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

Shine: A Creative Journey From Darkness Into Light Through Yoga, Sound, and Chakra Activation

December 18–22, 2023

Cristi Christensen and Daphne Tse

“Every day is a renewal, every morning the daily miracle. This joy you feel is life.”  

Winter solstice is a time for reflection where we can go deeper into our own darkness and touch the quietest place within the soul. It is an opportunity for rebirth. Come and honor this powerful time of renewal with Cristi Christensen and Daphne Tse for a guided process of reawakening and reimagining the life and world you want to create in 2024.  

Guided by the map of the chakra system, one of the greatest gifts that the ancient yogis and rishis of India shared with the world, we will reignite the seven flames of consciousness using the rituals of yoga, sound, writing, dance, and live music.

Throughout our week together, we will immerse ourselves in ritual practices that support the creative process of rekindling our power and light, including:

  • Cristi’s signature, dynamic chakra-based vinyasa, woven with mudra, pranayama, and prayer.
  • Daphne’s signature SoulSong process of voice and sound activations to unlock the power of your expression and experience your whole being as a musical instrument of healing, creativity, and expression.
  • Nada, mantra, and bhakti yoga practices.
  • Movement and chakra sounding meditations.
  • Deeply nourishing soma and yoga nidra practice, accompanied by live music.
  • Journaling exercises.
  • Release and Ignite: A solstice fire ceremony and singing circle.

Together, we will explore the ancient maps of the chakras and access the Divine through the creative arts of movement, meditation, sound, art, writing, and divination tools. With Daphne’s expert guidance, discover and create your SoulSong, a practice of uncovering, celebrating, and strengthening your authentic voice. Spend time in nature and the nourishing mineral baths to activate your chakras through the five sacred elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Join us for a journey from the darkness to the light and a week of celebration, rebirth, and infinite possibilities.  

Recommended reading: Chakra Rituals by Cristi Christensen

Cristi Christensen

Cristi Christensen, a former elite gymnast and diver, overcame a severe injury and advanced-stage cancer, inspiring her teachings on resilience and healing. Author of Chakra Rituals, she leads global programs emphasizing body-rooted practices and women's empowerment.

Full Bio

Daphne Tse

Daphne Tse is an international recording artist and yoga teacher. She has toured globally merging her Bhakti yoga teachings with her signature SoulSongs music. She has released five albums and has been featured on music compilations in the US, Japan and China. 

Full Bio