For Republic of Georgia native Mzia Dalakishvili, Esalen’s Gazebo Park School felt like home the first time she stepped foot in the outdoor school. She had been working as a Gestalt therapist when an educational program brought her to the U.S. and to a tour of Esalen. Her teacher, Felicia Carroll, had been a Gazebo teacher.
“So the first place Felicia takes us to is Gazebo,” said Mzia. “When I saw this place I was shocked. I immediately visualized myself at Gazebo. I didn’t even have to think about it – I just felt it. This is where I’m supposed to be.” During the visit, Gazebo Director Jessica Tamayo shared with her visitors that the school had an opening for an intern. Mzika recalls looking at her teacher’s face and knowing that she would be that intern.
But first she needed to return to Georgia, nearly 7,000 miles away from Big Sur and nestled between the Black Sea, Russia, and Turkey, to map out her journey.
Not only did Mzia return to intern for three months at Gazebo, she extended her stay by another two months. According to Mzia, she wanted more experience of herself as a teacher. “One of the most amazing things as a therapist, and then as a teacher, is to really listen to kids’ needs,” she said. “At Gazebo, we never project our needs on the children so it’s a safe place for them. It’s they who are doing, not we, and so they are allowed to experience everything fully – joy and disappointment.”
When Mzia returns to Georgia this Spring, she won’t be leaving Gazebo behind completely. In fact, she has received funding from family and friends to start her own early childhood school inspired in many ways by her time at Esalen. She envisions an outdoor school to support about 15 children. Her first priority is to train her team and share her knowledge of Gestalt, and her experiences at Esalen, with them.
“This is an amazing outdoor school,” said Mzia. “Everything has been magical and I feel like miracles have occurred in my life. It has been a very sweet experience. I am grateful that Esalen gave me the chance to prolong my stay here. They provided me a scholarship as otherwise I would not have been able to afford it.”
Typically a Gazebo internship lasts three months. In their first month, the intern is asked to “be a tree” and observe, absorb, and reflect on the experience. In the second month, an intern will begin to interact with the children, build relationships, and assist with daily activities. The final month includes the preparation of a project while developing as a teacher. Internship applications are currently being accepted and can be found online at: http://http://www.esalen.org/page/gazebo-park-school-internship-opportunities.
“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?
For Republic of Georgia native Mzia Dalakishvili, Esalen’s Gazebo Park School felt like home the first time she stepped foot in the outdoor school. She had been working as a Gestalt therapist when an educational program brought her to the U.S. and to a tour of Esalen. Her teacher, Felicia Carroll, had been a Gazebo teacher.
“So the first place Felicia takes us to is Gazebo,” said Mzia. “When I saw this place I was shocked. I immediately visualized myself at Gazebo. I didn’t even have to think about it – I just felt it. This is where I’m supposed to be.” During the visit, Gazebo Director Jessica Tamayo shared with her visitors that the school had an opening for an intern. Mzika recalls looking at her teacher’s face and knowing that she would be that intern.
But first she needed to return to Georgia, nearly 7,000 miles away from Big Sur and nestled between the Black Sea, Russia, and Turkey, to map out her journey.
Not only did Mzia return to intern for three months at Gazebo, she extended her stay by another two months. According to Mzia, she wanted more experience of herself as a teacher. “One of the most amazing things as a therapist, and then as a teacher, is to really listen to kids’ needs,” she said. “At Gazebo, we never project our needs on the children so it’s a safe place for them. It’s they who are doing, not we, and so they are allowed to experience everything fully – joy and disappointment.”
When Mzia returns to Georgia this Spring, she won’t be leaving Gazebo behind completely. In fact, she has received funding from family and friends to start her own early childhood school inspired in many ways by her time at Esalen. She envisions an outdoor school to support about 15 children. Her first priority is to train her team and share her knowledge of Gestalt, and her experiences at Esalen, with them.
“This is an amazing outdoor school,” said Mzia. “Everything has been magical and I feel like miracles have occurred in my life. It has been a very sweet experience. I am grateful that Esalen gave me the chance to prolong my stay here. They provided me a scholarship as otherwise I would not have been able to afford it.”
Typically a Gazebo internship lasts three months. In their first month, the intern is asked to “be a tree” and observe, absorb, and reflect on the experience. In the second month, an intern will begin to interact with the children, build relationships, and assist with daily activities. The final month includes the preparation of a project while developing as a teacher. Internship applications are currently being accepted and can be found online at: http://http://www.esalen.org/page/gazebo-park-school-internship-opportunities.
“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?
For Republic of Georgia native Mzia Dalakishvili, Esalen’s Gazebo Park School felt like home the first time she stepped foot in the outdoor school. She had been working as a Gestalt therapist when an educational program brought her to the U.S. and to a tour of Esalen. Her teacher, Felicia Carroll, had been a Gazebo teacher.
“So the first place Felicia takes us to is Gazebo,” said Mzia. “When I saw this place I was shocked. I immediately visualized myself at Gazebo. I didn’t even have to think about it – I just felt it. This is where I’m supposed to be.” During the visit, Gazebo Director Jessica Tamayo shared with her visitors that the school had an opening for an intern. Mzika recalls looking at her teacher’s face and knowing that she would be that intern.
But first she needed to return to Georgia, nearly 7,000 miles away from Big Sur and nestled between the Black Sea, Russia, and Turkey, to map out her journey.
Not only did Mzia return to intern for three months at Gazebo, she extended her stay by another two months. According to Mzia, she wanted more experience of herself as a teacher. “One of the most amazing things as a therapist, and then as a teacher, is to really listen to kids’ needs,” she said. “At Gazebo, we never project our needs on the children so it’s a safe place for them. It’s they who are doing, not we, and so they are allowed to experience everything fully – joy and disappointment.”
When Mzia returns to Georgia this Spring, she won’t be leaving Gazebo behind completely. In fact, she has received funding from family and friends to start her own early childhood school inspired in many ways by her time at Esalen. She envisions an outdoor school to support about 15 children. Her first priority is to train her team and share her knowledge of Gestalt, and her experiences at Esalen, with them.
“This is an amazing outdoor school,” said Mzia. “Everything has been magical and I feel like miracles have occurred in my life. It has been a very sweet experience. I am grateful that Esalen gave me the chance to prolong my stay here. They provided me a scholarship as otherwise I would not have been able to afford it.”
Typically a Gazebo internship lasts three months. In their first month, the intern is asked to “be a tree” and observe, absorb, and reflect on the experience. In the second month, an intern will begin to interact with the children, build relationships, and assist with daily activities. The final month includes the preparation of a project while developing as a teacher. Internship applications are currently being accepted and can be found online at: http://http://www.esalen.org/page/gazebo-park-school-internship-opportunities.
“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