Guillermo Martinez brings a profound sense of reverence and craft to Go Within, guiding participants in drum-making and ancestral sound practices that connect them with the rhythms of the earth. A master of Mesoamerican instruments, Martinez leads participants into a meditative space where each drumbeat and flute note feels like an invocation, grounding individuals in a lineage of ancient wisdom. Creating instruments under his guidance becomes an act of healing and intention, a way to honor both the land and spirit. Guillermo’s deep-rooted knowledge and respect for indigenous traditions create a bridge between participants and the timeless rhythms that link all beings, offering an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and connection to the sacred. Guillermo will teach a series of workshops for Go Within: drum- and rattle-making experiences, a workshop on care of and communion with your Native American flute — he’ll have instruments for sale — and will give a performance.

Tabernis brings an otherworldly quality to Go Within with their atmospheric, medieval-inspired soundscapes that transport participants to a realm beyond ordinary time. Using instruments like the kora and the Persian tar, the ensemble’s music evokes a space of mystery and contemplation, perfect for those seeking to explore deep listening and meditative presence. Their unique blend of ancient sounds allows each participant to feel a sense of transcendence and timelessness, as if carried on waves of music to places untouched by the modern world. In the quiet winter months at Esalen, Tabernis’ ethereal, resonant sounds create a cocoon of magic that invites participants to journey inward and connect with a world that feels both intimate and profoundly expansive. Tabernis will pull back the veil on their mysterious art forms with workshops on rhythm, a talk on instrument fabrication, and a number of performances, including a sound ceremony at the baths.

As Go Within’s Artist-in-Residence, Shahzad Ismaily will guide participants through an immersive journey of musical discovery and inner expression. Known for his remarkable ability to blend instruments and genres, Shahzad will lead workshops that invite participants to explore music as a practice of deep listening, presence, and creativity. Acting as a “creative doula,” he supports each individual in uncovering their unique voice and rhythm, whether through improvisational exercises, mindful music-making, or reflective journaling sessions. Shahzad’s workshops are a space for experimenting, playing, and releasing expectations, allowing participants to connect with their authentic creative pulse. With his warm, intuitive approach, he fosters an environment of safety and support, encouraging everyone to embrace vulnerability and the magic of creative flow. As he weaves in atmospheric piano and other instruments throughout the series, Shahzad becomes both guide and collaborator, helping participants bring forth the music and inspiration that lives within them.

Experiencing Snow Raven at Esalen during the Go Within series is a truly enchanting journey into sound, nature, and self. Known for her innovative “arctic beatbox” and rooted in the shamanic traditions of her Siberian ancestors, Snow Raven’s teachings invite participants to explore the voice as a primal instrument of connection and expression. Her sessions delve into deep listening, guiding participants to mimic the sounds of nature — birdsong, animal calls, the whisper of wind — awakening a playful, childlike curiosity within. Snow Raven’s presence is a bridge between the ancient and the present, her voice echoing ancestral rhythms that reconnect us to the land and our origins. Through her artistry and wisdom, participants are led into a space where voice becomes a tool for both personal expression and collective resonance, fostering a sense of unity, creativity, and profound reverence for the natural world. Join Snow Raven for workshops on unlocking connection to your own voice, and to multiple performances, including a sound ceremony at the baths.