Joining Esalen as the new Healing Arts & Somatics Director is a homecoming of sorts for Douglas Drummond. Raised in New Zealand, in a family he describes as composed of either lawyers or massage therapists, Doug experienced at an early age the spectrum between the logical and the creative.
In his subsequent journeys, as a graduate of Cornell University, working for wellness centers and spas in New York, Maui and most recently Turks and Caicos, he has embraced this polarity by assuming leadership positions within the wellness industry while deepening his practice as a student, and teacher, of Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rythms and Mark Whitwell’s Heart of Yoga.
It was the former that connected him to his now wife Lucia Horan, an Esalen faculty leader and daughter of Esalen massage teacher Peggy Horan. Douglas, Lucia and their young daughter, Olivia, now call Big Sur home.
“I first came to Esalen to assist in a 5Rhythms workshop,” recalls Douglas. “My first impression was one of real expansiveness, natural beauty and wonderment. I felt the lineage and history of it coming through the natural environment as well as the spirit of the people there.” Douglas was introduced to Gabrielle Roth’s work in movement and dance, work she explored and taught at Esalen, through his mother.
“My mother met her (Gabrielle) on a plane flight. She shook her hand and Gabrielle asked her to be her massage therapist in New York.” He took his first 5Rhythms class at age 19 and was part of Gabrielle’s last teacher training program just prior to her death in 2012. “So much of our thoughts and feelings are difficult to articulate in words,” says Douglas in regards to the power of 5Rhythms, “and movement is the mother tongue to articulate the inexplicable.”
As Douglas steps into a leadership role with the Healing Arts & Somatics program, he is the first to celebrate the integral part it has played in the Esalen experience since the Institute’s earliest years. Today the Esalen massage, described as long, flowing strokes that unify both touch and presence, has been exported worldwide by certified practitioners.
“How I see the future of Healing Arts is one where we can capture the beautiful essence and legacy of people who have been here, and use that to tap into a sense of belonging, connectivity and potential. Esalen is a special and remote place, and is an incubator for ideas to be explored. It’s our responsibility to then share those ideas out into the world and make it a better place,” he adds.
In addition to his passion for his personal practice and professional dedication to wellness, Douglas points to his native Maori ancestry as something that is an essential part of him. “Ancestral life in New Zealand is really important,” says Douglas, whose mother is part Maori. “This connection allowed me to embrace local culture, traditions and practices in my own homeland and garner a deep respect and appreciation of our cultures globally.”
“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?
Joining Esalen as the new Healing Arts & Somatics Director is a homecoming of sorts for Douglas Drummond. Raised in New Zealand, in a family he describes as composed of either lawyers or massage therapists, Doug experienced at an early age the spectrum between the logical and the creative.
In his subsequent journeys, as a graduate of Cornell University, working for wellness centers and spas in New York, Maui and most recently Turks and Caicos, he has embraced this polarity by assuming leadership positions within the wellness industry while deepening his practice as a student, and teacher, of Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rythms and Mark Whitwell’s Heart of Yoga.
It was the former that connected him to his now wife Lucia Horan, an Esalen faculty leader and daughter of Esalen massage teacher Peggy Horan. Douglas, Lucia and their young daughter, Olivia, now call Big Sur home.
“I first came to Esalen to assist in a 5Rhythms workshop,” recalls Douglas. “My first impression was one of real expansiveness, natural beauty and wonderment. I felt the lineage and history of it coming through the natural environment as well as the spirit of the people there.” Douglas was introduced to Gabrielle Roth’s work in movement and dance, work she explored and taught at Esalen, through his mother.
“My mother met her (Gabrielle) on a plane flight. She shook her hand and Gabrielle asked her to be her massage therapist in New York.” He took his first 5Rhythms class at age 19 and was part of Gabrielle’s last teacher training program just prior to her death in 2012. “So much of our thoughts and feelings are difficult to articulate in words,” says Douglas in regards to the power of 5Rhythms, “and movement is the mother tongue to articulate the inexplicable.”
As Douglas steps into a leadership role with the Healing Arts & Somatics program, he is the first to celebrate the integral part it has played in the Esalen experience since the Institute’s earliest years. Today the Esalen massage, described as long, flowing strokes that unify both touch and presence, has been exported worldwide by certified practitioners.
“How I see the future of Healing Arts is one where we can capture the beautiful essence and legacy of people who have been here, and use that to tap into a sense of belonging, connectivity and potential. Esalen is a special and remote place, and is an incubator for ideas to be explored. It’s our responsibility to then share those ideas out into the world and make it a better place,” he adds.
In addition to his passion for his personal practice and professional dedication to wellness, Douglas points to his native Maori ancestry as something that is an essential part of him. “Ancestral life in New Zealand is really important,” says Douglas, whose mother is part Maori. “This connection allowed me to embrace local culture, traditions and practices in my own homeland and garner a deep respect and appreciation of our cultures globally.”
“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?
Joining Esalen as the new Healing Arts & Somatics Director is a homecoming of sorts for Douglas Drummond. Raised in New Zealand, in a family he describes as composed of either lawyers or massage therapists, Doug experienced at an early age the spectrum between the logical and the creative.
In his subsequent journeys, as a graduate of Cornell University, working for wellness centers and spas in New York, Maui and most recently Turks and Caicos, he has embraced this polarity by assuming leadership positions within the wellness industry while deepening his practice as a student, and teacher, of Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rythms and Mark Whitwell’s Heart of Yoga.
It was the former that connected him to his now wife Lucia Horan, an Esalen faculty leader and daughter of Esalen massage teacher Peggy Horan. Douglas, Lucia and their young daughter, Olivia, now call Big Sur home.
“I first came to Esalen to assist in a 5Rhythms workshop,” recalls Douglas. “My first impression was one of real expansiveness, natural beauty and wonderment. I felt the lineage and history of it coming through the natural environment as well as the spirit of the people there.” Douglas was introduced to Gabrielle Roth’s work in movement and dance, work she explored and taught at Esalen, through his mother.
“My mother met her (Gabrielle) on a plane flight. She shook her hand and Gabrielle asked her to be her massage therapist in New York.” He took his first 5Rhythms class at age 19 and was part of Gabrielle’s last teacher training program just prior to her death in 2012. “So much of our thoughts and feelings are difficult to articulate in words,” says Douglas in regards to the power of 5Rhythms, “and movement is the mother tongue to articulate the inexplicable.”
As Douglas steps into a leadership role with the Healing Arts & Somatics program, he is the first to celebrate the integral part it has played in the Esalen experience since the Institute’s earliest years. Today the Esalen massage, described as long, flowing strokes that unify both touch and presence, has been exported worldwide by certified practitioners.
“How I see the future of Healing Arts is one where we can capture the beautiful essence and legacy of people who have been here, and use that to tap into a sense of belonging, connectivity and potential. Esalen is a special and remote place, and is an incubator for ideas to be explored. It’s our responsibility to then share those ideas out into the world and make it a better place,” he adds.
In addition to his passion for his personal practice and professional dedication to wellness, Douglas points to his native Maori ancestry as something that is an essential part of him. “Ancestral life in New Zealand is really important,” says Douglas, whose mother is part Maori. “This connection allowed me to embrace local culture, traditions and practices in my own homeland and garner a deep respect and appreciation of our cultures globally.”
“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