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

Meditation and Modern Life: A Weekend Meditation Retreat

July 23–25, 2021

With Dan Zigmond

Nearly 2,500 years ago, Buddha worried we had become too distracted — and that was before paper, let alone smartphones. Now many of our days are filled with convenient distractions that promise happiness while mostly delivering busyness and frustration. So many of us today live life in a hectic fog, working too much and noticing too little. When was the last time you gave something your undivided attention?

There is a different way. During this weekend retreat, we will disconnect, slow down, and meditate together. We will learn the magic of stillness, of bringing our full awareness to what is now. The weekend follows a gentle schedule of sitting meditation punctuated by brief lectures, group discussion, relaxing meals, and a special on-your-own practice in the healing baths, all while we explore the process and practice of more mindful living. We’ll be listening to our own bodies, noticing the food we eat, and truly engaging with the people around us – all to explore what it means to be fully present.

Whether you’re new to meditation or have been practicing for years, you will leave prepared to bring mindfulness to your work and home. Come reclaim a healthier and happier way to be.

Recommended reading: Dan Zigmond, Buddha’s Office: The Ancient Art of Waking Up While Working Well.

Dan Zigmond

Dan Zigmond is a Zen priest, writer, and data scientist. He is a Guiding Teacher at Jikoji Zen Center, and has led teams at Apple, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Google. His most recent book is Buddha's Office: The Ancient Art of Waking Up While Working Well.

Full Bio