A sense of discovery unfolds when coming here. The spiritual and emotional unfurling largely emerges from our leading edge programming — facilitated by visiting faculty and by our resident staff via our Self Guided Explorations path. Anyone who spends time at 55000 Highway 1 also discovers what the in-person physical and natural world offers. Whether you’re discovering a tree you have yet to hug, a tuft of lawn you’ve yet to ground into, a species of seasonal flower you’ve yet to inhale, a heart-shaped rock you’ve yet to stumble upon — the abundance of life, grace, and whimsy to explore is endless.
And yet there is always more to explore to help us engage with the natural world surrounding us. Next time you’re here, make sure to look for the yenep, the tree swing, the dragon bench, the Buddha garden, and Duckingham Palace. Plus, our most recent addition, the treenet, can be experienced by climbing on and looking up for an immersive drop into nature beneath the towering redwoods.
Tucked beneath a canopy of branches near the Price House, you will find this woven spider web made of parachute cord and tactical climbing ropes. The creative mind behind this project is longtime Esalen friend and former staff member Andrew Castle, who adapted military technology into a hand-crafted space "for humans to fall in love with the living earth again."
"We began weaving the notion and potential during the landslide closure during the 2023 Spring Equinox,” says Andrew. “Storm impacts to the land and community prompted many deep conversations about land stewardship and cultural legacy of Esalen and the property.”
The idea of treenets emerged “as an avenue to empower connection and action toward resilient healing,” says Andrew. “The consensus was a treenet over the creek up in the canyon as the most aligned net spot.” Unfortunately, restoration of the canyon is on pause as this non profit (Esalen) raises funds. The current location, however, on the Murphy lawn by the Price House, “provides an accessible venue and pragmatic invitation to a new approach and conversation environment toward care and culture."
Complimenting the spirit of the zome tree swing, to climb upon the treenet feels equally special to “stumble upon,” and especially, when no one else is already there. Perfect experience? Bask in an elevated space beneath the trees for some solitude or alongside a fellow seeker.
"Treenets exist to enable causes and conditions in which human beings can have a direct kinetic experience of interrelated connection to the living world,” says Andrew. “Somatic and ecstatic engagement of the senses allows unique and new perspectives when resting in this hand-woven textile sculpture.”
Andrew’s vision to create a space for deep thinking and to expand sensual awareness is now a reality you can experience during your next visit.
“Esalen has a legacy of supporting and approaching the possibility of a truly integral and peaceful culture. [My wish is that] this treenet enables and allows our community to embrace interconnection and the beauty of what is possible."
“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 sense of discovery unfolds when coming here. The spiritual and emotional unfurling largely emerges from our leading edge programming — facilitated by visiting faculty and by our resident staff via our Self Guided Explorations path. Anyone who spends time at 55000 Highway 1 also discovers what the in-person physical and natural world offers. Whether you’re discovering a tree you have yet to hug, a tuft of lawn you’ve yet to ground into, a species of seasonal flower you’ve yet to inhale, a heart-shaped rock you’ve yet to stumble upon — the abundance of life, grace, and whimsy to explore is endless.
And yet there is always more to explore to help us engage with the natural world surrounding us. Next time you’re here, make sure to look for the yenep, the tree swing, the dragon bench, the Buddha garden, and Duckingham Palace. Plus, our most recent addition, the treenet, can be experienced by climbing on and looking up for an immersive drop into nature beneath the towering redwoods.
Tucked beneath a canopy of branches near the Price House, you will find this woven spider web made of parachute cord and tactical climbing ropes. The creative mind behind this project is longtime Esalen friend and former staff member Andrew Castle, who adapted military technology into a hand-crafted space "for humans to fall in love with the living earth again."
"We began weaving the notion and potential during the landslide closure during the 2023 Spring Equinox,” says Andrew. “Storm impacts to the land and community prompted many deep conversations about land stewardship and cultural legacy of Esalen and the property.”
The idea of treenets emerged “as an avenue to empower connection and action toward resilient healing,” says Andrew. “The consensus was a treenet over the creek up in the canyon as the most aligned net spot.” Unfortunately, restoration of the canyon is on pause as this non profit (Esalen) raises funds. The current location, however, on the Murphy lawn by the Price House, “provides an accessible venue and pragmatic invitation to a new approach and conversation environment toward care and culture."
Complimenting the spirit of the zome tree swing, to climb upon the treenet feels equally special to “stumble upon,” and especially, when no one else is already there. Perfect experience? Bask in an elevated space beneath the trees for some solitude or alongside a fellow seeker.
"Treenets exist to enable causes and conditions in which human beings can have a direct kinetic experience of interrelated connection to the living world,” says Andrew. “Somatic and ecstatic engagement of the senses allows unique and new perspectives when resting in this hand-woven textile sculpture.”
Andrew’s vision to create a space for deep thinking and to expand sensual awareness is now a reality you can experience during your next visit.
“Esalen has a legacy of supporting and approaching the possibility of a truly integral and peaceful culture. [My wish is that] this treenet enables and allows our community to embrace interconnection and the beauty of what is possible."
“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 sense of discovery unfolds when coming here. The spiritual and emotional unfurling largely emerges from our leading edge programming — facilitated by visiting faculty and by our resident staff via our Self Guided Explorations path. Anyone who spends time at 55000 Highway 1 also discovers what the in-person physical and natural world offers. Whether you’re discovering a tree you have yet to hug, a tuft of lawn you’ve yet to ground into, a species of seasonal flower you’ve yet to inhale, a heart-shaped rock you’ve yet to stumble upon — the abundance of life, grace, and whimsy to explore is endless.
And yet there is always more to explore to help us engage with the natural world surrounding us. Next time you’re here, make sure to look for the yenep, the tree swing, the dragon bench, the Buddha garden, and Duckingham Palace. Plus, our most recent addition, the treenet, can be experienced by climbing on and looking up for an immersive drop into nature beneath the towering redwoods.
Tucked beneath a canopy of branches near the Price House, you will find this woven spider web made of parachute cord and tactical climbing ropes. The creative mind behind this project is longtime Esalen friend and former staff member Andrew Castle, who adapted military technology into a hand-crafted space "for humans to fall in love with the living earth again."
"We began weaving the notion and potential during the landslide closure during the 2023 Spring Equinox,” says Andrew. “Storm impacts to the land and community prompted many deep conversations about land stewardship and cultural legacy of Esalen and the property.”
The idea of treenets emerged “as an avenue to empower connection and action toward resilient healing,” says Andrew. “The consensus was a treenet over the creek up in the canyon as the most aligned net spot.” Unfortunately, restoration of the canyon is on pause as this non profit (Esalen) raises funds. The current location, however, on the Murphy lawn by the Price House, “provides an accessible venue and pragmatic invitation to a new approach and conversation environment toward care and culture."
Complimenting the spirit of the zome tree swing, to climb upon the treenet feels equally special to “stumble upon,” and especially, when no one else is already there. Perfect experience? Bask in an elevated space beneath the trees for some solitude or alongside a fellow seeker.
"Treenets exist to enable causes and conditions in which human beings can have a direct kinetic experience of interrelated connection to the living world,” says Andrew. “Somatic and ecstatic engagement of the senses allows unique and new perspectives when resting in this hand-woven textile sculpture.”
Andrew’s vision to create a space for deep thinking and to expand sensual awareness is now a reality you can experience during your next visit.
“Esalen has a legacy of supporting and approaching the possibility of a truly integral and peaceful culture. [My wish is that] this treenet enables and allows our community to embrace interconnection and the beauty of what is possible."
“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
