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Esalen
One of the most magically healing places it has ever been my pleasure to visit
The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 by Michael Murphy and Richard "Dick" Price on the site that used to be Slate's Hot Springs in Big Sur, California. Their vision was to create a retreat centre where people could study a wide range of philosophies, religious practices and psychological techniques. Supported by such visionaries as Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, Abraham Maslow and Fritz Pearls the Institute quickly became a leading light in the flourishing human Potential movement, and it was not long before the catalogue expanded to include experiential workshops in meditation, massage, gestalt practices, ecology, and many different forms of spirituality. In ancient times the land was used by the Esselen Native American tribe as their sacred burial grounds, as well as a place to fish, camp and enjoy the healing waters of the hot springs.
My time at Esalen
I arrived at Esalen in March 2000 as a Work Scholar to take a month long course with Jeremiah Abrams in Jungian Psychology. I stayed the next month to study healing and self-awareness with Phylis Shankman, returned in August as a "zero" in the Cabins department to take Patrick's Spinal Awareness Group, and finished off my year with Maria-Lucia's Spiritual Massage Work Scholar month. During that time I also attended a five day course in Sanskrit Mantra with Thomas Ashley-Farrand and did a weekend group in Esalen Massage. Given the pain I was in, I was also commited to getting as much bodywork as I could possibly manage, including: Deep Tissue, Esalen Massage, Rolfing, Cranio-Sacral, Breema, Spinal Awareness, and Spiritual Massage. Later, as part of my training with Patrick, I assisted his 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007 Work Scholar Groups. Without this training, and all of the amazing touch work I received, I would never have been able to heal my injuries. I owe a debt of deep gratitude to The Esalen Institute, the spirits of the land, and all the wonderful people who helped me along the way.
A few Pictures
The Lodge
The Dance Dome
On the deck at South Coast
Sweat Lodge site
The Baths
My view of the ocean
Neil at the Gazebo School
Patrick and myself with our 2007 Group
Preparing for class at South Coast