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 Five Elements in Yoga and Chinese Medicine

October 4–8, 2021

with Paula Wild and Jiling Lin

The Five Elements of Yoga and Chinese Medicine are archetypal energies, dynamically interweaving micro- and macrocosmic ways to form our bodies, lives, and world. Expand your perspective on the energetic underpinnings of our existence by engaging in these two divergent — yet similar — philosophical views.

In this workshop, we will engage in practices that deeply connect us with the Five Elements within and around us. Explore your own relationship with these elements through nourishing daily yoga and movement practices, connection with nature, journaling, creative practices, improvisational vocalization and storytelling, and physical play.

We will begin each morning with a foundational practice, including yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation, then root your understanding with engaging lectures, dynamic discussions, and integrative movement practices.

We’ll dive into the Five Elements of Yoga on Tuesday, followed by an exploration of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine on Wednesday. On Thursday, integrate fully and personalize these experiences for yourself with discussion and creative explorations. We’ll finish our day with an offering of a relaxing group acupuncture experience.

What to Expect in this dynamic workshop:

  • Yoga asana, pranayama and meditation practices to support optimal health and wellbeing. These time-tested tools provide tangible “take-home” skills and foundational knowledge of how the Five Elements can support you in your life.
  • Engaging lecture presentations that will explore two different perspectives on the Five Elements through the lenses of both Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine.
  • Partner activities that cultivate connection and deepen sharing and understanding — activities that can be practiced with a classmate and taken home and shared with anyone in your life.
  • Facilitated reflection time in nature to cultivate a powerful sense of place, allowing you to receive and experience deep nourishment to feel held and welcomed, and to enjoy a sense of full belonging.
  • Journaling to create space for personal reflection and integration.
  • Creative practices to support us in exploring the archetypal energies of the Five Elements within ourselves and the world around us.

Join us for this incredible journey into connection with self. Take home tangible skills and foundational knowledge of how the Five Elements can support you in living your best life. Receive and experience deep nourishment in a loving container. Feel held, welcomed and enjoy a sense of full belonging. Connect with the beauty of your inner and outer wilderness, resourcing abundant wild, creative, infinite potential to fully thrive.  

We warmly welcome all levels of experience in yoga. We will have daily movement sessions, with modifications offered for most levels of mobility. This workshop is not appropriate for someone in a wheelchair.

Paula Wild

Paula Wild is a yoga teacher and certified Yoga Therapist who has taught trauma-informed yoga workshops from a perspective of accessibility and inclusion for over a decade. Her passion and expertise lies in offering yoga and mindfulness practices in the outdoors with a focus on our deep connection to nature and the Five Elements.

Full Bio

Jiling Lin

Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac), herbalist, and yoga teacher. Her integrative medical practice in Ventura, CA and holistic workshops, retreats, and writings empower thriving health and environmental stewardship in our bodies, communities, and world.

Full Bio