The welcoming mighty pine guarding the Bookstore, the manzanita providing nectar for hummingbirds, the towering cypress standing for centuries, and more. Esalen staff remembers some majestic and comforting natural guardians fallen by this winter’s devastating storms.
You can roughly tell what era of Esalen you’re viewing in photos based on which trees stand frozen in time. Here on campus favorite benches, perfect panoramic views, or your most-loved patch of grass feel eternal. We all have our special spots — perhaps where the light hits some glass projecting a dancing rainbow prism. And, indeed, we all seem to have favorite trees. When one falls, we hear it — and feel it. Its absence reverberates across the community IRL and online.
The winter storms of 2024 were brutal, knocking down some of our favorite trees and ravaging the embrace of so many comforting branches. With the loss of these members of our Nature family come feelings. Each tree that falls lessens the landscape, diminishes some shade and forgoes some of our natural world protection.
Here are a few testimonials to the temples of pine, eucalyptus, redwood, and cypress that left behind cherished memories (while also creating space for new tree life to seed and sprout in their wake).
“This year, we lost our big beautiful pine tree that was perched high above the oval by the bookstore. This gorgeous giant has been such a pillar in my time here. Every morning, I’d walk from one end of the garden to the Lodge. I’d stop to smell the lavender, look up at our precious pine and smile as the sun rose over the mountains. It was at that time each morning when I would say ‘thank you’ to the land for allowing me to be here. Although our guardian watching over us from high above is no longer physically there, I hold the memories of her standing strong in the morning twilight in my heart and mind.”
— Jess Siller, Hospitality Experience Manager
"When I heard the beautiful manzanita tree by the Bookstore had fallen down during the storm, I immediately felt great sadness at our loss. It's the tree that welcomed me during my first visit at Esalen, where I hung Tarot cards for the summer guests, strung holiday lights for festive occasions and watched as it welcomed the fluttering birds throughout the day. I still feel the tree here — however, now only in its spirit."
— Heather Martin, Merchandising Manager
“By the Meditation Hut, the cypress went down. It created a nice arch over the pathway there. It really helped mark the significance of passage. I loved all these great nooks and crannies. I regret never sticking plants in them when I had the chance.”
— Edson Jimenez, kitchens
"Some have called you a gateway, or portal. I call you my friend. Over the years, I have given you gems, flowers, and shrines. I have touched you every time I have passed, offering my love and receiving healing and nurture in return. I've talked, cried, hugged, and prayed to you. In return, I have always felt strength, hope, care, and protection. You are wise, courageous, and divine. You have fed my soul and grown with me all these years. You were, and always will be one of my closest tree friends. I can still see you and still feel you. Your stump gives a glimpse of your magic, and I love to think how your roots will feed and nourish the life and soil around you for years to come. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally. You were, and always will be, a true manifestation of the One. I love you.❤️"
— Keylei Campbell, Farm & Garden
“The hearty cypress tree that fell just north of the bridge was here for hundreds of years. When I posted about it on Instagram, an old Esalen seminarian commented that he remembered that cypress and how a eucalyptus was growing out of it during the ’90s (the eucalyptus must have been cut down years ago because I never saw that, but both trunks still remain). That big ol' cypress stood tall and hovered over Hot Springs Creek; it was almost impossible to miss! Its limbs reached over us when we plunged in the creek, and they would've reached over Highway 1 when the highway crossed through Hot Springs Creek pre-1930s! Oh, the sights some of these trees have witnessed! They'll be missed and forever cherished. 💚”
— Aaron Williams, Lodging Experience Manager
“We added some biodynamic healing salves to one of our beloved loquat trees in the garden that was severely damaged in the storm. Everything but one single branch snapped off and flew away in the 80-90 mph winds. We are missing its beautiful green bounty and the cool shady shadows it cast on the cob bench we typically use for check-ins. We are hoping our intentions and healing salve applications will nourish her, and bring her back to life. Ingredients of salve: local grass-fed cow manure, local clay, local sand, Big Sur water, horsetail, horn silica, horn manure, diatomaceous earth, love and intentions.”
— Candice Isphording, Head of Farm & Garden
“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?
Photos: Jess Siller, Ana Gadban, Edson Jiminez.
As always, the stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care, along with a significant investment of time and resources. You can help in our effort to rebound from this year's severe weather by making a tax-deductible contribution at esalen.org/give and selecting Campus Fund. The trees thank you, and we thank you!
The welcoming mighty pine guarding the Bookstore, the manzanita providing nectar for hummingbirds, the towering cypress standing for centuries, and more. Esalen staff remembers some majestic and comforting natural guardians fallen by this winter’s devastating storms.
You can roughly tell what era of Esalen you’re viewing in photos based on which trees stand frozen in time. Here on campus favorite benches, perfect panoramic views, or your most-loved patch of grass feel eternal. We all have our special spots — perhaps where the light hits some glass projecting a dancing rainbow prism. And, indeed, we all seem to have favorite trees. When one falls, we hear it — and feel it. Its absence reverberates across the community IRL and online.
The winter storms of 2024 were brutal, knocking down some of our favorite trees and ravaging the embrace of so many comforting branches. With the loss of these members of our Nature family come feelings. Each tree that falls lessens the landscape, diminishes some shade and forgoes some of our natural world protection.
Here are a few testimonials to the temples of pine, eucalyptus, redwood, and cypress that left behind cherished memories (while also creating space for new tree life to seed and sprout in their wake).
“This year, we lost our big beautiful pine tree that was perched high above the oval by the bookstore. This gorgeous giant has been such a pillar in my time here. Every morning, I’d walk from one end of the garden to the Lodge. I’d stop to smell the lavender, look up at our precious pine and smile as the sun rose over the mountains. It was at that time each morning when I would say ‘thank you’ to the land for allowing me to be here. Although our guardian watching over us from high above is no longer physically there, I hold the memories of her standing strong in the morning twilight in my heart and mind.”
— Jess Siller, Hospitality Experience Manager
"When I heard the beautiful manzanita tree by the Bookstore had fallen down during the storm, I immediately felt great sadness at our loss. It's the tree that welcomed me during my first visit at Esalen, where I hung Tarot cards for the summer guests, strung holiday lights for festive occasions and watched as it welcomed the fluttering birds throughout the day. I still feel the tree here — however, now only in its spirit."
— Heather Martin, Merchandising Manager
“By the Meditation Hut, the cypress went down. It created a nice arch over the pathway there. It really helped mark the significance of passage. I loved all these great nooks and crannies. I regret never sticking plants in them when I had the chance.”
— Edson Jimenez, kitchens
"Some have called you a gateway, or portal. I call you my friend. Over the years, I have given you gems, flowers, and shrines. I have touched you every time I have passed, offering my love and receiving healing and nurture in return. I've talked, cried, hugged, and prayed to you. In return, I have always felt strength, hope, care, and protection. You are wise, courageous, and divine. You have fed my soul and grown with me all these years. You were, and always will be one of my closest tree friends. I can still see you and still feel you. Your stump gives a glimpse of your magic, and I love to think how your roots will feed and nourish the life and soil around you for years to come. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally. You were, and always will be, a true manifestation of the One. I love you.❤️"
— Keylei Campbell, Farm & Garden
“The hearty cypress tree that fell just north of the bridge was here for hundreds of years. When I posted about it on Instagram, an old Esalen seminarian commented that he remembered that cypress and how a eucalyptus was growing out of it during the ’90s (the eucalyptus must have been cut down years ago because I never saw that, but both trunks still remain). That big ol' cypress stood tall and hovered over Hot Springs Creek; it was almost impossible to miss! Its limbs reached over us when we plunged in the creek, and they would've reached over Highway 1 when the highway crossed through Hot Springs Creek pre-1930s! Oh, the sights some of these trees have witnessed! They'll be missed and forever cherished. 💚”
— Aaron Williams, Lodging Experience Manager
“We added some biodynamic healing salves to one of our beloved loquat trees in the garden that was severely damaged in the storm. Everything but one single branch snapped off and flew away in the 80-90 mph winds. We are missing its beautiful green bounty and the cool shady shadows it cast on the cob bench we typically use for check-ins. We are hoping our intentions and healing salve applications will nourish her, and bring her back to life. Ingredients of salve: local grass-fed cow manure, local clay, local sand, Big Sur water, horsetail, horn silica, horn manure, diatomaceous earth, love and intentions.”
— Candice Isphording, Head of Farm & Garden
Photos: Jess Siller, Ana Gadban, Edson Jiminez.
“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?
As always, the stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care, along with a significant investment of time and resources. You can help in our effort to rebound from this year's severe weather by making a tax-deductible contribution at esalen.org/give and selecting Campus Fund. The trees thank you, and we thank you!
The welcoming mighty pine guarding the Bookstore, the manzanita providing nectar for hummingbirds, the towering cypress standing for centuries, and more. Esalen staff remembers some majestic and comforting natural guardians fallen by this winter’s devastating storms.
You can roughly tell what era of Esalen you’re viewing in photos based on which trees stand frozen in time. Here on campus favorite benches, perfect panoramic views, or your most-loved patch of grass feel eternal. We all have our special spots — perhaps where the light hits some glass projecting a dancing rainbow prism. And, indeed, we all seem to have favorite trees. When one falls, we hear it — and feel it. Its absence reverberates across the community IRL and online.
The winter storms of 2024 were brutal, knocking down some of our favorite trees and ravaging the embrace of so many comforting branches. With the loss of these members of our Nature family come feelings. Each tree that falls lessens the landscape, diminishes some shade and forgoes some of our natural world protection.
Here are a few testimonials to the temples of pine, eucalyptus, redwood, and cypress that left behind cherished memories (while also creating space for new tree life to seed and sprout in their wake).
“This year, we lost our big beautiful pine tree that was perched high above the oval by the bookstore. This gorgeous giant has been such a pillar in my time here. Every morning, I’d walk from one end of the garden to the Lodge. I’d stop to smell the lavender, look up at our precious pine and smile as the sun rose over the mountains. It was at that time each morning when I would say ‘thank you’ to the land for allowing me to be here. Although our guardian watching over us from high above is no longer physically there, I hold the memories of her standing strong in the morning twilight in my heart and mind.”
— Jess Siller, Hospitality Experience Manager
"When I heard the beautiful manzanita tree by the Bookstore had fallen down during the storm, I immediately felt great sadness at our loss. It's the tree that welcomed me during my first visit at Esalen, where I hung Tarot cards for the summer guests, strung holiday lights for festive occasions and watched as it welcomed the fluttering birds throughout the day. I still feel the tree here — however, now only in its spirit."
— Heather Martin, Merchandising Manager
“By the Meditation Hut, the cypress went down. It created a nice arch over the pathway there. It really helped mark the significance of passage. I loved all these great nooks and crannies. I regret never sticking plants in them when I had the chance.”
— Edson Jimenez, kitchens
"Some have called you a gateway, or portal. I call you my friend. Over the years, I have given you gems, flowers, and shrines. I have touched you every time I have passed, offering my love and receiving healing and nurture in return. I've talked, cried, hugged, and prayed to you. In return, I have always felt strength, hope, care, and protection. You are wise, courageous, and divine. You have fed my soul and grown with me all these years. You were, and always will be one of my closest tree friends. I can still see you and still feel you. Your stump gives a glimpse of your magic, and I love to think how your roots will feed and nourish the life and soil around you for years to come. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally. You were, and always will be, a true manifestation of the One. I love you.❤️"
— Keylei Campbell, Farm & Garden
“The hearty cypress tree that fell just north of the bridge was here for hundreds of years. When I posted about it on Instagram, an old Esalen seminarian commented that he remembered that cypress and how a eucalyptus was growing out of it during the ’90s (the eucalyptus must have been cut down years ago because I never saw that, but both trunks still remain). That big ol' cypress stood tall and hovered over Hot Springs Creek; it was almost impossible to miss! Its limbs reached over us when we plunged in the creek, and they would've reached over Highway 1 when the highway crossed through Hot Springs Creek pre-1930s! Oh, the sights some of these trees have witnessed! They'll be missed and forever cherished. 💚”
— Aaron Williams, Lodging Experience Manager
“We added some biodynamic healing salves to one of our beloved loquat trees in the garden that was severely damaged in the storm. Everything but one single branch snapped off and flew away in the 80-90 mph winds. We are missing its beautiful green bounty and the cool shady shadows it cast on the cob bench we typically use for check-ins. We are hoping our intentions and healing salve applications will nourish her, and bring her back to life. Ingredients of salve: local grass-fed cow manure, local clay, local sand, Big Sur water, horsetail, horn silica, horn manure, diatomaceous earth, love and intentions.”
— Candice Isphording, Head of Farm & Garden
“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?
As always, the stewardship of our Big Sur campus requires ongoing care, along with a significant investment of time and resources. You can help in our effort to rebound from this year's severe weather by making a tax-deductible contribution at esalen.org/give and selecting Campus Fund. The trees thank you, and we thank you!
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org