Traveling to Esalen for the first time? Or the 10th time? Be sure to take a look at Esalen’s revitalized Experiential Program schedule when you arrive to see what’s offered during your stay. Posted on the bulletin board in the Lodge, the Experiential (previously “Movement”) Program schedule offers diverse and unique ways that guests can experience Esalen beyond the workshop. Classes are offered every day across the Esalen campus – beginning just after sunrise and continuing through the evening time.
“I look at the Experiential Program as a playground,” explains Dawn Fielding, the Program Coordinator for the past eight years. “It gives people an opportunity to learn, stretch, and explore through different offerings like never before.” Dawn encourages the leaders on the program to think creatively with the classes they offer and to try new concepts that they haven’t done before. “These classes are crafted for everyone. Our leaders are experienced at making all participants feel comfortable no matter their level.”
For a unique experience combining meditation and movement, check out “Sensory Awareness Chakra Meditation & Dance Awake.” J.J. Jeffries, Esalen staff member and resident has offered this class on the program for the past 12 years. This class is focused on body-centered awareness and geared toward first-timers to Esalen, yet many of J.J.’s students return to the class every time they visit. J.J. uses a series of invitations to help participants discover their own edge by using the body’s wisdom as a compass, and incorporating a sense of play in order to expand and grow their edge. J.J. explains, “By tracking sensations and breath, we can learn what the body is trying to tell us. When we do this as a group, we build connection to one another… creating a pathway to joy and heart opening.”
Experiential classes change week to week – with offerings from yoga and dance, to “Painting from your Subconscious” and “Plant Spirit Meditation.” Interested in finding a deeper connection to Esalen’s community and staff? You might want to join in on the morning harvest in the Farm and Garden where you can get your hands dirty, digging in the dirt harvesting the day’s greens for the kitchen. Or, you may even consider volunteering in Esalen’s renowned Kitchen. Chef Sarah Schleuder shares about her experience working shoulder to shoulder with volunteers in the Esalen Kitchen. “It’s just a sweet experience. It gives a person the opportunity to be a part of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of Esalen. It fosters a
sense of connection and a way to meet new people. I love seeing volunteers come through the line; helping themselves to a dish they took part in preparing. It’s humbling and heartening to have our guests be of service in this way.”
If you find yourself curious about new ways to play, connect and explore on your next visit to Esalen, be sure to see the latest offerings on the Experiential Program.
“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?
Traveling to Esalen for the first time? Or the 10th time? Be sure to take a look at Esalen’s revitalized Experiential Program schedule when you arrive to see what’s offered during your stay. Posted on the bulletin board in the Lodge, the Experiential (previously “Movement”) Program schedule offers diverse and unique ways that guests can experience Esalen beyond the workshop. Classes are offered every day across the Esalen campus – beginning just after sunrise and continuing through the evening time.
“I look at the Experiential Program as a playground,” explains Dawn Fielding, the Program Coordinator for the past eight years. “It gives people an opportunity to learn, stretch, and explore through different offerings like never before.” Dawn encourages the leaders on the program to think creatively with the classes they offer and to try new concepts that they haven’t done before. “These classes are crafted for everyone. Our leaders are experienced at making all participants feel comfortable no matter their level.”
For a unique experience combining meditation and movement, check out “Sensory Awareness Chakra Meditation & Dance Awake.” J.J. Jeffries, Esalen staff member and resident has offered this class on the program for the past 12 years. This class is focused on body-centered awareness and geared toward first-timers to Esalen, yet many of J.J.’s students return to the class every time they visit. J.J. uses a series of invitations to help participants discover their own edge by using the body’s wisdom as a compass, and incorporating a sense of play in order to expand and grow their edge. J.J. explains, “By tracking sensations and breath, we can learn what the body is trying to tell us. When we do this as a group, we build connection to one another… creating a pathway to joy and heart opening.”
Experiential classes change week to week – with offerings from yoga and dance, to “Painting from your Subconscious” and “Plant Spirit Meditation.” Interested in finding a deeper connection to Esalen’s community and staff? You might want to join in on the morning harvest in the Farm and Garden where you can get your hands dirty, digging in the dirt harvesting the day’s greens for the kitchen. Or, you may even consider volunteering in Esalen’s renowned Kitchen. Chef Sarah Schleuder shares about her experience working shoulder to shoulder with volunteers in the Esalen Kitchen. “It’s just a sweet experience. It gives a person the opportunity to be a part of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of Esalen. It fosters a
sense of connection and a way to meet new people. I love seeing volunteers come through the line; helping themselves to a dish they took part in preparing. It’s humbling and heartening to have our guests be of service in this way.”
If you find yourself curious about new ways to play, connect and explore on your next visit to Esalen, be sure to see the latest offerings on the Experiential Program.
“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?
Traveling to Esalen for the first time? Or the 10th time? Be sure to take a look at Esalen’s revitalized Experiential Program schedule when you arrive to see what’s offered during your stay. Posted on the bulletin board in the Lodge, the Experiential (previously “Movement”) Program schedule offers diverse and unique ways that guests can experience Esalen beyond the workshop. Classes are offered every day across the Esalen campus – beginning just after sunrise and continuing through the evening time.
“I look at the Experiential Program as a playground,” explains Dawn Fielding, the Program Coordinator for the past eight years. “It gives people an opportunity to learn, stretch, and explore through different offerings like never before.” Dawn encourages the leaders on the program to think creatively with the classes they offer and to try new concepts that they haven’t done before. “These classes are crafted for everyone. Our leaders are experienced at making all participants feel comfortable no matter their level.”
For a unique experience combining meditation and movement, check out “Sensory Awareness Chakra Meditation & Dance Awake.” J.J. Jeffries, Esalen staff member and resident has offered this class on the program for the past 12 years. This class is focused on body-centered awareness and geared toward first-timers to Esalen, yet many of J.J.’s students return to the class every time they visit. J.J. uses a series of invitations to help participants discover their own edge by using the body’s wisdom as a compass, and incorporating a sense of play in order to expand and grow their edge. J.J. explains, “By tracking sensations and breath, we can learn what the body is trying to tell us. When we do this as a group, we build connection to one another… creating a pathway to joy and heart opening.”
Experiential classes change week to week – with offerings from yoga and dance, to “Painting from your Subconscious” and “Plant Spirit Meditation.” Interested in finding a deeper connection to Esalen’s community and staff? You might want to join in on the morning harvest in the Farm and Garden where you can get your hands dirty, digging in the dirt harvesting the day’s greens for the kitchen. Or, you may even consider volunteering in Esalen’s renowned Kitchen. Chef Sarah Schleuder shares about her experience working shoulder to shoulder with volunteers in the Esalen Kitchen. “It’s just a sweet experience. It gives a person the opportunity to be a part of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of Esalen. It fosters a
sense of connection and a way to meet new people. I love seeing volunteers come through the line; helping themselves to a dish they took part in preparing. It’s humbling and heartening to have our guests be of service in this way.”
If you find yourself curious about new ways to play, connect and explore on your next visit to Esalen, be sure to see the latest offerings on the Experiential Program.
“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