I want to express my deep gratitude for the scholarship that made my time at Esalen possible. This past week I attended the Designing the Life We Want workshop, and it was truly life-changing. The teachers held the space with such wisdom and tenderness, and I’m equally grateful for the Esalen staff who quietly supported every part of the experience. Being on the land itself — so alive, so generous — felt like being held in a way I didn’t even realize I needed. I’m profoundly thankful for the opportunity your scholarship provided.

These five days offered a depth of insight, growth, and transformation that I’m still gently integrating. I’m heading home feeling replenished and grounded, carrying this energy into my life, my work, and my community. The world often feels harsh and bewildering — so loud, so fast, and at times painfully violent. As a sensitive person working in the environmental space, I’ve frequently felt overwhelmed and hopeless. But being on Esalen’s healing land, surrounded by kind, creative, like-hearted people, softened something inside me. It reminded me that there is still so much beauty, care, and hope woven through this world.

I’m returning with a renewed sense of belonging and purpose, and with the quiet confidence that I can bring my full self forward again — gently, bravely, and in service to something larger than myself.

Thank you, truly!