Anais Gadban joined Esalen’s senior leadership team last year as the institute’s chief operating officer as we were preparing for our post-pandemic future after some long and challenging closures. “We had some cultural healing to do, which is an ongoing process,” she shares. Now, however, Ana, as she is known, is helping organize and implement a bright new era with greater, more meaningful, and lasting opportunities for the next generation of operational and thought leadership, while also ushering in more diversity, accountability, and contingency plans: “We are developing a secure place for our staff through awareness and training on professional and personal development,” she says excitedly. Ana has an extensive background in hospitality. This is the foundation of her heartfelt dedication to providing guests and staff with memorable experiences. “With beauty and grace, we quietly set the stage for people to have an amazing inner journey here, creating the space for all to reach their Human Potential,” she says.
Originally from Minnesota’s twin cities, Ana uses “non-traditional” to describe her childhood and family. “My parents instilled their passion for organic and biodynamic nutrition, holistic medicine, and numerous spiritual, native, religious, and cultural influences within our family and community,” she says. After an education within the Waldorf school system — a philosophy based on anthroposophy founder Rudolf Steiner’s thinking and with a focus on holistic advancement through creativity — she started work in hospitality at some of the nation’s top hotels while studying Design and Business in college.
Ana first worked for independent and branded boutique hotels, then moved into management positions, opening new properties across the country, from Chicago to Cleveland, New Orleans, Charlotte, Montreal, Miami, and Atlanta, before relocating most recently to Monterey to manage the Hyatt Regency in 2018.
“I had the privilege to travel to many wonderful places, connecting with people from different backgrounds, helping hotels and the staff working there to reach their potential and grow their careers,” she says, grateful for the operational systems and service culture training she developed that she now gets to employ at Esalen — and even more thankful for this new geographic setting and mission-driven opportunity.
“The greatest lessons I have learned being at Esalen include being able to genuinely, authentically listen to others, to the land, and to my intuition,” says Ana, “and working for an organization that supports this is such a blessing.”
To support new staff, Ana – along with Esalen CEO Camille Jeffries and Director of Education Casey Cushing – designed the Residential Extended Education Program (REEP), our new staffing model. “We needed to create structure around working, living, and learning in the community in a positive way. REEP members can now participate in the curriculum while getting paid to provide service in operational departments.”
Though she refers to her work as “behind the scenes” or “under the radar,” Ana finds great satisfaction in establishing processes and procedures to support and develop our staff and community alike. “It feels like a breath of fresh air to contribute to an organization that has so much potential — with a mission and vision that aligns with my personal beliefs, one that, most importantly, has the ability to change people’s perceptions, perspectives, and souls.”
After a few tumultuous years, between a global pandemic, landslides, fires, and flooding, there are still some realities to face to ensure ongoing operational successes. Since Ana started 15 months ago, Esalen has had to shutter temporarily several times. She appreciates all the people in the greater Big Sur community she has gotten to connect and partner with, helping the institute to nimbly pivot and recover as needed.
“Sending much loving gratitude to the Esselen Tribe, as community stewards of the land and faculty. We are genuinely blessed with their knowledge and presence in every way! I also give thanks to Elsa Rivera for her love and care in welcoming us into the Big Sur Food & Wine community with open arms. Also, our Chef Abi Collomb and Hyatt Chef Kevin Fisher who made the event magical! An extra shout out to the team at Tablas Creek Vineyards for their collaboration on this event. We have worked diligently to re-engage our relationships in the Big Sur community in meaningful ways. Many thanks to Chef Nicholas Balla at Coast for his dedication and time with us and ongoing collaboration with our culinary team. And last but not least, sending epic gratitude to Caltrans District 5 and Kevin Drabinski, who have been working tirelessly to make it possible for us to reopen through an extremely tough winter!”
As the leader of a large team, Ana knows that collaboration and mutual support are the keys to building community and finding success — and believes the Esalen staff is perfectly poised for great things. “We have an amazing group of humans in every way, dedicated to our mission and their work here. Working alongside them brings so much joy!”
“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?
Anais Gadban joined Esalen’s senior leadership team last year as the institute’s chief operating officer as we were preparing for our post-pandemic future after some long and challenging closures. “We had some cultural healing to do, which is an ongoing process,” she shares. Now, however, Ana, as she is known, is helping organize and implement a bright new era with greater, more meaningful, and lasting opportunities for the next generation of operational and thought leadership, while also ushering in more diversity, accountability, and contingency plans: “We are developing a secure place for our staff through awareness and training on professional and personal development,” she says excitedly. Ana has an extensive background in hospitality. This is the foundation of her heartfelt dedication to providing guests and staff with memorable experiences. “With beauty and grace, we quietly set the stage for people to have an amazing inner journey here, creating the space for all to reach their Human Potential,” she says.
Originally from Minnesota’s twin cities, Ana uses “non-traditional” to describe her childhood and family. “My parents instilled their passion for organic and biodynamic nutrition, holistic medicine, and numerous spiritual, native, religious, and cultural influences within our family and community,” she says. After an education within the Waldorf school system — a philosophy based on anthroposophy founder Rudolf Steiner’s thinking and with a focus on holistic advancement through creativity — she started work in hospitality at some of the nation’s top hotels while studying Design and Business in college.
Ana first worked for independent and branded boutique hotels, then moved into management positions, opening new properties across the country, from Chicago to Cleveland, New Orleans, Charlotte, Montreal, Miami, and Atlanta, before relocating most recently to Monterey to manage the Hyatt Regency in 2018.
“I had the privilege to travel to many wonderful places, connecting with people from different backgrounds, helping hotels and the staff working there to reach their potential and grow their careers,” she says, grateful for the operational systems and service culture training she developed that she now gets to employ at Esalen — and even more thankful for this new geographic setting and mission-driven opportunity.
“The greatest lessons I have learned being at Esalen include being able to genuinely, authentically listen to others, to the land, and to my intuition,” says Ana, “and working for an organization that supports this is such a blessing.”
To support new staff, Ana – along with Esalen CEO Camille Jeffries and Director of Education Casey Cushing – designed the Residential Extended Education Program (REEP), our new staffing model. “We needed to create structure around working, living, and learning in the community in a positive way. REEP members can now participate in the curriculum while getting paid to provide service in operational departments.”
Though she refers to her work as “behind the scenes” or “under the radar,” Ana finds great satisfaction in establishing processes and procedures to support and develop our staff and community alike. “It feels like a breath of fresh air to contribute to an organization that has so much potential — with a mission and vision that aligns with my personal beliefs, one that, most importantly, has the ability to change people’s perceptions, perspectives, and souls.”
After a few tumultuous years, between a global pandemic, landslides, fires, and flooding, there are still some realities to face to ensure ongoing operational successes. Since Ana started 15 months ago, Esalen has had to shutter temporarily several times. She appreciates all the people in the greater Big Sur community she has gotten to connect and partner with, helping the institute to nimbly pivot and recover as needed.
“Sending much loving gratitude to the Esselen Tribe, as community stewards of the land and faculty. We are genuinely blessed with their knowledge and presence in every way! I also give thanks to Elsa Rivera for her love and care in welcoming us into the Big Sur Food & Wine community with open arms. Also, our Chef Abi Collomb and Hyatt Chef Kevin Fisher who made the event magical! An extra shout out to the team at Tablas Creek Vineyards for their collaboration on this event. We have worked diligently to re-engage our relationships in the Big Sur community in meaningful ways. Many thanks to Chef Nicholas Balla at Coast for his dedication and time with us and ongoing collaboration with our culinary team. And last but not least, sending epic gratitude to Caltrans District 5 and Kevin Drabinski, who have been working tirelessly to make it possible for us to reopen through an extremely tough winter!”
As the leader of a large team, Ana knows that collaboration and mutual support are the keys to building community and finding success — and believes the Esalen staff is perfectly poised for great things. “We have an amazing group of humans in every way, dedicated to our mission and their work here. Working alongside them brings so much joy!”
“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?
Anais Gadban joined Esalen’s senior leadership team last year as the institute’s chief operating officer as we were preparing for our post-pandemic future after some long and challenging closures. “We had some cultural healing to do, which is an ongoing process,” she shares. Now, however, Ana, as she is known, is helping organize and implement a bright new era with greater, more meaningful, and lasting opportunities for the next generation of operational and thought leadership, while also ushering in more diversity, accountability, and contingency plans: “We are developing a secure place for our staff through awareness and training on professional and personal development,” she says excitedly. Ana has an extensive background in hospitality. This is the foundation of her heartfelt dedication to providing guests and staff with memorable experiences. “With beauty and grace, we quietly set the stage for people to have an amazing inner journey here, creating the space for all to reach their Human Potential,” she says.
Originally from Minnesota’s twin cities, Ana uses “non-traditional” to describe her childhood and family. “My parents instilled their passion for organic and biodynamic nutrition, holistic medicine, and numerous spiritual, native, religious, and cultural influences within our family and community,” she says. After an education within the Waldorf school system — a philosophy based on anthroposophy founder Rudolf Steiner’s thinking and with a focus on holistic advancement through creativity — she started work in hospitality at some of the nation’s top hotels while studying Design and Business in college.
Ana first worked for independent and branded boutique hotels, then moved into management positions, opening new properties across the country, from Chicago to Cleveland, New Orleans, Charlotte, Montreal, Miami, and Atlanta, before relocating most recently to Monterey to manage the Hyatt Regency in 2018.
“I had the privilege to travel to many wonderful places, connecting with people from different backgrounds, helping hotels and the staff working there to reach their potential and grow their careers,” she says, grateful for the operational systems and service culture training she developed that she now gets to employ at Esalen — and even more thankful for this new geographic setting and mission-driven opportunity.
“The greatest lessons I have learned being at Esalen include being able to genuinely, authentically listen to others, to the land, and to my intuition,” says Ana, “and working for an organization that supports this is such a blessing.”
To support new staff, Ana – along with Esalen CEO Camille Jeffries and Director of Education Casey Cushing – designed the Residential Extended Education Program (REEP), our new staffing model. “We needed to create structure around working, living, and learning in the community in a positive way. REEP members can now participate in the curriculum while getting paid to provide service in operational departments.”
Though she refers to her work as “behind the scenes” or “under the radar,” Ana finds great satisfaction in establishing processes and procedures to support and develop our staff and community alike. “It feels like a breath of fresh air to contribute to an organization that has so much potential — with a mission and vision that aligns with my personal beliefs, one that, most importantly, has the ability to change people’s perceptions, perspectives, and souls.”
After a few tumultuous years, between a global pandemic, landslides, fires, and flooding, there are still some realities to face to ensure ongoing operational successes. Since Ana started 15 months ago, Esalen has had to shutter temporarily several times. She appreciates all the people in the greater Big Sur community she has gotten to connect and partner with, helping the institute to nimbly pivot and recover as needed.
“Sending much loving gratitude to the Esselen Tribe, as community stewards of the land and faculty. We are genuinely blessed with their knowledge and presence in every way! I also give thanks to Elsa Rivera for her love and care in welcoming us into the Big Sur Food & Wine community with open arms. Also, our Chef Abi Collomb and Hyatt Chef Kevin Fisher who made the event magical! An extra shout out to the team at Tablas Creek Vineyards for their collaboration on this event. We have worked diligently to re-engage our relationships in the Big Sur community in meaningful ways. Many thanks to Chef Nicholas Balla at Coast for his dedication and time with us and ongoing collaboration with our culinary team. And last but not least, sending epic gratitude to Caltrans District 5 and Kevin Drabinski, who have been working tirelessly to make it possible for us to reopen through an extremely tough winter!”
As the leader of a large team, Ana knows that collaboration and mutual support are the keys to building community and finding success — and believes the Esalen staff is perfectly poised for great things. “We have an amazing group of humans in every way, dedicated to our mission and their work here. Working alongside them brings so much joy!”
“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
