With a lifetime of learning and adventure, Esalen’s new head of programming is ready to curate experiences that bridge dualities, transcend prescribed narratives, and aid transformation: “I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world.”
She has been a Peace Corps volunteer, a naturalist guide, a bike mechanic, a log cabin builder, a university professor, and a global interfaith peacebuilder in places of deep religious and political conflict, including Uganda, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bosnia, India, and Standing Rock. Yes, Esalen’s new head of workshop programming, Frederica Helmiere, followed an admittedly "unconventional path" after receiving her joint degree in divinity and forestry from Yale: "I discovered early on that I like putting seemingly unrelated things in conversation with one another."
Though Frederica’s studies began as an investigation of how religious traditions subconsciously shape our relationship with the natural world, "they evolved into an exploration of the ways that consciousness, worldviews, and discourses change and expand," she explains. "This led to a curiosity about more mystical and esoteric paths, healing modalities, and altered consciousness state as tools for healing." The themes of dichotomies and integration continue in her work and plans today: "I'm drawn to offerings that creatively bridge apparent dualities: East and West (religions, philosophies); North and South (ecotopes); ancient and modern; science and the humanities; personal and social transformation; mind and body."
As to how this will inform Esalen's future workshops, it's a bit too early to say. "I am holding onto my beginner's mind as I 'meet' the institution, its people, its soils, and plants and waters, systems and its histories," says Frederica. "Over these first two months, I've enjoyed connecting with colleagues, diving into some of the published literature about Esalen's history, listening to podcasts and watching videos, and enjoying spirited weekly conversations with Michael Murphy and other leaders and shapers of the institution.” However, Frederica does reveal a larger grand design that honors Esalen’s master lineages while embracing the new work that is fast approaching.
"I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world. I think part of my role is to sense into that purpose and then get out of its way. And, I do sense a hunger, an eagerness to embrace the edgy, the experimental once more, including playing with the edge of respectability. Programming that is integral, inclusive, and iterative.”
"That is what makes me feel fully alive — experiencing and helping others discover freedom from prescribed narratives, scripts, indoctrinations, dullness, apathy, conventionalism, dual consciousness. The illusion of a single dominant discourse or worldview — to see other ways of being, working, parenting, living, loving. I think this is what ultimately led me to Esalen."
Frederica describes her vast appreciation for what Esalen offers — the edgy, sacred, experimental, and slightly disreputable ("all traits that I aspire to cultivate in my life”) to reveal an infectious enthusiasm for Esalen’s complexity: "I'm delighting in the discovery of all the many layers and histories, people and teaching legacies that have birthed and matured here at Esalen." As she delves further, joyfully, into that vast multiplicity, she’s gearing up to help curate a future slate of transformative workshops for even greater connectivity and beautiful entanglement — so stay tuned!
“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?
With a lifetime of learning and adventure, Esalen’s new head of programming is ready to curate experiences that bridge dualities, transcend prescribed narratives, and aid transformation: “I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world.”
She has been a Peace Corps volunteer, a naturalist guide, a bike mechanic, a log cabin builder, a university professor, and a global interfaith peacebuilder in places of deep religious and political conflict, including Uganda, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bosnia, India, and Standing Rock. Yes, Esalen’s new head of workshop programming, Frederica Helmiere, followed an admittedly "unconventional path" after receiving her joint degree in divinity and forestry from Yale: "I discovered early on that I like putting seemingly unrelated things in conversation with one another."
Though Frederica’s studies began as an investigation of how religious traditions subconsciously shape our relationship with the natural world, "they evolved into an exploration of the ways that consciousness, worldviews, and discourses change and expand," she explains. "This led to a curiosity about more mystical and esoteric paths, healing modalities, and altered consciousness state as tools for healing." The themes of dichotomies and integration continue in her work and plans today: "I'm drawn to offerings that creatively bridge apparent dualities: East and West (religions, philosophies); North and South (ecotopes); ancient and modern; science and the humanities; personal and social transformation; mind and body."
As to how this will inform Esalen's future workshops, it's a bit too early to say. "I am holding onto my beginner's mind as I 'meet' the institution, its people, its soils, and plants and waters, systems and its histories," says Frederica. "Over these first two months, I've enjoyed connecting with colleagues, diving into some of the published literature about Esalen's history, listening to podcasts and watching videos, and enjoying spirited weekly conversations with Michael Murphy and other leaders and shapers of the institution.” However, Frederica does reveal a larger grand design that honors Esalen’s master lineages while embracing the new work that is fast approaching.
"I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world. I think part of my role is to sense into that purpose and then get out of its way. And, I do sense a hunger, an eagerness to embrace the edgy, the experimental once more, including playing with the edge of respectability. Programming that is integral, inclusive, and iterative.”
"That is what makes me feel fully alive — experiencing and helping others discover freedom from prescribed narratives, scripts, indoctrinations, dullness, apathy, conventionalism, dual consciousness. The illusion of a single dominant discourse or worldview — to see other ways of being, working, parenting, living, loving. I think this is what ultimately led me to Esalen."
Frederica describes her vast appreciation for what Esalen offers — the edgy, sacred, experimental, and slightly disreputable ("all traits that I aspire to cultivate in my life”) to reveal an infectious enthusiasm for Esalen’s complexity: "I'm delighting in the discovery of all the many layers and histories, people and teaching legacies that have birthed and matured here at Esalen." As she delves further, joyfully, into that vast multiplicity, she’s gearing up to help curate a future slate of transformative workshops for even greater connectivity and beautiful entanglement — so stay tuned!
“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?
With a lifetime of learning and adventure, Esalen’s new head of programming is ready to curate experiences that bridge dualities, transcend prescribed narratives, and aid transformation: “I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world.”
She has been a Peace Corps volunteer, a naturalist guide, a bike mechanic, a log cabin builder, a university professor, and a global interfaith peacebuilder in places of deep religious and political conflict, including Uganda, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bosnia, India, and Standing Rock. Yes, Esalen’s new head of workshop programming, Frederica Helmiere, followed an admittedly "unconventional path" after receiving her joint degree in divinity and forestry from Yale: "I discovered early on that I like putting seemingly unrelated things in conversation with one another."
Though Frederica’s studies began as an investigation of how religious traditions subconsciously shape our relationship with the natural world, "they evolved into an exploration of the ways that consciousness, worldviews, and discourses change and expand," she explains. "This led to a curiosity about more mystical and esoteric paths, healing modalities, and altered consciousness state as tools for healing." The themes of dichotomies and integration continue in her work and plans today: "I'm drawn to offerings that creatively bridge apparent dualities: East and West (religions, philosophies); North and South (ecotopes); ancient and modern; science and the humanities; personal and social transformation; mind and body."
As to how this will inform Esalen's future workshops, it's a bit too early to say. "I am holding onto my beginner's mind as I 'meet' the institution, its people, its soils, and plants and waters, systems and its histories," says Frederica. "Over these first two months, I've enjoyed connecting with colleagues, diving into some of the published literature about Esalen's history, listening to podcasts and watching videos, and enjoying spirited weekly conversations with Michael Murphy and other leaders and shapers of the institution.” However, Frederica does reveal a larger grand design that honors Esalen’s master lineages while embracing the new work that is fast approaching.
"I see the workshops at Esalen collectively as a kind of living organism with their own energy and agency, their own purpose to manifest in the world. I think part of my role is to sense into that purpose and then get out of its way. And, I do sense a hunger, an eagerness to embrace the edgy, the experimental once more, including playing with the edge of respectability. Programming that is integral, inclusive, and iterative.”
"That is what makes me feel fully alive — experiencing and helping others discover freedom from prescribed narratives, scripts, indoctrinations, dullness, apathy, conventionalism, dual consciousness. The illusion of a single dominant discourse or worldview — to see other ways of being, working, parenting, living, loving. I think this is what ultimately led me to Esalen."
Frederica describes her vast appreciation for what Esalen offers — the edgy, sacred, experimental, and slightly disreputable ("all traits that I aspire to cultivate in my life”) to reveal an infectious enthusiasm for Esalen’s complexity: "I'm delighting in the discovery of all the many layers and histories, people and teaching legacies that have birthed and matured here at Esalen." As she delves further, joyfully, into that vast multiplicity, she’s gearing up to help curate a future slate of transformative workshops for even greater connectivity and beautiful entanglement — so stay tuned!
“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
