One year ago, Esalen launched a redesigned month-long Residential Study program that synthesizes a new configuration of study, service, community building and inner growth. Steeped in Esalen’s mission to catalyze deep change in self and society, the program invites students to co-create an immersive experience that facilitates learning and inner transformation.
“Residential Study is designed around four major areas,” explains Esalen Programs Project Coordinator Dawn Fielding, who oversees many aspects of the program. “These include your workshop, which is your specific area of study; your community of fellow Residential Students; your service department, whether it’s the kitchen, cabins, Farm & Garden or grounds; and your day-to-day experience at Esalen, including the Experiential Program, evening presentations, Gestalt facilitation, massage and more. All of these areas interweave like a big infinity symbol, because each area flows into the others and all of them together make the program.”
Whereas in the past Esalen offered two different types of residential courses, the new format presents one unified program. There is more class time for workshops, and all students live near one another on property. “I think the biggest difference in our new program is the deep connection within the cohorts,” Dawn says. “They are so bonded and so supportive of one another, it’s amazing. After they leave they are still in connection and still supporting each other through the things they explored here at Esalen. I believe this is one of our biggest mission impacts.”
From the beginning, students experience a full immersion in Esalen history, non-profit mission and core practices. Dr. Kim Gilbey, a Residential Study program alumna with a background in organizational anthropology, serves Esalen as a consultant and was instrumental in shaping the new program. “Part of what we're doing with the new curriculum is that on Day One, we're helping people get a better context of what Esalen is,” Kim explains. “Understanding the rich history and what has shaped this place is an important piece of understanding the residential experience.”
In parallel, students explore Esalen’s many paths of inner transformation. “We were able to bring in that deep connection that Esalen offers and the self-inquiry that people are here for. It was about helping people live from a place of self-compassion and courage, saying, ‘Who am I and who do I want to be?,’” adds Kim.
Whether through their workshop’s course of study, daily departmental practices that focus on present-moment awareness and communication, or the inevitable challenges that arise in a tight-knit live/work community, students gain important tools to use while at Esalen and beyond. “What we’re encouraging them to do is come to a fuller understanding of, ‘Why am I reacting a certain way to situations that come up? What is underneath my reaction?’” observes Dawn. “It’s a fundamental self-awareness that we’re cultivating as a real part of everyday life.”
2018 Residential Study workshops ranged across many topics, offering immersive learning in everything from collaborative leadership to Gestalt. In their program, meditation teachers Bill and Susan Morgan applied ancient mindfulness practices to the challenges of modern life; Misha Rauchwerger led participants into a new paradigm of permaculture and sustainable living; writer-performer Ann Randolph’s workshop supported students in discovering and voicing their deepest truths; and Brad Lewis offered an interdisciplinary path to personal leadership through literature, specifically the Bhagavad-Gita and Hamlet. Past and upcoming Residential Study programs include massage, CranioSacral therapy, Gestalt Relational Constellations and yoga.
One year in, the new program format and curriculum are yielding positive results. “I have photos of the students at the beginning of the month and at the end,” says Dawn. “They look like completely different people. I love witnessing them unfurl from their known way of being in the world, and getting to know that there are other ways to be. I even love the messy parts, because in order to transform, often you have to go through a lot of challenging things that bring you to your edge. And they bring themselves through to the other side. It’s really powerful to watch.”
Kim, who taught in one of the initial months on leadership, also points to the unique ways Esalen encourages awareness. “Esalen is a place that invites people to open to greater awareness of themselves and their lived experience. This may come in any number of ways — from Gestalt practice, which helps participants grow through a richer understanding of themselves and their interactions with others, to meditation, yoga, reflection, and day-to-day life at Esalen. Although different in structure, the intent is largely the same. All of these are opportunities to practice awareness.”
Learn more about the Residential Study Program, including upcoming programs.
“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?
One year ago, Esalen launched a redesigned month-long Residential Study program that synthesizes a new configuration of study, service, community building and inner growth. Steeped in Esalen’s mission to catalyze deep change in self and society, the program invites students to co-create an immersive experience that facilitates learning and inner transformation.
“Residential Study is designed around four major areas,” explains Esalen Programs Project Coordinator Dawn Fielding, who oversees many aspects of the program. “These include your workshop, which is your specific area of study; your community of fellow Residential Students; your service department, whether it’s the kitchen, cabins, Farm & Garden or grounds; and your day-to-day experience at Esalen, including the Experiential Program, evening presentations, Gestalt facilitation, massage and more. All of these areas interweave like a big infinity symbol, because each area flows into the others and all of them together make the program.”
Whereas in the past Esalen offered two different types of residential courses, the new format presents one unified program. There is more class time for workshops, and all students live near one another on property. “I think the biggest difference in our new program is the deep connection within the cohorts,” Dawn says. “They are so bonded and so supportive of one another, it’s amazing. After they leave they are still in connection and still supporting each other through the things they explored here at Esalen. I believe this is one of our biggest mission impacts.”
From the beginning, students experience a full immersion in Esalen history, non-profit mission and core practices. Dr. Kim Gilbey, a Residential Study program alumna with a background in organizational anthropology, serves Esalen as a consultant and was instrumental in shaping the new program. “Part of what we're doing with the new curriculum is that on Day One, we're helping people get a better context of what Esalen is,” Kim explains. “Understanding the rich history and what has shaped this place is an important piece of understanding the residential experience.”
In parallel, students explore Esalen’s many paths of inner transformation. “We were able to bring in that deep connection that Esalen offers and the self-inquiry that people are here for. It was about helping people live from a place of self-compassion and courage, saying, ‘Who am I and who do I want to be?,’” adds Kim.
Whether through their workshop’s course of study, daily departmental practices that focus on present-moment awareness and communication, or the inevitable challenges that arise in a tight-knit live/work community, students gain important tools to use while at Esalen and beyond. “What we’re encouraging them to do is come to a fuller understanding of, ‘Why am I reacting a certain way to situations that come up? What is underneath my reaction?’” observes Dawn. “It’s a fundamental self-awareness that we’re cultivating as a real part of everyday life.”
2018 Residential Study workshops ranged across many topics, offering immersive learning in everything from collaborative leadership to Gestalt. In their program, meditation teachers Bill and Susan Morgan applied ancient mindfulness practices to the challenges of modern life; Misha Rauchwerger led participants into a new paradigm of permaculture and sustainable living; writer-performer Ann Randolph’s workshop supported students in discovering and voicing their deepest truths; and Brad Lewis offered an interdisciplinary path to personal leadership through literature, specifically the Bhagavad-Gita and Hamlet. Past and upcoming Residential Study programs include massage, CranioSacral therapy, Gestalt Relational Constellations and yoga.
One year in, the new program format and curriculum are yielding positive results. “I have photos of the students at the beginning of the month and at the end,” says Dawn. “They look like completely different people. I love witnessing them unfurl from their known way of being in the world, and getting to know that there are other ways to be. I even love the messy parts, because in order to transform, often you have to go through a lot of challenging things that bring you to your edge. And they bring themselves through to the other side. It’s really powerful to watch.”
Kim, who taught in one of the initial months on leadership, also points to the unique ways Esalen encourages awareness. “Esalen is a place that invites people to open to greater awareness of themselves and their lived experience. This may come in any number of ways — from Gestalt practice, which helps participants grow through a richer understanding of themselves and their interactions with others, to meditation, yoga, reflection, and day-to-day life at Esalen. Although different in structure, the intent is largely the same. All of these are opportunities to practice awareness.”
Learn more about the Residential Study Program, including upcoming programs.
“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?
One year ago, Esalen launched a redesigned month-long Residential Study program that synthesizes a new configuration of study, service, community building and inner growth. Steeped in Esalen’s mission to catalyze deep change in self and society, the program invites students to co-create an immersive experience that facilitates learning and inner transformation.
“Residential Study is designed around four major areas,” explains Esalen Programs Project Coordinator Dawn Fielding, who oversees many aspects of the program. “These include your workshop, which is your specific area of study; your community of fellow Residential Students; your service department, whether it’s the kitchen, cabins, Farm & Garden or grounds; and your day-to-day experience at Esalen, including the Experiential Program, evening presentations, Gestalt facilitation, massage and more. All of these areas interweave like a big infinity symbol, because each area flows into the others and all of them together make the program.”
Whereas in the past Esalen offered two different types of residential courses, the new format presents one unified program. There is more class time for workshops, and all students live near one another on property. “I think the biggest difference in our new program is the deep connection within the cohorts,” Dawn says. “They are so bonded and so supportive of one another, it’s amazing. After they leave they are still in connection and still supporting each other through the things they explored here at Esalen. I believe this is one of our biggest mission impacts.”
From the beginning, students experience a full immersion in Esalen history, non-profit mission and core practices. Dr. Kim Gilbey, a Residential Study program alumna with a background in organizational anthropology, serves Esalen as a consultant and was instrumental in shaping the new program. “Part of what we're doing with the new curriculum is that on Day One, we're helping people get a better context of what Esalen is,” Kim explains. “Understanding the rich history and what has shaped this place is an important piece of understanding the residential experience.”
In parallel, students explore Esalen’s many paths of inner transformation. “We were able to bring in that deep connection that Esalen offers and the self-inquiry that people are here for. It was about helping people live from a place of self-compassion and courage, saying, ‘Who am I and who do I want to be?,’” adds Kim.
Whether through their workshop’s course of study, daily departmental practices that focus on present-moment awareness and communication, or the inevitable challenges that arise in a tight-knit live/work community, students gain important tools to use while at Esalen and beyond. “What we’re encouraging them to do is come to a fuller understanding of, ‘Why am I reacting a certain way to situations that come up? What is underneath my reaction?’” observes Dawn. “It’s a fundamental self-awareness that we’re cultivating as a real part of everyday life.”
2018 Residential Study workshops ranged across many topics, offering immersive learning in everything from collaborative leadership to Gestalt. In their program, meditation teachers Bill and Susan Morgan applied ancient mindfulness practices to the challenges of modern life; Misha Rauchwerger led participants into a new paradigm of permaculture and sustainable living; writer-performer Ann Randolph’s workshop supported students in discovering and voicing their deepest truths; and Brad Lewis offered an interdisciplinary path to personal leadership through literature, specifically the Bhagavad-Gita and Hamlet. Past and upcoming Residential Study programs include massage, CranioSacral therapy, Gestalt Relational Constellations and yoga.
One year in, the new program format and curriculum are yielding positive results. “I have photos of the students at the beginning of the month and at the end,” says Dawn. “They look like completely different people. I love witnessing them unfurl from their known way of being in the world, and getting to know that there are other ways to be. I even love the messy parts, because in order to transform, often you have to go through a lot of challenging things that bring you to your edge. And they bring themselves through to the other side. It’s really powerful to watch.”
Kim, who taught in one of the initial months on leadership, also points to the unique ways Esalen encourages awareness. “Esalen is a place that invites people to open to greater awareness of themselves and their lived experience. This may come in any number of ways — from Gestalt practice, which helps participants grow through a richer understanding of themselves and their interactions with others, to meditation, yoga, reflection, and day-to-day life at Esalen. Although different in structure, the intent is largely the same. All of these are opportunities to practice awareness.”
Learn more about the Residential Study Program, including upcoming programs.
“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