Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the alternate route directions.

Campus

< Back to all workshops

Hardwiring Happiness
September 16–18, 2022
September 16–18, 2022
with Shauna Shapiro

Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.

Register NowBook AccommodationsApply NowApply Now
spot left!
spots left!
Need a scholarship? Apply here.

Need a scholarship? Apply here.

We used to think that the brain was static, fixed, that it could not change. But revolutionary findings in neuroscience have demonstrated that we can literally re-architect the very structure of our brain. In fact, we can even rewire our brain to be happier — but it’s not through changing our external world; it’s through changing our internal landscape.

In this workshop, Dr. Shauna Shapiro — a leading scientist studying the effects of meditation on well-being — will teach you the most powerful science-based practices for increasing the neural pathways of happiness. She explains basic brain science and offers a powerful roadmap for how to live a joyful, connected, and meaningful life. Be prepared for unexpected transformation and delight.

  • Learn science-based practices to increase your baseline level of happiness.
  • Learn to cultivate greater joy, gratitude, and connection.
  • Learn how to integrate these practices in your everyday life.

*For anyone facing financial hardship, Dr. Shauna Shapiro invites you to contact her directly for tuition scholarship at slshapiro@scu.edu.

Recommended Reading: Shapiro, S. (2020) Good Morning, I love you: Mindfulness + Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire the Brain for Calm, Clarity + Joy.  Sounds True, Boulder, CO. Shapiro, S (2022). Good Morning, I Love You: A Guided Journal for Calm, Clarity & Joy. Sounds True, Boulder, CO.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:
Shauna Shapiro

Shauna Shapiro

Shauna Shapiro, PhD is a best-selling author, professor, and clinical psychologist. She is an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Shapiro has published over 150 papers and three critically-acclaimed books. Her TEDx Talk, What You Practice Grows Stronger, has been viewed over 2.5 million times.

Read More

Categories:
Category :   
Workshop Schedule

Friday
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 9:00 am Mindful Movement (optional)
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sound Healing (optional)
Sunday
8:00 am – 9:00 am Mindful Movement (optional)
10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

All-inclusive Pricing

with Shauna Shapiro

September 16–18, 2022
Register Now

We used to think that the brain was static, fixed, that it could not change. But revolutionary findings in neuroscience have demonstrated that we can literally re-architect the very structure of our brain. In fact, we can even rewire our brain to be happier — but it’s not through changing our external world; it’s through changing our internal landscape.

In this workshop, Dr. Shauna Shapiro — a leading scientist studying the effects of meditation on well-being — will teach you the most powerful science-based practices for increasing the neural pathways of happiness. She explains basic brain science and offers a powerful roadmap for how to live a joyful, connected, and meaningful life. Be prepared for unexpected transformation and delight.

  • Learn science-based practices to increase your baseline level of happiness.
  • Learn to cultivate greater joy, gratitude, and connection.
  • Learn how to integrate these practices in your everyday life.

*For anyone facing financial hardship, Dr. Shauna Shapiro invites you to contact her directly for tuition scholarship at slshapiro@scu.edu.

Recommended Reading: Shapiro, S. (2020) Good Morning, I love you: Mindfulness + Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire the Brain for Calm, Clarity + Joy.  Sounds True, Boulder, CO. Shapiro, S (2022). Good Morning, I Love You: A Guided Journal for Calm, Clarity & Joy. Sounds True, Boulder, CO.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Lead photo:
Shauna Shapiro

Shauna Shapiro, PhD is a best-selling author, professor, and clinical psychologist. She is an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Shapiro has published over 150 papers and three critically-acclaimed books. Her TEDx Talk, What You Practice Grows Stronger, has been viewed over 2.5 million times.

Read More

Workshop Schedule

Friday
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 9:00 am Mindful Movement (optional)
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sound Healing (optional)
Sunday
8:00 am – 9:00 am Mindful Movement (optional)
10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Accommodations & Tuition

For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.

First, sign up and pay tuition directly to

Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.

Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.

COVID Update

As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

COVID Update

Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.

All-inclusive Pricing