The Esalen Kitchen feels like home to new General Manager Terry Gilbey. “If the Lodge is the heart of Esalen, the kitchen is the heart of the Lodge,” he says. During the Institute’s extended closure, Terry had been asked to step in as the kitchen’s manager – a role he will keep as he finds his zone of genius to be cooking up both delicious food as well as ideas.
“I love to cook. I think food is medicine, not just for the physical body but for the emotional and energetic body as well,” observes Terry. “We are what we eat is the old phrase and I think it’s very true. The opportunity to create something that is essential for everyone who comes to Esalen and to be of service is incredibly important to me. I still cook a Sunday dinner every so often and it’s a great privilege.”
Originally from England, Terry brings wide-ranging expertise and versatility to the position of general manager. His background in operations and information technology – having most recently served as chief operating officer at the Wikimedia Foundation – gives him an invaluable lens to bring Esalen’s path forward into focus.
“Right now we are at the origin point of rebirthing Esalen into the collective human potential versus the individual human potential,” Terry says. “This is an opportunity that will never happen again. It is a great, great privilege to be a part of that. We are working to create a strong foundation on which we can build a vibrant community that can fulfill the mission of Esalen.”
Terry first came to Esalen after his wife, Kim, participated in a workshop. Enchanted by the place, she suggested they return together. They both participated in a two month-long Work Study program and Terry began to appreciate what drew his wife to Big Sur. “Esalen allows you time to actually look at yourself, and look at how that is in relation to the rest of the world. You’re not bombarded by everything from the outside like you are when you’re in the city. It also is a place where there is a community focused around a mission.”
However, just one week into his year-long Extended Student tenure, extreme winter weather triggered landslides and road closures in the region. Esalen was evacuated on February 12, and Terry and Kim volunteered to remain with a small group to care for the property and the land. Casual conversations with Executive Director Ben Tauber with both Gilbeys led to productive brainstorming sessions and a growing partnership. Kim has spent more than 15 years working as a leadership, strategy, and organizational consultant and executive coach with major corporations and non-profit organizations. An organizational anthropologist and thought-partner, she is loving the rebirth of Esalen.
During the closure, Terry observed the Esalen community rising to the challenge. Out of necessity, roles on property shifted and evolved, and Terry helped co-create new practices to support the organization’s changing needs. “We have people doing multiple roles here at Esalen now. What we’ve created is an environment where somebody may be working in healing arts and the garden because that allows them to step into spaces and explore gifts that they might otherwise not have been able to explore. You start mixing skills, and gifts, and superpowers across the property – and magical things can happen.”
Terry himself is a prime example of the power of possibility. As General Manager, he is responsible for all aspects of the Esalen experience ranging from the kitchen and grounds to lodging and security. But you can still find him in his home away from home preparing his favorite meal in the Esalen Kitchen. “I love to do a good traditional English Sunday roast dinner,” he says, “and to stand and carve it and share it with people in the Lodge.”
“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?
The Esalen Kitchen feels like home to new General Manager Terry Gilbey. “If the Lodge is the heart of Esalen, the kitchen is the heart of the Lodge,” he says. During the Institute’s extended closure, Terry had been asked to step in as the kitchen’s manager – a role he will keep as he finds his zone of genius to be cooking up both delicious food as well as ideas.
“I love to cook. I think food is medicine, not just for the physical body but for the emotional and energetic body as well,” observes Terry. “We are what we eat is the old phrase and I think it’s very true. The opportunity to create something that is essential for everyone who comes to Esalen and to be of service is incredibly important to me. I still cook a Sunday dinner every so often and it’s a great privilege.”
Originally from England, Terry brings wide-ranging expertise and versatility to the position of general manager. His background in operations and information technology – having most recently served as chief operating officer at the Wikimedia Foundation – gives him an invaluable lens to bring Esalen’s path forward into focus.
“Right now we are at the origin point of rebirthing Esalen into the collective human potential versus the individual human potential,” Terry says. “This is an opportunity that will never happen again. It is a great, great privilege to be a part of that. We are working to create a strong foundation on which we can build a vibrant community that can fulfill the mission of Esalen.”
Terry first came to Esalen after his wife, Kim, participated in a workshop. Enchanted by the place, she suggested they return together. They both participated in a two month-long Work Study program and Terry began to appreciate what drew his wife to Big Sur. “Esalen allows you time to actually look at yourself, and look at how that is in relation to the rest of the world. You’re not bombarded by everything from the outside like you are when you’re in the city. It also is a place where there is a community focused around a mission.”
However, just one week into his year-long Extended Student tenure, extreme winter weather triggered landslides and road closures in the region. Esalen was evacuated on February 12, and Terry and Kim volunteered to remain with a small group to care for the property and the land. Casual conversations with Executive Director Ben Tauber with both Gilbeys led to productive brainstorming sessions and a growing partnership. Kim has spent more than 15 years working as a leadership, strategy, and organizational consultant and executive coach with major corporations and non-profit organizations. An organizational anthropologist and thought-partner, she is loving the rebirth of Esalen.
During the closure, Terry observed the Esalen community rising to the challenge. Out of necessity, roles on property shifted and evolved, and Terry helped co-create new practices to support the organization’s changing needs. “We have people doing multiple roles here at Esalen now. What we’ve created is an environment where somebody may be working in healing arts and the garden because that allows them to step into spaces and explore gifts that they might otherwise not have been able to explore. You start mixing skills, and gifts, and superpowers across the property – and magical things can happen.”
Terry himself is a prime example of the power of possibility. As General Manager, he is responsible for all aspects of the Esalen experience ranging from the kitchen and grounds to lodging and security. But you can still find him in his home away from home preparing his favorite meal in the Esalen Kitchen. “I love to do a good traditional English Sunday roast dinner,” he says, “and to stand and carve it and share it with people in the Lodge.”
“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?
The Esalen Kitchen feels like home to new General Manager Terry Gilbey. “If the Lodge is the heart of Esalen, the kitchen is the heart of the Lodge,” he says. During the Institute’s extended closure, Terry had been asked to step in as the kitchen’s manager – a role he will keep as he finds his zone of genius to be cooking up both delicious food as well as ideas.
“I love to cook. I think food is medicine, not just for the physical body but for the emotional and energetic body as well,” observes Terry. “We are what we eat is the old phrase and I think it’s very true. The opportunity to create something that is essential for everyone who comes to Esalen and to be of service is incredibly important to me. I still cook a Sunday dinner every so often and it’s a great privilege.”
Originally from England, Terry brings wide-ranging expertise and versatility to the position of general manager. His background in operations and information technology – having most recently served as chief operating officer at the Wikimedia Foundation – gives him an invaluable lens to bring Esalen’s path forward into focus.
“Right now we are at the origin point of rebirthing Esalen into the collective human potential versus the individual human potential,” Terry says. “This is an opportunity that will never happen again. It is a great, great privilege to be a part of that. We are working to create a strong foundation on which we can build a vibrant community that can fulfill the mission of Esalen.”
Terry first came to Esalen after his wife, Kim, participated in a workshop. Enchanted by the place, she suggested they return together. They both participated in a two month-long Work Study program and Terry began to appreciate what drew his wife to Big Sur. “Esalen allows you time to actually look at yourself, and look at how that is in relation to the rest of the world. You’re not bombarded by everything from the outside like you are when you’re in the city. It also is a place where there is a community focused around a mission.”
However, just one week into his year-long Extended Student tenure, extreme winter weather triggered landslides and road closures in the region. Esalen was evacuated on February 12, and Terry and Kim volunteered to remain with a small group to care for the property and the land. Casual conversations with Executive Director Ben Tauber with both Gilbeys led to productive brainstorming sessions and a growing partnership. Kim has spent more than 15 years working as a leadership, strategy, and organizational consultant and executive coach with major corporations and non-profit organizations. An organizational anthropologist and thought-partner, she is loving the rebirth of Esalen.
During the closure, Terry observed the Esalen community rising to the challenge. Out of necessity, roles on property shifted and evolved, and Terry helped co-create new practices to support the organization’s changing needs. “We have people doing multiple roles here at Esalen now. What we’ve created is an environment where somebody may be working in healing arts and the garden because that allows them to step into spaces and explore gifts that they might otherwise not have been able to explore. You start mixing skills, and gifts, and superpowers across the property – and magical things can happen.”
Terry himself is a prime example of the power of possibility. As General Manager, he is responsible for all aspects of the Esalen experience ranging from the kitchen and grounds to lodging and security. But you can still find him in his home away from home preparing his favorite meal in the Esalen Kitchen. “I love to do a good traditional English Sunday roast dinner,” he says, “and to stand and carve it and share it with people in the Lodge.”
“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