If you’ve been to Esalen recently, you likely noticed how lush and verdant the Farm & Garden now looks. A rainbow of lettuces, squashes, carrots, tomatoes, berries, spices, and tea leaves — along with other thoughtfully organized rows of edible delights — demonstrate growth in abundance.

We ever-evolving, always-seeking humans share the potential of budding crops. We, too, require cultivating, excellent conditions, and time to grow. Like the turquoise puka, the poppies, plumeria, and magnolias, our development processes can be gradual. Like our summer squash, when met with challenges, we are resilient. Just as plants can flourish when nourished with sunlight, water, and care, humans can unlock their potential through learning, self-discovery, and healing. The journey of growth, whether in plants or humans, reflects the importance of patience, adaptation, and creating a supportive environment — all while under the warm embrace of the mighty sun.

Like a farmer tends to their crops, individuals must invest time, attention, and effort into cultivating their own well-being. Self-reliance, investment in individual and collective potential, and consistent self-care practices can lead to a life that, when well-maintained, blooms and thrives harmoniously.

The Esalen Farm & Garden started to take shape in the late 1960’s, catalyzed by a Resident Fellow’s desire for crisp lettuce she could serve at impromptu dinner parties. It didn't take long for folk to become deeply invested in agriculture, dedicating themselves to cultivating nutrient-rich soil through rigorous composting, expert tilling, and an abundance of care. Watch our latest video to appreciate just how special and supporting this land can be for all of us.

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Winter is coming…This cozy, cocooning, re-energizing campus-wide festival is intentionally scheduled on the heels of Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year, also known as the sun’s rebirth. Taking inspiration from our wildly popular Summer Groove series, this invitation to turn inward is an opportunity to go deeper within ourselves, to embrace new techniques and to enhance existing practices that enliven creativity and curiosity burning within.

Starting the weekend of December 22–24, this winter celebration continues into the following week of December 25–29. Although we’re still building out the nourishing schedule details, Go Within will feature Esalen’s own signature faculty in collaboration with some very special guests. Together they will synergistically unleash unique gifts and niche skills that guide us in a journey of turning deeply within in order to effectively grow and expand out.

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Jillian Pranky, author of Deep Listening and faculty lead for Flowing Through Transition, shares a short, everyday healing practice to calm the body, break away from the feelings of never-ending stress, and create space to fully experience who we are.

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Manon Wilde of the Healing Arts department chats with two of our Farm & Garden agriculturalists about their Esalen origin stories and rebuilding the soil. “I want the garden to look like a postcard — a snack stand. You go out there with your bowl before lunch and grab what you want.”

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