Exploring and Restoring Our Path to Healing

February 3–5, 2023

LaVerne McLeod

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This workshop is a weekend of exploration and celebration. It is the season to express ourselves and play as we celebrate Black History Month together. We will also honor and recognize our own humanity as we explore what triggers us, and learn to respond in ways that lead to our own inner healing.

Using empathy exercises, interactive drama, visualization, song, and movement, we will work to uncover our layers of internalized bias and gently work through them. These pursuits are openings for us to move towards resilience and empowerment without shame or blame. This workshop can be helpful for those in leadership roles as well as those working with diverse populations.

During this workshop, we will experience:

Empathy exercises. A pathway to healing, this is an opportunity to roleplay a scenario and “walk in another’s shoes” to understand a viewpoint different from one’s own perspective.
Interactive dramatic presentations. These experiences give participants a way to introspect but will be entirely voluntary. They can choose or not choose, if they feel comfortable, to take a minor non-talking role. That way, participants do not feel they are on the “hot seat” or being pointed out. Also, participants can choose to make comments (or not) afterward based on their comfort level. This type of presentation also helps inspire one’s sensory perception as this learning style is visual and kinesthetic.
Trigger management. An important element when we deal with oppression of any sort is how we respond. Rather than react in a way that will be regretful, one can benefit from learning ways to manage triggers. Oftentimes, underneath the reaction is fear. When we learn how to manage our triggers, we can become more comfortable, which helps dismantle fear.

This workshop can be especially useful for educators, therapists, and anyone interested in a new and gentle approach to addressing unconscious bias and trigger work. Together, we shall build a bridge to connect our heart centers to the path that nourishes and heals us.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:

LaVerne McLeod

LaVerne McLeod is a Workshop Facilitator; Author-Corn Hollow and The Crossroads of Social and Climate Justice; Educator-teacher, counselor; TEDx presenter; Esalen Faculty; Big Sur Community Volunteer; Environmentalist as co-chairs Big Sur Advocates for a Green Environment; holds a Master’s Degree.

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Workshop Schedule

Friday
‍8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
‍Saturday
‍9:30 am – 12:45 pm
3:00 pm – 6:15 pm
‍Sunday
‍10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

All-inclusive Pricing

Join the Waitlist Join the Waitlist Register Now

LaVerne McLeod

February 3–5, 2023

Multiple Ways to Register

Workshop + Stay On-Site Individual Day Pass Workshop + Stay Off-Site

During this workshop, we will experience:

Empathy exercises. A pathway to healing, this is an opportunity to roleplay a scenario and “walk in another’s shoes” to understand a viewpoint different from one’s own perspective.
Interactive dramatic presentations. These experiences give participants a way to introspect but will be entirely voluntary. They can choose or not choose, if they feel comfortable, to take a minor non-talking role. That way, participants do not feel they are on the “hot seat” or being pointed out. Also, participants can choose to make comments (or not) afterward based on their comfort level. This type of presentation also helps inspire one’s sensory perception as this learning style is visual and kinesthetic.
Trigger management. An important element when we deal with oppression of any sort is how we respond. Rather than react in a way that will be regretful, one can benefit from learning ways to manage triggers. Oftentimes, underneath the reaction is fear. When we learn how to manage our triggers, we can become more comfortable, which helps dismantle fear.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:

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Workshop Schedule

Friday
‍8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
‍Saturday
‍9:30 am – 12:45 pm
3:00 pm – 6:15 pm
‍Sunday
‍10:00 am – 12:00 pm

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All-inclusive Pricing

February 3–5, 2023

LaVerne McLeod

This program is full. Find another.

Apply Now

Applications are closed.

During this workshop, we will experience:

Empathy exercises. A pathway to healing, this is an opportunity to roleplay a scenario and “walk in another’s shoes” to understand a viewpoint different from one’s own perspective.
Interactive dramatic presentations. These experiences give participants a way to introspect but will be entirely voluntary. They can choose or not choose, if they feel comfortable, to take a minor non-talking role. That way, participants do not feel they are on the “hot seat” or being pointed out. Also, participants can choose to make comments (or not) afterward based on their comfort level. This type of presentation also helps inspire one’s sensory perception as this learning style is visual and kinesthetic.
Trigger management. An important element when we deal with oppression of any sort is how we respond. Rather than react in a way that will be regretful, one can benefit from learning ways to manage triggers. Oftentimes, underneath the reaction is fear. When we learn how to manage our triggers, we can become more comfortable, which helps dismantle fear.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:

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Be part of a cohort of 16 learners engaging in a rigorous course of study, up to 26 hours per week over the span of four weeks. As a cement to your studies, you will be required to dedicate 26 hours of service each week in one of Esalen’s operational departments. Learn more.

The day after you arrive at Esalen, your program begins with an orientation meeting where you'll receive your class schedule and service assignment.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Housing for LEEP students is dorm-style and gender-inclusive, with four students sharing a room.

Program tuition of $2900 includes your accommodations, meals, and workshop. Once your application is accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $870 holds your space in the program.

COVID Update

Effective immediately in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

Apply Now

Campus

LaVerne McLeod

LaVerne McLeod

February 3–5, 2023