Mythology, Yoga, and Falling in Love with Existence at the Edge of the World

This yoga retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, brings together mythology, yoga, breathwork and meditation over five days of movement, inquiry and story. It is for anyone searching for renewed meaning, moving through a life transition, or simply wanting to be enchanted again, and it welcomes all levels of yoga practice. Hannah Muse leads the gathering on the Big Sur coast.

What to Expect

The premise is that a life is not only a project to be managed but a mythopoetic mystery to be lived. Each day draws on stories, including archetypal wisdom and nondual yogic mythology, as a way to make sense of experience. The retreat is inspired in part by mythologist Joseph Campbell, who taught at Esalen in the 1960s.

Practices include yoga for all levels, dance and somatic journeys, breathwork and meditation, self-inquiry and writing, and rewilding, song and nature ceremony. Music, poetry and ritual are woven through the schedule, which is balanced with unhurried meals, time for community, and soaks in Esalen's healing baths.

The week runs Monday to Friday. It opens on Monday with an orientation, "How to Drop into Esalen," from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by a welcome and opening circle from 7:15 to 9:30 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday each have a morning session from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and an afternoon session from 4:15 to 6:30 pm, moving from movement, inquiry and mythology into deeper practice and somatic, creative exploration. Thursday has a morning session of movement and self-inquiry, then an evening ceremony and reflection from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. Friday closes with a final session and circle from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Guests depart by 10:00 am or stay for lunch.

About Hannah Muse

Hannah Muse is a teacher of mindfulness, mysticism and yoga, described as a "midwife of possibility." She is a mother and a devoted student of Buddhism, neuropsychology and mythology, and her teaching is shaped by a deep love of the world.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits at the edge of the Pacific in Big Sur, a place with a long history of openness and exploration. Guests have access to the hot springs and other campus features during their stay.

Rooms range from the most affordable sleeping bag space, a shared gender-inclusive room where guests sleep on the floor with their own bedding, to bunk rooms, shared and private standard rooms, and premium rooms with ocean or forest views. Yurts and historic suites, including the Price House Suite in the former home of Esalen co-founder Dick Price, are also available.

Meals are served in the dining hall: 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, with coffee, tea and snacks through the day. Vegetarian and vegan options are offered, and other dietary needs can be accommodated on request.

Travel into northern Big Sur has been managed through Caltrans convoys on Highway 1, running only at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm each day. Plan arrival and departure around those times.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed. Yoga is offered for all levels.

The on-site workshop includes instruction with Hannah Muse, housing, three meals a day, coffee, tea and snacks, access to the hot springs and campus facilities, and the open-schedule classes available to all guests. Other ways to attend include staying off-site or joining for a single day.

Not included are healing arts sessions such as Esalen massage, specialty coffee and tea or bar purchases, and bookstore purchases.