Cultivating Vitality in Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Ecosystem of Mental Well-Being

With Cassandra Vieten and Elissa Epel

May 3 - 6, 2024

Date and Time Details:

Friday
7:15 pm – 8:00 pm * How to Drop into Esalen *
8:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Monday
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $840.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $1,110.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $1,380.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $1,830.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $2,910.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $2,550.00
  • Premium King Room – $2,730.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $3,090.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $3,090.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $3,090.00
  • Rolf Suite – $5,880.00
  • Point House – $5,880.00
  • Fritz Point House – $5,880.00
  • South Point House – $7,230.00

What is vitality? Exuberance, vibrance, sparkle, spirit, and verve — terms rarely found in psychology textbooks. Vulnerability to depression and anxiety is widespread, and our culture traditionally emphasizes reducing symptoms with drugs that alter certain neurotransmitters, which is only part of the picture. We are living in a new era where vulnerabilities can become strengths, and what used to be stigma becomes common humanity. Good mental health is being redefined in terms of stress resilience, post-traumatic growth, and vitality.

This workshop explores evidence-based tools for living a vibrant life, even in the presence of stress, depression, anxiety, or any pain we may be carrying. We will help you build your own ecosystem of mental well-being — including new ways to foster vitality and purpose through caring for the brain, body, and gut. In this workshop, we’ll review the latest scientific findings on practices such as: 

  • Hot and cold exposures
  • Optimal physical challenges
  • Breathing techniques
  • Meditation
  • Embodied movement

A mental health renaissance is underway. Mental well-being is being redefined, and a range of evidence-based, whole-person approaches are gaining ground. Learn from renowned authors and cutting-edge scientists to create a flourishing ecosystem of mental well-being for yourself and your clients. 

Additional embodiment practices will be provided by Guest Faculty Member Nichol Chase.

Nichol’s yoga practice is informed by a vast and eclectic set of influences that blend invigorating flow with precise and insightful instruction and extensive study with a variety of innovative teachers. She is a Garrison Institute Fellow and a faculty member and teacher trainer for The Mazé Method.

12 CE credits available for professionals through the Spiritual Competency Academy.  Additional Continuing Education information here.

Recommended reading: The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease by Elissa Epel; The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel; Spiritual and Religious Competencies in Clinical Practice: Guidelines for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals by Cassandra Vieten; Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life by Cassandra Vieten

This workshop includes an additional $30 of faculty tuition.

About the Leaders

Cassandra Vieten

Cassandra Vieten, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, mind-body medicine researcher, author, consultant, and public speaker. Cassi is a clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine's Centers for Integrative Health at the University of California, San Diego, where she serves as the director of the Center for Mindfulness. Cassi is also Director of Research […]

Learn more about Cassandra Vieten

Elissa Epel

Elissa Epel, Ph.D, is a best-selling author and a Professor at UCSF in the Department of Psychiatry. She studies how chronic stress can impact biological aging (including the telomere/telomerase system), and how mindfulness interventions may buffer stress effects and promote psychological and physiological thriving. She also studies food addiction and obesity. She is a member of the […]

Learn more about Elissa Epel

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