This is an invitation to take a collective pause and create space for some renewed potential seeking and much-needed active listening. We are a reactive species, but we can, however, listen just as easily as we can lash out. We can search and create with our energies instead of grabbing and taking. Our research and discoveries can inspire expansive curiosities. Our desire to seek more is as potent as ever. Ideas, results, next steps — they don’t have to be binary concepts. Rather, they can evolve and transform over time.  

Today, when we step aside and observe, we see that it’s not a matter of, I got what I wanted. I didn’t get what I wanted. They got what they wanted. They didn’t get what they wanted. There is that liminal space where the “us” and “them” reside together — harmoniously and not. This togetherness is something we have been steadfastly holding onto. 

Perhaps some people feel like their work is done. For others, there may be feelings of defeat or hopelessness — that there’s nothing to be done. These are losing mentalities that are unhelpful for a promising 2025. Our work continues as individuals, as families, as friends, in neighborhoods, and in communities. As we witness (and for too many experience) the devastation of the horrifying Southern California fires, these themes feel even more pressing. Together, we heal, we grow, and we transform. 

If you’re in the LA or Bay Area at the end of January, we will be giving talks at the Philosophical Research Society, Meraki Cocoon, and the Berkeley Alembic. For everyone else, we are kicking off our Find Your Potential illustrated series representing each decade of Esalen, past, present, and onwards. Today, we begin with the 1960s! Find your potential in greater detail here, and then review the key. Be sure to stay tuned for the advancing decades in our upcoming newsletters.

Something very intimate and special unfolds within an Esalen cohort. These micro-communities begin Friday evenings as strangers over a weekend, on Monday for a weeklong workshop or self-guided exploration, or unfold spaciously during a month-long or three-month work study. We received beautifully moving testimonials that demonstrate the impact of the “We” to build a better, more stirring, and magnificent “I.” Read on to witness how that energy can reverberate beyond Esalen.

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Continuing our expansion of programming to include more of the thematic topics Michael Murphy co-founded Esalen Institute on, explore more of the new ideas that will be presented throughout the year by our Programs department.

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Following an introspective and meaningful December — in which we were nourished by the talents of Tabernis, Shahzad Ismaily, and Guillermo Martinez — we enthusiastically await the return of Indigenous Sakha artist Snow Raven for our final Go Within week in January.

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. Join Snow Raven for workshops on unlocking connection to your own voice, and to multiple performances, including a sound ceremony at the baths.

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Get insight into some on-growing projects the Farm & Garden are cultivating and learn how these sustainability and regenerative practices are planting the seeds for an abundant 2025.

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For those missing the culinary comforts created in the Esalen kitchen with ingredients from our Farm & Garden and the passion of our talented chefs, here are step-by-step instructions to enjoy a gastronomically delightful lunch and appetizer/snack at home, courtesy of sous chef D3.

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