The Art of Non-Sleep Deep Rest

Imagine a weekend where your nervous system finally gets permission to truly rest—not through sleep, but through a profound waking state of deep relaxation that neuroscience has shown can reset your dopamine levels and reduce cortisol. This three-day meditation retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur invites you to explore non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), a transformative practice that bridges ancient yogic wisdom with modern neuroscience. Led by mindfulness trainer Kelly Boys, The Art of Non-Sleep Deep Rest is designed for anyone feeling burnt out by modern life, navigating a significant transition, or ready to deepen an existing meditation practice.

Nestled on the dramatic California coast, Esalen's natural setting becomes part of your healing. Through a series of guided yoga nidra sessions—practiced in a comfortable lying-down position—you'll access the parasympathetic nervous system's restorative power while remaining fully conscious. This isn't sleep; it's a deliberate journey into the threshold between waking and dreaming where real neurological reset happens. Whether you're managing chronic stress, seeking clarity during life change, or simply craving genuine rest in a world that rarely allows it, this retreat offers both the science-backed framework and the contemplative container you need.

No prior experience with yoga nidra or meditation is required. Kelly Boys will guide you through research-informed protocols while the retreat's large-group format creates a gentle sense of community without demanding social performance—plenty of time for solitary reflection amid Big Sur's coastal beauty.

What to Expect

The weekend unfolds as a rhythm of guided lying-down sessions interspersed with journaling, contemplative practice, and time in nature. Each day, you'll participate in extended yoga nidra protocols designed to systematically deactivate stress response and restore your baseline. Between sessions, you'll have space to journal about what emerges and integrate your experience. The retreat balances structured practice with freedom—this is not a packed agenda but rather a spacious container for your nervous system to remember how to rest.

Kelly Boys's approach weaves together neuroscience education (so you understand why this works), traditional yoga nidra technique, and contemporary mindfulness principles. Participants consistently report feeling more resourced, clearer in decision-making, and genuinely rested in ways that sleep alone doesn't provide. You'll leave with both a direct experience of deep rest and practical protocols you can continue at home.

Venue & Logistics

This retreat takes place at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California—a sanctuary perched on the cliffs of the Big Sur coastline, renowned for its commitment to human potential and healing. The retreat runs Friday through Sunday, October 2–4, 2026. Wear comfortable, warm clothing (layers are ideal for Big Sur's variable coastal weather). The retreat emphasizes accessibility; if you have specific mobility considerations, reach out to the organizers.