After a year of experimentation and exploration, including piloting programs at Esalen and Big Creek Reserve, Big Sur Park School began its spring 2019 session on April 1st. The early childhood program with a relational, ecological-based curriculum has secured an agreement with Esalen at Gazebo Park, the one-acre outdoor meadow that was home to Gazebo Park School for 40 years.
“Big Sur Park School was created through a collaborative, community-driven effort to serve the families and children of Big Sur,” says executive director Jessica Tamayo. “We are providing a place-based educational experience that supports children’s development and fosters a living connection with the natural world.”
Jessica credits community volunteers, Big Creek Reserve and Esalen and its Gazebo donors for contributing to the school’s success through seed money, mentorship and other support. Esalen community members Camille Wright and Candice Isphording sit on the school’s board of directors.
Big Sur Park School was granted a 501(c)3 nonprofit status last year and will be offering a year-round program for children ages two to six. “Our goal is to continue expanding our offerings to increase our impact and enrich community life in Big Sur,” adds Jessica. The school will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The school currently serves local Big Sur families only; however, Esalen workshop participants may inquire directly at info@bigsurparkschool.org regarding day visits. It is advised to schedule at least four weeks prior to a workshop date.
The Big Sur Park School curriculum draws from the cultural legacy of Gazebo, which includes Gestalt practices of communication. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the school as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. According to writings by Janet, by maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace, and using the child’s environment as a learning tool, the child can learn self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline in his or her earliest years.
For more information, including availability, please contact info@bigsurparkschool.org. You can also visit http://www.bigsurparkschool.org or follow Big Sur Park School on Facebook.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
After a year of experimentation and exploration, including piloting programs at Esalen and Big Creek Reserve, Big Sur Park School began its spring 2019 session on April 1st. The early childhood program with a relational, ecological-based curriculum has secured an agreement with Esalen at Gazebo Park, the one-acre outdoor meadow that was home to Gazebo Park School for 40 years.
“Big Sur Park School was created through a collaborative, community-driven effort to serve the families and children of Big Sur,” says executive director Jessica Tamayo. “We are providing a place-based educational experience that supports children’s development and fosters a living connection with the natural world.”
Jessica credits community volunteers, Big Creek Reserve and Esalen and its Gazebo donors for contributing to the school’s success through seed money, mentorship and other support. Esalen community members Camille Wright and Candice Isphording sit on the school’s board of directors.
Big Sur Park School was granted a 501(c)3 nonprofit status last year and will be offering a year-round program for children ages two to six. “Our goal is to continue expanding our offerings to increase our impact and enrich community life in Big Sur,” adds Jessica. The school will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The school currently serves local Big Sur families only; however, Esalen workshop participants may inquire directly at info@bigsurparkschool.org regarding day visits. It is advised to schedule at least four weeks prior to a workshop date.
The Big Sur Park School curriculum draws from the cultural legacy of Gazebo, which includes Gestalt practices of communication. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the school as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. According to writings by Janet, by maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace, and using the child’s environment as a learning tool, the child can learn self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline in his or her earliest years.
For more information, including availability, please contact info@bigsurparkschool.org. You can also visit http://www.bigsurparkschool.org or follow Big Sur Park School on Facebook.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
After a year of experimentation and exploration, including piloting programs at Esalen and Big Creek Reserve, Big Sur Park School began its spring 2019 session on April 1st. The early childhood program with a relational, ecological-based curriculum has secured an agreement with Esalen at Gazebo Park, the one-acre outdoor meadow that was home to Gazebo Park School for 40 years.
“Big Sur Park School was created through a collaborative, community-driven effort to serve the families and children of Big Sur,” says executive director Jessica Tamayo. “We are providing a place-based educational experience that supports children’s development and fosters a living connection with the natural world.”
Jessica credits community volunteers, Big Creek Reserve and Esalen and its Gazebo donors for contributing to the school’s success through seed money, mentorship and other support. Esalen community members Camille Wright and Candice Isphording sit on the school’s board of directors.
Big Sur Park School was granted a 501(c)3 nonprofit status last year and will be offering a year-round program for children ages two to six. “Our goal is to continue expanding our offerings to increase our impact and enrich community life in Big Sur,” adds Jessica. The school will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The school currently serves local Big Sur families only; however, Esalen workshop participants may inquire directly at info@bigsurparkschool.org regarding day visits. It is advised to schedule at least four weeks prior to a workshop date.
The Big Sur Park School curriculum draws from the cultural legacy of Gazebo, which includes Gestalt practices of communication. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the school as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. According to writings by Janet, by maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace, and using the child’s environment as a learning tool, the child can learn self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline in his or her earliest years.
For more information, including availability, please contact info@bigsurparkschool.org. You can also visit http://www.bigsurparkschool.org or follow Big Sur Park School on Facebook.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org