"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."
—Alan Watts
This Thanksgiving week, you are invited into a living exploration of what it means to be fully and authentically human in a world that remains deeply mysterious. In a season shaped by reflection and gathering, we will step beyond the familiar and into direct experience, meeting life as it unfolds in real time.
In these shifting times, we are reminded that what once felt stable and certain is always changing. As the ground moves beneath us, uncertainty can naturally arise, sometimes bringing us to the edge of what we feel prepared to face. And yet, within this very movement lies an invitation: to turn toward experience rather than away from it, and to discover an innate resilience — an embodied capacity to meet the unknown with presence and openness.
This workshop offers a gentle, experiential inquiry into how curiosity, courage, and compassion can support us in relationship to life’s unfolding mystery. Mystery moves in both directions, drawing us toward awe, wonder, and the magical, while also opening us to the unsettling edges of the unknown, where fear and uncertainty live. Together, we begin exactly where we are, learning to welcome “what is” through a deepening awareness of moment-to-moment experience. As we remain present with the discomfort of not knowing, it can become an intimate source of vitality, awakening the intelligence of body, heart, and mind.
Drawing from wisdom traditions, contemplative practices, and somatic and neuropsychology, we will explore:
Meeting the great mystery of life invites us to soften our need for certainty and make room for the unexpected. With an open heart, body, and mind, we begin to sense deeper rhythms of interconnectedness, allowing life to move through us as we navigate an ever-changing world.
Join this grounded and spacious exploration, where we learn, gently and courageously, to join the dance — and say “yes” to life.
Recommended reading: The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by Alan Watts
[Learn more](/learn/continuing-education) about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
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.
Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, personal and organizational facilitator, and longtime Big Sur resident whose work bridges nature, psychology, and contemplative practice. A student of meditation since 1972, he brings decades of experience to his teaching, blending Buddhist psychology, mindfulness, and neuropsychology in a grounded and insightful way. His approach is shaped by years of study and facilitation in...
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Mon, Nov 23 – Fri, Nov 27