Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/456364
Transformation at the Pacific's Edge M onarch butterflies flutter their bright orange wings against a crisp blue sky; the sunlight reflecting off their move- ments creates the appearance of sparkles. After experiencing a soak in hot springs-fed baths over the ocean and an outdoor massage set to the background music of the rolling waves of the Pacific, magical glittering butterflies seem possible, while still remarkable. The surreal effects of the Esalen Institute's verdant 34-acre ocean-front property in Big Sur are partly due to geography: Organic gardens blooming with Rainbow Chard and pollinator- friendly flowers are set against wide lawns, creeks and ancient Redwood forests. Everywhere is the wild ocean, casting its spell of salt air and pounding waves, which vibrate through one's soul, weather patterns ranging from brilliant sunshine to ethereal fog, and nature shows like wild birds bathing in the river, and breaching and spouting migrating Gray, Humpback and Blue whales. The otherworldly mood is also the effect of stripping away layers both literally and figurative- ly. Esalen's mind-blowing array of classes, around 600 per year, are taught by world-recognized authors and leaders and include everything from sessions with Dr. Deepak Chopra, "Wild" author Cheryl Strayed, specialized yoga, art, dance and massage classes with experts in the field, and workshops such as, "Fail Fast, Fail Often! Creating a Life of Passionate Action," and a "Mindfulness- Based Eating Awareness Retreat." 166 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Esalen Institute in Big Sur Offer s Multi-Dimensional Healing B Y B R E T T W I L B U R • P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y C A M E R O N J O R D A N In 1910, a Salinas physician purchased Big Sur oceanfront acreage for its famous healing waters, used by humans for at least 6,000 years, and now the site of the Esalen Institute. His grandson, Michael Murphy, co-founded the Institute with Richard Price.