BIG SUR, CALIF. – May 13, 2020 - Esalen Institute, a nonprofit center for exploring and realizing human potential, today updated its timing to re-open its Education programs to the public in July. Esalen has been closed since mid-March when the state-mandated shelter-in-place. The timing for the re-opening could shift depending on local, state and federal government and regulatory factors outside of Esalen’s control.

The shelter-in-place requirements for Monterey County are currently scheduled to continue through May 31, while some restrictions are eased and tools to strengthen containment of COVID-19 are put into place.

Under the new Shelter-In-Place order, certain businesses that operate primarily outdoors, and some outdoor activities will be allowed to resume with specific conditions. Esalen will delay the opening beyond this May/June timing as a safety precaution to ensure preparations for guests are completed.

“Our primary concern is the safety and protection of our students, guests, faculty and staff, and we will take all measures to create a healthy environment to find healing and peace,” said Terry Gilbey, General Manager and CEO of Esalen. “We are focused on implementing the latest cleanliness protocols to ensure guests can experience the deeply transformative power of this place.”

Initial workshops will focus on “A Time To Reflect,” giving people a chance to work on recovery and revitalization as well as human connection in a post-COVID-19 world. In addition, online resources are in development for those who are unable to experience Esalen in person due to travel restrictions or who are not ready to rejoin workshops in person at this point.

“People need a safe place where they can find a container for the fear, anxiety, loneliness and confusion that is overwhelming our world today,” Gilbey noted. “Esalen is needed now more than ever to help people reach their full potential and recover from this physical, emotional and spiritual crisis.”

Esalen will be instituting comprehensive health and safety precautions to ensure the wellbeing of all guests. It will work with state and local authorities to continue the COVID-19 free environment Esalen has been able to sustain.  As of now, Esalen is not aware of any of its staff, prior faculty or guests testing positive for COVID-19. “Our staff has worked hard during the closure to ensure people can return to Esalen with confidence,” said Gilbey.

About Esalen
Founded in 1962, Esalen is nonprofit center for exploring and realizing human potential through experience, education, and research. Esalen is a pioneer on the leading edge of consciousness, where spiritual possibility, intellectual rigor, somatic practice and sustainable living converge toward an integrated realization of the human potential.

Esalen sponsors pioneering initiatives and offers personal, spiritual, and social transformation practices for workshop participants, residential staff and interns. Located on California’s scenic Big Sur Coast, Esalen welcomes more than 17,000 visitors each year.