2012: Esalen Letter

Telling us why you’d like to participate and what you hope to take with you when you leave.

Esalen is a community I have wanted to be part of for a long time. Every time we would drive up highway 1 my parents would tell me stories of this beautiful place atop a cliff. A place where you could wonder through gardens and soak in hot springs while watching the glorious pacific swells move through. I have an affinity for the ocean (having lived on a boat in the South Pacific for nearly 6 years of my life) and the northern California coast. Beginning with these drives as a kid I knew that I needed to go there, for even at that age I was extremely sensitive to my environment. The place I’m in has always been as important as the people I’m with.

I’m writing to you on a rainy day here in Fiji, tucked inside our cabin aboard an old sailboat. This voyage began seven months ago in Panama and will end in two months when the hurricane season starts in Fiji. I have grown in many ways, but have missed more than anything having access to a nurturing, self-aware, and endlessly devoted to growth group of people-a community to help push and guide me. I want to absorb their knowledge and stories and share mine in an environment where we have adequate time to digest it. Furthermore, I’m particularly open during transitional periods and want to take full advantage of my place in December upon my return to the US.

I’m interested in the Presence and Touch that Heals work-study program. Previous to this trip I lived in China for a year and a half where I began my study of Tai Qi and Chinese medicine. I have attempted to continue a practice, but it has been quite a challenge with limited deck space and a limited understanding of what I am doing. I want to continue to build upon my knowledge of the meridian systems and began to learn more about CranioSacrial work.

Beyond being endlessly devoted to my personal growth, I’m seriously considering a lifestyle/career in the healing arts particularly osteopathic medicine and Chinese medicine. I am young (23) and have an empty plate in front of me. I hope to walk away from Esalen with some tools and new understandings that can help guide my next steps in life.