In the middle of a career shift, WisdomWomen founder Michelle Stransky took a huge leap into the unknown. As she navigated the transition, she followed her curiosity and soon pinpointed her next endeavor: to create an experimental space for women to develop and share their gifts as leaders. WisdomWomen was born, and Esalen — with its long history as fertile soil for breakthrough ideas and social movements — was a natural place for it to emerge.
In January 2016 Esalen hosted WisdomWomen’s first gathering. The weekend of January 26 WisdomWomen will return, convened by Michelle and WisdomWomen steward and social justice visionary Mutami Rose Imani, for a new property-wide workshop.
“WisdomWomen truly has been an evolution because, rather than repeat a formula or structure, we follow an emergent path of where the vision is taking us,” says Michelle. “The process led to creating relationships and building a sisterhood of women who were ready to experiment.”
Eva Iglesias describes her experience at a previous WisdomWomen gathering at Esalen as magical. “From the beginning to the end, I felt I was in a state of perfect flow and harmony with the land and women participants. The program is designed to tap into the natural surroundings and the wisdom of each woman, so I was able to connect deeply with myself and with other women,” she says. “There was time to reflect, time to share, and time to play. It was a very powerful experience that helped me set new intentions, bring new awareness, and develop deep connections.”
Today WisdomWomen has formed 13 Visionary Councils on topics ranging from governance, the earth, media and technology, health and well-being, diversity, and others. “Each of our Councils manifests in a different way,” Michelle explains. “In 2017, we held gatherings on two specific Council topics: Earth and Sacred Sexuality.
This year we are planning follow-up gatherings for these topics. I believe the focus helps members of our community root into the earth and our bodies as we explore other areas like the New Economy, Diversity, Health and Well-being.” In addition to their numerous ongoing Council initiatives, WisdomWomen projects include the Collaboratory, an incubator for actualizing new social models, and the WisdomWomen Fund, developed out of the community’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
WisdomWomen attracts participant co-creators from all over the world. Whether you have an established leadership practice or are taking the first step on a new path, there is a place for you. “I knew I wanted to do something good in the world, but wasn't having much luck achieving that within a regular top-down organizational structure,” says self-compassion teacher Kristy Arbon. “I had a sense there was another way to do things where competition gave way to collaboration, and where I could truly be me without having to wear a persona.”
Beatrix Bliss, a Wisdom Woman in the United Kingdom, elaborates: “When the wider world doesn't seem ready for the vision you are brewing under the surface, the courage you need to birth it in the world comes from connection to others who are doing the same. When we come together as women with intention and in a sacred manner, something extraordinary happens.”
WisdomWomen Community Director Leslie Frame-Crowley believes her outlook has changed as a result of her participation. “Both my experiences at Esalen, and as a part of WisdomWomen, give me hope and vision for what our world could be,” says Leslie, “and is.”
The 2018 WisdomWomen gathering is shaping up to be a powerful time of inspiration and renewal, chock-full of peer sharing, exploratory conversations, creative collaboration, and ample time to rejuvenate in Esalen’s hot springs. “WisdomWomen is experimenting with an emergent culture and way of being in the world,” Michelle adds. “This is our opportunity to experience our village in person. I hope this gathering catalyzes increased stewardship by our members who will help shape the journey forward for our community and for the world.”
Attendance to the WisdomWomen Visionary Gathering at Esalen is by application.
Visit http://wisdomwomen.community/esalen/ to apply today.
“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?
In the middle of a career shift, WisdomWomen founder Michelle Stransky took a huge leap into the unknown. As she navigated the transition, she followed her curiosity and soon pinpointed her next endeavor: to create an experimental space for women to develop and share their gifts as leaders. WisdomWomen was born, and Esalen — with its long history as fertile soil for breakthrough ideas and social movements — was a natural place for it to emerge.
In January 2016 Esalen hosted WisdomWomen’s first gathering. The weekend of January 26 WisdomWomen will return, convened by Michelle and WisdomWomen steward and social justice visionary Mutami Rose Imani, for a new property-wide workshop.
“WisdomWomen truly has been an evolution because, rather than repeat a formula or structure, we follow an emergent path of where the vision is taking us,” says Michelle. “The process led to creating relationships and building a sisterhood of women who were ready to experiment.”
Eva Iglesias describes her experience at a previous WisdomWomen gathering at Esalen as magical. “From the beginning to the end, I felt I was in a state of perfect flow and harmony with the land and women participants. The program is designed to tap into the natural surroundings and the wisdom of each woman, so I was able to connect deeply with myself and with other women,” she says. “There was time to reflect, time to share, and time to play. It was a very powerful experience that helped me set new intentions, bring new awareness, and develop deep connections.”
Today WisdomWomen has formed 13 Visionary Councils on topics ranging from governance, the earth, media and technology, health and well-being, diversity, and others. “Each of our Councils manifests in a different way,” Michelle explains. “In 2017, we held gatherings on two specific Council topics: Earth and Sacred Sexuality.
This year we are planning follow-up gatherings for these topics. I believe the focus helps members of our community root into the earth and our bodies as we explore other areas like the New Economy, Diversity, Health and Well-being.” In addition to their numerous ongoing Council initiatives, WisdomWomen projects include the Collaboratory, an incubator for actualizing new social models, and the WisdomWomen Fund, developed out of the community’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
WisdomWomen attracts participant co-creators from all over the world. Whether you have an established leadership practice or are taking the first step on a new path, there is a place for you. “I knew I wanted to do something good in the world, but wasn't having much luck achieving that within a regular top-down organizational structure,” says self-compassion teacher Kristy Arbon. “I had a sense there was another way to do things where competition gave way to collaboration, and where I could truly be me without having to wear a persona.”
Beatrix Bliss, a Wisdom Woman in the United Kingdom, elaborates: “When the wider world doesn't seem ready for the vision you are brewing under the surface, the courage you need to birth it in the world comes from connection to others who are doing the same. When we come together as women with intention and in a sacred manner, something extraordinary happens.”
WisdomWomen Community Director Leslie Frame-Crowley believes her outlook has changed as a result of her participation. “Both my experiences at Esalen, and as a part of WisdomWomen, give me hope and vision for what our world could be,” says Leslie, “and is.”
The 2018 WisdomWomen gathering is shaping up to be a powerful time of inspiration and renewal, chock-full of peer sharing, exploratory conversations, creative collaboration, and ample time to rejuvenate in Esalen’s hot springs. “WisdomWomen is experimenting with an emergent culture and way of being in the world,” Michelle adds. “This is our opportunity to experience our village in person. I hope this gathering catalyzes increased stewardship by our members who will help shape the journey forward for our community and for the world.”
Attendance to the WisdomWomen Visionary Gathering at Esalen is by application.
Visit http://wisdomwomen.community/esalen/ to apply today.
“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?
In the middle of a career shift, WisdomWomen founder Michelle Stransky took a huge leap into the unknown. As she navigated the transition, she followed her curiosity and soon pinpointed her next endeavor: to create an experimental space for women to develop and share their gifts as leaders. WisdomWomen was born, and Esalen — with its long history as fertile soil for breakthrough ideas and social movements — was a natural place for it to emerge.
In January 2016 Esalen hosted WisdomWomen’s first gathering. The weekend of January 26 WisdomWomen will return, convened by Michelle and WisdomWomen steward and social justice visionary Mutami Rose Imani, for a new property-wide workshop.
“WisdomWomen truly has been an evolution because, rather than repeat a formula or structure, we follow an emergent path of where the vision is taking us,” says Michelle. “The process led to creating relationships and building a sisterhood of women who were ready to experiment.”
Eva Iglesias describes her experience at a previous WisdomWomen gathering at Esalen as magical. “From the beginning to the end, I felt I was in a state of perfect flow and harmony with the land and women participants. The program is designed to tap into the natural surroundings and the wisdom of each woman, so I was able to connect deeply with myself and with other women,” she says. “There was time to reflect, time to share, and time to play. It was a very powerful experience that helped me set new intentions, bring new awareness, and develop deep connections.”
Today WisdomWomen has formed 13 Visionary Councils on topics ranging from governance, the earth, media and technology, health and well-being, diversity, and others. “Each of our Councils manifests in a different way,” Michelle explains. “In 2017, we held gatherings on two specific Council topics: Earth and Sacred Sexuality.
This year we are planning follow-up gatherings for these topics. I believe the focus helps members of our community root into the earth and our bodies as we explore other areas like the New Economy, Diversity, Health and Well-being.” In addition to their numerous ongoing Council initiatives, WisdomWomen projects include the Collaboratory, an incubator for actualizing new social models, and the WisdomWomen Fund, developed out of the community’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
WisdomWomen attracts participant co-creators from all over the world. Whether you have an established leadership practice or are taking the first step on a new path, there is a place for you. “I knew I wanted to do something good in the world, but wasn't having much luck achieving that within a regular top-down organizational structure,” says self-compassion teacher Kristy Arbon. “I had a sense there was another way to do things where competition gave way to collaboration, and where I could truly be me without having to wear a persona.”
Beatrix Bliss, a Wisdom Woman in the United Kingdom, elaborates: “When the wider world doesn't seem ready for the vision you are brewing under the surface, the courage you need to birth it in the world comes from connection to others who are doing the same. When we come together as women with intention and in a sacred manner, something extraordinary happens.”
WisdomWomen Community Director Leslie Frame-Crowley believes her outlook has changed as a result of her participation. “Both my experiences at Esalen, and as a part of WisdomWomen, give me hope and vision for what our world could be,” says Leslie, “and is.”
The 2018 WisdomWomen gathering is shaping up to be a powerful time of inspiration and renewal, chock-full of peer sharing, exploratory conversations, creative collaboration, and ample time to rejuvenate in Esalen’s hot springs. “WisdomWomen is experimenting with an emergent culture and way of being in the world,” Michelle adds. “This is our opportunity to experience our village in person. I hope this gathering catalyzes increased stewardship by our members who will help shape the journey forward for our community and for the world.”
Attendance to the WisdomWomen Visionary Gathering at Esalen is by application.
Visit http://wisdomwomen.community/esalen/ to apply today.
“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