Arts & Culture

Both the Esalen Bookstore and our online shop have received glow-ups to be go-to destinations for your seasonal shopping. To help steer your present journey with meaningful presents, we present our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide! Here are ten special items perfect for sharing some Esalen joy with your loved ones.

We pop into the Bookstore to learn what inspires Merchandising Manager Heather Martin as she curates the Esalen swag “that the land speaks through” — and how this former fashionista found meaningful purpose through Esalen’s mission.

As the nights grow chilly, we’re cozying up with five books to help us discover, calm, expand, and reach our centennial birthdays. This quintet of titles by workshop leaders, wellness giants, cutting-edge philosophers, and intrepid explorers will inspire you to transform inside and out through some life-sustaining practices and recipes.

As the world faces massive challenges, we embrace childlike wonder as we charge ever forward. In that spirit, we’re finding wit, wisdom, whimsy, and inspiration through children’s books (and the lives of their authors) this September. Share this mix of new titles and classics with the youth in your life, or enjoy solo to lighten your spirit as you keep fighting for a better future for the next generation.

With this insightful and diverse assortment, we face the many tests before us and embrace them as a grand set of brilliant opportunities. Everything can be met with grace, and it can all become a chance for growth. And we can rise to any challenge — with support.

Just as greenery emerges from the chilly dormancy of winter, we are excitedly bursting into the vernal months — ready for change. Spring is the season to reach further and become more, but rapid growth requires sun and water. That means new ideas and renewed inspiration.

This month, we walk in the metaphorical footsteps of Michael Murphy and Dick Price by reading the great works and great men that inspired them. Maslow, Myers, Huxley, James, and Sri Aurobindo — giants of psychology, spirituality, philosophy, literature, and more who deeply influenced the founders — and founding — of Esalen.

As the year closes and we take some time to consider all that has passed, we also imagine what can come next — all there is to learn, to understand, and to become. To offer guidance, new passions, and hopes, we’re turning to new works from six brilliant Esalen faculty, each with a valuable gift to share.

The holiday season is marked by generosity and gratitude. With mindful intention, we selected ten items from the bookstore to support your fluency in gift giving. Embrace community with fellow dreamers and seekers through thoughtful presents that embody the spirit of Esalen.

As the summer heat ripens our spirits, we're meditating on the earth and its lessons — on sustenance, survival, and growth.

This month, we're looking inward to celebrate a few of our favorite in-house authors and delve deep into the topics and themes vital to the institute — because creating outward change begins with the development of inner strength.

This month, we’re considering how we can change our outlook without psychedelics (though we remain big fans). Instead, find out how to dream, breathe, or dance your way into a different you.

“With beauty and grace, we set the stage for people to have an amazing inner journey here, creating the space for all to reach their Human Potential.” Esalen’s chief operating officer envisions a new era for the next generation of thought leaders — “We are developing a secure place through training and professional and personal development,” she says excitedly — while staying laser-focused on providing guests memorable experiences.

For April, we’re focused on the concept of healing and the myriad ways Esalen’s visitors can mend from life’s many wounds while here on campus. There are many paths to recovery and transformation — and multiple dimensions that require us to harness powerful forces to achieve some form of restoration. To this end, we’ve selected five books with varied themes, disparate concerns, and radically diverse forms of healing, though ultimately the peace and harmony they are reaching for are all part of a very unified whole. 

Pursuing your potential is an ongoing process that resonates differently for each of us. Whatever your goals, guidance can often be found from the greats. Look upon their works, but do not despair! Instead, be inspired to grow mighty.

This month, we search for love in all its myriad forms — philosophically, spiritually, bodily, and psychologically. Here are a few titles to deepen your understanding for the type of love you desire.

As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Michael Murphy’s mystical bestseller “Golf in the Kingdom”, you have the opportunity to join a Zoom call on Friday, September 23, 2022 with Michael, legendary golf coach Fred Shoemaker, and John Abendroth from Hooked on Golf.

As the weather cools and the kids settle back into in-person classes, September 15 marks National Hispanic American Heritage Month. To celebrate this confluence, we’re recommending some fantastic authors to enjoy with the clever teens and young adults in your life.

This month, to honor Women’s Equality day and the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, we’re celebrating the brave suffragists, learning about other sheroes of American herstory, and considering the challenging future facing us all. Here are four titles to enjoy this August that will inspire us all to strive for even greater equality!

This month, we’re celebrating freedom while contemplating its many forms. The responsibility of protecting and expanding our liberation is ongoing, noble, and challenging. It’s the work of a lifetime — and we can always reset and start again. Join us this month and try one of these brilliant titles, all available now at the Esalen store.

To celebrate Pride Month, we've selected a few of our favorite LGBTQIA titles that reflect on how incredibly far we’ve come — while sitting in recognition of the real inclusive work we still have ahead.

Expand your world and discover freedom with the strokes of your own paintbrush. Michele Cassou, founder of Point Zero Painting, explains how to let go of the rules and embrace all the layers of life.

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.

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.

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.

Atlanta’s Danny Fluker, Jr. is a writer, yoga teacher, IT professional, and wellness advocate. He’s also the founder of Black Boys OM and — as of March 15th — Esalen’s current Artist In Residence. We chatted with Danny halfway through his stay on campus.

The connection between artists and creative spirits is a foundational part of Esalen’s lineage. We piloted the Artist in Residence program (AiR) last year with Sharon Virtue. Now, the full program officially launches with three exciting artists who span the creative spectrum.

Ken Dychtwald, the “Age Wave” guru, arrived at Esalen in 1970 in the pursuit of human potential and spent the next 50 years embracing every aspect of Esalen’s beauty, holistic learning, mental and physical enrichment, and deep sense of community. As Esalen shaped Ken’s life, he had a part in Esalen’s own evolution — which he explores in his 18th book, a sort-of memoir of his life’s journey toward truth and self-discovery, Radical Curiosity: One Man's Search for Cosmic Magic and a Purposeful Life.

As an author, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and Mindful Relationship Coach, Esalen faculty Ira Israel knows how to swim deep waters. He shares his latest book pick with Esalen News.

Esalen faculty Ann Randolph is an award-winning writer and performer with plenty of wit and verve. Her solo shows, 'Inappropriate in All the Right Ways', 'Loveland' and 'Squeeze Box' have been heralded and her workshops —at Esalen and beyond — aptly balance depth and humor. Ann shares her latest book pick with Esalen News.

We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen faculty and author Steve Almond shares his insights on the book he found to be a true “page-turner.”

When Esalen faculty Janis Nakano Spivack founded Brite Catalyst, her vision was clear: She wanted to create a company dedicated to teaching everyone to greet change and transition with more success. Janis shares her latest book picks with Esalen News.

Relish the power of film. The artform often goes beyond just “entertainment” to guide us through challenging times. As 2020 continues to offer its set of ongoing challenges, we turned to Esalen Inspirational Film Festival (EIFF) Co-founder Corinne Bourdeau who curated a stellar watch list to consider during this historic time. The following films make for great viewing—right now—and offer a powerful trifecta: they are uplifting, inspiring and educational.

“Consciousness is never static or complete but is an unending process of movement and unfoldment,” noted David Bohm, the late American scientist and theoretical physicist of the 20th century whose unorthodox ideas to quantum theory, neuropsychology and the philosophy of mind are given the spotlight in Infinite Potential: The Life and Ideas of David Bohm.Directed by Paul Howard, the compelling documentary was scheduled to be screened at the Esalen Inspirational Festival this year before the pandemic forced many events to be postponed. Now, the Fetzer Memorial Trust is offering a free online screening on June 20 to the Esalen community.

Esalen faculty Judith Orloff wears many creative hats — psychiatrist, empath, and best-selling author. She is also on the UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty and her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN and in the New York Times.

We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen News invites our faculty to share what’s on their nightstand and why.As lead singer/songwriter for Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips appreciates the creative process and recognizes the passion that goes behind creating compelling works.

We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen News invites our faculty to share what’s on their nightstand and why.

The Seventh Annual Esalen Inspirational Film Festival (EIFF) comes to life May 3–8 at Esalen, attracting acclaimed filmmakers and film enthusiasts to explore thought-provoking cinema in an interactive environment. This year the festival also welcomes a new artistic director, Trina Wyatt, who was founding director of Tribeca Film Festival and currently serves as founder and CEO of Conscious Good, a community-driven media platform dedicated to raising consciousness.

Longtime Esalen faculty Jean Houston, PhD, is a philosopher mentored by Margaret Mead and one of the principal founders of the human potential movement. She has written 26 books and is known for her human potential workshops. What inspiring read lies on Jean’s nightstand?

Former Esalen trustee and faculty member Chip Conley, whose moniker adorns the Conley Bookstore at Esalen, offers our first book recommendation. Chip is also a bestselling author and a hospitality entrepreneur who at 52 joined Airbnb, embracing the role of a new kind of elder.

The Esalen Inspirational Film Festival (EIFF) concluded its sixth annual gathering last month with its unique mixture of art and inspiration that is anything but ordinary. “Of course it's not traditional, because it’s happening at Esalen, and nothing about Esalen is typical!” says festival co-founder Corinne Bordeau. “There’s a sense of intimacy and collaboration that includes not only the filmmakers but every participant.” A social change aspect marks the festival as well and is reflected in the many films that are programmed such as this year’s “Biggest Little Farm” and “Nature to the Rescue”.

Cinema is a powerful creative art form that transports viewers to new realms, both real and imagined. Films entertain, of course, but they also have the potential to educate and inspire. From An Inconvenient Truth and The Cove to Waiting for Superman, films can expand our horizons and encourage us to take action in our lives and communities.

As a third-generation Big Sur native and an Esalen staff member, Kyle Evans sees creativity as a natural part of life. “It’s no coincidence there’s a high concentration of artists in Big Sur,” says Kyle. “Here, art is more than any one ‘thing;’ it’s a way of living and a way of being.”

I am a painter of nature and have had the pleasure of teaching painting at Esalen for the past 16 years. I have thought a great deal about the dance between the poles of limitations and the limitless as it pertains to creativity, and Esalen is a good place to contemplate both.

Born in Big Sur and raised at Nepenthe, her grandparents’ iconic restaurant located just north of Esalen, painter and Esalen faculty member Erin Lee Gafill grew up in a household where creativity reigned. From making holiday ornaments out of tin cans and building her own toys out of scrap wood to writing plays, painting and dancing, Erin continues to weave the creative process into all layers of her life.

The capacity to feel the experiences of others — whether grief or joy — can open your mind to a greater sense of belonging in the world, and close the divide that separates those you might otherwise consider irreconcilably different from yourself.

Travel can be transformational. The practice of writing about our travels — those "best trips" that continue in our memories long after we've returned home — can both deepen our experience and help to generate lasting insights. In their upcoming workshop The Traveler's Practice: Journey and Journal, renowned writers Pico Iyer and Janet Fitch will guide you through an exploration of your inner and outer worlds through the lens of travel writing.

Christina Dauenhauer is a landscape designer and artist living off the grid near Hood River, Oregon. Between 2009 and 2016 she was Esalen's Grounds Manager and specialized in succulent design. Christina recently returned to Esalen to lead Inspired by Nature: Creative Expression in Esalen’s Big Sur Landscape. We recently spoke with her on how nature inspires and informs her art.

This July, Dr. Francis Lu and Brother David Steindl-Rast will be hosting their annual seven-day seminar on mindful viewing of film, particularly those which feature Japanese and Western perspectives. Francis, the Luke & Grace Kim Endowed Professor in Cultural Psychiatry, Emeritus, in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and Brother David, noted author, psychologist, and Benedictine monk, have been co-leading these workshops at Esalen since 1990.