The Esalen Journal

If you feel guilty feeling happy, you may suffer from Weltschmerz. The remedy may be choosing gratitude over guilt. Is it rational? Is it possible? Esalen Faculty Ira Israel guest blogs in August for Admit You’re Happy Month.

No one will ever have to convince you to “eat your peas” if you go with these pea “tips.” Here’s an authentic Asian veggie recipe that’s ridiculously easy and quick for fall — or anytime, actually.

Your story can be told in three sentences. Darnell Walker, Rituals Writing Workshop teacher, shows us how to get started. If you think you’ve lost your groove and need to realign/reconnect, grab a journal and a pen, breathe deeply, and get started.

What’s your favorite way to relax? Regular, intentional relaxation helps us manage stress and supports our nervous systems. Learn more about how humans of Esalen relax in our latest Journal post for National Relaxation Day.

Discover a “Heartbeat Map” that could help guide you out of trauma and ultimately toward your true potential. Longtime Esalen faculty Lucia Horan shares more about the rhythms of your heart and what they say about your journey to healing.

The next big thing for insomniacs is also the least-studied compound from the hemp plant. August 8th is National CBD Day, and while the FDA considers regulating CBD, learn about the up-and-coming compounds: CB-G, C, and N.

We’re big fans of this luscious, Lavender Chevre Cheesecake recipe! Simple and light, a slice of this California creation will transport you right to your coastal vibe.

Imbibe in the simple summer ritual: take a personal moment in a special spot and refresh yourself with a cool beverage. Our barista supervisor shares a simple recipe with easy-to-find, fresh ingredients.

We get it now: you love layers! Our last collection sold out so quickly, we had to add some fresh summer options by popular demand. Learn how Heather Martin curated the new Summer Capsule Collection and why your purchase gives back.

What happens when you lose your sense of belonging? Steven Harper, Gestalt facilitator in the tradition of Dick Price, explains the value of regaining it through practicing connection, somatic intelligence, and true listening.

Former Artist in Residence Amy Yoshitsu explains the social infrastructure that causes suffering for many, plus a human infrastructure that helped ground her at Esalen.

We are excited to introduce and welcome our new group of artists in residence. Keep reading to get to know Jazsalyn, Coral, and mirrored fatality. If you're coming to our Big Sur campus and see them, please say hello.

On the heels of a controversial government report on UFOs, former Chairman of the Board Jeff Kripal (also a paranormal activity academician), tells the story of earlier Esalen inquiries into UFOs, which include a secret meeting.

Filmmaker and former Blues Clues writer Darnell Walker recently stayed at Esalen as part of our Artist in Residence program. In this Q&A, he shares about how his art could change the future and a conversation with someone who helped him understand that at the heart of his work is healing.

Do your actions today reflect your personal vision for the future? If the answer is no, there’s one thing that could be standing in your way: your daily pace. Zen meditation teacher Deborah Eden Tull shares thoughts on how to notice signs of imbalance, and offers tools for restoration.

Nine. That’s the magic number for the array of personality types that give you a clue about your deepest, authentic gifts. Each personality type indicates patterns of our own behavior based on our human psyche. Christin Chen interviews Russ Hudson, Enneagram Typologist and co-founder of the Enneagram Institute, to find out more.

Treat yourself to a beautifully curated selection of our favorite restorative sleep-enhancement tools, available now in the Esalen Store.

It’s easier to meditate when it’s quiet. Or is it? Dan Zigmond is a Zen priest, writer, and data scientist. His short answer is: yes, and that is where you begin. 

Yes, there is such a thing as a happiness spectrum, and you have agency to choose where you want to be on it, according to Ira Israel, psychotherapist and author of Beginner’s Guide to Happiness.

If you intentionally practice noticing your body sensations, your thoughts, current emotions, and what’s happening around you, you may very well be practicing Gestalt. Learn more about the practice from legacy teacher Dorothy Charles in our Esalen Spotlight interview.

In honor of International Yoga Day, we are spotlighting some of the practitioners and communities who reconnect us to the foundations of the ancient spiritual practice of yoga, reminding us that it is a powerful force for both social change and personal transformation.

Esalen's Christine Chen interviews facilitators Ben Geilhufe, LPCC (he/him/his) and Jen Hastings, MD (pronouns Jen) in advance of their upcoming workshop in Big Sur, Gender Journeys: Exploring Identity In Community.

An Interview with Raphael Cushnir, Author and Emotional Connection Coach

Learn more about some of our favorite CBD wellness brands, which we're excited to announce are now available for purchase in our online store.

Wrapping yourself in a blanket conjures up emotions of comfort, safety and sometimes the best memories of a vacation or retreat. As I began my research to find the perfect blanket for Esalen, I knew it had to be both functional and aesthetically representative of the land.

Esalen's Christine Chen interviews nature therapy guide Sylvie Rokab in advance of her upcoming workshop in Big Sur.

As we emerge and adjust back to a new normal, how can we reflect more deeply on our relationship with ourselves, the outdoors, and the earth? Esalen's Christine Chen talks with Mark Coleman about his take on earth, screens, being in nature, pandemic healing, and more.

Developing our Spring collection was not an easy task. Many steps are required when building out apparel collections for an average retailer. Adding Esalen’s additional information — such as history, the value of sustainability, eco-friendly choices and the desire to embrace change — made it important for me to simply bring forth a modern nod to nostalgia.

In advance of his May 24-28 workshop at Esalen, longtime energetic body worker, yoga nidra guide, and meditation coach John Vosler chatted with Esalen’s Christine Chen about the mind’s role in well-being and Yoga Nidra as a transformational tool.

Who wants some pancakes? Whole grain lemon-blueberry pancakes are packed with both nutrients and flavor, and are fun to make with family.

Dancer and spiritual explorer Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms Method is practiced widely today thanks to a global community of dance teachers who’ve been certified in her approach. One such teacher is Lucia Horan, who was born and raised at Esalen Institute and grew up dancing with Roth, and has taught the 5Rhythms method since 1998.

Esalen has always been a tricky place to summarize — how do you capture an expansive experience into a static piece of text? But anything is possible with enough creativity and love, so we are pleased to share our newly published 2020 Annual Report.

Clinical therapist and trauma specialist Lauren Taus sat down with Voices of Esalen’s Sam Stern recently to talk about her work in the realm of ketamine-assisted therapy and talked at length about the impact it’s had on her life.

“Pesto” is usually synonymous with “basil,” but you can use the same basic method — pounding herbs, nuts, and other aromatics together with oil — to play with flavor. What's in your garden this week? Make it a pesto!

Terrance Ching is a US-based Chinese Singaporean whose doctoral work examines the efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for white participants and participants of color. Terrance sat down with Voices of Esalen’s Sam Stern to talk about how to build inclusivity into MDMA therapy from the ground up.

When I was single in my 30s, I searched for a man who would treat me like a goddess. The more I studied yoga and blended in the sister science, Ayurveda, the more I realized this: I need to treat myself like a goddess. 

Charlotte James and Undrea Wright are the founders of The Ancestor Project (formerly known as The Sabina Project), a black-led platform for psychedelic education, legal ceremonies, and integration.

This juice is exactly as it sounds, and so much like an experience here at Esalen...it's all the things and will have you feeling balanced, grounded and vital.

Sarah Gael is a harm reduction officer at Zendo Project, a program sponsored by MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies). She joined Voices of Esalen’s Sam Stern recently to talk about her work in peer-to-peer psychedelic therapy, recent developments in the decriminalization movement, and more.

A fruit panzanella takes the same mix of bread, fresh produce, and acid used to create traditional savory panzanella and turns it into something that’s great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. For this version, we macerate blackberries with honey, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and white balsamic; vinegar highlights and punches up the berry flavor.

Ismail Ali is the Policy & Advocacy Counsel for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), where his job is to advocate for the elimination of barriers to psychedelic therapy and research by developing and implementing legal and policy strategy. Ali joined Voices of Esalen’s Sam Stern recently for a wide-ranging discussion about the future of drug policy reform in the United States.

Did you know that Friends of Esalen has a book club? This month, we’re reading Dr. Qing Li’s 2018 book, "Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness."

Atlanta’s Danny Fluker, Jr. is a writer, yoga teacher, IT professional, and wellness advocate. He’s also the founder of Black Boys OM and — as of March 15th — Esalen’s current Artist In Residence. We chatted with Danny halfway through his stay on campus.

It’s hard to go wrong with flavor combinations when you pair things that come into season together, like early spring’s pea shoots and asparagus bolstered with the last of winter’s citrus. This salad is spring green on a plate, with a delightful mix of flavors and textures — acidic citrus, bright mint, sweet peas, crunchy nuts, tender asparagus — that elevate it beyond an everyday salad.

The connection between artists and creative spirits is a foundational part of Esalen’s lineage. We piloted the Artist in Residence program (AiR) last year with Sharon Virtue. Now, the full program officially launches with three exciting artists who span the creative spectrum.

Polenta is easy to cook and a great canvas for all kinds of flavors. This version is rich with herbs, but you could substitute your favorite spices, add cheese, stir in some sauteed mushrooms or spinach — the possibilities are limitless. 

Ken Dychtwald, the “Age Wave” guru, arrived at Esalen in 1970 in the pursuit of human potential and spent the next 50 years embracing every aspect of Esalen’s beauty, holistic learning, mental and physical enrichment, and deep sense of community. As Esalen shaped Ken’s life, he had a part in Esalen’s own evolution — which he explores in his 18th book, a sort-of memoir of his life’s journey toward truth and self-discovery, Radical Curiosity: One Man's Search for Cosmic Magic and a Purposeful Life.

The upheaval and change of the past 12 months leaves us all looking for a new way forward. Here at Esalen, conversations about our role in helping to heal this collective trauma are constant. Our new summit series, The Way Forward, is an outgrowth of these internal discussions. As we move into this important but difficult work, we wanted to share some insight into what we’ve been grappling with internally and the work we’re invested in thus far.

Nutty notes ensure this Esalen favorite has layers of deep flavor. Light but warm and nourishing, it's vegan and gluten free and made mostly of pantry staples. 

Earlier this year, Emmy-award winning journalist, author and yoga instructor Christine Chen joined us as the host of Esalen Live! on Facebook. Christine interviews Esalen faculty and change agents about timely topics — coping with the pandemic, perspectives on racial justice, and overall well-being.

Guided by the intention of nurturing true healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous tribes of the region, key staff and board members from the Esalen Institute and representatives from the founding family/land owners have embarked on a multi-year process of individual and collective reflection, deep learning, and humble listening, which started on October 7th, 2020.

As an author, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and Mindful Relationship Coach, Esalen faculty Ira Israel knows how to swim deep waters. He shares his latest book pick with Esalen News.

Yoga instructor and holistic nutritionist Robin Wilner facilitates our Guided Program in Creating Connection through the Rituals of Esalen. Our new Teacher-in-Residence brings a winning trifecta of accessibility, warmth and humor to the ritual construct.

Fred Dust, Esalen faculty and Former Senior Partner of IDEO, was not immune to adjusting personally and professionally this year as the pandemic captured the global spotlight. In fact, it inspired him to write a new book, Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication, which will be released Dec. 1.

“We carry Esalen in the very tissues of our bodies,” observes yoga instructor Tracy Lease, who evokes the spirit of Esalen during her online noontime yoga class on Wednesdays. “I believe coming together, wherever you are living, to reset the nervous system and engage in practices many of us learned or honed at Esalen can be very healthy.”

“There was a very vivid sense of freedom, of ability to be myself, to be respected, to be allowed to explore the amazing outdoor environment and my emotional world within myself,” says Jasmine Star Horan about her experience as a student at Esalen Institute’s former early childhood program, Gazebo Park School. “I think ultimately the core teaching was about relationships.”

“Esalen is a mecca for mythic transformation,” says Corinne Bordeau, co-founder of the Esalen Inspirational Film Festival, “and that is the heartbeat of the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration Chris Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey.” The online event on Oct. 22, 2020 is free to the Esalen community.

Esalen faculty and 5Rhythms® instructor Lucia Horan recently shared her thoughts about community and the transitions she has faced this year with ConsciousDancer.com. We share her wisdom with our community with permission from ConsciousDancer.com.

“Almost every piece of work or literature that I've read on racism is built on one assumption: that it cannot end. Or at best, that it will be a ‘lifelong fight.’ That ending racism will be something that ‘will probably never happen in our generation.’”

Like many people during COVID-19, Esalen faculty Ira Israel was forced to create significant shifts in the ways he interacts with his extended community. One of the more enterprising endeavors he recently launched is 'Authenticity and Awakening for Lovable Idiots!', an online course that is free for the Esalen community.