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

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity, and Joy

May 31 – June 4, 2021

Shauna Shapiro

Dr. Shauna Shapiro — a leading scientist studying the effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on well-being — will teach you the most powerful, science-based practices to live a happier, healthier, more meaningful life. Learn basic brain science and get a clear roadmap for decreasing anxiety and stress, boosting creativity, and strengthening your sense of belonging and purpose.

Each day we will engage in meditative practices to cultivate greater mindfulness and self-compassion. We will also engage in practices to cultivate joy and a greater sense of connection. In addition we will practice daily mindful walking in nature and mindful movement (gentle enough for all). Science demonstrates that these practices can re-architect the very structure of your brains for greater calm, clarity, and joy.

This workshop is appropriate for anyone curious about mindfulness, self-compassion and how to deepen our connection with the beauty and mystery of life. All are welcome.

Recommended Reading: Shapiro, S. (2020) Good Morning, I love you: Mindfulness + Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire the Brain for Calm, Clarity + Joy. Sounds True, Boulder, CO.

Shauna Shapiro

Shauna Shapiro, PhD is a best-selling author, professor, and clinical psychologist. She is an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Shapiro has published over 150 papers and three critically-acclaimed books. Her TEDx Talk, What You Practice Grows Stronger, has been viewed over 2.5 million times.

Full Bio