"Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on Joseph’s work. I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.” "
—Corinne Bordeau
“Esalen is a mecca for mythic transformation,” says Corinne Bordeau, co-founder of the Esalen Inspirational Film Festival, “and that is the heartbeat of the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration Chris Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey.”
The online event on Oct. 22 is free to the Esalen community. It includes a panel discussion led by Corinne that features Chris, Esalen Board Chair/author Jeff Kripal, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and mythology expert Will Linn.
“Our hope is that the community will experience a sense of participatory engagement with myth, film and the transformative power of myth,” Corinne says. “Esalen connections are magical and there are so many ‘Esalen’ connections with this celebration.”
One of the main connections is revered mythologist Joseph Campbell who was integral to Esalen’s core teaching more than five decades. “Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on the Joseph’s work,” Corinne shares. “I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.”
In The Writer’s Journey, which is considered a "bible" for storytellers, Chris (pictured left) was able to translate Joseph’s work on the Hero’s Journey into cinematic terms. Where Joseph’s examples came primarily from myth and dream, Chris extended it into movies—from Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz. A consistently sought-after tome throughout its 25-year lifespan, The Writer’s Journey remains as timeless as the myths it evokes. The book’s anniversary edition features new examples from recent films such as The Shape of Water.
Chris, who worked at Disney as a story analyst during the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s, contributed to classic animations The Lion King. “He is steeped in story analysis and film combined with a deep understanding of Joseph's work,” Corinne adds.
So much so that Chris once wrote a memo for Disney employees about myth. That memo went "viral" at the time and Chris went on to expand his original book into a 400-page offering titled, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, which became a classic must-read in the entertainment industry. It sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide.
All of the panelists share a common bond to storytelling and Esalen.
Both Chris and William were slated to be special guests at the Esalen Inspiration Film Festival in June of 2020 and plan to lead a 2021 workshop called Psyches & Journeys.
Jeff will discuss his work on superheroes, myth and authorship, which is grounded in his work with the Center for Theory & Research workshops at Esalen.
Darren, the third panelist who directed Mother, Requiem for a Dream, Pi and Black Swan, is also no stranger to the worlds of Esalen.
“On one side, we expect a lot of storytellers at the event,” Corinne says. “And on another, we expect a very Esalen vibe.”
Learn more and sign up for the event here.
“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?
"Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on Joseph’s work. I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.” "
—Corinne Bordeau
“Esalen is a mecca for mythic transformation,” says Corinne Bordeau, co-founder of the Esalen Inspirational Film Festival, “and that is the heartbeat of the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration Chris Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey.”
The online event on Oct. 22 is free to the Esalen community. It includes a panel discussion led by Corinne that features Chris, Esalen Board Chair/author Jeff Kripal, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and mythology expert Will Linn.
“Our hope is that the community will experience a sense of participatory engagement with myth, film and the transformative power of myth,” Corinne says. “Esalen connections are magical and there are so many ‘Esalen’ connections with this celebration.”
One of the main connections is revered mythologist Joseph Campbell who was integral to Esalen’s core teaching more than five decades. “Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on the Joseph’s work,” Corinne shares. “I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.”
In The Writer’s Journey, which is considered a "bible" for storytellers, Chris (pictured left) was able to translate Joseph’s work on the Hero’s Journey into cinematic terms. Where Joseph’s examples came primarily from myth and dream, Chris extended it into movies—from Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz. A consistently sought-after tome throughout its 25-year lifespan, The Writer’s Journey remains as timeless as the myths it evokes. The book’s anniversary edition features new examples from recent films such as The Shape of Water.
Chris, who worked at Disney as a story analyst during the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s, contributed to classic animations The Lion King. “He is steeped in story analysis and film combined with a deep understanding of Joseph's work,” Corinne adds.
So much so that Chris once wrote a memo for Disney employees about myth. That memo went "viral" at the time and Chris went on to expand his original book into a 400-page offering titled, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, which became a classic must-read in the entertainment industry. It sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide.
All of the panelists share a common bond to storytelling and Esalen.
Both Chris and William were slated to be special guests at the Esalen Inspiration Film Festival in June of 2020 and plan to lead a 2021 workshop called Psyches & Journeys.
Jeff will discuss his work on superheroes, myth and authorship, which is grounded in his work with the Center for Theory & Research workshops at Esalen.
Darren, the third panelist who directed Mother, Requiem for a Dream, Pi and Black Swan, is also no stranger to the worlds of Esalen.
“On one side, we expect a lot of storytellers at the event,” Corinne says. “And on another, we expect a very Esalen vibe.”
Learn more and sign up for the event here.
“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?
"Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on Joseph’s work. I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.” "
—Corinne Bordeau
“Esalen is a mecca for mythic transformation,” says Corinne Bordeau, co-founder of the Esalen Inspirational Film Festival, “and that is the heartbeat of the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration Chris Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey.”
The online event on Oct. 22 is free to the Esalen community. It includes a panel discussion led by Corinne that features Chris, Esalen Board Chair/author Jeff Kripal, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and mythology expert Will Linn.
“Our hope is that the community will experience a sense of participatory engagement with myth, film and the transformative power of myth,” Corinne says. “Esalen connections are magical and there are so many ‘Esalen’ connections with this celebration.”
One of the main connections is revered mythologist Joseph Campbell who was integral to Esalen’s core teaching more than five decades. “Not many people may know that The Writer’s Journey is strongly based on the Joseph’s work,” Corinne shares. “I think every Esalen path has a Hero’s Journey.”
In The Writer’s Journey, which is considered a "bible" for storytellers, Chris (pictured left) was able to translate Joseph’s work on the Hero’s Journey into cinematic terms. Where Joseph’s examples came primarily from myth and dream, Chris extended it into movies—from Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz. A consistently sought-after tome throughout its 25-year lifespan, The Writer’s Journey remains as timeless as the myths it evokes. The book’s anniversary edition features new examples from recent films such as The Shape of Water.
Chris, who worked at Disney as a story analyst during the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s, contributed to classic animations The Lion King. “He is steeped in story analysis and film combined with a deep understanding of Joseph's work,” Corinne adds.
So much so that Chris once wrote a memo for Disney employees about myth. That memo went "viral" at the time and Chris went on to expand his original book into a 400-page offering titled, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, which became a classic must-read in the entertainment industry. It sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide.
All of the panelists share a common bond to storytelling and Esalen.
Both Chris and William were slated to be special guests at the Esalen Inspiration Film Festival in June of 2020 and plan to lead a 2021 workshop called Psyches & Journeys.
Jeff will discuss his work on superheroes, myth and authorship, which is grounded in his work with the Center for Theory & Research workshops at Esalen.
Darren, the third panelist who directed Mother, Requiem for a Dream, Pi and Black Swan, is also no stranger to the worlds of Esalen.
“On one side, we expect a lot of storytellers at the event,” Corinne says. “And on another, we expect a very Esalen vibe.”
Learn more and sign up for the event here.
“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