Visitors are now able to access Esalen as well as other businesses and trails in northern Big Sur via twice-daily convoys on Highway 1 operated by Caltrans.
Convoys run only at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. These are the only opportunities to travel into and out of Big Sur, so visitors must plan accordingly.
We are exploring ways to create Esalen experiences beyond our campus in Big Sur. Esalen Institute is collaborating with various like-minded spaces to share some of Esalen's story along with six decades (and counting!) of an experimental journey — past to present. Reach out if you’d like to explore an experience with us in your neck of the woods.
Since its founding in the early 1960s, Esalen has been a crucible for ideas and practices that reshaped psychology, spirituality, and culture at large. Born from the vision of Michael Murphy and Dick Price, Esalen Institute drew on the wisdom of a parade of cultural visionaries, including Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, Charlotte Selver, Joseph Campbell, Abraham Maslow, Ida Rolf, Fritz Perls, and Gabrielle Roth. What unfolded was a daring experiment in human potential: Gestalt therapy and encounter groups, psychedelic inquiry and breathwork, feminist consciousness-raising and Soviet-American peace exchanges, bodywork and movement practices that would guide and influence mainstream wellness for decades into the present day.
Esalen became known as a place where the boundaries of self and society could be questioned and reimagined. This part lecture/part interactive participatory course traces that arc, from the wild seeds of the 1960s, through the new age and feminist awakenings of the 1970s, to the international bridge-building and embodied creativity of the 80s and 90s, and into the contemporary era of trauma work, ecology, and intergenerational healing.
During these 4 courses, participants (seekers) will take part in the practices that defined them, from Gestalt awareness circles to guided breathwork. The Experiment of Being offers a window into cultural history and a living taste of the methods that continue to shape how we imagine human growth, belonging, and possibility.
Since its founding in the early 1960s, Esalen has been a crucible for ideas and practices that reshaped psychology, spirituality, and culture at large. Born from the vision of Michael Murphy and Dick Price, Esalen Institute drew on the wisdom of a parade of cultural visionaries, including Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, Charlotte Selver, Joseph Campbell, Abraham Maslow, Ida Rolf, Fritz Perls, and Gabrielle Roth. What unfolded was a daring experiment in human potential: Gestalt therapy and encounter groups, psychedelic inquiry and breathwork, feminist consciousness-raising and Soviet-American peace exchanges, bodywork and movement practices that would guide and influence mainstream wellness for decades into the present day.
Esalen became known as a place where the boundaries of self and society could be questioned and reimagined. This part lecture/part interactive participatory course traces that arc, from the wild seeds of the 1960s, through the new age and feminist awakenings of the 1970s, to the international bridge-building and embodied creativity of the 80s and 90s, and into the contemporary era of trauma work, ecology, and intergenerational healing.
During these 4 courses, participants (seekers) will take part in the practices that defined them, from Gestalt awareness circles to guided breathwork. The Experiment of Being offers a window into cultural history and a living taste of the methods that continue to shape how we imagine human growth, belonging, and possibility.
with Sam Stern
This multimedia lecture explores the earlier history of Esalen Institute, specifically 1970's through the 1980s, as American culture underwent tumultuous social and political changes.
During the pivotal period of the 1960's, Esalen emerged as a hub for the pursuit of human potential and the exploration of the self. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the rise of hippie counterculture, and the subsequent shifts into the 1970s and the Reagan-era 80's, Esalen remained proudly unique and wide-ranging in its focus. From parapsychology to Rolfing to Gestalt Therapy for Dentists, no topic was left unexamined. Marathon encounter groups, The Zen of Tennis, and Creative Divorce all had their place alongside more traditional inquiries into psychology, spiritual practice, and self-development. Central to this exploration was Esalen's "No One Captures the Flag" ethos, ensuring that no single ideology or belief system would dominate the discourse, allowing a diversity of thought to flourish.
Through Esalen’s storied archival photos and video, we’ll examine how Esalen navigated a changing social landscape, fostering a vibrant community that embraced the strange and the unconventional while still reflecting the institute's commitment to exploring the frontiers of human experience. We will analyze how Esalen's pursuit of the "Future of the Body" and its exploration of feminism, California culture, and geopolitical conflict resolution contributed to its enduring legacy.
This multimedia lecture explores the earlier history of Esalen Institute, specifically 1970's through the 1980s, as American culture underwent tumultuous social and political changes.
During the pivotal period of the 1960's, Esalen emerged as a hub for the pursuit of human potential and the exploration of the self. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the rise of hippie counterculture, and the subsequent shifts into the 1970s and the Reagan-era 80's, Esalen remained proudly unique and wide-ranging in its focus. From parapsychology to Rolfing to Gestalt Therapy for Dentists, no topic was left unexamined. Marathon encounter groups, The Zen of Tennis, and Creative Divorce all had their place alongside more traditional inquiries into psychology, spiritual practice, and self-development. Central to this exploration was Esalen's "No One Captures the Flag" ethos, ensuring that no single ideology or belief system would dominate the discourse, allowing a diversity of thought to flourish.
Through Esalen’s storied archival photos and video, we’ll examine how Esalen navigated a changing social landscape, fostering a vibrant community that embraced the strange and the unconventional while still reflecting the institute's commitment to exploring the frontiers of human experience. We will analyze how Esalen's pursuit of the "Future of the Body" and its exploration of feminism, California culture, and geopolitical conflict resolution contributed to its enduring legacy.
Experience an evening of inspiration and connection at Meraki COCOON as we host a special presentation with the Esalen Institute. This unique event will explore the history of altered states of consciousness, including Esalen’s groundbreaking contributions to psychology and spirituality.
The evening will feature a talk by SAM STERN, host of the Voices of Esalen podcast, sharing insights into how the institute's founders pushed the boundaries of human experience through sensory deprivation, holotropic breathwork, psychedelics, and more.
The evening will also include MonÁxi’s transformative Ritual Concert, a sacred musical experience designed to reset your vibration, ground you to the Earth, and connect you to the Universe.
Gather in the serene space of Meraki COCOON for an unforgettable evening of learning, music, and community.
Experience an evening of inspiration and connection at Meraki COCOON as we host a special presentation with the Esalen Institute. This unique event will explore the history of altered states of consciousness, including Esalen’s groundbreaking contributions to psychology and spirituality.
The evening will feature a talk by SAM STERN, host of the Voices of Esalen podcast, sharing insights into how the institute's founders pushed the boundaries of human experience through sensory deprivation, holotropic breathwork, psychedelics, and more.
The evening will also include MonÁxi’s transformative Ritual Concert, a sacred musical experience designed to reset your vibration, ground you to the Earth, and connect you to the Universe.
Gather in the serene space of Meraki COCOON for an unforgettable evening of learning, music, and community.
with Sam Stern
“A Historic Trip: Altered States at Esalen” traces how altered states of consciousness have shaped the legacy and ethos of Esalen Institute. During the early 1960s, Esalen emerged as a haven for self-exploration and the pursuit of human potential, surfacing against the backdrop of proto-hippie counterculture, the anti-war movement, and the growing embrace of Eastern thought. Through the societal shifts of the 1970s and Reagan-era 1980s, Esalen remained dedicated to exploring the outer reaches of both consciousness and culture: from psychedelics to parapsychology, from geopolitical conflict resolution to Gestalt Therapy for dentists, few topics were left unexamined and unexplored. Marathon encounter groups, primal scream, Creative Divorce and 5 Rhythms dance all found their place, alongside deeper inquiries into psychology, spirituality, and self-development.
Through archival photos and videos, we’ll examine how Esalen navigated a changing social landscape and built an unconventional, non-academic system of inquiry that pushed the boundaries of human experience.
“A Historic Trip: Altered States at Esalen” traces how altered states of consciousness have shaped the legacy and ethos of Esalen Institute. During the early 1960s, Esalen emerged as a haven for self-exploration and the pursuit of human potential, surfacing against the backdrop of proto-hippie counterculture, the anti-war movement, and the growing embrace of Eastern thought. Through the societal shifts of the 1970s and Reagan-era 1980s, Esalen remained dedicated to exploring the outer reaches of both consciousness and culture: from psychedelics to parapsychology, from geopolitical conflict resolution to Gestalt Therapy for dentists, few topics were left unexamined and unexplored. Marathon encounter groups, primal scream, Creative Divorce and 5 Rhythms dance all found their place, alongside deeper inquiries into psychology, spirituality, and self-development.
Through archival photos and videos, we’ll examine how Esalen navigated a changing social landscape and built an unconventional, non-academic system of inquiry that pushed the boundaries of human experience.
with Sam Stern
In this three-part lecture series, join the legacy of Esalen, the famed institute that has shaped the boundaries of human potential.
Since the 1960s, the Esalen Institute has been a haven for dreamers, seekers, and the tie-dyed intelligentsia — a place where individual and collective potential collide. In this three-session course, we invite you to step into Esalen’s unique legacy, exploring its history of altered states of consciousness, its transformative practices, and its lasting cultural impact. From its unofficial explorations with psychedelics to the development of somatics, Gestalt, and the influential Esalen "check-in," participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Esalen’s unique contributions to self-discovery and collective growth.
Designed for curious minds, dreamers, and quiet rebels alike, this course invites participants to tap into their own potential for healing and transformation. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain insight into Esalen’s history and lineage of practices but also learn tools to apply in your own life, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or broader community efforts. Through the exploration of Esalen’s ethos of openness and community, this course offers more than just knowledge — it provides an opportunity for hope, connection, and self-actualization.
In this three-part lecture series, join the legacy of Esalen, the famed institute that has shaped the boundaries of human potential.
Since the 1960s, the Esalen Institute has been a haven for dreamers, seekers, and the tie-dyed intelligentsia — a place where individual and collective potential collide. In this three-session course, we invite you to step into Esalen’s unique legacy, exploring its history of altered states of consciousness, its transformative practices, and its lasting cultural impact. From its unofficial explorations with psychedelics to the development of somatics, Gestalt, and the influential Esalen "check-in," participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Esalen’s unique contributions to self-discovery and collective growth.
Designed for curious minds, dreamers, and quiet rebels alike, this course invites participants to tap into their own potential for healing and transformation. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain insight into Esalen’s history and lineage of practices but also learn tools to apply in your own life, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or broader community efforts. Through the exploration of Esalen’s ethos of openness and community, this course offers more than just knowledge — it provides an opportunity for hope, connection, and self-actualization.
Sadia Bruce, JJ Jeffries, and Sam Stern
Join the Esalen faculty Sadia Bruce, JJ Jeffries, and Sam Stern in an illustrated presentation on the Esalen Institute, from the past into the present!
Join the Esalen faculty Sadia Bruce, JJ Jeffries, and Sam Stern in an illustrated presentation on the Esalen Institute, from the past into the present!
Sam Stern and Erik Davis
Discover the pivotal role of Esalen Institute in the exploration and dissemination of altered states of consciousness through this engaging lecture with Sam Stern, host of the Voices of Esalen podcast. As a sanctuary for spiritual awakening and personal transformation since its founding in 1962, Esalen Institute diligently pushed the boundaries of conventional modes of being, thought, and action to expand the frontiers of human potential.
Through archival documentary footage and photographs, participants will examine how Esalen’s offerings — including psychedelic exploration, humanistic psychology, and inventive somatic practices — were instrumental in the development of the human potential movement, in turn influencing wider culture. Our journey will also highlight the contributions of pivotal figures associated with Esalen, including Myron Stolaroff, Leo Zeff, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, Stan Grof, John C. Lilly, Terence McKenna, and Rick Doblin, offering insights into their philosophies and the legacy of their work in today’s resurgent interest in psychedelic psychotherapy and holistic well-being.
During the latter part of the event, Sam engages in dialogue with Alembic co-founder Erik Davis for further exploration of these topics.
Discover the pivotal role of Esalen Institute in the exploration and dissemination of altered states of consciousness through this engaging lecture with Sam Stern, host of the Voices of Esalen podcast. As a sanctuary for spiritual awakening and personal transformation since its founding in 1962, Esalen Institute diligently pushed the boundaries of conventional modes of being, thought, and action to expand the frontiers of human potential.
Through archival documentary footage and photographs, participants will examine how Esalen’s offerings — including psychedelic exploration, humanistic psychology, and inventive somatic practices — were instrumental in the development of the human potential movement, in turn influencing wider culture. Our journey will also highlight the contributions of pivotal figures associated with Esalen, including Myron Stolaroff, Leo Zeff, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, Stan Grof, John C. Lilly, Terence McKenna, and Rick Doblin, offering insights into their philosophies and the legacy of their work in today’s resurgent interest in psychedelic psychotherapy and holistic well-being.
During the latter part of the event, Sam engages in dialogue with Alembic co-founder Erik Davis for further exploration of these topics.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
