Earlier this year, when Esalen temporarily closed its doors to the public during the pandemic, Esalen Farm & Garden stewards still working and living in the community asked the question: “How can we be of support to those close to us?” Inspired by the credo, “may all be fed,” staff devised a strategy for sharing the agricultural bounty that would have overflowed when springtime arrived.
With assistance from Esalen’s Community and Advancement team, Farm Supervisor Chris Omer, Garden Supervisor Flaam Hardy and others reached out to Big Sur residents interested in receiving fresh produce.
“As word spread, we realized there would be high demand,” Chris says. “All in all, we compiled a list of 54 households that would participate in an experimental Community Supported Agriculture program in the midst of a pandemic. We dubbed it FreeSA.”
The result was downright inspiring. Over the last few months on Monday mornings, various Farm & Garden staff took a short drive north and delivered a truckload of vegetables and fruit to the parking lot of Loma Vista Gardens, a staple of the Big Sur coast and home to the popular Big Sur Bakery. They donned masks, ensured proper social distancing and one at a time, dozens of Big Sur residents soon had their bags overflowing with an abundance of free produce grown at Esalen.
“We offered our signature fresh salad greens, kale, chard, collards, lemons, carrots, zucchini and culinary herbs,” Chris says, “but we also included a variety of specialty crops—spring garlic, artichoke, rhubarb, leeks, snap peas, strawberries, radish and a surprising favorite: our sweet hakurei turnips.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People appreciated Esalen leadership in lending their support and resources to the Farm & Garden so we could provide this service free of charge,” Chris shares. “People also expressed gratitude in being able to stay connected to the land, which plays such a powerfully personal role in the Esalen experience. This literally allows people to continue being nourished from the fertility and elements of the land in a very real way.”
The offering also delivered a poignant realization.
“Amidst the uncertainty of these times and the personal challenges we all were facing, the pickup days turned into a time when folks connected with one another,” Chris reflects. “The Farm & Garden crew love knowing that the food we grow will end up in so many kitchens of so many people we love. There is so much time, energy and labor that goes into cultivating a crop—from seedling to harvest.
“There are so many steps to the process that often go unseen—from how we create compost piles and nourish the soil to starting seeds in our greenhouse and caring for the tender shoots. Knowing that this process culminates in people taking this food into their bodies, filling them with health, vitality and happiness, is an amazing process to witness.”
FreeSA will run through mid-July, after 11 weeks of deliveries. At that point, the program will pause; however, Chris notes that the experience may be considered as a kind of trial run for a future CSA in which people pay.
“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?
Earlier this year, when Esalen temporarily closed its doors to the public during the pandemic, Esalen Farm & Garden stewards still working and living in the community asked the question: “How can we be of support to those close to us?” Inspired by the credo, “may all be fed,” staff devised a strategy for sharing the agricultural bounty that would have overflowed when springtime arrived.
With assistance from Esalen’s Community and Advancement team, Farm Supervisor Chris Omer, Garden Supervisor Flaam Hardy and others reached out to Big Sur residents interested in receiving fresh produce.
“As word spread, we realized there would be high demand,” Chris says. “All in all, we compiled a list of 54 households that would participate in an experimental Community Supported Agriculture program in the midst of a pandemic. We dubbed it FreeSA.”
The result was downright inspiring. Over the last few months on Monday mornings, various Farm & Garden staff took a short drive north and delivered a truckload of vegetables and fruit to the parking lot of Loma Vista Gardens, a staple of the Big Sur coast and home to the popular Big Sur Bakery. They donned masks, ensured proper social distancing and one at a time, dozens of Big Sur residents soon had their bags overflowing with an abundance of free produce grown at Esalen.
“We offered our signature fresh salad greens, kale, chard, collards, lemons, carrots, zucchini and culinary herbs,” Chris says, “but we also included a variety of specialty crops—spring garlic, artichoke, rhubarb, leeks, snap peas, strawberries, radish and a surprising favorite: our sweet hakurei turnips.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People appreciated Esalen leadership in lending their support and resources to the Farm & Garden so we could provide this service free of charge,” Chris shares. “People also expressed gratitude in being able to stay connected to the land, which plays such a powerfully personal role in the Esalen experience. This literally allows people to continue being nourished from the fertility and elements of the land in a very real way.”
The offering also delivered a poignant realization.
“Amidst the uncertainty of these times and the personal challenges we all were facing, the pickup days turned into a time when folks connected with one another,” Chris reflects. “The Farm & Garden crew love knowing that the food we grow will end up in so many kitchens of so many people we love. There is so much time, energy and labor that goes into cultivating a crop—from seedling to harvest.
“There are so many steps to the process that often go unseen—from how we create compost piles and nourish the soil to starting seeds in our greenhouse and caring for the tender shoots. Knowing that this process culminates in people taking this food into their bodies, filling them with health, vitality and happiness, is an amazing process to witness.”
FreeSA will run through mid-July, after 11 weeks of deliveries. At that point, the program will pause; however, Chris notes that the experience may be considered as a kind of trial run for a future CSA in which people pay.
“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?
Earlier this year, when Esalen temporarily closed its doors to the public during the pandemic, Esalen Farm & Garden stewards still working and living in the community asked the question: “How can we be of support to those close to us?” Inspired by the credo, “may all be fed,” staff devised a strategy for sharing the agricultural bounty that would have overflowed when springtime arrived.
With assistance from Esalen’s Community and Advancement team, Farm Supervisor Chris Omer, Garden Supervisor Flaam Hardy and others reached out to Big Sur residents interested in receiving fresh produce.
“As word spread, we realized there would be high demand,” Chris says. “All in all, we compiled a list of 54 households that would participate in an experimental Community Supported Agriculture program in the midst of a pandemic. We dubbed it FreeSA.”
The result was downright inspiring. Over the last few months on Monday mornings, various Farm & Garden staff took a short drive north and delivered a truckload of vegetables and fruit to the parking lot of Loma Vista Gardens, a staple of the Big Sur coast and home to the popular Big Sur Bakery. They donned masks, ensured proper social distancing and one at a time, dozens of Big Sur residents soon had their bags overflowing with an abundance of free produce grown at Esalen.
“We offered our signature fresh salad greens, kale, chard, collards, lemons, carrots, zucchini and culinary herbs,” Chris says, “but we also included a variety of specialty crops—spring garlic, artichoke, rhubarb, leeks, snap peas, strawberries, radish and a surprising favorite: our sweet hakurei turnips.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People appreciated Esalen leadership in lending their support and resources to the Farm & Garden so we could provide this service free of charge,” Chris shares. “People also expressed gratitude in being able to stay connected to the land, which plays such a powerfully personal role in the Esalen experience. This literally allows people to continue being nourished from the fertility and elements of the land in a very real way.”
The offering also delivered a poignant realization.
“Amidst the uncertainty of these times and the personal challenges we all were facing, the pickup days turned into a time when folks connected with one another,” Chris reflects. “The Farm & Garden crew love knowing that the food we grow will end up in so many kitchens of so many people we love. There is so much time, energy and labor that goes into cultivating a crop—from seedling to harvest.
“There are so many steps to the process that often go unseen—from how we create compost piles and nourish the soil to starting seeds in our greenhouse and caring for the tender shoots. Knowing that this process culminates in people taking this food into their bodies, filling them with health, vitality and happiness, is an amazing process to witness.”
FreeSA will run through mid-July, after 11 weeks of deliveries. At that point, the program will pause; however, Chris notes that the experience may be considered as a kind of trial run for a future CSA in which people pay.
“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