"If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world."
In conversation, Marianne Williamson sparks a mix of intrigue and inspiration, often honing in on such deeper questions as: how do we become our best selves?
The longtime activist, former 2020 presidential hopeful and bestselling author of A Return To Love and A Politics of Love, joins leaders in business, mindfulness and social change at this year’s Wisdom 2.0.
Founded by Esalen faculty Soren Gordhamer, the annual conference addresses how we can establish connection through technology in ways that are beneficial to our own well-being.
Esalen faculty Byron Katie, Jack Kornfield, Dan Siegel and Russ Hudson, among others, are featured speakers at the event on March 5-8 in San Francisco.
We caught up with Marianne, who spoke at Esalen during its 50th anniversary celebration in 2012, to discuss Esalen’s influence on her, Wisdom 2.0 and much more.
Esalen News: How has Esalen influenced the path you’ve taken?
Anyone who has had a career in the transformational field is a recipient of the foundational works at Esalen, whether they know it or not. I’m old enough that I do know it. And I’m very grateful for that. I come from a generation well aware of the pivotal role Esalen has played in the emergence of a more enlightened civilization.
I have met co-founder Michael Murphy and there is no way to overstate Esalen’s importance on the path or its potential moving forward. In terms of the human potential movement and how that shaped the culture, in Esalen’s beginnings, it was a time when literally some of the most important thinkers in the world were gathered there to share ideas and feed new possibilities. In terms of its role today, I have an eternal loyalty toward its ongoing mission.
Esalen News: What do you hope people take away from Wisdom 2.0?
I have felt for a long time that people in the higher consciousness and transformational community should be the last people standing on the sidelines when it comes to the great social, economic and political questions of our day. If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world.
People of the higher consciousness community should not be dwelling on the outside. We should be the biggest grown-ups in the room. I have been saying that for years. I ran for president believing we can harness the extraordinary potential of the higher consciousness community on behalf of creative political change.
I miscalculated, I believe, because the chronic political disengagement on the part of that community is more difficult to penetrate than I knew. But I like to think we moved the needle, even if only a few inches. I will use my time at Wisdom 2.0 to share some of the lessons I learned, beliefs I hold and hopes I hold onto.
Esalen News: What is the most exciting possibility that can emerge from a Wisdom 2.0 experience?
There was a time when the zeitgeist was about new ideas. I think we need to evolve now beyond just the embrace of new ideas to the courage and grit it will take to apply them. The transformational scene, overall, has become a bit too cushy, I think, and if we’re not careful, it will ultimately limit our capacity to fundamentally transform much of anything.
Esalen News: How do you remain grounded during uncertain times?
Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. You know, my life works really well when I practice what I preach. The truth is simple. It’s life that’s complicated. The principles of “Truth,” whether they are articulated in A Course of Miracles or any other spiritual path, are not difficult.
What’s difficult is getting over our resistance to applying those principles. What’s difficult is our resistance to blessing rather than blaming, to forgiving rather than judging, to rising up rather than staying stuck in our dysfunction.
Esalen News: What are several ways to cultivate wisdom and grace?
We cultivate wisdom and truth first by learning the principles of forgiveness, but just knowing the principles doesn’t mean all that much. It’s learning to apply them where the rubber meets the road. And that simply comes from living life, from seeing every circumstance as part of our soul's curriculum.
Knowing that every situation presents the lessons we can learn from. The more time goes by, the more I can see that this is true. Every interaction at every moment is an opportunity to either rise to the occasion, or sink into ego-based ways of thinking and behaving. The choice is always there.
Esalen News: What are you most excited about now?
I’m excited about the unlimited power of God. I am also deeply disturbed by the seemingly unlimited ability of humanity to fool itself.
Esalen News: What brings you a true sense of wonder and awe?
Love. Flowers. Babies.
“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?
"If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world."
In conversation, Marianne Williamson sparks a mix of intrigue and inspiration, often honing in on such deeper questions as: how do we become our best selves?
The longtime activist, former 2020 presidential hopeful and bestselling author of A Return To Love and A Politics of Love, joins leaders in business, mindfulness and social change at this year’s Wisdom 2.0.
Founded by Esalen faculty Soren Gordhamer, the annual conference addresses how we can establish connection through technology in ways that are beneficial to our own well-being.
Esalen faculty Byron Katie, Jack Kornfield, Dan Siegel and Russ Hudson, among others, are featured speakers at the event on March 5-8 in San Francisco.
We caught up with Marianne, who spoke at Esalen during its 50th anniversary celebration in 2012, to discuss Esalen’s influence on her, Wisdom 2.0 and much more.
Esalen News: How has Esalen influenced the path you’ve taken?
Anyone who has had a career in the transformational field is a recipient of the foundational works at Esalen, whether they know it or not. I’m old enough that I do know it. And I’m very grateful for that. I come from a generation well aware of the pivotal role Esalen has played in the emergence of a more enlightened civilization.
I have met co-founder Michael Murphy and there is no way to overstate Esalen’s importance on the path or its potential moving forward. In terms of the human potential movement and how that shaped the culture, in Esalen’s beginnings, it was a time when literally some of the most important thinkers in the world were gathered there to share ideas and feed new possibilities. In terms of its role today, I have an eternal loyalty toward its ongoing mission.
Esalen News: What do you hope people take away from Wisdom 2.0?
I have felt for a long time that people in the higher consciousness and transformational community should be the last people standing on the sidelines when it comes to the great social, economic and political questions of our day. If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world.
People of the higher consciousness community should not be dwelling on the outside. We should be the biggest grown-ups in the room. I have been saying that for years. I ran for president believing we can harness the extraordinary potential of the higher consciousness community on behalf of creative political change.
I miscalculated, I believe, because the chronic political disengagement on the part of that community is more difficult to penetrate than I knew. But I like to think we moved the needle, even if only a few inches. I will use my time at Wisdom 2.0 to share some of the lessons I learned, beliefs I hold and hopes I hold onto.
Esalen News: What is the most exciting possibility that can emerge from a Wisdom 2.0 experience?
There was a time when the zeitgeist was about new ideas. I think we need to evolve now beyond just the embrace of new ideas to the courage and grit it will take to apply them. The transformational scene, overall, has become a bit too cushy, I think, and if we’re not careful, it will ultimately limit our capacity to fundamentally transform much of anything.
Esalen News: How do you remain grounded during uncertain times?
Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. You know, my life works really well when I practice what I preach. The truth is simple. It’s life that’s complicated. The principles of “Truth,” whether they are articulated in A Course of Miracles or any other spiritual path, are not difficult.
What’s difficult is getting over our resistance to applying those principles. What’s difficult is our resistance to blessing rather than blaming, to forgiving rather than judging, to rising up rather than staying stuck in our dysfunction.
Esalen News: What are several ways to cultivate wisdom and grace?
We cultivate wisdom and truth first by learning the principles of forgiveness, but just knowing the principles doesn’t mean all that much. It’s learning to apply them where the rubber meets the road. And that simply comes from living life, from seeing every circumstance as part of our soul's curriculum.
Knowing that every situation presents the lessons we can learn from. The more time goes by, the more I can see that this is true. Every interaction at every moment is an opportunity to either rise to the occasion, or sink into ego-based ways of thinking and behaving. The choice is always there.
Esalen News: What are you most excited about now?
I’m excited about the unlimited power of God. I am also deeply disturbed by the seemingly unlimited ability of humanity to fool itself.
Esalen News: What brings you a true sense of wonder and awe?
Love. Flowers. Babies.
“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?
"If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world."
In conversation, Marianne Williamson sparks a mix of intrigue and inspiration, often honing in on such deeper questions as: how do we become our best selves?
The longtime activist, former 2020 presidential hopeful and bestselling author of A Return To Love and A Politics of Love, joins leaders in business, mindfulness and social change at this year’s Wisdom 2.0.
Founded by Esalen faculty Soren Gordhamer, the annual conference addresses how we can establish connection through technology in ways that are beneficial to our own well-being.
Esalen faculty Byron Katie, Jack Kornfield, Dan Siegel and Russ Hudson, among others, are featured speakers at the event on March 5-8 in San Francisco.
We caught up with Marianne, who spoke at Esalen during its 50th anniversary celebration in 2012, to discuss Esalen’s influence on her, Wisdom 2.0 and much more.
Esalen News: How has Esalen influenced the path you’ve taken?
Anyone who has had a career in the transformational field is a recipient of the foundational works at Esalen, whether they know it or not. I’m old enough that I do know it. And I’m very grateful for that. I come from a generation well aware of the pivotal role Esalen has played in the emergence of a more enlightened civilization.
I have met co-founder Michael Murphy and there is no way to overstate Esalen’s importance on the path or its potential moving forward. In terms of the human potential movement and how that shaped the culture, in Esalen’s beginnings, it was a time when literally some of the most important thinkers in the world were gathered there to share ideas and feed new possibilities. In terms of its role today, I have an eternal loyalty toward its ongoing mission.
Esalen News: What do you hope people take away from Wisdom 2.0?
I have felt for a long time that people in the higher consciousness and transformational community should be the last people standing on the sidelines when it comes to the great social, economic and political questions of our day. If you have a clue as to what changes one heart, you’re the one who has a clue as to what changes the world.
People of the higher consciousness community should not be dwelling on the outside. We should be the biggest grown-ups in the room. I have been saying that for years. I ran for president believing we can harness the extraordinary potential of the higher consciousness community on behalf of creative political change.
I miscalculated, I believe, because the chronic political disengagement on the part of that community is more difficult to penetrate than I knew. But I like to think we moved the needle, even if only a few inches. I will use my time at Wisdom 2.0 to share some of the lessons I learned, beliefs I hold and hopes I hold onto.
Esalen News: What is the most exciting possibility that can emerge from a Wisdom 2.0 experience?
There was a time when the zeitgeist was about new ideas. I think we need to evolve now beyond just the embrace of new ideas to the courage and grit it will take to apply them. The transformational scene, overall, has become a bit too cushy, I think, and if we’re not careful, it will ultimately limit our capacity to fundamentally transform much of anything.
Esalen News: How do you remain grounded during uncertain times?
Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. You know, my life works really well when I practice what I preach. The truth is simple. It’s life that’s complicated. The principles of “Truth,” whether they are articulated in A Course of Miracles or any other spiritual path, are not difficult.
What’s difficult is getting over our resistance to applying those principles. What’s difficult is our resistance to blessing rather than blaming, to forgiving rather than judging, to rising up rather than staying stuck in our dysfunction.
Esalen News: What are several ways to cultivate wisdom and grace?
We cultivate wisdom and truth first by learning the principles of forgiveness, but just knowing the principles doesn’t mean all that much. It’s learning to apply them where the rubber meets the road. And that simply comes from living life, from seeing every circumstance as part of our soul's curriculum.
Knowing that every situation presents the lessons we can learn from. The more time goes by, the more I can see that this is true. Every interaction at every moment is an opportunity to either rise to the occasion, or sink into ego-based ways of thinking and behaving. The choice is always there.
Esalen News: What are you most excited about now?
I’m excited about the unlimited power of God. I am also deeply disturbed by the seemingly unlimited ability of humanity to fool itself.
Esalen News: What brings you a true sense of wonder and awe?
Love. Flowers. Babies.
“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