“In many ways, our whole lives are a series of doorways and passages into new or forgotten ways of being,” says Thomas Fortel. “Over time, the practices of yoga can create a softening of habits and patterns, a clarifying of mind, and a gradual opening of the spiritual lotuses (chakras). All of this can lead to an expanded field of awareness beyond our personal ego, and into a wellspring of life-force (energy) and our natural place in the ocean of consciousness.

“One of the most profound environments for retreat is simply being in nature. Here on the cliffside, overlooking the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean, we'll begin each morning with meditation and pranayama (conscious breathing) and continuing after breakfast with an active morning yoga practice. In the afternoons, we'll meet for the Esalen spiritual practice of lawn-lying, gathering at various locations on the Esalen property as we study the energy of Mother Earth and Father Sun. We'll conclude our days with restorative yoga and various topics of interest.”

Please have at least three months of recent yoga experience, and bring a yoga mat.