Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the alternate route directions.
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.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ~ Henry Miller
Authentic contemplation brings genuine heart and meaning into daily life. From time immemorial, wild nature has called humans to embodied introspection. With Big Sur’s awe-inspiring wilderness as our primary teacher we will directly experience ourselves as nature and the realms of contemplation.
To drink deeply from the fresh moments of bare awareness, the magnificence of this wild world, and the ineffable mysteries of living fully is the intention of this workshop. Earth under our feet on hikes; water of the Pacific pounding against the shore; air of Big Sur’s refreshing breezes; the fire of the earth’s core heating Esalen’s hot springs — all the elements combine to intimately touch our bodies, minds, and spirits — literally coming to our senses.
The week will include sessions on Esalen grounds, and ventures into the wilds of Big Sur on hikes 2-8 miles in length. The group will be introduced to practices from contemporary and time-honored wisdom traditions that cultivate authentic contemplation. Days will balance walking and sitting, movement and stillness, with guided and open-awareness practices that enrich mindfulness, aliveness, and simply being. Special attention will be given to how we integrate and embody that which we are touched by into our daily lives.
All levels of experience are welcome. Be prepared for the invigorating challenge of physical activity and the opportunity to simply sit still in quiet connection. More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration. For an equipment list and frequently asked questions about Steven’s workshops, visit FAQs. ($40 permit and park entrance fees will be added to the workshop cost)
Please note: Participants need to be capable of moderate exercise. Hikes will be between two to eight miles.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, personal and organizational facilitator, and Big Sur resident. A student of meditation since 1972, he weaves Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and neuropsychology into his work. He is a long-time student and facilitator of Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Esalen’s co-founder, Richard Price.
Read More
Gary is a tenured professor, accomplished naturalist, and hiking guide. Through his work with nonprofits, retreat venues, and adventure outfitters, Gary teaches people how they can heal and nourish their mind, body, and spirit through time spent in nature.
Read More
Sunday
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Monday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Friday
10:00 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.
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.
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.
For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ~ Henry Miller
Authentic contemplation brings genuine heart and meaning into daily life. From time immemorial, wild nature has called humans to embodied introspection. With Big Sur’s awe-inspiring wilderness as our primary teacher we will directly experience ourselves as nature and the realms of contemplation.
To drink deeply from the fresh moments of bare awareness, the magnificence of this wild world, and the ineffable mysteries of living fully is the intention of this workshop. Earth under our feet on hikes; water of the Pacific pounding against the shore; air of Big Sur’s refreshing breezes; the fire of the earth’s core heating Esalen’s hot springs — all the elements combine to intimately touch our bodies, minds, and spirits — literally coming to our senses.
The week will include sessions on Esalen grounds, and ventures into the wilds of Big Sur on hikes 2-8 miles in length. The group will be introduced to practices from contemporary and time-honored wisdom traditions that cultivate authentic contemplation. Days will balance walking and sitting, movement and stillness, with guided and open-awareness practices that enrich mindfulness, aliveness, and simply being. Special attention will be given to how we integrate and embody that which we are touched by into our daily lives.
All levels of experience are welcome. Be prepared for the invigorating challenge of physical activity and the opportunity to simply sit still in quiet connection. More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration. For an equipment list and frequently asked questions about Steven’s workshops, visit FAQs. ($40 permit and park entrance fees will be added to the workshop cost)
Please note: Participants need to be capable of moderate exercise. Hikes will be between two to eight miles.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, personal and organizational facilitator, and Big Sur resident. A student of meditation since 1972, he weaves Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and neuropsychology into his work. He is a long-time student and facilitator of Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Esalen’s co-founder, Richard Price.
Gary is a tenured professor, accomplished naturalist, and hiking guide. Through his work with nonprofits, retreat venues, and adventure outfitters, Gary teaches people how they can heal and nourish their mind, body, and spirit through time spent in nature.
June 4–9, 2023
This program is full. Find another.
Applications are closed.
Applications are closed.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ~ Henry Miller
Authentic contemplation brings genuine heart and meaning into daily life. From time immemorial, wild nature has called humans to embodied introspection. With Big Sur’s awe-inspiring wilderness as our primary teacher we will directly experience ourselves as nature and the realms of contemplation.
To drink deeply from the fresh moments of bare awareness, the magnificence of this wild world, and the ineffable mysteries of living fully is the intention of this workshop. Earth under our feet on hikes; water of the Pacific pounding against the shore; air of Big Sur’s refreshing breezes; the fire of the earth’s core heating Esalen’s hot springs — all the elements combine to intimately touch our bodies, minds, and spirits — literally coming to our senses.
The week will include sessions on Esalen grounds, and ventures into the wilds of Big Sur on hikes 2-8 miles in length. The group will be introduced to practices from contemporary and time-honored wisdom traditions that cultivate authentic contemplation. Days will balance walking and sitting, movement and stillness, with guided and open-awareness practices that enrich mindfulness, aliveness, and simply being. Special attention will be given to how we integrate and embody that which we are touched by into our daily lives.
All levels of experience are welcome. Be prepared for the invigorating challenge of physical activity and the opportunity to simply sit still in quiet connection. More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration. For an equipment list and frequently asked questions about Steven’s workshops, visit FAQs. ($40 permit and park entrance fees will be added to the workshop cost)
Please note: Participants need to be capable of moderate exercise. Hikes will be between two to eight miles.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, personal and organizational facilitator, and Big Sur resident. A student of meditation since 1972, he weaves Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and neuropsychology into his work. He is a long-time student and facilitator of Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Esalen’s co-founder, Richard Price.
Gary is a tenured professor, accomplished naturalist, and hiking guide. Through his work with nonprofits, retreat venues, and adventure outfitters, Gary teaches people how they can heal and nourish their mind, body, and spirit through time spent in nature.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org