#myEsalen reflects the many ideas, feelings & experiences of what Esalen is to each of us. We all have a unique story to tell about how Esalen has impacted our life, #myEsalen is a vehicle for sharing what makes Esalen our own individually and collectively.
Soon after starting work at Esalen in Spring 2022, Mary O'Brien immersed herself entirely in the magic here on campus — and as a guest. "I took my professional 'hat' off and took a deep dive as a participant in a couple of consecutive workshops," she says. Two classes in ten days helped the director of development shed "decades of emotional detritus in a pile of tear-filled tissues and lightened [me] up tremendously!"
First, the music, meditations, and mandala work of Tantric Maṇḍala with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Keith Edward Cantú transported Mary "to another realm." She then delved even deeper with five transformative days of Holotropic Breathwork led by Stacia Butterfield, a student and protege of the great Stan Grof himself, she notes.
"After that extended stay, I felt a new and profound understanding of Esalen's power from the inside out."
Mary arrived to Esalen with a background in nonprofit fundraising for higher education, community philanthropy, conservation, and performing arts, and experience at institutions focused on sustainability and the environment — which prepared her for this current "joyous vocation."
"I love my role as an enthusiastic catalyst for Esalen's growth. I direct my daily energies toward cultivating the resources that will amplify our impact in the world while ensuring integral relationships with our donors," she explains, crediting kismet for guiding her to this path to the edge of the world.
Though long aware of Esalen's seminal role in the human potential and counterculture movements, Mary never imagined actually working at the nonprofit. ("I hadn't been looking for another job," she admits.) While checking the website for upcoming workshops, she spotted a description and position that felt truly meant for her: "I broke out in goosebumps and felt compelled to apply immediately!" She sums it up with one of CEO Camille Jeffries signature phrases: "Esalen finds you."
Mary remains enchanted by Esalen’s storied past and loves its "larger-than-life characters." (As an employee, she adds to that dynamic cast.) She embraces Esalen's current culture and all that is being created for tomorrow. "Our demographics are changing and diversifying. We are providing more scholarship opportunities than ever before. We've prioritized our commitment to healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous stewards of this land and the land itself. Our focus is shifting from the individual to the collective," she explains, adding that she considers her part — connecting Esalen's patrons and benefactors with "the ideas and initiatives that are most meaningful for them" — to be a privilege.
"This is powerful and fulfilling work which I regard wholeheartedly as a spiritual exchange," she says. "With their support, our vision is within reach."
“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?
#myEsalen reflects the many ideas, feelings & experiences of what Esalen is to each of us. We all have a unique story to tell about how Esalen has impacted our life, #myEsalen is a vehicle for sharing what makes Esalen our own individually and collectively.
Soon after starting work at Esalen in Spring 2022, Mary O'Brien immersed herself entirely in the magic here on campus — and as a guest. "I took my professional 'hat' off and took a deep dive as a participant in a couple of consecutive workshops," she says. Two classes in ten days helped the director of development shed "decades of emotional detritus in a pile of tear-filled tissues and lightened [me] up tremendously!"
First, the music, meditations, and mandala work of Tantric Maṇḍala with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Keith Edward Cantú transported Mary "to another realm." She then delved even deeper with five transformative days of Holotropic Breathwork led by Stacia Butterfield, a student and protege of the great Stan Grof himself, she notes.
"After that extended stay, I felt a new and profound understanding of Esalen's power from the inside out."
Mary arrived to Esalen with a background in nonprofit fundraising for higher education, community philanthropy, conservation, and performing arts, and experience at institutions focused on sustainability and the environment — which prepared her for this current "joyous vocation."
"I love my role as an enthusiastic catalyst for Esalen's growth. I direct my daily energies toward cultivating the resources that will amplify our impact in the world while ensuring integral relationships with our donors," she explains, crediting kismet for guiding her to this path to the edge of the world.
Though long aware of Esalen's seminal role in the human potential and counterculture movements, Mary never imagined actually working at the nonprofit. ("I hadn't been looking for another job," she admits.) While checking the website for upcoming workshops, she spotted a description and position that felt truly meant for her: "I broke out in goosebumps and felt compelled to apply immediately!" She sums it up with one of CEO Camille Jeffries signature phrases: "Esalen finds you."
Mary remains enchanted by Esalen’s storied past and loves its "larger-than-life characters." (As an employee, she adds to that dynamic cast.) She embraces Esalen's current culture and all that is being created for tomorrow. "Our demographics are changing and diversifying. We are providing more scholarship opportunities than ever before. We've prioritized our commitment to healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous stewards of this land and the land itself. Our focus is shifting from the individual to the collective," she explains, adding that she considers her part — connecting Esalen's patrons and benefactors with "the ideas and initiatives that are most meaningful for them" — to be a privilege.
"This is powerful and fulfilling work which I regard wholeheartedly as a spiritual exchange," she says. "With their support, our vision is within reach."
“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?
#myEsalen reflects the many ideas, feelings & experiences of what Esalen is to each of us. We all have a unique story to tell about how Esalen has impacted our life, #myEsalen is a vehicle for sharing what makes Esalen our own individually and collectively.
Soon after starting work at Esalen in Spring 2022, Mary O'Brien immersed herself entirely in the magic here on campus — and as a guest. "I took my professional 'hat' off and took a deep dive as a participant in a couple of consecutive workshops," she says. Two classes in ten days helped the director of development shed "decades of emotional detritus in a pile of tear-filled tissues and lightened [me] up tremendously!"
First, the music, meditations, and mandala work of Tantric Maṇḍala with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Keith Edward Cantú transported Mary "to another realm." She then delved even deeper with five transformative days of Holotropic Breathwork led by Stacia Butterfield, a student and protege of the great Stan Grof himself, she notes.
"After that extended stay, I felt a new and profound understanding of Esalen's power from the inside out."
Mary arrived to Esalen with a background in nonprofit fundraising for higher education, community philanthropy, conservation, and performing arts, and experience at institutions focused on sustainability and the environment — which prepared her for this current "joyous vocation."
"I love my role as an enthusiastic catalyst for Esalen's growth. I direct my daily energies toward cultivating the resources that will amplify our impact in the world while ensuring integral relationships with our donors," she explains, crediting kismet for guiding her to this path to the edge of the world.
Though long aware of Esalen's seminal role in the human potential and counterculture movements, Mary never imagined actually working at the nonprofit. ("I hadn't been looking for another job," she admits.) While checking the website for upcoming workshops, she spotted a description and position that felt truly meant for her: "I broke out in goosebumps and felt compelled to apply immediately!" She sums it up with one of CEO Camille Jeffries signature phrases: "Esalen finds you."
Mary remains enchanted by Esalen’s storied past and loves its "larger-than-life characters." (As an employee, she adds to that dynamic cast.) She embraces Esalen's current culture and all that is being created for tomorrow. "Our demographics are changing and diversifying. We are providing more scholarship opportunities than ever before. We've prioritized our commitment to healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous stewards of this land and the land itself. Our focus is shifting from the individual to the collective," she explains, adding that she considers her part — connecting Esalen's patrons and benefactors with "the ideas and initiatives that are most meaningful for them" — to be a privilege.
"This is powerful and fulfilling work which I regard wholeheartedly as a spiritual exchange," she says. "With their support, our vision is within reach."
“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
