Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Birth Queen: Rest, Revive, and Release Your Power

June 23–25, 2023

Rachel Nicks

As mothers, we wear a lot of crowns. Crowns are majestic and beautiful but also heavy, and we deserve to take them off sometimes and center ourselves.

Do you find yourself saying, “I need to make time for self-care”? Time to work out, for nails, for hair, time with friends, or even just time alone? You are busy, tired, talented, overwhelmed, overworked, and divine. You deserve time to be with yourself and in community with other mothers — to be still, to process, to heal, and to grow. We invite you to come to Esalen for this incredible wellness weekend created specifically for mothers — to move, to meditate, to process your birth, to strengthen your pelvic floor, and to activate your dreams.

The ultimate goal of this weekend together is for each of us to leave rested, revived, and seated in our power as a Birth Queen.

Together, we will:

  • Connect to the earth and be in the tranquility of the outdoors.
  • Move mindfully and with the support of our pelvic floor and transverse abdominal muscles.
  • Enjoy the gift of sharing time and space with other mothers to heal, grow, and learn from one another.

Mothering with the support of a village enables us to not just survive but to thrive. We will have an opportunity for yoga, pilates, strength training, meditation, nature walks, small group discussions, and, most importantly, peaceful rest. Bring your loved ones and give yourself the gift of a weekend of healing, laughter, sweat, and new beginnings. Center yourself and prepare to release your power into the world. What are you giving birth to next, Queen?

All levels are welcome. This is a workshop for all Mothers. Postpartum is forever. If you are pregnant, you are welcome. Modifications will be provided. Breastfeeding mamas are also welcome. We can make accommodations for you to store your milk.

Recommended reading: Untethered Soul by Michael Singer.

Rachel Nicks

Rachel Nicks was born in Oakland, CA. She is a mother of two beautiful sons and resides in New York City. She is a trainer, doula, lactation counselor, actor, and the founder of Birth Queen, a nonprofit to combat the Black maternal health crisis.

Full Bio