courage to live a life true to themselves. Reconnect with your authentic self through a series of exercises, including guided meditation, self-inquiry, journaling, Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as Tapping), and one-on-one and group sharing and embodiment practices. With new clarity about your purpose and core values, you’ll craft a written statement declaring who you truly are — and manifest that version of yourself into reality.
Healing Waters: The Medicine Wheel and Embodied Motion, November 14–18, 2022 with Cari Herthel and Douglas Drummond
Where have you come from? Where are you now? Where are you going? You are invited to question your direction deeply with this special union of The Esselen Tribe of Monterey County and the Esalen Institute. Through Healing Waters, we weave the deep knowledge of the medicine wheel, led by Esselen Tribal Medicine Woman Cari Herthel, with the powerful and moving meditation practice of the 5Rhythms®, led by facilitator Douglas Drummond.
Shamanic Spiritual Healing, November 21–25, 2022 with Carlos Sauer Tradições Nativas
Shamanic healing is intuitive, hands-on energy work that integrates various practices for spiritual extraction and removal of intrusive and potentially harmful energies. Learn methods to clear and balance the emotional body and spirit, releasing energy blockages for peace and centering. Reconnect with the power and wisdom of the life force within!
Spiritual Massage: Laying on of Hands, November 25–27, 2022 with Carlos Sauer Tradições Nativas
This workshop will offer practical methods for using the hands as instruments of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Designed for bodyworkers, therapists, health professionals, and anyone interested in learning how to work with energy and bodies, you’ll learn and practice how to apply the technique and also experience its personal benefits.
Introduction to Esalen® Massage: The Art of Healing Touch, December 4–9, 2022 with Dean Marson and Peggy Horan
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’re invited to rest in the natural beauty of Big Sur while gaining a foundation in the art and practice of Esalen® Massage. Beginners will be taught basic skills and gain the ability to give and receive a simple and satisfying massage session. Experienced practitioners will come away with techniques to integrate into their sessions, inspiring and infusing their work with a deep sense of presence and flow.
Aligning with Nature: A Winter Solstice Yoga Retreat, December 16–18, 2022 with Sarana Miller
For centuries, winter solstice has been a time of reflection. It’s an opportune moment to turn inward, take time for self-care, and focus on the awareness within. Practicing in the dark days, students can cultivate vitality and brightness to return home renewed. Revitalize the body and calm the mind through yoga asana, meditation, and chanting in the exquisite and healing natural environment of Esalen.
New Year Meditation Retreat: Self-Love and Kindness That Benefits All, December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023 with Mark Abramson
Meditating in noble silence offers a unique opportunity to focus inward, deeply connect with oneself, and reflect on life goals. The New Year, with its connection to the winter solstice and new beginnings, is the perfect time to find your quiet peace. This retreat is a reflective New Year celebration with the opportunity to discover a deep, centered place within.
Awake in the New Year: Setting Conscious Intentions for Our Lives and Our World, December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023 with Deborah Eden Tull
The New Year is a powerful threshold. It is an opportunity to listen deeply, reflect, restore, and create anew. This retreat invites you to go on a powerfully restorative journey through meditation, mindful inquiry, relational mindfulness, conscious movement, deep time in nature, writing, and ritual. Set intentions for the new year from the heart of your being, celebrating who you actually are beyond limiting beliefs and the illusion of separate self.
Ready to renew and jumpstart your metamorphosis before the year’s end? These exciting upcoming programs still have openings. Reserve now before they fill up!
We have even more workshops for healing and self-exploration. Enroll now, or join our waitlist!
Plus, for those who want to immerse themselves in the peace, space, and natural beauty of our campus without the structure of a workshop, we recently opened dates in November and December for Self-Guided Explorations.
What would happen if you pressed pause on your everyday life and gave yourself four full weeks to evolve and transform at Esalen? If you’re ready to take the LEEP, we’re accepting applications for these exciting programs.
Esalen® Massage Intensive: Presence and Practice, September 24 – October 21, 2022 with Brita Ostrom, Char Pias, and Dean Marson
Learn how to connect with others through the healing touch of massage. Esalen Massage melds hands-on technique with awareness practices, recognizing the unity of body, mind, and spirit. This is not a professional training course; however, professionals can refresh their technique. All students will receive an incredible array of new awarenesses and skills, including the ability to give a basic Esalen massage.
Integrative Gestalt Coaching, October 22 – November 18, 2022 with Perry Holloman
Integrative Gestalt Coaching™ (IGC) is a method developed by coach and bodyworker Perry Holloman over the last 40 years while living and working at Esalen. Ideal both for people wanting a month of self-exploration as well as those wanting to develop Gestalt Coaching skills to enhance their work, this well-rounded program will help you develop awareness of how your internal experience influences your relationships, and how your relationships transform you to powerfully impact the quality of your life.
Vibrance™ Breathwork and Pranayama for Physical and Metaphysical Expansion, November 19 – December 16, 2022 with Ellen Watson
Join master breathwork facilitator Ellen Watson in this singular opportunity to transform your life by exploring breathwork. Through a powerful blend of experiential breathwork meditation practices, supportive bodywork protocols, mandala drawings, and group sharing, you’ll be empowered with new tools, knowledge, and an understanding of the power of breath.
“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?
If you’ve always wanted to visit Esalen but couldn’t find the room in your budget, do you know about our scholarship program?
If you’ve always wanted to visit Esalen but couldn’t find the room in your budget, do you know about our scholarship program?
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org