The Body of Research

When we know how to listen to the body, it will speak with great wisdom. —Tsoknyi Rinpoche

What if your body and mind were not separate entities but part of a dynamic continuum, constantly shaping your experience of the world? In this three-day retreat at Esalen, we’ll explore the interplay between body and mind as a field of research, using ancient somatic meditation practices and contemporary techniques like breathwork and movement research to uncover what lies beneath our habitual patterns of tension, thought, and emotion.

Through this immersive experience, you will:

• Practice somatic meditation, developing a deeper awareness of the subtle dialogue between body and mind.
• Participate in movement research, using the body as a tool for creative expression and inquiry.
• Engage in breathwork, exploring its role in regulating the nervous system and unlocking embodied presence.
• Explore how the body holds emotions and patterns, discovering tools to release and integrate these experiences.
• Leave with practical tools for integrating somatic awareness into daily life.

This retreat offers a grounded and experiential approach to understanding the body-mind connection. It’s an opportunity to step out of autopilot and into direct experience — curious, clear, and fully present. Some prior experience in meditation, mindfulness, and movement is desirable but not a requirement.