“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
Chinese Proverb
Come for a time of deep release and renewal as we slow down, align with autumn, honor the sacred cycle of life, and move with greater ease through this season of transition.
Autumn invites us to let go and make peace with impermanence. Across many spiritual traditions, this season has long been seen as a chance to pause, reflect, and consciously complete one chapter before beginning another.
In a period of significant change, yoga and meditation can help us feel more grounded, supported, and nourished. By creating intentional pauses and opening to the sacred present moment, we strengthen our inner resources, support our health and wellbeing, and deepen our capacity for compassion and connection.
With an emphasis on rooting while opening to change, we will draw on a range of practices to meet this threshold of transformation. Each class will support nervous system balance through a blend of heart-centered practices, slow flow yoga, somatic movement, deep restorative relaxation, and Metta meditation. We will also include inner reflection, seasonal rituals, and journaling options to help us move through fall with reverence and ease.
More than ever, we can benefit from pausing, releasing stress and tension, restoring our energy, and nurturing ourselves so that we can better nurture the world around us.
Garth Stevenson will bring deeply healing vibrations with his double bass, helping us find the balance between grounding and releasing into the spaciousness of the season.
Throughout this retreat, we will practice outdoors and welcome the autumn elements, allowing ourselves to meet life’s changes and arrive more fully in the present moment.
Recommended Reading: The Power of the Pause by Jillian Pransky
This workshop includes an additional $125 in faculty tuition.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Oct 9-12, 2026
3 day event
Daily Schedule:
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.
Settle into a Premium Plus King room and take in the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur from a space designed for rest and renewal. After a day of exploring the coastline, unwind on a private deck in an upstairs unit or a patio on the ground level, both offering a front-row seat to the ocean views. Inside, picture windows welcome in natural light and create a calm, airy atmosphere from morning to evening.
These accommodations are ideal for guests seeking the comfort of a king-size bed along with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Expect elevated bathrooms and decor, plus premium in-room WiFi for added convenience during your stay. With its blend of comfort, style, and unforgettable scenery, this room offers a serene retreat for travelers looking to experience Big Sur at its most inspiring.
Set against the dramatic beauty of Big Sur, this premium wooden yurt offers a peaceful stay with a strong sense of place. After a day of exploring the coastline, unwind on your private deck and take in the sweeping ocean views in total privacy. Inside, the space is designed for rest and ease, with a queen-size bed, a comfortable sitting area, and picture windows that welcome in the morning light.
Thoughtfully appointed for guests seeking a more secluded Big Sur experience, this yurt also includes an en suite bathroom and premium in-room WiFi for added convenience. It’s an inviting choice for travelers who want to feel close to nature without giving up comfort, privacy, or a restful night’s sleep.
Set among the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur, this premium wooden yurt offers a peaceful stay with a strong sense of privacy and comfort. Designed for up to three guests, it features a queen-size bed, a cozy sitting area, and a private nook with a twin-size daybed, making it a thoughtful choice for those seeking a more spacious retreat experience.
Step outside onto your private deck and take in sweeping ocean views, or unwind indoors as natural light filters through the picture windows. The en suite bathroom adds convenience, while premium in-room WiFi helps you stay connected throughout your stay. Whether you are returning from a day of exploration or simply slowing down to enjoy the scenery, this yurt creates a serene setting for rest, reflection, and a memorable Big Sur escape.
Set within the former residence of Esalen co-founder Dick Price, this suite offers a rare sense of place for guests seeking both inspiration and ease. Here, you can settle into a creative, grounding atmosphere, or simply slow down, breathe, and be fully present. Designed for a restful and restorative stay, the suite centers around a luxurious queen bed that invites deep sleep and quiet refuge beyond the ordinary.
Thoughtfully arranged with accessibility in mind, the suite can accommodate ADA needs and includes a main bedroom with a queen-size bed, a private pathway leading to expansive ocean views, upgraded bathrooms and decor, a kitchenette with a dining alcove, a private outdoor area, and premium in-room WiFi. Whether you are looking for a serene retreat or a comfortable home base for reflection, this space blends privacy, comfort, and coastal beauty.
Jillian Pransky is a yoga therapist, mindfulness teacher, and author of The Power of the Pause and Deep Listening. Her approach offers a gentle invitation to slow down and reconnect with the present moment through somatic practices, restorative yoga, and meditation. With a focus on body awareness, breath, and inner stillness, her teaching supports a deeper sense of harmony and embodied...
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Garth Stevenson will bring deeply healing vibrations through the rich sound of his double bass, creating an atmosphere that supports both grounding and release. His music is designed to help participants settle into the present moment while opening to the spaciousness and energy of the season. With each resonant note, the experience invites a sense of calm, connection, and inner...
Read more