The new year can provide all the transformation and love you desire — as long as you reach for it! Awe and connectivity, mindfulness and intimacy, yoga and massage: Everything that nourishes and supports is here for you at Esalen in 2023.
How We Change and Why We Don't: The Art and Science of Transformation, January 2–6, 2023 with Cassandra Vieten
Have you ever worked hard to make a change, only to find yourself slipping back into old habits? Want to supercharge your ability to support behavior change in others? Is it time to break free from old patterns and build your next chapter? This workshop is for people in the process of change and those who work as change agents with individuals, groups, and organizations and in society.
Yoga Immersion: Rebuilding the Foundation in the New Year, January 2–8, 2023 with Jovinna Chan
The New Year is an auspicious time to make changes. Are you ready to turn away from the world to greet your True Self? Turning and sustaining our attention inward requires a strong foundation of steadiness in body, ease of breath, and clarity in mind. This Yoga immersion is designed for beginners, those who have stepped away from their practice and wish to return to the basics, and sincere seekers who are ready to live an awakened life.
The Shared Heart New Year's Couples Retreat, January 6–8, 2023 with Joyce and Barry Vissell
If you’re in love, this retreat is an opportunity to rise even higher in love. If you’re in crisis, this retreat is an opportunity for healing on the deepest level. This workshop is for any couple that wants the joys of a loving relationship. Couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities — straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or questioning — are welcome.
Effortless Mindfulness Embodied: Awakening Glimpse by Glimpse, January 8–13, 2023 with Loch Kelly
Discover easily-accessible methods that weave together different approaches to embody awakening — from neuroscience and cutting-edge psychological research to wisdom practices from around the world. You will be offered the keys to relieving suffering at the root to support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Learn how to shift out of your chattering mind into embodied, open-hearted awareness in the midst of everyday life.
Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier, January 13–15, 2023 with James Fadiman and Adam Bramlage
Join legendary psychedelics researcher and the father of the modern microdosing movement, James Fadiman, PhD, and microdosing educator and coach Adam Bramlage to learn the most current and best practices of microdosing: the use of sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics like LSD and Psilocybin to improve mental health, creativity, and athletic performance and alleviate depression, migraines, chronic pain, addictions, and more.
Leading from the Heart, January 13–16, 2023 with Dr. Deborah Egerton
Learn to lead from the heart and find your place in the rehabilitation of our humanity through love, light, and connection. The authentic self rises when we let go of the flawed dualistic mindset. Setting aside binary thinking and stereotypical roles, we come together to honor and explore the totality of energies that allow us to be our authentic selves. Through guided exploration, participants will learn to uncover what “gets in the way” of finding compassion for themselves and others when faced with real-life conflict.
A Restorative Week of Sound & Movement with Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls, January 16–20, 2023 with Deva Munay
We invite you to celebrate the New Year under the starry skies of the new moon as we find connection, levity, and light through the alchemy of crystal singing bowls and sound healing. Each day will include a blend of nourishing sound journeys, movement, bespoke teachings, and experiential activities. We welcome you to unwind, connect, and feel empowered to bring new practices home with you to restore inner peace and connectivity to yourself and the world around you.
Maps to Ecstasy: A 5Rhythms® & Mindfulness Retreat, January 16–20, 2023 with Lucia Horan
Maps hold all the information required to lead us to where we want to go. What is your destination? In times of turmoil and change, Somatic Meditation can assist you in navigating your way out of resistance and into ecstasy. Through Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms® movement practice and mindfulness meditation, one may build a skill set that supports balance, ease, and joy. Now is a perfect time to celebrate being alive in the wild, wondrous natural beauty of Esalen.
Esalen® Massage for Couples and Friends, January 20–22, 2023 with Jessica Fagan and Oliver Bailey
The natural rhythm of nearby ocean waves inspired the flowing pace of Esalen Massage. Our methodology includes connection to the earth, self, and massage partner; an emphasis on presence rather than fixing; and a respect for our natural impulse toward health and healing. Participants learn to sense into the body and encourage release of muscular tension. The effects of this massage exchange reach deep to repair old wounds and awaken our joyful vitality.
The Luminous Darkness: Imagination, Possibility, and Conscious Intentions in 2023, January 22–27, 2022 with Deborah Eden Tull
This workshop, inspired by Eden’s book Luminous Darkness, draws upon the wisdom streams of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness, non-duality, deep ecology, and The Work That Reconnects. The luminous darkness is the presence and receptivity through which we also access light. It is the field of all potential that we sometimes forget in the context of ordinary life and habit. In this deeply restorative retreat, we will commune with the luminous darkness to listen deeply, renew possibility, and set conscious intentions for our lives and world in the year ahead.
Awe and Wonder: An Exploration Through Science, Contemplation, and Narrative, January 27–29, 2023 with Dacher Keltner and Mollie McNeal
Awe is the feeling of encountering vast mysteries that transcend our current knowledge and understanding of the world. Rooted in a spiritual understanding of life, it helps us appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Learn about the latest scientific understandings of awe and discover a variety of practices, including reflective writing, to cultivate a deeper relationship with awe in your own life.
Meditation and Modern Life: A Zen Meditation Retreat, January 27–30, 2023 with Dan Zigmond
Come learn the ancient Zen practice of sitting still. At this weekend retreat, we will disconnect, slow down, and meditate together. A gentle schedule of sitting meditation will be punctuated by brief lectures, group discussions, relaxing meals, and soaks in the healing baths. We’ll be listening to our bodies, noticing the food we eat, and truly engaging with the people around us — exploring what it means to be fully present.
Total Immersion for Total Transformation, January 29 – February 3, 2023 with Raphael Cushnir
Get ready for five days of ecstatic rebirth! In an environment that provides just the right mix of safety, acceptance, and challenge, you’ll be guided through emotional-release work, journaling, small-group exercises, meditation, movement, and more to determine the precise aspects of your life that are calling for healing and change. Supported by community, you'll design a transformational experience that is uniquely yours and an action plan you can commit to.
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the peace, space, and natural majestic beauty of our campus without the structure of a workshop? We've recently opened dates in January and February 2023 for Self-Guided Explorations.
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 wait list!
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 a LEEP, we’re accepting applications.
Vibrance™ Breathwork and Pranayama for Physical and Metaphysical Expansion, November 10 – 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.
The Essence of Esalen: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, Community, December 17, 2022 – January 13, 2023 with J.J. Jeffries, Sadia Bruce, Douglas Drummond, and Cara Chandler
Introducing a signature Esalen experience of personal growth and embodiment through community building. Take a month to lean into the richness and diversity of Esalen homegrown programming infused by Esalen’s history and current culture. In addition to working in service operationally, and within the behind the scenes departments of Esalen, drop into workshop classes designed to support the process of healing, transformation, and joy. Experience Gestalt Awareness Practice, Esalen-style “check-ins”, breathwork, yoga, inspirational writing practices, 5Rhythms dance, and more!
Becoming Fully Alive through Yoga, Conscious Dance, and Sound Meditation, January 14 – February 10, 2023 with Jovinna Chan
When we choose to live in a way that generates aliveness and compassion, our own evolution holds the potential to help change the world. Choose to nurture and unleash your own fulfillment and well-being through the embodiment practices of yoga, dance, and sound meditation. Together we will carefully cultivate the clarity and courage to transmute the limiting beliefs and patterns that dampen life force, creating space for deeper love, awareness, vitality, and creativity.
True Self Mastery: The Art and Practice of Living Well, February 11 – March 10, 2023 with Anne Van de Water
It is possible to cultivate a new path of true self mastery, practicing the art of living well as your true self, aligned with your full potential no matter what you have been through. Through a blend of coaching, embodiment practices, self-inquiry, guided visualization, and sharing, we will first uncover your innermost true self, and then support you in manifesting that being into reality.
The Essence of Esalen: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, Community, March 11 – April 7, 2023 with J.J. Jeffries, Douglas Drummond, and Cara Chandler
Introducing a signature Esalen experience of personal growth and embodiment through community building. Take a month to lean into the richness and diversity of Esalen homegrown programming infused by Esalen’s history and current culture. In addition to working in service operationally, and within the behind the scenes departments of Esalen, drop into workshop classes designed to support the process of healing, transformation, and joy. Experience Gestalt Awareness Practice, Esalen-style “check-ins”, breathwork, yoga, inspirational writing practices, 5Rhythms dance, and more!
“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?
The new year can provide all the transformation and love you desire — as long as you reach for it! Awe and connectivity, mindfulness and intimacy, yoga and massage: Everything that nourishes and supports is here for you at Esalen in 2023.
How We Change and Why We Don't: The Art and Science of Transformation, January 2–6, 2023 with Cassandra Vieten
Have you ever worked hard to make a change, only to find yourself slipping back into old habits? Want to supercharge your ability to support behavior change in others? Is it time to break free from old patterns and build your next chapter? This workshop is for people in the process of change and those who work as change agents with individuals, groups, and organizations and in society.
Yoga Immersion: Rebuilding the Foundation in the New Year, January 2–8, 2023 with Jovinna Chan
The New Year is an auspicious time to make changes. Are you ready to turn away from the world to greet your True Self? Turning and sustaining our attention inward requires a strong foundation of steadiness in body, ease of breath, and clarity in mind. This Yoga immersion is designed for beginners, those who have stepped away from their practice and wish to return to the basics, and sincere seekers who are ready to live an awakened life.
The Shared Heart New Year's Couples Retreat, January 6–8, 2023 with Joyce and Barry Vissell
If you’re in love, this retreat is an opportunity to rise even higher in love. If you’re in crisis, this retreat is an opportunity for healing on the deepest level. This workshop is for any couple that wants the joys of a loving relationship. Couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities — straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or questioning — are welcome.
Effortless Mindfulness Embodied: Awakening Glimpse by Glimpse, January 8–13, 2023 with Loch Kelly
Discover easily-accessible methods that weave together different approaches to embody awakening — from neuroscience and cutting-edge psychological research to wisdom practices from around the world. You will be offered the keys to relieving suffering at the root to support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Learn how to shift out of your chattering mind into embodied, open-hearted awareness in the midst of everyday life.
Microdosing: The Safe, Surprising, and Emerging Psychedelic Frontier, January 13–15, 2023 with James Fadiman and Adam Bramlage
Join legendary psychedelics researcher and the father of the modern microdosing movement, James Fadiman, PhD, and microdosing educator and coach Adam Bramlage to learn the most current and best practices of microdosing: the use of sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics like LSD and Psilocybin to improve mental health, creativity, and athletic performance and alleviate depression, migraines, chronic pain, addictions, and more.
Leading from the Heart, January 13–16, 2023 with Dr. Deborah Egerton
Learn to lead from the heart and find your place in the rehabilitation of our humanity through love, light, and connection. The authentic self rises when we let go of the flawed dualistic mindset. Setting aside binary thinking and stereotypical roles, we come together to honor and explore the totality of energies that allow us to be our authentic selves. Through guided exploration, participants will learn to uncover what “gets in the way” of finding compassion for themselves and others when faced with real-life conflict.
A Restorative Week of Sound & Movement with Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls, January 16–20, 2023 with Deva Munay
We invite you to celebrate the New Year under the starry skies of the new moon as we find connection, levity, and light through the alchemy of crystal singing bowls and sound healing. Each day will include a blend of nourishing sound journeys, movement, bespoke teachings, and experiential activities. We welcome you to unwind, connect, and feel empowered to bring new practices home with you to restore inner peace and connectivity to yourself and the world around you.
Maps to Ecstasy: A 5Rhythms® & Mindfulness Retreat, January 16–20, 2023 with Lucia Horan
Maps hold all the information required to lead us to where we want to go. What is your destination? In times of turmoil and change, Somatic Meditation can assist you in navigating your way out of resistance and into ecstasy. Through Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms® movement practice and mindfulness meditation, one may build a skill set that supports balance, ease, and joy. Now is a perfect time to celebrate being alive in the wild, wondrous natural beauty of Esalen.
Esalen® Massage for Couples and Friends, January 20–22, 2023 with Jessica Fagan and Oliver Bailey
The natural rhythm of nearby ocean waves inspired the flowing pace of Esalen Massage. Our methodology includes connection to the earth, self, and massage partner; an emphasis on presence rather than fixing; and a respect for our natural impulse toward health and healing. Participants learn to sense into the body and encourage release of muscular tension. The effects of this massage exchange reach deep to repair old wounds and awaken our joyful vitality.
The Luminous Darkness: Imagination, Possibility, and Conscious Intentions in 2023, January 22–27, 2022 with Deborah Eden Tull
This workshop, inspired by Eden’s book Luminous Darkness, draws upon the wisdom streams of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness, non-duality, deep ecology, and The Work That Reconnects. The luminous darkness is the presence and receptivity through which we also access light. It is the field of all potential that we sometimes forget in the context of ordinary life and habit. In this deeply restorative retreat, we will commune with the luminous darkness to listen deeply, renew possibility, and set conscious intentions for our lives and world in the year ahead.
Awe and Wonder: An Exploration Through Science, Contemplation, and Narrative, January 27–29, 2023 with Dacher Keltner and Mollie McNeal
Awe is the feeling of encountering vast mysteries that transcend our current knowledge and understanding of the world. Rooted in a spiritual understanding of life, it helps us appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Learn about the latest scientific understandings of awe and discover a variety of practices, including reflective writing, to cultivate a deeper relationship with awe in your own life.
Meditation and Modern Life: A Zen Meditation Retreat, January 27–30, 2023 with Dan Zigmond
Come learn the ancient Zen practice of sitting still. At this weekend retreat, we will disconnect, slow down, and meditate together. A gentle schedule of sitting meditation will be punctuated by brief lectures, group discussions, relaxing meals, and soaks in the healing baths. We’ll be listening to our bodies, noticing the food we eat, and truly engaging with the people around us — exploring what it means to be fully present.
Total Immersion for Total Transformation, January 29 – February 3, 2023 with Raphael Cushnir
Get ready for five days of ecstatic rebirth! In an environment that provides just the right mix of safety, acceptance, and challenge, you’ll be guided through emotional-release work, journaling, small-group exercises, meditation, movement, and more to determine the precise aspects of your life that are calling for healing and change. Supported by community, you'll design a transformational experience that is uniquely yours and an action plan you can commit to.
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the peace, space, and natural majestic beauty of our campus without the structure of a workshop? We've recently opened dates in January and February 2023 for Self-Guided Explorations.
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 wait list!
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 a LEEP, we’re accepting applications.
Vibrance™ Breathwork and Pranayama for Physical and Metaphysical Expansion, November 10 – 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.
The Essence of Esalen: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, Community, December 17, 2022 – January 13, 2023 with J.J. Jeffries, Sadia Bruce, Douglas Drummond, and Cara Chandler
Introducing a signature Esalen experience of personal growth and embodiment through community building. Take a month to lean into the richness and diversity of Esalen homegrown programming infused by Esalen’s history and current culture. In addition to working in service operationally, and within the behind the scenes departments of Esalen, drop into workshop classes designed to support the process of healing, transformation, and joy. Experience Gestalt Awareness Practice, Esalen-style “check-ins”, breathwork, yoga, inspirational writing practices, 5Rhythms dance, and more!
Becoming Fully Alive through Yoga, Conscious Dance, and Sound Meditation, January 14 – February 10, 2023 with Jovinna Chan
When we choose to live in a way that generates aliveness and compassion, our own evolution holds the potential to help change the world. Choose to nurture and unleash your own fulfillment and well-being through the embodiment practices of yoga, dance, and sound meditation. Together we will carefully cultivate the clarity and courage to transmute the limiting beliefs and patterns that dampen life force, creating space for deeper love, awareness, vitality, and creativity.
True Self Mastery: The Art and Practice of Living Well, February 11 – March 10, 2023 with Anne Van de Water
It is possible to cultivate a new path of true self mastery, practicing the art of living well as your true self, aligned with your full potential no matter what you have been through. Through a blend of coaching, embodiment practices, self-inquiry, guided visualization, and sharing, we will first uncover your innermost true self, and then support you in manifesting that being into reality.
The Essence of Esalen: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, Community, March 11 – April 7, 2023 with J.J. Jeffries, Douglas Drummond, and Cara Chandler
Introducing a signature Esalen experience of personal growth and embodiment through community building. Take a month to lean into the richness and diversity of Esalen homegrown programming infused by Esalen’s history and current culture. In addition to working in service operationally, and within the behind the scenes departments of Esalen, drop into workshop classes designed to support the process of healing, transformation, and joy. Experience Gestalt Awareness Practice, Esalen-style “check-ins”, breathwork, yoga, inspirational writing practices, 5Rhythms dance, and more!
“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?
The new year can provide all the transformation and love you desire — as long as you reach for it! Awe and connectivity, mindfulness and intimacy, yoga and massage: Everything that nourishes and supports is here for you at Esalen in 2023.
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