Our instinctual nature influences the way we move through life — shaping how we look for safety, connection, and vitality. Even so, this essential dimension of who we are is often misunderstood or overlooked, including in spiritual practice. Within the Enneagram tradition, the instincts are understood as three primary drives — Self-Preservation, Sexual (Attraction), and Social (Adaptation) — that shape the way each type is expressed. For practical clarity, each instinct is also divided into three zones.
The instincts are not simply an added layer on top of your type; they are the force that powers your personality. They affect how you relate to the world, how you protect yourself, and how you express love. Without an understanding of the instincts — the biological and physical zones of our being — the Enneagram lacks its foundation. They are central to how we connect with ourselves and with others.
Most of us rely more strongly on one instinct, while the others may be less developed or left unattended. This “instinctual stack” has a deep impact on attention, relationships, and personal growth. Becoming aware of these patterns can create greater balance and presence in everyday life.
In this workshop, we will bring greater clarity to the instincts and deepen our understanding of how they operate in lived experience. Through experiential exercises, movement, and meditation, we will observe the instincts in real time — noticing how they support, restrict, and shape awareness — and practice meeting them with curiosity instead of resistance.
Welcoming both newcomers and longtime Enneagram students, this offers an accessible and grounded way to explore how our most basic drives can become allies in living with more awareness and authenticity.
Recommended reading: Wisdom of the Enneagram by Russ Hudson & Don Riso; The Instinctual Drives and the Enneagram by John Luckovich
Lead photo: Shira Levine
Teacher: Russ Hudson
Russ Hudson is one of today’s leading scholars and teachers of the Enneagram self-development system. Since 1991, he has worked full-time as a writer and teacher and has co-authored five bestselling books, including The Wisdom of the Enneagram with Don Riso.
Program Duration: Two Weeks / Four Weeks
Live Extended Education Program: Join a cohort of 16 learners in a rigorous course of study, with up to 26 hours per week over either two weeks or four weeks, depending on the program. In addition, as a complement to your studies, you will be required to dedicate 26 hours of service each week in one of Esalen’s operational departments.
Tuition: $1600 for two-week programs and $2900 for four-week programs includes your accommodations, meals, and workshop.
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
Designed for a serene Central Coast escape, this room invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a truly restful stay. A luxurious queen bed creates a comforting place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering the kind of refuge that feels both elevated and easy. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing, with thoughtful details that help guests feel instantly at ease.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features:
Whether you are here for a peaceful getaway or simply looking for a more refined place to rest, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, charm, and natural beauty.
One of the leading scholars and teachers of the Enneagram self-development system today, Russ Hudson has been dedicating his work to this field since 1991. Over the years, he has taught full-time and built a respected body of work that has helped bring the Enneagram to a wider international audience. He is also the co-author of five best-selling books, including The...
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Sun, Oct 18 – Fri, Oct 23