Awaken Your Heartfelt Intentions Through Movement, Sound, and Stillness

This yoga retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, is a five-day pause for anyone who wants to slow down and begin the New Year relaxed and awake. Led by Tracy Lease and Miyu Tamamura, it brings together qigong, gentle yoga, restorative movement, crystal singing bowl sound healing, meditation and poetry, all in service of your yoga sankalpa, the heartfelt intentions you carry into the year ahead.

It suits people who are navigating change, looking for more balance, or simply wanting a deeper relationship with themselves. All levels and bodies are welcome.

What to Expect

The week is designed to help reset the nervous system and make room for reflection. Each day returns to the present moment through movement, sound and stillness, held in what the teachers describe as a compassionate and nurturing container. The healing vibrations of the crystal singing bowls support deep rest and spaciousness, with room for insight and integration.

The week opens on Monday and closes on Friday. Monday begins with check-in after 2:00 pm, room keys at 4:00 pm, an orientation called How to Drop into Esalen from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, and the workshop's opening session from 7:15 to 9:30 pm.

Tuesday through Thursday follow a steady rhythm: morning practice from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, an afternoon session from 4:15 to 6:15 pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday an evening session from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. The mornings hold movement, gentle yoga, qigong, restorative practice and sound work. The afternoons turn toward sound healing, stillness, poetry and contemplative work. The evenings are for meditation and reflection. Friday brings a final practice and integration from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Check-out is by 10:00 am or after the final session, and lunch is available until 2:00 pm.

About Tracy Lease

Tracy Lease is a yoga therapist, Pilates teacher and qigong guide, and the director of Full Life Yoga Studio in Grass Valley, California. She has spent 20 years guiding students in movement and mindfulness practices, helping each unique student move toward optimal health and happiness.

About Miyu Tamamura

Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, Miyu Tamamura is an artist, teacher, guide and healer who bridges East and West. She draws on 20 years of Shiatsu practice, deep listening, and an intuitive, heart-centered approach to truth.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Esalen Institute on the Big Sur coast. Guests can stay on-site or off-site. On-site lodging ranges from a budget sleeping bag space (bring your own bedding) and shared bunk rooms to private queen and king rooms, some with ocean or forest views, as well as wooden yurts with private decks and the historic Price House Suite. Rooms vary in bathroom arrangement and amenities.

Three meals a day are included for on-site guests, along with coffee, tea and snacks. Guests can also use Esalen's hot springs and other campus features, and attend classes on the Open Schedule.

Esalen has noted that access to northern Big Sur has at times been by Caltrans convoys on Highway 1, running at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Check current road conditions before you travel.

Before You Go

To take part fully, you should be able to move independently between standing, seated and floor-based postures, or come with a support person who is also registered for the workshop and can assist you throughout the week.

Lodging, meals, the workshop, hot springs access and Open Schedule classes are included with the on-site option. Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen Massage, specialty coffee and tea, bar purchases and bookstore items are extra.