As we launch into 2025, Esalen Institute continues to be guided by the transformative vision of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. Our workshops offer opportunities to transcend traditional educational boundaries. We curate these experiences through various combinations of modalities such as somatic practices, contemplative arts, scientific research, and Indigenous wisdom traditions. In these spaces, experiential practices can inform theoretical understanding. Breath awareness might flow into artistic expression; new neuroscientific insights could illuminate ancient somatic traditions.
Our faculty recognize that the perceived boundaries between disciplines often obscure the inherent interconnectedness of consciousness and human potential. Each 2025 workshop presents unique possibilities for integration, becoming a living laboratory where multiple ways of knowing and experiencing converge organically.
Together, we're dissolving familiar categories and conventions to discover the vast landscape of human possibility that has always existed beyond the traditional frameworks. We invite you to join us in this intentional journey of discovery.
Explore with us some new workshops that embody our commitment to leading-edge and transformative education that not only explore innovative techniques, but also foster an environment where creativity, connection, self-awareness, and societal well-being are interwoven into each transformative experience.
April 18–20, 2025
Yemi Akinyemi Dele's workshop uniquely merges the kinetic energy of expressive movement with introspective practices to explore how movement influences our physical and psychological states. This integration not only enhances the understanding of body mechanics but also illustrates the profound impact of rhythmic movement on consciousness. Yemi’s workshop provides a novel approach to unlock the body’s stored energy, releasing long-held tensions from unconscious movement patterns and opening up space for creativity, joy, and inner freedom.
March 24–28, 2025
What are you burning to tell the world? That is a question cultural sociologist and Gomti River ceremonialist Roksana Badruddoja focuses on while exploring grief in a life-affirming way as a pathway toward self-repair and healing. This workshop encourages participants to explore their personal and collective spiritual histories by addressing contemporary issues of isolation and disconnection, using the sacred wisdom of the Akashic Records and the qualitative feminist writing technique known as autohistoria-teoría. By accessing these metaphysical records, workshop participants can uncover insights that foster a greater sense of connection and community, integrating spiritual exploration with practical applications for personal and societal well-being.
May 23–25, 2025
Daniel Gloyd, a design and research expert, explores how principles of user experience design can transcend digital interfaces to enhance physical and spiritual spaces. Learn to create warmer user experiences according to principles of interconnectedness. Transcendent User Experience (ZX), a fresh new perspective on UX design, draws on Maslow’s theory of self-transcendence for a human-centered approach. By applying UX methodologies to the broader context of environmental design, participants learn to create spaces that facilitate deeper emotional and psychological well-being.
May 26–30, 2025
Reconnecting with the Divine Feminine brings you back into balance and harmony with yourself and all your relations. Elizabeth Philipose, PhD, is a transformative educator and psychologist who combines social and political knowledge, energy- and earth-based practices, and embodiment exercises to help you release fears, resentment, and pain while inviting intuition, surrender, and flow to create a deeper sense of wholeness in your life. This workshop is a profound exploration of the Divine Feminine, intertwining spirituality, psychology, and cultural studies to rediscover and honor feminine energies, challenging traditional views and fostering a powerful space for healing for all genders.
April 7–11, 2025
What if sleep could be more than just crashing into your pillow at the end of a long day? What if it could be your portal to transformation and self-discovery? In this workshop, we’ll dive into the ancient Daoist art of sleep alchemy, where the Wudang Hibernating Dragon and Five Dragons Sleeping methods teach you how to turn snoozing into a practice of subtle awareness and metaphysical transformation. By blending traditional Eastern techniques with modern scientific understanding, this workshop, led by Simon Cox, offers a transformative approach to rest and renewal.
“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?
Frederica Helmiere is head of programming at Esalen.
As we launch into 2025, Esalen Institute continues to be guided by the transformative vision of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. Our workshops offer opportunities to transcend traditional educational boundaries. We curate these experiences through various combinations of modalities such as somatic practices, contemplative arts, scientific research, and Indigenous wisdom traditions. In these spaces, experiential practices can inform theoretical understanding. Breath awareness might flow into artistic expression; new neuroscientific insights could illuminate ancient somatic traditions.
Our faculty recognize that the perceived boundaries between disciplines often obscure the inherent interconnectedness of consciousness and human potential. Each 2025 workshop presents unique possibilities for integration, becoming a living laboratory where multiple ways of knowing and experiencing converge organically.
Together, we're dissolving familiar categories and conventions to discover the vast landscape of human possibility that has always existed beyond the traditional frameworks. We invite you to join us in this intentional journey of discovery.
Explore with us some new workshops that embody our commitment to leading-edge and transformative education that not only explore innovative techniques, but also foster an environment where creativity, connection, self-awareness, and societal well-being are interwoven into each transformative experience.
Yemi Akinyemi Dele's workshop uniquely merges the kinetic energy of expressive movement with introspective practices to explore how movement influences our physical and psychological states. This integration not only enhances the understanding of body mechanics but also illustrates the profound impact of rhythmic movement on consciousness. Yemi’s workshop provides a novel approach to unlock the body’s stored energy, releasing long-held tensions from unconscious movement patterns and opening up space for creativity, joy, and inner freedom.
What are you burning to tell the world? That is a question cultural sociologist and Gomti River ceremonialist Roksana Badruddoja focuses on while exploring grief in a life-affirming way as a pathway toward self-repair and healing. This workshop encourages participants to explore their personal and collective spiritual histories by addressing contemporary issues of isolation and disconnection, using the sacred wisdom of the Akashic Records and the qualitative feminist writing technique known as autohistoria-teoría. By accessing these metaphysical records, workshop participants can uncover insights that foster a greater sense of connection and community, integrating spiritual exploration with practical applications for personal and societal well-being.
Daniel Gloyd, a design and research expert, explores how principles of user experience design can transcend digital interfaces to enhance physical and spiritual spaces. Learn to create warmer user experiences according to principles of interconnectedness. Transcendent User Experience (ZX), a fresh new perspective on UX design, draws on Maslow’s theory of self-transcendence for a human-centered approach. By applying UX methodologies to the broader context of environmental design, participants learn to create spaces that facilitate deeper emotional and psychological well-being.
Reconnecting with the Divine Feminine brings you back into balance and harmony with yourself and all your relations. Elizabeth Philipose, PhD, is a transformative educator and psychologist who combines social and political knowledge, energy- and earth-based practices, and embodiment exercises to help you release fears, resentment, and pain while inviting intuition, surrender, and flow to create a deeper sense of wholeness in your life. This workshop is a profound exploration of the Divine Feminine, intertwining spirituality, psychology, and cultural studies to rediscover and honor feminine energies, challenging traditional views and fostering a powerful space for healing for all genders.
What if sleep could be more than just crashing into your pillow at the end of a long day? What if it could be your portal to transformation and self-discovery? In this workshop, we’ll dive into the ancient Daoist art of sleep alchemy, where the Wudang Hibernating Dragon and Five Dragons Sleeping methods teach you how to turn snoozing into a practice of subtle awareness and metaphysical transformation. By blending traditional Eastern techniques with modern scientific understanding, this workshop, led by Simon Cox, offers a transformative approach to rest and renewal.
“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?
Frederica Helmiere is head of programming at Esalen.
As we launch into 2025, Esalen Institute continues to be guided by the transformative vision of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. Our workshops offer opportunities to transcend traditional educational boundaries. We curate these experiences through various combinations of modalities such as somatic practices, contemplative arts, scientific research, and Indigenous wisdom traditions. In these spaces, experiential practices can inform theoretical understanding. Breath awareness might flow into artistic expression; new neuroscientific insights could illuminate ancient somatic traditions.
Our faculty recognize that the perceived boundaries between disciplines often obscure the inherent interconnectedness of consciousness and human potential. Each 2025 workshop presents unique possibilities for integration, becoming a living laboratory where multiple ways of knowing and experiencing converge organically.
Together, we're dissolving familiar categories and conventions to discover the vast landscape of human possibility that has always existed beyond the traditional frameworks. We invite you to join us in this intentional journey of discovery.
Explore with us some new workshops that embody our commitment to leading-edge and transformative education that not only explore innovative techniques, but also foster an environment where creativity, connection, self-awareness, and societal well-being are interwoven into each transformative experience.
“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?
Frederica Helmiere is head of programming at Esalen.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
