Join ceremonial leader and wisdom carrier Erika Gagnon on a sacred journey as we gather to move beyond the illusion of a divided self and the harmful idea of “self versus nature,” and instead explore what it means to live in harmony and balance within ourselves and with the world around us.
You are your own greatest healer and medicine. This workshop offers a chance to reflect on that truth while engaging with healing wisdom, practices, and ceremonies. Participants will receive tools to shift trauma and unhealthy patterns, and to bring body, mind, spirit, and soul back into alignment as we examine the roots of dis-ease in the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual bodies.
How do we honor the gifts and heal the wounds passed down through our ancestors? How might social, cultural, racial, religious, and historical energies be shaping our lives? Together, we will explore these questions while discussing the role of ceremonies, sacred altars, and medicinal plants. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a traditional South American healing ceremony, a sound healing and “doctoring” ceremony, and a water blessing prayer ceremony.
Participants will be invited to reconnect with their authentic wisdom and inner power through clarity, gratitude, and forgiveness. By honoring and healing your ancestral lineage and deepening your connection to the natural and spiritual elements of this planet, you strengthen your bond with the sacred in everyday life.
We are all connected within this vast web of life, and each day offers a chance to serve unconditional love for yourself, your community, humanity, and the Earth. If you feel called to help shape a new humanity rooted in harmony and balance, we invite you to join this celebration of life.
Note: Please bring a journal for writing, along with items for the altar, such as photographs of loved ones and ancestors, and sacred objects that hold personal meaning.
Special Note on Gift Economy: For this workshop, Esalen will not be collecting the usual leader fees. Erika honors the tradition of gift economy and reciprocity. Her compensation will be determined by each attendee. At the end of the workshop, participants will offer a donation amount that reflects their gratitude, the value they received, and their wish to support Erika and her ongoing work.
BIPOC SCHOLARSHIP: Erika has created a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, person of color) scholarship for her workshops. For more information about receiving one to participate, please contact her at
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.
Erika Gagnon is a ceremonial leader, wisdom carrier, and healer devoted to supporting others on their own path of self-healing. For more than 30 years, she has walked the medicine path and the Red Road, deepening her connection to Indigenous traditions through work with elders from North and South America. Her experience includes learning from ceremonies, altars, and medicinal plants, all...
Read more
Fri, Sep 25 – Sun, Sep 27