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

Maps to Ecstasy: 5Rhythms® & Mindfulness Workshop

January 10–14, 2022

with Lucia Horan

“When we experience moments of ecstasy, we taste what life is meant to be.”
–Gabrielle Roth

Maps hold all the information that is required to lead us to where we want to go. What is your destination?

In times of turmoil and change, Somatic Meditation can assist you in navigating your way out of resistance and into ecstasy. Through Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms® movement practice and traditional seated meditation, one may build a skill set that supports balance, ease, and joy. If you have been looking to increase appreciation, gratitude, and happiness, then now is a perfect time to celebrate being alive in the wild wondrous, natural beauty of Esalen.

Each day will include discourses on 5Rhythms philosophy and embodied practice, seated meditation, Dharma talks, and sharing.

There is a science to achieving ecstatic states and this is the mastery I come to share. This workshop is designed for all who want to join in expanding the possibility of entering altered states in a natural way.

“I want to take you to a place of pure magic… It’s the place athletes call the ‘zone’. Buddhists call ‘satori’ and ravers call ‘trance’. I call it the Silver Desert. It’s a place of pure light that holds the dark within it. It’s a place of pure rhythm.”
–Gabrielle Roth

In an abundance of caution and with deep care for the health of all of our students, the faculty requires that students for this workshop submit a negative COVID test two days prior to arrival at Esalen. There are a variety of rapid and PCR tests to choose from. You will submit test results directly to the instructor. Information on how to communicate test results will be sent to you via email after registration.

Recommended Reading: Maps to Ecstasy by Gabrielle Roth; Sweat Your Prayers, by Gabrielle Roth; Connections, by Gabrielle Roth; Dancing With Dharma: Essays on Movement And Dance In Western Buddhism edited by Harrison Blum, Published by McFarland & Company.

Lucia Horan

Lucia Horan was born in 1976 on the sacred land of Esalen in Big Sur. She was raised in the Esalen community and taught the practices that were developed by those who came before her. She was certified as an Esalen® Massage practitioner in 1994. She became a Hatha & Ashtanga yoga teacher in 1997. Lucia received lifelong direct training with Gabrielle Roth in the 5Rhythms® moving meditation practice and has been teaching 5Rhythms since 1998. She also has a BA from Goddard College with a major in expressive art therapy.

Full Bio