Rekindling the Heart: Ancient Breath Practices, Tibetan Yoga & the Science of Emotion

This yoga retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, brings together Tibetan Yoga, breathwork and the science of emotion over three days. It is led by Eve Ekman and Alejandro Chaoul, and it suits patients, healthcare providers, seekers, or anyone on a path of healing who wants practical, research-informed tools alongside a contemplative perspective.

The workshop, Rekindling the Heart, asks what lies behind today's evidence-based mind-body practices for well-being, resilience and purpose. Together the teachers trace the lineages and sacred traditions from which many modern methods arise, and they share current science next to the sacred dimensions often missing from conventional approaches to healing and renewal.

What to Expect

Participants explore Tibetan Yoga of Renewal through systematic breathwork practices, learn to map the emotions underlying stress, and work with sacred syllables and mantra as protective and clarifying tools for the mind. There are also meditations designed to uplift and expand the heart and mind.

The weekend begins on Friday with a "How to Drop Into Esalen" orientation from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by an opening session from 7:15 to 9:30 pm. On Saturday, a morning session runs from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm and an afternoon session from 3:00 to 6:15 pm, with lunch between them. The evening is left open for exploring the campus and resting. The final session on Sunday runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by lunch. Guests may depart that afternoon or stay on.

About Eve Ekman

Eve Ekman, PhD, MSW, is a contemplative social scientist, teacher and scholar who focuses on emotional awareness, empathy, meditation, and approaches that ease burnout and support well-being. She completed her MSW and PhD at UC Berkeley and postdoctoral training at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. At UCSF she developed and researched secular, evidence-based tools for emotional resilience among healthcare providers. She is the well-being lead at Apple, a senior fellow at the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, and an instructor with the Berkeley Center for Psychedelic Science.

About Alejandro Chaoul

Alejandro Chaoul-Reich, PhD, has studied in the Tibetan traditions since 1989, and for over 30 years in the Bön tradition with Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. He holds a PhD in Tibetan religions from Rice University and is founding director of the Mind Body Spirit Institute at the Jung Center of Houston. At MD Anderson Cancer Center he pioneered programs supporting patients with chronic illness through Tibetan Yoga, meditation and integrative medicine.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast. Guests staying on site have a range of lodging, from shared sleeping bag space and bunk beds to private queen and king rooms, some with ocean or forest views, as well as yurts and suites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining hall, with breakfast from 8:30 to 9:45 am, lunch from 12:30 to 1:45 pm and dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Access to northern Big Sur has at times depended on Caltrans convoys on Highway 1, which run only at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, so it is worth checking current road conditions and planning your travel before you set out.

Before You Go

The workshop welcomes people of all backgrounds, with no prerequisites named. Registration options include staying on site, staying off site, or an individual day pass. A scholarship application is available.

An on-site stay includes the workshop, housing, all meals, coffee, tea and snacks, access to the hot springs and other campus features, and the open schedule classes. Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen massage, specialty coffee, tea and alcohol from the bar, and bookstore purchases are extra. Guests in the sleeping bag space should bring their own sleeping bag, blanket, pad and pillow.