More than 20 years ago, Mary Anne Will came to Esalen as a work scholar and has remained a vibrant member of the community ever since. This month marks Mary Anne’s – or MAW as she is known to many – departure from Esalen, though she plans to continue to facilitate groups and open seats.
“When I came to Esalen I knew I had a lot of healing to do,” remembered Mary Anne. So she worked in Cabins, and then the Front Office, became an Extended Student along the way until she transitioned into the Work Scholar Coordinator position which she has held for more than a decade.
“Work study brings a fresh energy and spirit each month to Esalen,” she added. “It continues to inspire people in service to each other and our guests.” Looking back, Mary Anne is appreciative for having the opportunity to study with great teachers at Esalen and become a Gestalt facilitator and coach.
"Mary Anne's strength and presence in our community have supported countless Work Scholars, staff, and students alike," said Branan Freeman, Residential Education manager. "Her compassion and understanding, counsel and patience, and her embodiment of the saying "Trust the Process," are all inspirational to me."
Mary Anne shared her own adapation of Walt Whitman’s poem Oh Captain, My Captain with the Esalen community before she left:
Oh Esalen, my Esalen,
My workscholar trip is done.
My soul has weathered many storms,
The prize I sought is won.
The end is near, the bells I hear,
The people all declaring:
While follow eyes the steady path,
The future bold and daring.
And oh heart, heart, heart, Oh the bleeding drops of red.
Where by the ocean my Esalen feeds hearts & souls & heads.
Oh Esalen, my Esalen
Rise up & hear the bells.
Rise up — for you Huxley is built,
For you the lodge remodelled.
For you conferences and workshops,
For you the lodge a-crowding.
For you they call, the swaying mass,
Their eager faces turning.
Hear Esalen, Dear savior, I have the need to stop.
It is no dream that one day soon it is right or left at the top.
My Esalen does not answer
Her spirits are strong and still.
My savior does not feel my pain–
She has no pulse nor will.
My time is ending safe and sound
My voyage closed and done.
From fearful trip, my victor soul
Comes in with object won.
Exult oh shores and ring oh bells and I, somewhat bereft
Will go up the hill from Esalen, turning to the left.
“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?
More than 20 years ago, Mary Anne Will came to Esalen as a work scholar and has remained a vibrant member of the community ever since. This month marks Mary Anne’s – or MAW as she is known to many – departure from Esalen, though she plans to continue to facilitate groups and open seats.
“When I came to Esalen I knew I had a lot of healing to do,” remembered Mary Anne. So she worked in Cabins, and then the Front Office, became an Extended Student along the way until she transitioned into the Work Scholar Coordinator position which she has held for more than a decade.
“Work study brings a fresh energy and spirit each month to Esalen,” she added. “It continues to inspire people in service to each other and our guests.” Looking back, Mary Anne is appreciative for having the opportunity to study with great teachers at Esalen and become a Gestalt facilitator and coach.
"Mary Anne's strength and presence in our community have supported countless Work Scholars, staff, and students alike," said Branan Freeman, Residential Education manager. "Her compassion and understanding, counsel and patience, and her embodiment of the saying "Trust the Process," are all inspirational to me."
Mary Anne shared her own adapation of Walt Whitman’s poem Oh Captain, My Captain with the Esalen community before she left:
Oh Esalen, my Esalen,
My workscholar trip is done.
My soul has weathered many storms,
The prize I sought is won.
The end is near, the bells I hear,
The people all declaring:
While follow eyes the steady path,
The future bold and daring.
And oh heart, heart, heart, Oh the bleeding drops of red.
Where by the ocean my Esalen feeds hearts & souls & heads.
Oh Esalen, my Esalen
Rise up & hear the bells.
Rise up — for you Huxley is built,
For you the lodge remodelled.
For you conferences and workshops,
For you the lodge a-crowding.
For you they call, the swaying mass,
Their eager faces turning.
Hear Esalen, Dear savior, I have the need to stop.
It is no dream that one day soon it is right or left at the top.
My Esalen does not answer
Her spirits are strong and still.
My savior does not feel my pain–
She has no pulse nor will.
My time is ending safe and sound
My voyage closed and done.
From fearful trip, my victor soul
Comes in with object won.
Exult oh shores and ring oh bells and I, somewhat bereft
Will go up the hill from Esalen, turning to the left.
“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?
More than 20 years ago, Mary Anne Will came to Esalen as a work scholar and has remained a vibrant member of the community ever since. This month marks Mary Anne’s – or MAW as she is known to many – departure from Esalen, though she plans to continue to facilitate groups and open seats.
“When I came to Esalen I knew I had a lot of healing to do,” remembered Mary Anne. So she worked in Cabins, and then the Front Office, became an Extended Student along the way until she transitioned into the Work Scholar Coordinator position which she has held for more than a decade.
“Work study brings a fresh energy and spirit each month to Esalen,” she added. “It continues to inspire people in service to each other and our guests.” Looking back, Mary Anne is appreciative for having the opportunity to study with great teachers at Esalen and become a Gestalt facilitator and coach.
"Mary Anne's strength and presence in our community have supported countless Work Scholars, staff, and students alike," said Branan Freeman, Residential Education manager. "Her compassion and understanding, counsel and patience, and her embodiment of the saying "Trust the Process," are all inspirational to me."
Mary Anne shared her own adapation of Walt Whitman’s poem Oh Captain, My Captain with the Esalen community before she left:
Oh Esalen, my Esalen,
My workscholar trip is done.
My soul has weathered many storms,
The prize I sought is won.
The end is near, the bells I hear,
The people all declaring:
While follow eyes the steady path,
The future bold and daring.
And oh heart, heart, heart, Oh the bleeding drops of red.
Where by the ocean my Esalen feeds hearts & souls & heads.
Oh Esalen, my Esalen
Rise up & hear the bells.
Rise up — for you Huxley is built,
For you the lodge remodelled.
For you conferences and workshops,
For you the lodge a-crowding.
For you they call, the swaying mass,
Their eager faces turning.
Hear Esalen, Dear savior, I have the need to stop.
It is no dream that one day soon it is right or left at the top.
My Esalen does not answer
Her spirits are strong and still.
My savior does not feel my pain–
She has no pulse nor will.
My time is ending safe and sound
My voyage closed and done.
From fearful trip, my victor soul
Comes in with object won.
Exult oh shores and ring oh bells and I, somewhat bereft
Will go up the hill from Esalen, turning to the left.
“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