Returning seminarians will be greeted by some new faces this winter, including new residential study students and a new Esalen kitchen chef. Meanwhile, workshops offer a mix of familiar names such as Byron Katie and Chungliang Al Huang – who celebrated 50 years of teaching at Esalen last month – and emerging voices such as Charles Eisenstein. While a recent article in the New York Times touched on new areas Esalen is exploring, there's much more to the story. eNews sat down with Executive Director Ben Tauber to discuss how Esalen is anchoring in its vision of realizing human potential while exploring new edges of what it means to be human.
eNews: Esalen has always been a place that has attracted a wide range of people and ideas. Yet the recent New York Times article seemed to indicate a more narrowing focus in its vision. Is that true?
Ben: No, our founding vision has not changed. We are the birthplace of the human potential movement and we are committed to realizing human potential for the greater good. Just as in Esalen’s early years, our world is facing tremendous challenges. We are looking at those inflection points where we might have the greatest positive impact. When you look at what we offer, 95% of our programming ranges from psychology to somatics. And although the article features a technology workshop, technology makes up about five percent of our offerings.
As we explore new areas, and encourage conversations that can’t be pursued in more traditional venues, Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus. From the very beginning, no one captured the flag at Esalen. That remains true today.
“Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus.”
eNews: Many of us are familiar with Esalen’s influential role in areas like meditation, somatics, Gestalt, and citizen diplomacy. Where do you see are the next frontiers to explore?
Ben: There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech. We are in the digital age, and technology is affecting our society and humanity in ways we have not seen before…this is what we call an “emerging edge.” I believe we have an opportunity to explore and impact this, and I am passionate about it, considering my background. Some other areas that we are getting curious about and wanting to explore more include gender equality and identity, brain health, the future of religion, and how we gather as a community in the 21st century.
“There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech.”
eNews: Can you expand more on the concept of “no one captures the flag”?
Ben: It is in the diversity of ideas that we are able to push the boundaries of what is possible. Over the years Esalen has been a catalyst for many new ways of thinking and being, but those explorations and dialogues don’t define who we are. We explore meditation but we are not a Buddhist center; we are leaders in psychology, but not beholden to one kind.
Capturing the flag means no one religion, one school of thought, one idea gains prominence over the rest. We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities. We are about making connections and we will continue to collaborate with people from around the world, in diverse fields of study and cultures, to ensure we never limit ourselves or our imaginations.
“We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities.”
eNews: So there isn’t a plan to cater to industry leaders, for example?
Ben: Serving an economically, socially, and culturally diverse group of people has always been a part of our mission – that is part of realizing human potential. And this is not changing. I wish this had come through differently in the New York Times article.
When things like our all-inclusive pricing was listed, what was chosen was the cost for two people in our most expensive accommodation. In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420, which includes the workshop, meals, and our experiential schedule. We also offer scholarship to further bridge any gap. For some readers, the article left the impression that we are something other than the nonprofit organization that we are. Esalen isn’t here to serve any one demographic; it is here to serve all of humanity.
“In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420.”
eNews: Are you still facing challenges stemming from this year’s closure?
Ben: The last 10 months have challenged us in ways that I don’t think anyone could have possibly anticipated prior to the closure. While we’ve taken a major hit on multiple levels, we’re grateful for all those in our global community who have stepped up and plan to step up with their timely support of the rebirth of Esalen. To cite the late George Leonard (and previous Esalen president), we took this hit as a gift. As an organization, we have looked at what felt impossible and have come together to make it possible. We are open and we are excited about what comes next.
“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?
Returning seminarians will be greeted by some new faces this winter, including new residential study students and a new Esalen kitchen chef. Meanwhile, workshops offer a mix of familiar names such as Byron Katie and Chungliang Al Huang – who celebrated 50 years of teaching at Esalen last month – and emerging voices such as Charles Eisenstein. While a recent article in the New York Times touched on new areas Esalen is exploring, there's much more to the story. eNews sat down with Executive Director Ben Tauber to discuss how Esalen is anchoring in its vision of realizing human potential while exploring new edges of what it means to be human.
eNews: Esalen has always been a place that has attracted a wide range of people and ideas. Yet the recent New York Times article seemed to indicate a more narrowing focus in its vision. Is that true?
Ben: No, our founding vision has not changed. We are the birthplace of the human potential movement and we are committed to realizing human potential for the greater good. Just as in Esalen’s early years, our world is facing tremendous challenges. We are looking at those inflection points where we might have the greatest positive impact. When you look at what we offer, 95% of our programming ranges from psychology to somatics. And although the article features a technology workshop, technology makes up about five percent of our offerings.
As we explore new areas, and encourage conversations that can’t be pursued in more traditional venues, Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus. From the very beginning, no one captured the flag at Esalen. That remains true today.
“Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus.”
eNews: Many of us are familiar with Esalen’s influential role in areas like meditation, somatics, Gestalt, and citizen diplomacy. Where do you see are the next frontiers to explore?
Ben: There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech. We are in the digital age, and technology is affecting our society and humanity in ways we have not seen before…this is what we call an “emerging edge.” I believe we have an opportunity to explore and impact this, and I am passionate about it, considering my background. Some other areas that we are getting curious about and wanting to explore more include gender equality and identity, brain health, the future of religion, and how we gather as a community in the 21st century.
“There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech.”
eNews: Can you expand more on the concept of “no one captures the flag”?
Ben: It is in the diversity of ideas that we are able to push the boundaries of what is possible. Over the years Esalen has been a catalyst for many new ways of thinking and being, but those explorations and dialogues don’t define who we are. We explore meditation but we are not a Buddhist center; we are leaders in psychology, but not beholden to one kind.
Capturing the flag means no one religion, one school of thought, one idea gains prominence over the rest. We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities. We are about making connections and we will continue to collaborate with people from around the world, in diverse fields of study and cultures, to ensure we never limit ourselves or our imaginations.
“We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities.”
eNews: So there isn’t a plan to cater to industry leaders, for example?
Ben: Serving an economically, socially, and culturally diverse group of people has always been a part of our mission – that is part of realizing human potential. And this is not changing. I wish this had come through differently in the New York Times article.
When things like our all-inclusive pricing was listed, what was chosen was the cost for two people in our most expensive accommodation. In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420, which includes the workshop, meals, and our experiential schedule. We also offer scholarship to further bridge any gap. For some readers, the article left the impression that we are something other than the nonprofit organization that we are. Esalen isn’t here to serve any one demographic; it is here to serve all of humanity.
“In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420.”
eNews: Are you still facing challenges stemming from this year’s closure?
Ben: The last 10 months have challenged us in ways that I don’t think anyone could have possibly anticipated prior to the closure. While we’ve taken a major hit on multiple levels, we’re grateful for all those in our global community who have stepped up and plan to step up with their timely support of the rebirth of Esalen. To cite the late George Leonard (and previous Esalen president), we took this hit as a gift. As an organization, we have looked at what felt impossible and have come together to make it possible. We are open and we are excited about what comes next.
“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?
Returning seminarians will be greeted by some new faces this winter, including new residential study students and a new Esalen kitchen chef. Meanwhile, workshops offer a mix of familiar names such as Byron Katie and Chungliang Al Huang – who celebrated 50 years of teaching at Esalen last month – and emerging voices such as Charles Eisenstein. While a recent article in the New York Times touched on new areas Esalen is exploring, there's much more to the story. eNews sat down with Executive Director Ben Tauber to discuss how Esalen is anchoring in its vision of realizing human potential while exploring new edges of what it means to be human.
eNews: Esalen has always been a place that has attracted a wide range of people and ideas. Yet the recent New York Times article seemed to indicate a more narrowing focus in its vision. Is that true?
Ben: No, our founding vision has not changed. We are the birthplace of the human potential movement and we are committed to realizing human potential for the greater good. Just as in Esalen’s early years, our world is facing tremendous challenges. We are looking at those inflection points where we might have the greatest positive impact. When you look at what we offer, 95% of our programming ranges from psychology to somatics. And although the article features a technology workshop, technology makes up about five percent of our offerings.
As we explore new areas, and encourage conversations that can’t be pursued in more traditional venues, Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus. From the very beginning, no one captured the flag at Esalen. That remains true today.
“Esalen will never be beholden to one school of thought or focus.”
eNews: Many of us are familiar with Esalen’s influential role in areas like meditation, somatics, Gestalt, and citizen diplomacy. Where do you see are the next frontiers to explore?
Ben: There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech. We are in the digital age, and technology is affecting our society and humanity in ways we have not seen before…this is what we call an “emerging edge.” I believe we have an opportunity to explore and impact this, and I am passionate about it, considering my background. Some other areas that we are getting curious about and wanting to explore more include gender equality and identity, brain health, the future of religion, and how we gather as a community in the 21st century.
“There are many edges we’re exploring, from depression to food as medicine as well as tech.”
eNews: Can you expand more on the concept of “no one captures the flag”?
Ben: It is in the diversity of ideas that we are able to push the boundaries of what is possible. Over the years Esalen has been a catalyst for many new ways of thinking and being, but those explorations and dialogues don’t define who we are. We explore meditation but we are not a Buddhist center; we are leaders in psychology, but not beholden to one kind.
Capturing the flag means no one religion, one school of thought, one idea gains prominence over the rest. We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities. We are about making connections and we will continue to collaborate with people from around the world, in diverse fields of study and cultures, to ensure we never limit ourselves or our imaginations.
“We have always been and will continue to be a place where diverse ideas can come together to create new possibilities.”
eNews: So there isn’t a plan to cater to industry leaders, for example?
Ben: Serving an economically, socially, and culturally diverse group of people has always been a part of our mission – that is part of realizing human potential. And this is not changing. I wish this had come through differently in the New York Times article.
When things like our all-inclusive pricing was listed, what was chosen was the cost for two people in our most expensive accommodation. In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420, which includes the workshop, meals, and our experiential schedule. We also offer scholarship to further bridge any gap. For some readers, the article left the impression that we are something other than the nonprofit organization that we are. Esalen isn’t here to serve any one demographic; it is here to serve all of humanity.
“In reality, prices for a weekend workshop begin at $420.”
eNews: Are you still facing challenges stemming from this year’s closure?
Ben: The last 10 months have challenged us in ways that I don’t think anyone could have possibly anticipated prior to the closure. While we’ve taken a major hit on multiple levels, we’re grateful for all those in our global community who have stepped up and plan to step up with their timely support of the rebirth of Esalen. To cite the late George Leonard (and previous Esalen president), we took this hit as a gift. As an organization, we have looked at what felt impossible and have come together to make it possible. We are open and we are excited about what comes next.
“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