At many preschools, the day begins inside. At Gazebo School Park, the day begins and ends on a one-acre outdoor meadow featuring reading nooks, art spaces, a children’s theater, and a farmhouse classroom for rainy days. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the early childhood center serves the families of seminarians and faculty as well as Esalen community members and local Big Sur residents.
“Gazebo is different in that it is a place for children to explore in an uninhibited environment – the park is their kingdom,” says Sofia Snavely, a Gazebo teacher and former intern. “They have a free space to create, develop, and test their own limits.” Gazebo has allowed Sofia to grow in her role as a teacher, too, by showing her that children are capable of much more than what she expected. Gazebo kids are given responsibility to help care for the park, from feeding the goats and chickens to watering the plants, which according to Sofia helps grow both their independence as well as their appreciation for the land. They also enjoy field trips including visits to Esalen’s Farm & Garden and to the fresh water creek.
The Gazebo effect extends to children’s parents as well. “There’s permission given at Gazebo to let go of some of the pressures a lot of parents are feeling, particularly with the current drive to achieve in today’s classroom,” observes Gazebo School Park Director Jessica Tamayo.
Gazebo reflects the Gestalt practices of communication that is part of Esalen’s heritage. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the center as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. “By maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace and using the environment with its demands and differences as major tools, the child learns in his/her earliest years: self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline in the most basic form,” wrote Janet.
The impact of this can be lifelong, says Jessica, as Gazebo alumni have shared with her that they now appreciate the uniqueness of their childhood experience. “I’ve definitely heard that it’s something they didn’t realize [how they were different from other kids] until they got to college and then understood that they know themselves more,” she says. “In part they credit the way they were respected and treated as individuals during their time here.”
Gazebo offers an opportunity to move away from the every day stresses of life, adds Jessica, and allows families to be present with each other. “Parents can see their child for whom their child is, in his or her free self, without the setting of the classroom or expectation of a situation that calls for a specific behavior.”
"Gazebo embodies what the Big Sur area is about, and really allows kids to connect with their environment," says Kyle Evans, an Esalen staff member who grew up in the area. His son, Sylas, has been attending Gazebo for two years and has developed a spirit of exploration. "When I see Sylas on a field trip he'll wave to me and then go on his way. I'll catch a glimpse of his independent self that I wouldn’t normally see."
In 2017, Gazebo celebrates its 40th anniversary. Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to give more families the opportunity to be part of Gazebo – through attendance and by increasing scholarships. Learn how you can support Gazebo School Park.
“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?
At many preschools, the day begins inside. At Gazebo School Park, the day begins and ends on a one-acre outdoor meadow featuring reading nooks, art spaces, a children’s theater, and a farmhouse classroom for rainy days. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the early childhood center serves the families of seminarians and faculty as well as Esalen community members and local Big Sur residents.
“Gazebo is different in that it is a place for children to explore in an uninhibited environment – the park is their kingdom,” says Sofia Snavely, a Gazebo teacher and former intern. “They have a free space to create, develop, and test their own limits.” Gazebo has allowed Sofia to grow in her role as a teacher, too, by showing her that children are capable of much more than what she expected. Gazebo kids are given responsibility to help care for the park, from feeding the goats and chickens to watering the plants, which according to Sofia helps grow both their independence as well as their appreciation for the land. They also enjoy field trips including visits to Esalen’s Farm & Garden and to the fresh water creek.
The Gazebo effect extends to children’s parents as well. “There’s permission given at Gazebo to let go of some of the pressures a lot of parents are feeling, particularly with the current drive to achieve in today’s classroom,” observes Gazebo School Park Director Jessica Tamayo.
Gazebo reflects the Gestalt practices of communication that is part of Esalen’s heritage. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the center as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. “By maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace and using the environment with its demands and differences as major tools, the child learns in his/her earliest years: self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline in the most basic form,” wrote Janet.
The impact of this can be lifelong, says Jessica, as Gazebo alumni have shared with her that they now appreciate the uniqueness of their childhood experience. “I’ve definitely heard that it’s something they didn’t realize [how they were different from other kids] until they got to college and then understood that they know themselves more,” she says. “In part they credit the way they were respected and treated as individuals during their time here.”
Gazebo offers an opportunity to move away from the every day stresses of life, adds Jessica, and allows families to be present with each other. “Parents can see their child for whom their child is, in his or her free self, without the setting of the classroom or expectation of a situation that calls for a specific behavior.”
"Gazebo embodies what the Big Sur area is about, and really allows kids to connect with their environment," says Kyle Evans, an Esalen staff member who grew up in the area. His son, Sylas, has been attending Gazebo for two years and has developed a spirit of exploration. "When I see Sylas on a field trip he'll wave to me and then go on his way. I'll catch a glimpse of his independent self that I wouldn’t normally see."
In 2017, Gazebo celebrates its 40th anniversary. Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to give more families the opportunity to be part of Gazebo – through attendance and by increasing scholarships. Learn how you can support Gazebo School Park.
“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?
At many preschools, the day begins inside. At Gazebo School Park, the day begins and ends on a one-acre outdoor meadow featuring reading nooks, art spaces, a children’s theater, and a farmhouse classroom for rainy days. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the early childhood center serves the families of seminarians and faculty as well as Esalen community members and local Big Sur residents.
“Gazebo is different in that it is a place for children to explore in an uninhibited environment – the park is their kingdom,” says Sofia Snavely, a Gazebo teacher and former intern. “They have a free space to create, develop, and test their own limits.” Gazebo has allowed Sofia to grow in her role as a teacher, too, by showing her that children are capable of much more than what she expected. Gazebo kids are given responsibility to help care for the park, from feeding the goats and chickens to watering the plants, which according to Sofia helps grow both their independence as well as their appreciation for the land. They also enjoy field trips including visits to Esalen’s Farm & Garden and to the fresh water creek.
The Gazebo effect extends to children’s parents as well. “There’s permission given at Gazebo to let go of some of the pressures a lot of parents are feeling, particularly with the current drive to achieve in today’s classroom,” observes Gazebo School Park Director Jessica Tamayo.
Gazebo reflects the Gestalt practices of communication that is part of Esalen’s heritage. Janet Lederman, Gazebo’s founding director, conceived of the center as part of her research on educating the whole child. At the time, Fritz Perls was leading groundbreaking work in Gestalt therapy at Esalen. Janet adapted Gestalt for an educational setting. “By maximizing each child's unique learning style and pace and using the environment with its demands and differences as major tools, the child learns in his/her earliest years: self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline in the most basic form,” wrote Janet.
The impact of this can be lifelong, says Jessica, as Gazebo alumni have shared with her that they now appreciate the uniqueness of their childhood experience. “I’ve definitely heard that it’s something they didn’t realize [how they were different from other kids] until they got to college and then understood that they know themselves more,” she says. “In part they credit the way they were respected and treated as individuals during their time here.”
Gazebo offers an opportunity to move away from the every day stresses of life, adds Jessica, and allows families to be present with each other. “Parents can see their child for whom their child is, in his or her free self, without the setting of the classroom or expectation of a situation that calls for a specific behavior.”
"Gazebo embodies what the Big Sur area is about, and really allows kids to connect with their environment," says Kyle Evans, an Esalen staff member who grew up in the area. His son, Sylas, has been attending Gazebo for two years and has developed a spirit of exploration. "When I see Sylas on a field trip he'll wave to me and then go on his way. I'll catch a glimpse of his independent self that I wouldn’t normally see."
In 2017, Gazebo celebrates its 40th anniversary. Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to give more families the opportunity to be part of Gazebo – through attendance and by increasing scholarships. Learn how you can support Gazebo School Park.
“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