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

The Essence of Esalen: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, Community

July 27 – August 23, 2024

Sadia Bruce, J.J. Jeffries, Cara Chandler, and Jovinna Chan

Join us for an extended opportunity to explore the true essence of Esalen, and find yourself in the process. Like a snapshot of all that we do here on campus, this workshop is composed of enlivening and heart-opening classes that are driven by Esalen’s founding areas of focus: Heart, Mind, Body, Spirit, and Community.

During this month-long program, a cohort of like-minded students will have the opportunity to lean into the richness and diversity of programming that has both grown up on campus and is being infused into its current culture. In addition to working in service to the running of Esalen, the workshop classes have been designed to support the process of healing, transformation, and joy.

Classes will be led by the Esalen Resident Faculty Team, each bringing something uniquely transformative to the daily experience. Practices will include:

  • Gestalt Awareness Practices
  • Esalen-style “check-ins”
  • combinations of breathwork, yoga, and inspirational writing practice
  • 5Rhythms dance and movement
  • And more!

Come experience Esalen for a heartful and healing month of service and transformation!

Sadia Bruce

Combining her expertise in breath-centered, therapeutic yoga, her reverence for ecology, her energetic gifts and an understanding of practice as ritual and portal, Sadia guides you to and through a quietly electrifying experience of your own embodiment that frees your energy and ignites your spirit.

Full Bio

JJ Jeffries

JJ Jeffries is an elder at Esalen — Mentor, Gestalt and Embodied Awareness practitioner, musician, and memory-keeper.  Though being is his preferred state, he is intensely curious about all things doing leading to being.

Full Bio

Cara Chandler

Cara is a Hatha Yoga RYT certified yoga teacher, Yoga Nidra certified, has a bachelor's in Film & Television studies and a master's in Psychology. She spent over a decade working in the TV industry, helping storytellers find their voice and share authentic stories. Her unique teaching style blends storytelling, movement, and connection with the intuitive voice.

Full Bio

Jovinna Chan

Jovinna Chan, E-RYT 500, YACEP, is a trained personal transformational facilitator, yoga teacher trainer, conscious dance teacher, and performing artist. Through an alchemical combination of movement, spiritual inquiry, nature, and sound healing, she leads transformational programs around the world.

Full Bio