Altered States & Expanding Horizons: Exploring the Legacy of Esalen

In this 3-part lecture series, join the legacy of Esalen, famed institute that has shaped the boundaries of human potential since the '60s.
About this Event

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Since the 1960s, the Esalen Institute has been a haven for dreamers, seekers, and the tie-dyed intelligentsia—a place where individual and collective potential collide. In this three-session course, we invite you to step into Esalen’s unique legacy, exploring its history of altered states of consciousness, its transformative practices, and its lasting cultural impact. From its unofficial explorations with psychedelics to the development of somatics, Gestalt , and the influential Esalen "check-in," participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Esalen’s unique contributions to self-discovery and collective growth.

Designed for curious minds, dreamers, and quiet rebels alike, this course invites participants to tap into their own potential for healing and transformation. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain insight into Esalen’s history and lineage of practices but also learn tools to apply in your own life, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or broader community efforts. Through the exploration of Esalen’s ethos of openness and community, this course offers more than just knowledge—it provides an opportunity for hope, connection, and self-actualization.

SYLLABUS AT A GLANCE

This course includes three total sessions, each lasting 1 hour on three consecutive Tuesdays beginning December 3.

Session 1 (Tuesday, 12/3, 8:00–9:00 PM ET)| A History of Altered States at Esalen

Dive into the history and significance of non-ordinary states of consciousness at Esalen Institute, from its psychedelic exploration in the 1960s to diverse practices like 5 Rhythms, somatics, and holotropic breathwork, examining their impact on self-discovery and human consciousness.

Session 2 (Tuesday, 12/10, 8:00–9:00 PM ET)| From New Age to Now: How Esalen’s Transformative Practices Shaped Contemporary Culture

Examine Esalen’s role as a hub for human potential and self-exploration amid America's cultural and political shifts of the 1960s, 70’s and 80’s, with a focus on its unique, diverse practices and enduring legacy.

Session 3 (Tuesday,12/17, 8:00–9:00 PM ET)| The Esalen Check-In

Explore the evolution of Gestalt at Esalen, focusing on the Esalen "check-in" process as a tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and deep interpersonal connection, with optional student participation in the practice to foster vulnerability and collective potential.

BETWEEN SESSIONS

Outside of class, students will be encouraged to complete optional activities related to class content, including reflective journaling and reading assignments.

YOUR INSTRUCTORS, SAM STERN & SHIRA LEVINE

Sam Stern is the host of the Voices of Esalen podcast, a deep-dive interview program focused on Human Potential, with over 1 million downloads to date. He is a graduate of Brown University and received an MFA in Critical Studies and Integrated Media from CalArts. He teaches about the history of Altered States, AI and Creativity at Esalen.

Shira Levine is the director of communications and storytelling at Esalen.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This lecture series is designed so students can participate live or watch a recording of each session, after it airs, at a time that is convenient for them. Sessions will take place live over Zoom, with dedicated Q&A segments for students to ask questions via video or chat. Within 72 hours after each session meets, students will receive access to a recording of the live session, which they can watch for up to two weeks after the course concludes.

Instructors may use Google Classroom to communicate with students outside of class. While students aren’t required to use Google Classroom, instructors may use this platform to post resources, discussion questions, or assignments. This platform also offers a space for students to connect with one another about course material between sessions.

ACCESSING YOUR COURSE

Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite that will provide access to the class meeting. Please save the confirmation email as you’ll use it to access all sessions of your course via Zoom.

PRICING OPTIONS

This course is available at three ticket prices. This tiered pricing model is designed to increase access for a wider range of students as well as to support our instructors. In addition to tiered tickets, we offer a limited number of no-pay spots for students who would not otherwise be able to take this course. No-pay spots are selected via a randomized drawing two weeks before each section begins. For more information and to apply for a no-pay spot, please click here. To learn more about our pricing model and randomized selection process for no-pay spots, please visit our FAQ page.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

Please take a moment to review our community guidelines for students, which aim to share our classroom ethos and help set the stage for the best possible learning experience.

ACCESSIBILITY

We provide closed captioning for all of our courses and can share transcripts upon request. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions, requests, or accessibility needs.

ATLAS OBSCURA ONLINE COURSES

Atlas Obscura Courses offer opportunities for participants to emerge with new skills, knowledge, connections, and perspectives through multi-session classes designed and taught by expert instructors. To learn more about our current course offerings, please visit www.atlasobscura.com/online-courses. For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our FAQ page here.

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