Inspired by 20th-century French writer Marcel Proust, we here at Esalen have created our own version of his favorite parlor game to dig just a little deeper — and differently — into our incredible faculty and staff.
Holistic therapist, ceremonial leader, and teacher Carlos Sauer shares his worries for the rainforest and the joys he receives from interacting with the spirit world. The Brazilian Native, who comes from a long line of mediums and healers, will be teaching two classes this month at Esalen (“the most powerful healing center I’ve ever worked at”). Sign up for his Shamanic Spiritual Healing and Spiritual Massage, and then read on to find out more about Sauer’s own teachers and his current wish: “that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another.”
What is Esalen to you?
Esalen is the most powerful healing center that I have ever worked at. Esalen has turned me into a better person.
What do you do/are you doing at Esalen?
I'm teaching Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Massage workshops.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be at peace with oneself and to see people living in harmony with one another and with nature.
What is your greatest fear in your work?
That the Brazilian political leaders continue to allow invasions of tribes and Indigenous territories, especially in the Amazon.
Which living or dead person do you most admire in your field?
My teacher Michael Harner; my Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle; my Ojibway adoptive father, Dennis Banks; my Brazilian Native relatives from the Fulni-Ô tribe; my mother, Myrian Sauer; and sisters Maria Lucia Sauer and Aparecida Sauer.
What is your greatest extravagance related to your practice?
To see people release negative and disturbing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and then be able to find peace and live better lives.
What is your current state of mind?
I'm grateful for my life and wish that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another and respect Mother Nature.
What is the quality you most like in a human?
To be loving to oneself, family, friends, and the community.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My three children and their mothers.
What about your work brings you the most happiness?
To see and experience my clients’ and students' transformation and healing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
On a personal level, to be a father to my wonderful three sons. On a professional level, to have shared my teachings and healing work throughout the United States, Brazil, and many countries in Europe.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would love to live in the ocean as a whale or a dolphin.
What would living at Esalen for a month be like for you?
I worked at Esalen for about 20 years and lived on the property for eight years. I witnessed the transformation and healing of many people, even the ones who were there for a short period of time.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our property in Saquarema, Brazil, which is both our home and an international healing center, where I practice what I learned from many years of studies and experiences at Esalen.
How do you maintain your practice(s) during challenging times?
I offer Shamanic Healing private sessions and courses online.
What is your favorite component of your work?
I love interacting with the spirit world.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My friends, family, students, and clients always point out that I have a big heart and do my very best to help everyone.
Who are your inspirations?
My Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle, and Dennis Banks (Ojibway), cofounder of the American Indian Movement.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Martin Luther King.
How would you like to die?
Peacefully, in my sleep.
What is your motto?
Giving is receiving.
“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?
Carlos teaches Shamanic Spiritual Healing November 21–25, 2022 followed by Spiritual Massage: Laying on of Hands November 25–27.
Inspired by 20th-century French writer Marcel Proust, we here at Esalen have created our own version of his favorite parlor game to dig just a little deeper — and differently — into our incredible faculty and staff.
Holistic therapist, ceremonial leader, and teacher Carlos Sauer shares his worries for the rainforest and the joys he receives from interacting with the spirit world. The Brazilian Native, who comes from a long line of mediums and healers, will be teaching two classes this month at Esalen (“the most powerful healing center I’ve ever worked at”). Sign up for his Shamanic Spiritual Healing and Spiritual Massage, and then read on to find out more about Sauer’s own teachers and his current wish: “that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another.”
What is Esalen to you?
Esalen is the most powerful healing center that I have ever worked at. Esalen has turned me into a better person.
What do you do/are you doing at Esalen?
I'm teaching Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Massage workshops.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be at peace with oneself and to see people living in harmony with one another and with nature.
What is your greatest fear in your work?
That the Brazilian political leaders continue to allow invasions of tribes and Indigenous territories, especially in the Amazon.
Which living or dead person do you most admire in your field?
My teacher Michael Harner; my Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle; my Ojibway adoptive father, Dennis Banks; my Brazilian Native relatives from the Fulni-Ô tribe; my mother, Myrian Sauer; and sisters Maria Lucia Sauer and Aparecida Sauer.
What is your greatest extravagance related to your practice?
To see people release negative and disturbing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and then be able to find peace and live better lives.
What is your current state of mind?
I'm grateful for my life and wish that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another and respect Mother Nature.
What is the quality you most like in a human?
To be loving to oneself, family, friends, and the community.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My three children and their mothers.
What about your work brings you the most happiness?
To see and experience my clients’ and students' transformation and healing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
On a personal level, to be a father to my wonderful three sons. On a professional level, to have shared my teachings and healing work throughout the United States, Brazil, and many countries in Europe.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would love to live in the ocean as a whale or a dolphin.
What would living at Esalen for a month be like for you?
I worked at Esalen for about 20 years and lived on the property for eight years. I witnessed the transformation and healing of many people, even the ones who were there for a short period of time.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our property in Saquarema, Brazil, which is both our home and an international healing center, where I practice what I learned from many years of studies and experiences at Esalen.
How do you maintain your practice(s) during challenging times?
I offer Shamanic Healing private sessions and courses online.
What is your favorite component of your work?
I love interacting with the spirit world.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My friends, family, students, and clients always point out that I have a big heart and do my very best to help everyone.
Who are your inspirations?
My Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle, and Dennis Banks (Ojibway), cofounder of the American Indian Movement.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Martin Luther King.
How would you like to die?
Peacefully, in my sleep.
What is your motto?
Giving is receiving.
“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?
Carlos teaches Shamanic Spiritual Healing November 21–25, 2022 followed by Spiritual Massage: Laying on of Hands November 25–27.
Inspired by 20th-century French writer Marcel Proust, we here at Esalen have created our own version of his favorite parlor game to dig just a little deeper — and differently — into our incredible faculty and staff.
Holistic therapist, ceremonial leader, and teacher Carlos Sauer shares his worries for the rainforest and the joys he receives from interacting with the spirit world. The Brazilian Native, who comes from a long line of mediums and healers, will be teaching two classes this month at Esalen (“the most powerful healing center I’ve ever worked at”). Sign up for his Shamanic Spiritual Healing and Spiritual Massage, and then read on to find out more about Sauer’s own teachers and his current wish: “that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another.”
What is Esalen to you?
Esalen is the most powerful healing center that I have ever worked at. Esalen has turned me into a better person.
What do you do/are you doing at Esalen?
I'm teaching Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Massage workshops.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be at peace with oneself and to see people living in harmony with one another and with nature.
What is your greatest fear in your work?
That the Brazilian political leaders continue to allow invasions of tribes and Indigenous territories, especially in the Amazon.
Which living or dead person do you most admire in your field?
My teacher Michael Harner; my Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle; my Ojibway adoptive father, Dennis Banks; my Brazilian Native relatives from the Fulni-Ô tribe; my mother, Myrian Sauer; and sisters Maria Lucia Sauer and Aparecida Sauer.
What is your greatest extravagance related to your practice?
To see people release negative and disturbing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and then be able to find peace and live better lives.
What is your current state of mind?
I'm grateful for my life and wish that we can all learn from Native peoples how to be kind to one another and respect Mother Nature.
What is the quality you most like in a human?
To be loving to oneself, family, friends, and the community.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My three children and their mothers.
What about your work brings you the most happiness?
To see and experience my clients’ and students' transformation and healing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
On a personal level, to be a father to my wonderful three sons. On a professional level, to have shared my teachings and healing work throughout the United States, Brazil, and many countries in Europe.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would love to live in the ocean as a whale or a dolphin.
What would living at Esalen for a month be like for you?
I worked at Esalen for about 20 years and lived on the property for eight years. I witnessed the transformation and healing of many people, even the ones who were there for a short period of time.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our property in Saquarema, Brazil, which is both our home and an international healing center, where I practice what I learned from many years of studies and experiences at Esalen.
How do you maintain your practice(s) during challenging times?
I offer Shamanic Healing private sessions and courses online.
What is your favorite component of your work?
I love interacting with the spirit world.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My friends, family, students, and clients always point out that I have a big heart and do my very best to help everyone.
Who are your inspirations?
My Cheyenne adoptive father, Nelson Turtle, and Dennis Banks (Ojibway), cofounder of the American Indian Movement.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Martin Luther King.
How would you like to die?
Peacefully, in my sleep.
What is your motto?
Giving is receiving.
“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?
Carlos teaches Shamanic Spiritual Healing November 21–25, 2022 followed by Spiritual Massage: Laying on of Hands November 25–27.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
