For thousands of years, cultures around the world have intentionally entered expanded states of consciousness as a path toward transformation and a deeper relationship with self, community, and the natural world.
In this workshop, participants will come together in a vibrant community setting for an immersive experience of personal exploration. The week will offer guidance on how to prepare for, move through, and integrate these states with care and clarity. Holotropic Breathwork® serves as the core experiential practice, providing a dynamic inward journey that invites deeply personal material to arise through one’s own intrinsic intelligence.
Throughout the program, participants will be supported by simple yet time-honored practices. These states can open direct access to the self as a source of healing, insight, and evolutionary possibility. Each person will take part in four Holotropic Breathwork sessions, with two experiences as a breather and two in the sitter role. Supporting others in non-ordinary state space will complement your own inner work. Contemplative practice, movement, expressive arts, and community time will further support integration across the week.
Holotropic Breathwork was developed by Stanislav Grof, a pioneering psychedelic researcher, and his late wife, Christina Grof. It is especially valuable for those who are interested in, or training for, psychedelic-assisted therapy.
This workshop welcomes anyone drawn to exploring expanded states of consciousness and an unfolding process of growth. Both first-time explorers and experienced breathers are invited. The deep impulse to grow, heal, and be transformed in an authentic way turns us inward, toward the mystery at the center of our being. That inward journey can awaken the senses and bring fresh creative energy into everyday life.
An additional $75 faculty tuition applies to this workshop.
Lead photo: Kodiak Greenwood
Stacia Butterfield is a certified Holotropic Breathwork® practitioner with 15 years of dedicated service and close work with Stanislav Grof, the originator of Holotropic Breathwork and a pioneering psychedelic researcher. She has also served for many years as a senior staff member, coordinating, facilitating, and teaching residential training retreats across the US.
Program Schedule
Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.
Accommodations & Tuition: Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply. We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need.
For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps. First, sign up and pay tuition directly. Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen. Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities.
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.
Stacia Butterfield is a certified Holotropic Breathwork® practitioner with 15 years of dedicated experience in the field. Her work has been deeply shaped by close collaboration with Stanislav Grof, the originator of Holotropic Breathwork and a pioneering researcher in psychedelic studies. This background brings a rare depth of insight, care, and authenticity to the way she supports participants. Over the years,...
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Mon, Nov 16 – Fri, Nov 20