Esalen Institute, commonly just called Esalen, is a retreat center in Big Sur, California, which focuses upon humanistic alternative education. Esalen is a nonprofit organization devoted to activities such as personal growth, meditation, massage, yoga, psychology, ecology, spirituality, and organic food.
Have you been to Esalen Institute before?
Esalen will be hosting Unfinished Business May 3-5, and we can’t wait for these two special entities to combine forces.
Here, I have listed my personal list of favorites of why Esalen holds such a powerful and precious place in my heart… The list is not objective, and it’s not even in any particular order. I’m hoping you will add to it in the comments section below. In true Esalen spririt, I’m more interested in the conversation than in hearing myself talk!
#1 Favorite Thing About Esalen: The Hot Springs
Esalen provides a magical venue for pure relaxation, and yet there is also an intangible energy about the place. Walk down the path along the cliffs looking out directly over the ocean. Bathe in stone tubs cut right into the earth, and you’ll know what I mean. Energy and relaxation at the same time, as you rest your elbows and look over Paradise.
#2: The FOOD!
Eat as much as you want, as often as you want. Fresh bread waiting to be eaten 24/7, fresh meals prepared from the garden on the property, I’ll never be able to adequately describe the eating experience… Other than to say, the food nourishes your heart.
#3: The Esalen Massage
As you exercise your mind and spirit during the Unfinished Business workshop, you’ll want to save time for the Esalen massage. It’s unlike any other I’ve experienced, and each one is different. The massage house is cut into the cliffs, and the only sound is the crash of waves below. The mastery of the massage therapists is immediate and palpable. I wish this for you more than anything else.
#4: The Quality Conversation
I wish I could capture this spirit of community, inspiration and acceptance and take it into the rest of the world. No matter your skin, age, beliefs, you are welcome to engage in inspired debate. You can’t help but feel like we are doing something very important by being here, speaking together, in this moment. Great leaders, simple folk, all sitting at the same table as equals, happy to introduce themselves to a new stranger and make a friend.
#5: The Quest for Growth
Well, this is what brings most of us here to Esalen. Unfinished Business is the perfect example of quality workshop experience. While we may think we are going to vacation at Esalen…. Not so! There is much work to be done, and we take this gentle loving task quite seriously with the best leaders in the world.
#6: Big Sur, Big Sur, Big Sur
If you have seen this land, you know. If you have not, you simply must witness it in silence with your own eyes. So many other nestled sites along Highway 1 are worth working into the schedule.
#7: Did I mention the FOOD??
Can’t stop thinking about it… The generosity of the chefs and guests who ask to help prepare our meals… The care with each ingredient. Yummm.
#8: The Morning Movement Sessions
As if the workshop, the food and location aren’t enough, Esalen makes available several “extra perks” including a morning movement session each morning. Perhaps it is yoga or Tai Chi, it is such a nice way to start the morning before breakfast and workshop!
#9: The Art Barn
Another “Freebie”, the Art Barn is open for you to explore and create. Supplies are available and there is obviously no shortage of inspiration. I learned how to silk paint here years ago, and it remains a favorite past time when I need to get my hands dirty.
#10: Dance!
Ok, so I can’t deny this felt a bit odd at first…. Dancing with strangers. But, those who give it a try often feel the same way, and as the time passes, and a few smiles are exchanged, we end up laughing and shouting with glee. If you are as shy as most of us, this is a life experience not to be denied. How often in our lives are we free to feel complete release to DANCE?
(Don’t worry, it’s very optional!)
Unfinished Business will be at Esalen May 3-5…. Along With All Your Favorite Things
Whether vacation or seeking personal growth, I find both uniquely compatible at Esalen. Hope to see you there.
For information on Registration, click here.