Though she’s lived in Big Sur since 2018 and has been visiting Esalen since the late ’90s, Casey Cushing — who joined the Esalen staff last year — still gets the same magical feeling arriving on campus as her very first visit. “Recently, I drove straight down from San Francisco early one morning. Upon arrival, the smell transported me right back to my first encounters here: the mix of salty sea air and mineral springs rising in mists and wisps. I had the feeling of being new again, encountering the mystery and awe with freshness,” she says, recalling a dazzled 17-year-old Casey dancing to the beats of Babatunde Olatunji’s drums at a summer festival.
“I still remember what I was wearing and how I felt — like I had landed someplace akin to my spirit, and I promptly went and bought his cassette,” Casey says, showing off a Drums of Passion tape held in that hard plastic- hinged box that teenagers today can’t even recognize. “To date myself,” she laughs.
Growing up in Carmel Valley, Big Sur became a spiritual home for Casey as she backpacked its wilds during her high school years. “The wilderness was a place of belonging,” she says, “and the coastline is home.” After a few decades working in education, most recently at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she has returned to where spending time on the land “is a transformation in itself.”
“There are very active hero’s journey processes happening here, with varying timelines,” Casey explains. “I have been through highs and lows, and feel now that I am living in my essence more consistently … I have surprised myself, I have felt lost and found, I have been met in so many ways and have learned about patience, forgiveness, and the restorative qualities of presence.”
As the head of Curriculum and Staff Development, Casey today works to bolster diverse personal and professional growth opportunities for staff, nurture relationships with faculty, and craft in-house curriculum. She coordinates the three-month Residential Extended Education Program (REEP) and the learning trajectory for the REEP six-month apprentices, and helps develop cross-departmental leadership training. “I am motivated by the vision of a greater, more inclusive educational dialogue happening on campus, for the benefit of all,” she says.
Inspired by Esalen and its people — “Humbled and so grateful to work alongside such incredible humans daily!” she adds — Casey describes a “distinct alchemy” in this vibrant ecosystem. “The land’s legacy, as a gathering place since time immemorial, and the souls that are drawn together — it is ever-changing and highly charged. It keeps you on your toes, and it also helps you deeply rest. It reminds you of who you are and also challenges you to discover more,” she explains, still enamored with a region she’s loved since the era of personal cassette players.
“This place inspires me to be as dynamic as it is, or at least to attempt such magic,” she says, preparing for great things to come. “My hopes and dreams for Esalen staff are big!”
“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?
Though she’s lived in Big Sur since 2018 and has been visiting Esalen since the late ’90s, Casey Cushing — who joined the Esalen staff last year — still gets the same magical feeling arriving on campus as her very first visit. “Recently, I drove straight down from San Francisco early one morning. Upon arrival, the smell transported me right back to my first encounters here: the mix of salty sea air and mineral springs rising in mists and wisps. I had the feeling of being new again, encountering the mystery and awe with freshness,” she says, recalling a dazzled 17-year-old Casey dancing to the beats of Babatunde Olatunji’s drums at a summer festival.
“I still remember what I was wearing and how I felt — like I had landed someplace akin to my spirit, and I promptly went and bought his cassette,” Casey says, showing off a Drums of Passion tape held in that hard plastic- hinged box that teenagers today can’t even recognize. “To date myself,” she laughs.
Growing up in Carmel Valley, Big Sur became a spiritual home for Casey as she backpacked its wilds during her high school years. “The wilderness was a place of belonging,” she says, “and the coastline is home.” After a few decades working in education, most recently at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she has returned to where spending time on the land “is a transformation in itself.”
“There are very active hero’s journey processes happening here, with varying timelines,” Casey explains. “I have been through highs and lows, and feel now that I am living in my essence more consistently … I have surprised myself, I have felt lost and found, I have been met in so many ways and have learned about patience, forgiveness, and the restorative qualities of presence.”
As the head of Curriculum and Staff Development, Casey today works to bolster diverse personal and professional growth opportunities for staff, nurture relationships with faculty, and craft in-house curriculum. She coordinates the three-month Residential Extended Education Program (REEP) and the learning trajectory for the REEP six-month apprentices, and helps develop cross-departmental leadership training. “I am motivated by the vision of a greater, more inclusive educational dialogue happening on campus, for the benefit of all,” she says.
Inspired by Esalen and its people — “Humbled and so grateful to work alongside such incredible humans daily!” she adds — Casey describes a “distinct alchemy” in this vibrant ecosystem. “The land’s legacy, as a gathering place since time immemorial, and the souls that are drawn together — it is ever-changing and highly charged. It keeps you on your toes, and it also helps you deeply rest. It reminds you of who you are and also challenges you to discover more,” she explains, still enamored with a region she’s loved since the era of personal cassette players.
“This place inspires me to be as dynamic as it is, or at least to attempt such magic,” she says, preparing for great things to come. “My hopes and dreams for Esalen staff are big!”
“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?
Though she’s lived in Big Sur since 2018 and has been visiting Esalen since the late ’90s, Casey Cushing — who joined the Esalen staff last year — still gets the same magical feeling arriving on campus as her very first visit. “Recently, I drove straight down from San Francisco early one morning. Upon arrival, the smell transported me right back to my first encounters here: the mix of salty sea air and mineral springs rising in mists and wisps. I had the feeling of being new again, encountering the mystery and awe with freshness,” she says, recalling a dazzled 17-year-old Casey dancing to the beats of Babatunde Olatunji’s drums at a summer festival.
“I still remember what I was wearing and how I felt — like I had landed someplace akin to my spirit, and I promptly went and bought his cassette,” Casey says, showing off a Drums of Passion tape held in that hard plastic- hinged box that teenagers today can’t even recognize. “To date myself,” she laughs.
Growing up in Carmel Valley, Big Sur became a spiritual home for Casey as she backpacked its wilds during her high school years. “The wilderness was a place of belonging,” she says, “and the coastline is home.” After a few decades working in education, most recently at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she has returned to where spending time on the land “is a transformation in itself.”
“There are very active hero’s journey processes happening here, with varying timelines,” Casey explains. “I have been through highs and lows, and feel now that I am living in my essence more consistently … I have surprised myself, I have felt lost and found, I have been met in so many ways and have learned about patience, forgiveness, and the restorative qualities of presence.”
As the head of Curriculum and Staff Development, Casey today works to bolster diverse personal and professional growth opportunities for staff, nurture relationships with faculty, and craft in-house curriculum. She coordinates the three-month Residential Extended Education Program (REEP) and the learning trajectory for the REEP six-month apprentices, and helps develop cross-departmental leadership training. “I am motivated by the vision of a greater, more inclusive educational dialogue happening on campus, for the benefit of all,” she says.
Inspired by Esalen and its people — “Humbled and so grateful to work alongside such incredible humans daily!” she adds — Casey describes a “distinct alchemy” in this vibrant ecosystem. “The land’s legacy, as a gathering place since time immemorial, and the souls that are drawn together — it is ever-changing and highly charged. It keeps you on your toes, and it also helps you deeply rest. It reminds you of who you are and also challenges you to discover more,” she explains, still enamored with a region she’s loved since the era of personal cassette players.
“This place inspires me to be as dynamic as it is, or at least to attempt such magic,” she says, preparing for great things to come. “My hopes and dreams for Esalen staff are big!”
“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
