The Esalen Journal

Is it true that the Esalen land is a maṇḍala unto itself? Through the lens of Tantra and her own Hindu and Buddhist studies, Sravana Borkataky-Varma (Board Member and Lecturer at Harvard Divinity School) explains why the answer is undoubtedly yes.

The mother knot… how much are you tied to memories, images, or traumas related to this critical relationship? Author Laura Davis graced us with a story of her own bond with her mother, and the power of obsession when it comes to healing.

Is it possible to design your life? Make it exactly what you want it to be? According to executive coach Mark Nicolson, if you can align your head and heart, you might be getting very close.

Big Sur experienced an unexpected visitor this January: a winter wildfire. One of our Friends of Esalen witnessed it in the first few hours and took to words in a moment of inspiration and reflection. We share her poem — “The World Flipped On Its Head” — in our latest post in The Journal.

LEEP enters a new era and leaves its imprint on the hearts of the first cohort since its return. Learn how the Live Extended Education Program changed one soul, plus, three words to describe the forever impact of Esalen.

Once upon a time, a former Esalen chef lost her healthy path and fought her way back from yo-yo dieting to get her life back on track. Today, this holistic nutritionist and coach leans into plants, creating delicious recipes like this one.

At the baths, have you ever thought…I wish I could bottle this up? Our newest addition to the Esalen store taps you into a bit of healing at home. Learn about the Bathing & Spa collection inspired by local woods, meadows, and historical bathing rituals.

Does your relationship “check a box?” Rev. Erika Allison, a queer interfaith minister and author, tackles moving beyond the labels established long ago to embrace individual self-journeys to love for the LGBTQ+ community.

This drink is pure gold when it comes to creating more ease in your life. Combining a historical concept from India, coconut oil, some spices, and California’s famous almonds, discover a five-minute ritual for well-being and comfort.

When did you first connect to your breath? Jovinna Chan remembers being surprised by her own limitations. Today, she gives us insight into how she turns to breath to shift her confidence, mood, and attention.

Rebirth is right around the corner. With spring not far off, we welcome the launch of LEEP (Live Extended Education Program, formerly the work study or work scholar program). Each month, transformation awaits 12 students from around the world.

Did we forget how to communicate love and compassion through touch? Social distancing dominated our lexicon for the past two years. Two experts in Esalen massage give us insight into the comeback of a forgotten language.

One of our staff members shares the story of learning about the relationship of her community’s trauma in relation to the local, Indigenous community. Learn how you can help us be committed to this work and be contextual stewards of this land.

We've got brand new collections for kids and babies, newly-designed hoodies and tees that honor our sacred place on earth, gifts for rituals, energy, candle gazing, or cozying up at home. We have digital gift certificates too! Each purchase from our online store supports our programs and the land.

The first time Sarana Miller experienced kirtan, she felt like she had found a piece of herself. Learn how chanting changed her life and how she honors this ancient practice as a person from the Jewish faith.

When you say “I’m going to be present,” is this a demand of yourself, a practice, or a way to bring it into your body so you actually embody the present? Russell and Linda Delman eloquently describe both and share why it’s more important than ever to understand the difference.

One family’s baby blessing, a ceremonial fire, and the ritual of connecting to the spirit world became kindling for a new collaboration with a California woman. Her artistry with nature frames a ritual to honor family, friendship, and self-nourishment.

To heal, we must face the hardest parts of our past. Honoring Native American Heritage Month, we offer a brief history of this sacred land and resources to help begin the cycle of healing and repair where you live.

A simple meditation may help with spaciness, anxiety, and challenges with concentration as world events continue to shift our realities from day to day. Bring your intention and a candle to your seat, and see where this journey takes you.

As easy as 1, 2, 3! Overnight Oats for breakfast at the Lodge is a moment of happiness and health. We got the recipe from a kitchen insider (wink) so you can make them at home.

If the pandemic woke you up to see the world’s crises with new eyes, you can make a difference. Two leaders from Search for Common Ground, the Nobel-nominated, global peacebuilding organization, explain how, why — and why you, right now.

A delicious vegan coconut curry recipe from a Central California family gives us reason to break bread and ponder the role of bread and togetherness across cultures and time.

Esalen’s executive chef spent years trying to make the perfect roasted chicken. Learn the one thing he did to get it right, and try his recipe for yourself – with chicken or turkey – to experience Esalen at home.

Do you have an awe practice? It can help us heal now, but beyond the pandemic, awe has huge benefits for the greater good. Dacher Keltner, Founding Director of the Greater Good Science Center at U.C. Berkeley, explains his latest research and what awe feels like, each day of your life.

Esalen News: On September 3, 2021 Esalen made the decision to require proof of vaccination for all faculty, staff, guests, and students. Here are some answers to the most frequently-asked questions about our current COVID guidelines.

One hundred episodes later, Voices of Esalen is still a deep and trusted platform for learning about the self and the soul. For International Podcast Day, host Sam Stern chose five episodes that moved him and inspired many others to dive even further into transformation.

How are you caring for your heart today? A spin on the expected “how are you,” we asked our Friends of Esalen this question. Their inspirational answers were practically a master class in self-care, self-awareness, and human connection.

September is Self-Care Awareness month. What are your self-care rituals and routines for fall? Esalen Live! Host and wellness consultant Christine Chen, shares the practical lifestyle science that helped her feel better, plus specific, practical tips to feel more in harmony with yourself and the season.

Pick a cup of wild blackberries to celebrate the end of the blackberry season and explore a classic Central Coast recipe from Big Sur Bakery — with some creative twists.

Is writing a “zen” and mindful practice? Author and guest blogger Janis Cooke Newman shares how support during the pandemic came from her own mind and “free writing” practice.

Did you know you start midlife in your 30s? Tackling midlife in transitions versus crisis helps us live authentically and honestly through the decades. September is National Healthy Aging Month. Learn more from Chip Conley, Esalen “elder” and founder of the Modern Elder Academy.

Layers of grief continue to surface as COVID presses on. Learn more about stigma, threats we can’t see, and how new losses pull at old losses. Get a deeper understanding about grief in the body and try a short practice with the author of The Grief Practice.

What’s in a bag? Aside from your essentials, there is a story behind our latest must-have from the book store. Find out how a simple stop over at a coffee shop turned into our new item of the season.

An oily little fish with a big role in Big Sur local history delivers heart health and a heartwarming memory just up the road on Highway 1. This is a simple, salty recipe you’ll want to rediscover, again and again.

If you feel guilty feeling happy, you may suffer from Weltschmerz. The remedy may be choosing gratitude over guilt. Is it rational? Is it possible? Esalen Faculty Ira Israel guest blogs in August for Admit You’re Happy Month.

No one will ever have to convince you to “eat your peas” if you go with these pea “tips.” Here’s an authentic Asian veggie recipe that’s ridiculously easy and quick for fall — or anytime, actually.

Your story can be told in three sentences. Darnell Walker, Rituals Writing Workshop teacher, shows us how to get started. If you think you’ve lost your groove and need to realign/reconnect, grab a journal and a pen, breathe deeply, and get started.

What’s your favorite way to relax? Regular, intentional relaxation helps us manage stress and supports our nervous systems. Learn more about how humans of Esalen relax in our latest Journal post for National Relaxation Day.

Discover a “Heartbeat Map” that could help guide you out of trauma and ultimately toward your true potential. Longtime Esalen faculty Lucia Horan shares more about the rhythms of your heart and what they say about your journey to healing.

The next big thing for insomniacs is also the least-studied compound from the hemp plant. August 8th is National CBD Day, and while the FDA considers regulating CBD, learn about the up-and-coming compounds: CB-G, C, and N.

We’re big fans of this luscious, Lavender Chevre Cheesecake recipe! Simple and light, a slice of this California creation will transport you right to your coastal vibe.

Imbibe in the simple summer ritual: take a personal moment in a special spot and refresh yourself with a cool beverage. Our barista supervisor shares a simple recipe with easy-to-find, fresh ingredients.

We get it now: you love layers! Our last collection sold out so quickly, we had to add some fresh summer options by popular demand. Learn how Heather Martin curated the new Summer Capsule Collection and why your purchase gives back.

What happens when you lose your sense of belonging? Steven Harper, Gestalt facilitator in the tradition of Dick Price, explains the value of regaining it through practicing connection, somatic intelligence, and true listening.

Former Artist in Residence Amy Yoshitsu explains the social infrastructure that causes suffering for many, plus a human infrastructure that helped ground her at Esalen.

We are excited to introduce and welcome our new group of artists in residence. Keep reading to get to know Jazsalyn, Coral, and mirrored fatality. If you're coming to our Big Sur campus and see them, please say hello.

On the heels of a controversial government report on UFOs, former Chairman of the Board Jeff Kripal (also a paranormal activity academician), tells the story of earlier Esalen inquiries into UFOs, which include a secret meeting.

Filmmaker and former Blues Clues writer Darnell Walker recently stayed at Esalen as part of our Artist in Residence program. In this Q&A, he shares about how his art could change the future and a conversation with someone who helped him understand that at the heart of his work is healing.

Do your actions today reflect your personal vision for the future? If the answer is no, there’s one thing that could be standing in your way: your daily pace. Zen meditation teacher Deborah Eden Tull shares thoughts on how to notice signs of imbalance, and offers tools for restoration.

Nine. That’s the magic number for the array of personality types that give you a clue about your deepest, authentic gifts. Each personality type indicates patterns of our own behavior based on our human psyche. Christin Chen interviews Russ Hudson, Enneagram Typologist and co-founder of the Enneagram Institute, to find out more.

Treat yourself to a beautifully curated selection of our favorite restorative sleep-enhancement tools, available now in the Esalen Store.

It’s easier to meditate when it’s quiet. Or is it? Dan Zigmond is a Zen priest, writer, and data scientist. His short answer is: yes, and that is where you begin. 

Yes, there is such a thing as a happiness spectrum, and you have agency to choose where you want to be on it, according to Ira Israel, psychotherapist and author of Beginner’s Guide to Happiness.

If you intentionally practice noticing your body sensations, your thoughts, current emotions, and what’s happening around you, you may very well be practicing Gestalt. Learn more about the practice from legacy teacher Dorothy Charles in our Esalen Spotlight interview.

In honor of International Yoga Day, we are spotlighting some of the practitioners and communities who reconnect us to the foundations of the ancient spiritual practice of yoga, reminding us that it is a powerful force for both social change and personal transformation.

Esalen's Christine Chen interviews facilitators Ben Geilhufe, LPCC (he/him/his) and Jen Hastings, MD (pronouns Jen) in advance of their upcoming workshop in Big Sur, Gender Journeys: Exploring Identity In Community.

An Interview with Raphael Cushnir, Author and Emotional Connection Coach

Learn more about some of our favorite CBD wellness brands, which we're excited to announce are now available for purchase in our online store.

Wrapping yourself in a blanket conjures up emotions of comfort, safety and sometimes the best memories of a vacation or retreat. As I began my research to find the perfect blanket for Esalen, I knew it had to be both functional and aesthetically representative of the land.

Esalen's Christine Chen interviews nature therapy guide Sylvie Rokab in advance of her upcoming workshop in Big Sur.