A self-described "introverted plant person" follows his guiding light to the Esalen Farm & Garden. "From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything." James House, farm and garden lead, shares his Esalen story with enthusiasm and deep affection for the natural wonders he feels privileged to experience.
When asked about his experiences at Esalen, James House emphasizes what matters most. "Moments that revolve around the majesty and fierceness of the natural world that surrounds us." He remembers witnessing the Geminid meteor shower over a year ago: "With over 100 shooting stars per hour, it was a night spent enthralled as the sky fell all around me. It was one of the most unforgettable celestial events of my life, and I often think about it." Unfortunately, this past December, that annual spectacle was obscured by a bright full moon. "Better luck next year!" James says, unbothered, quickly expressing equal enthusiasm for the natural wonders within the sacred land Esalen Institute resides upon.
"It holds a depth of power and healing that feels endless when I tap into it, offering support in such a kind way," he shares. "From conversations and lessons with the ocean, stream, and mineral waters, to quiet guidance from the trees and plants, all of which can guide us when we acknowledge their wisdom and listen."
James's profound appreciation for the land's grace makes him a perfect fit for his current role as a Farm & Garden team member. "Being a steward of this healing land is a privilege, and being able to support an amazing community with fresh, healthy produce fills me immensely," he says. "Maintaining a balanced and respectful relationship with the earth I call home continues to positively shape me as a human."
Before arriving in Big Sur, James managed an off-grid permaculture community in the Santa Cruz mountains, where he taught new volunteers and community members how to thrive sustainably while supporting one another and the land. He also spent a season farming as a field manager for Wolf Ridge, a non-profit environmental learning center in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. "[It is] where I solidified my understanding and ability to manage large-scale production farming," he adds.
James combines all his experiences and enthusiasm for all the varied activities in the Farm & Garden. "I contribute to most of the work here, from weeding and pruning to prepping beds, planting, watering, and harvesting for the kitchen, as well as tractor work, compost maintenance, and duck care," he says. "I am always eager to learn new skills and better ways to tend plants and care for those around me." From the beginning, he knew this was where he belonged.
"From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything," he remembers. During his first six months on campus, while working in CABinS, he volunteered on the farm during his days off. "I did trail maintenance, weed-whacking, and anything else I could assist with because it brought me joy," he says. "I knew that if I could just make it into this space in some capacity, my skills in tending to community and land would be welcomed and appreciated."
Many on campus are also drawn to James's musical talents. He has performed on the pool deck with Jaida James and Andrew Drummond and is currently collaborating with longtime workshop leader Jovinna Chan on multiple projects. "Creating music on my computer and improvising songs on the piano has been a primary outlet for processing my emotions and transforming that energy into tangible creations," he says. "At Esalen, that process has been supercharged in ways I could not have imagined, and I have received so much love and support from friends and mentors in my creative endeavors."
When he's not making music or studying Gestalt — "which has allowed me to better understand my internal world and improve my ability to relate to those around me" — it's a safe bet you'll find the self-described "introverted plant person" in the garden, which always serves as his natural medicine in these troubling times of divisiveness. "The ability to directly care for communities and the land at a local level feels like a potent antidote to overwhelming toxicity."
"To nourish and support community and earth together in ever-growing capacities has been a guiding light for me for quite some time. While the specifics of this goal have shifted as the communities I've been part of have changed, maintaining this core vision for my personal growth has yet to lead me astray."
“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?
A self-described "introverted plant person" follows his guiding light to the Esalen Farm & Garden. "From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything." James House, farm and garden lead, shares his Esalen story with enthusiasm and deep affection for the natural wonders he feels privileged to experience.
When asked about his experiences at Esalen, James House emphasizes what matters most. "Moments that revolve around the majesty and fierceness of the natural world that surrounds us." He remembers witnessing the Geminid meteor shower over a year ago: "With over 100 shooting stars per hour, it was a night spent enthralled as the sky fell all around me. It was one of the most unforgettable celestial events of my life, and I often think about it." Unfortunately, this past December, that annual spectacle was obscured by a bright full moon. "Better luck next year!" James says, unbothered, quickly expressing equal enthusiasm for the natural wonders within the sacred land Esalen Institute resides upon.
"It holds a depth of power and healing that feels endless when I tap into it, offering support in such a kind way," he shares. "From conversations and lessons with the ocean, stream, and mineral waters, to quiet guidance from the trees and plants, all of which can guide us when we acknowledge their wisdom and listen."
James's profound appreciation for the land's grace makes him a perfect fit for his current role as a Farm & Garden team member. "Being a steward of this healing land is a privilege, and being able to support an amazing community with fresh, healthy produce fills me immensely," he says. "Maintaining a balanced and respectful relationship with the earth I call home continues to positively shape me as a human."
Before arriving in Big Sur, James managed an off-grid permaculture community in the Santa Cruz mountains, where he taught new volunteers and community members how to thrive sustainably while supporting one another and the land. He also spent a season farming as a field manager for Wolf Ridge, a non-profit environmental learning center in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. "[It is] where I solidified my understanding and ability to manage large-scale production farming," he adds.
James combines all his experiences and enthusiasm for all the varied activities in the Farm & Garden. "I contribute to most of the work here, from weeding and pruning to prepping beds, planting, watering, and harvesting for the kitchen, as well as tractor work, compost maintenance, and duck care," he says. "I am always eager to learn new skills and better ways to tend plants and care for those around me." From the beginning, he knew this was where he belonged.
"From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything," he remembers. During his first six months on campus, while working in CABinS, he volunteered on the farm during his days off. "I did trail maintenance, weed-whacking, and anything else I could assist with because it brought me joy," he says. "I knew that if I could just make it into this space in some capacity, my skills in tending to community and land would be welcomed and appreciated."
Many on campus are also drawn to James's musical talents. He has performed on the pool deck with Jaida James and Andrew Drummond and is currently collaborating with longtime workshop leader Jovinna Chan on multiple projects. "Creating music on my computer and improvising songs on the piano has been a primary outlet for processing my emotions and transforming that energy into tangible creations," he says. "At Esalen, that process has been supercharged in ways I could not have imagined, and I have received so much love and support from friends and mentors in my creative endeavors."
When he's not making music or studying Gestalt — "which has allowed me to better understand my internal world and improve my ability to relate to those around me" — it's a safe bet you'll find the self-described "introverted plant person" in the garden, which always serves as his natural medicine in these troubling times of divisiveness. "The ability to directly care for communities and the land at a local level feels like a potent antidote to overwhelming toxicity."
"To nourish and support community and earth together in ever-growing capacities has been a guiding light for me for quite some time. While the specifics of this goal have shifted as the communities I've been part of have changed, maintaining this core vision for my personal growth has yet to lead me astray."
“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?
A self-described "introverted plant person" follows his guiding light to the Esalen Farm & Garden. "From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything." James House, farm and garden lead, shares his Esalen story with enthusiasm and deep affection for the natural wonders he feels privileged to experience.
When asked about his experiences at Esalen, James House emphasizes what matters most. "Moments that revolve around the majesty and fierceness of the natural world that surrounds us." He remembers witnessing the Geminid meteor shower over a year ago: "With over 100 shooting stars per hour, it was a night spent enthralled as the sky fell all around me. It was one of the most unforgettable celestial events of my life, and I often think about it." Unfortunately, this past December, that annual spectacle was obscured by a bright full moon. "Better luck next year!" James says, unbothered, quickly expressing equal enthusiasm for the natural wonders within the sacred land Esalen Institute resides upon.
"It holds a depth of power and healing that feels endless when I tap into it, offering support in such a kind way," he shares. "From conversations and lessons with the ocean, stream, and mineral waters, to quiet guidance from the trees and plants, all of which can guide us when we acknowledge their wisdom and listen."
James's profound appreciation for the land's grace makes him a perfect fit for his current role as a Farm & Garden team member. "Being a steward of this healing land is a privilege, and being able to support an amazing community with fresh, healthy produce fills me immensely," he says. "Maintaining a balanced and respectful relationship with the earth I call home continues to positively shape me as a human."
Before arriving in Big Sur, James managed an off-grid permaculture community in the Santa Cruz mountains, where he taught new volunteers and community members how to thrive sustainably while supporting one another and the land. He also spent a season farming as a field manager for Wolf Ridge, a non-profit environmental learning center in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. "[It is] where I solidified my understanding and ability to manage large-scale production farming," he adds.
James combines all his experiences and enthusiasm for all the varied activities in the Farm & Garden. "I contribute to most of the work here, from weeding and pruning to prepping beds, planting, watering, and harvesting for the kitchen, as well as tractor work, compost maintenance, and duck care," he says. "I am always eager to learn new skills and better ways to tend plants and care for those around me." From the beginning, he knew this was where he belonged.
"From my first day as a volunteer walking through the garden, I knew I wanted to work there more than anything," he remembers. During his first six months on campus, while working in CABinS, he volunteered on the farm during his days off. "I did trail maintenance, weed-whacking, and anything else I could assist with because it brought me joy," he says. "I knew that if I could just make it into this space in some capacity, my skills in tending to community and land would be welcomed and appreciated."
Many on campus are also drawn to James's musical talents. He has performed on the pool deck with Jaida James and Andrew Drummond and is currently collaborating with longtime workshop leader Jovinna Chan on multiple projects. "Creating music on my computer and improvising songs on the piano has been a primary outlet for processing my emotions and transforming that energy into tangible creations," he says. "At Esalen, that process has been supercharged in ways I could not have imagined, and I have received so much love and support from friends and mentors in my creative endeavors."
When he's not making music or studying Gestalt — "which has allowed me to better understand my internal world and improve my ability to relate to those around me" — it's a safe bet you'll find the self-described "introverted plant person" in the garden, which always serves as his natural medicine in these troubling times of divisiveness. "The ability to directly care for communities and the land at a local level feels like a potent antidote to overwhelming toxicity."
"To nourish and support community and earth together in ever-growing capacities has been a guiding light for me for quite some time. While the specifics of this goal have shifted as the communities I've been part of have changed, maintaining this core vision for my personal growth has yet to lead me astray."
“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
