Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught Marleen Thaler to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
As a scholar of alternative religion, Esalen was part of my studies and research before I even dreamt of stepping on its magical grounds. Last year, when I received a governmental fund for my PhD research in California, the distant dream slowly took shape. I visualized myself spending an extended period at Esalen, learning more about human potential and the movement’s rich history. The universe was gracious, and my hard work bore the sweetest fruits I could possibly imagine: I spent two months at Esalen as a scholar-in-residence and thus stepped into the colorful shoes of legendary figures, such as Stanislav Grof and Terence McKenna. As part of this position, I designed a class on “Alternative Religious Landscapes,” introducing my major fields of research. Besides this position, I was part of REEP (Residential Extended Education Program), which allowed me to learn from inspired teachers and discover the fulfilling quality of service. (I had shifts with both the kitchen and CABinS, aka housekeeping.) I am more than excited and honored that by the end of this blissful period, I was invited to return to Esalen in April — this time as a teacher for REEP.
I will never forget this precious moment when I first arrived at Esalen. With tears of joy and gratitude in my eyes, I walked upon the sunset-kissed grounds and was welcomed by Margarita in Guest Services, this sweetheart. She instantly made me feel like I was at home. This feeling hasn’t ceased ever since. And is there anything more beautiful than feeling comforted at the place closest to your heart? During my following time at Esalen, I witnessed many magical moments. Meeting Michael Murphy, however, felt like an exceptional gift. As a historian of the “Religion of no Religion,” I consider Michael Murphy to be not just a major protagonist of my research but the single remaining point of origin from where the magic of Esalen evolved. He counts among my personal heroes. I feel humbled by sharing laughter, conversations, and priceless memories with him.
Prior to my Esalen experience, I had never lived in a community before. For more than ten years, my base has been Vienna. A city rich in history and culture, known for its fresh water and air, and yet just another big city. I was rushing through my busy life as an academic, touring from one conference to the next, hardly allowing myself to take conscious breaks, and unconsciously missing nature and a higher purpose in life. When I arrived at Esalen, I was curious how life in community would suit my character and habits. After all, I was used to living in an apartment by myself. Within just a few days, I realized that not only did I feel comfortable living in community, but it complimented my cheerful disposition.
As a trained academic, I initially told myself that I was staying at Esalen for research purposes and that I had to remain at a critical (di)stance to fully immerse myself in my studies while learning from the place and its people. Well, Esalen taught me differently! Acknowledging my own personal transformation as the central underpinning of my experience became my greatest lesson. Throughout my stay, I increasingly accepted my inner self as an integral part of my research, which equally deserves attention and devotion. In the past weeks, since I left Esalen, I have reflected much on my life, my work, and my priorities. Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught me to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
“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?
Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught Marleen Thaler to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
As a scholar of alternative religion, Esalen was part of my studies and research before I even dreamt of stepping on its magical grounds. Last year, when I received a governmental fund for my PhD research in California, the distant dream slowly took shape. I visualized myself spending an extended period at Esalen, learning more about human potential and the movement’s rich history. The universe was gracious, and my hard work bore the sweetest fruits I could possibly imagine: I spent two months at Esalen as a scholar-in-residence and thus stepped into the colorful shoes of legendary figures, such as Stanislav Grof and Terence McKenna. As part of this position, I designed a class on “Alternative Religious Landscapes,” introducing my major fields of research. Besides this position, I was part of REEP (Residential Extended Education Program), which allowed me to learn from inspired teachers and discover the fulfilling quality of service. (I had shifts with both the kitchen and CABinS, aka housekeeping.) I am more than excited and honored that by the end of this blissful period, I was invited to return to Esalen in April — this time as a teacher for REEP.
I will never forget this precious moment when I first arrived at Esalen. With tears of joy and gratitude in my eyes, I walked upon the sunset-kissed grounds and was welcomed by Margarita in Guest Services, this sweetheart. She instantly made me feel like I was at home. This feeling hasn’t ceased ever since. And is there anything more beautiful than feeling comforted at the place closest to your heart? During my following time at Esalen, I witnessed many magical moments. Meeting Michael Murphy, however, felt like an exceptional gift. As a historian of the “Religion of no Religion,” I consider Michael Murphy to be not just a major protagonist of my research but the single remaining point of origin from where the magic of Esalen evolved. He counts among my personal heroes. I feel humbled by sharing laughter, conversations, and priceless memories with him.
Prior to my Esalen experience, I had never lived in a community before. For more than ten years, my base has been Vienna. A city rich in history and culture, known for its fresh water and air, and yet just another big city. I was rushing through my busy life as an academic, touring from one conference to the next, hardly allowing myself to take conscious breaks, and unconsciously missing nature and a higher purpose in life. When I arrived at Esalen, I was curious how life in community would suit my character and habits. After all, I was used to living in an apartment by myself. Within just a few days, I realized that not only did I feel comfortable living in community, but it complimented my cheerful disposition.
As a trained academic, I initially told myself that I was staying at Esalen for research purposes and that I had to remain at a critical (di)stance to fully immerse myself in my studies while learning from the place and its people. Well, Esalen taught me differently! Acknowledging my own personal transformation as the central underpinning of my experience became my greatest lesson. Throughout my stay, I increasingly accepted my inner self as an integral part of my research, which equally deserves attention and devotion. In the past weeks, since I left Esalen, I have reflected much on my life, my work, and my priorities. Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught me to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
“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?
Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught Marleen Thaler to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
As a scholar of alternative religion, Esalen was part of my studies and research before I even dreamt of stepping on its magical grounds. Last year, when I received a governmental fund for my PhD research in California, the distant dream slowly took shape. I visualized myself spending an extended period at Esalen, learning more about human potential and the movement’s rich history. The universe was gracious, and my hard work bore the sweetest fruits I could possibly imagine: I spent two months at Esalen as a scholar-in-residence and thus stepped into the colorful shoes of legendary figures, such as Stanislav Grof and Terence McKenna. As part of this position, I designed a class on “Alternative Religious Landscapes,” introducing my major fields of research. Besides this position, I was part of REEP (Residential Extended Education Program), which allowed me to learn from inspired teachers and discover the fulfilling quality of service. (I had shifts with both the kitchen and CABinS, aka housekeeping.) I am more than excited and honored that by the end of this blissful period, I was invited to return to Esalen in April — this time as a teacher for REEP.
I will never forget this precious moment when I first arrived at Esalen. With tears of joy and gratitude in my eyes, I walked upon the sunset-kissed grounds and was welcomed by Margarita in Guest Services, this sweetheart. She instantly made me feel like I was at home. This feeling hasn’t ceased ever since. And is there anything more beautiful than feeling comforted at the place closest to your heart? During my following time at Esalen, I witnessed many magical moments. Meeting Michael Murphy, however, felt like an exceptional gift. As a historian of the “Religion of no Religion,” I consider Michael Murphy to be not just a major protagonist of my research but the single remaining point of origin from where the magic of Esalen evolved. He counts among my personal heroes. I feel humbled by sharing laughter, conversations, and priceless memories with him.
Prior to my Esalen experience, I had never lived in a community before. For more than ten years, my base has been Vienna. A city rich in history and culture, known for its fresh water and air, and yet just another big city. I was rushing through my busy life as an academic, touring from one conference to the next, hardly allowing myself to take conscious breaks, and unconsciously missing nature and a higher purpose in life. When I arrived at Esalen, I was curious how life in community would suit my character and habits. After all, I was used to living in an apartment by myself. Within just a few days, I realized that not only did I feel comfortable living in community, but it complimented my cheerful disposition.
As a trained academic, I initially told myself that I was staying at Esalen for research purposes and that I had to remain at a critical (di)stance to fully immerse myself in my studies while learning from the place and its people. Well, Esalen taught me differently! Acknowledging my own personal transformation as the central underpinning of my experience became my greatest lesson. Throughout my stay, I increasingly accepted my inner self as an integral part of my research, which equally deserves attention and devotion. In the past weeks, since I left Esalen, I have reflected much on my life, my work, and my priorities. Why rush through life if conscious breaks allow you to embrace and celebrate the world’s singular beauty? Esalen taught me to slow down and surrender to the healing power of nature, community, and self-care.
“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
