Designing the Life We Want: Self Renewal in the Spring

Designing the Life We Want: Self Renewal in the Spring is a five-day spiritual workshop at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, led by executive coach Mark Nicolson with guest faculty Caitlin Wild. It is for anyone who senses they are at a threshold and wants more aliveness and truth in the next chapter of their life, and who is ready to ask honest questions about direction, impact and what they value.

The work draws on the Esalen tradition and imaginal psychology, using embodied knowing, intuition and the wisdom of the heart to discover what calls to you at this stage of life and to begin building a vision grounded in that truth.

What to Expect

The days unfold through a progression of experiential exercises: movement, reflection, intimate group work, and practical frameworks for understanding where you are and what comes next. Live coaching is part of the process. The organizers promise "real depth and real fun."

The group is central to the work. Witnessing one another and sharing vulnerability create a container that private reflection can rarely match. The setting is meant to be rigorous and warm, challenging yet safe. Active participation is warmly encouraged, and nothing is required.

The week runs from a Monday arrival to a Friday close:

- Monday: On-site check-in begins at 2:00 pm and room keys are available at 4:00 pm. An orientation session runs from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by a welcome circle and workshop opening from 7:15 to 9:30 pm.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Workshop sessions run from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and again from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, with a lunch break and rest between. Tuesday is the start of exploration, and Wednesday is deepening work.
- Thursday: The same daily rhythm continues as the work consolidates, with an optional gathering at the hot springs from 8:30 to 10:00 pm.
- Friday: A final session and closing circle run from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Checkout is by 10:00 am or after the final session ends. Lunch is available until 2:00 pm, and the grounds stay open until 2:00 pm for departing guests.

About Mark Nicolson

Mark Nicolson is an executive coach in Silicon Valley. He helps visionary entrepreneurs, cultural leaders and catalysts for social change move through upper limits and find their zone of genius.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast, and the workshop is held on its campus, with access to natural hot springs and contemplative spaces. Guests have 24-hour access to the hot springs and campus facilities.

Meals are served buffet-style in the Lodge: breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tea, coffee and snacks available through the day. Workshop guests staying on-site can choose from several room types:

- Sleeping Bag Space: a shared, budget-conscious option for up to six people, sleeping on the floor in your own sleeping bag, with on-site showers.
- Bunk Bed: shared by four to six people, gender-inclusive, with a private bathroom and linens provided.
- Standard Shared: a shared room for up to three people of the same gender, with a private bathroom.
- Standard Queen: a private room with a queen bed and private bathroom, overlooking the main campus and garden.
- Standard Two Beds: a private room with two double beds, suited to partners, friends or family.
- Premium Queen: a private queen room with upgraded décor and bathroom and forest or ocean views.

Highway 1 access into northern Big Sur has been managed through Caltrans convoys at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, the only times to travel in or out, so plan your arrival and departure around them and check current conditions before you travel.

Before You Go

The workshop is open to anyone at a threshold in life, and no prior experience is needed. The on-site package includes the five-day workshop, accommodations, all meals, tea, coffee and snacks, hot springs access, and the open-schedule classes available to all workshop guests. Day-pass and off-site attendance are available separately.

Not included are Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen massage, craniosacral therapy and coaching sessions, specialty coffee, tea or alcohol from the bar, and bookstore purchases.