Winter-2022

there was more emphasis on breaking through, going beyond, catharsis. Over the years it seems to me that there is more emphasis on integra- tion, mindfulness and kindness.” Bianchetta and his wife Cynthia met and mar- ried at Esalen more than 35 years ago, and each has influenced shaping its incarnation. Daniel has done everything from helping to run the kitchen to being the onsite historian, photographer and a workshop facilitator. Cynthia co-created the Art Barn and Dance Dome as well as the Movement Arts program. “Since the time I arrived in 1984, I saw waves of movements, from the former encounter groups; to folks coming for healing of trauma and co-dependen- cy; then later ‘back to the land’s’ environmental awareness; and the political neutrality of citizen diplomacy’s dedication to peace, as in Michael Murphy’s CTR (Center for Theory & Research) conferences,” Cynthia observes. “As conscious- ness shifts in our culture and the world’s culture, Esalen has been the pioneer, leading the way long before others, contributing to a greater awareness for a better world.” Murphy, who now lives in the Bay Area, still comes “home” to Esalen. He says the impact of the oceanside gem never wavers. “How incredi- ble it is that we have been doing this for 60 years. How heartwarming it is to see the many lives that are touched and the life-giving explorations people have experienced here.” Cynthia Bianchetta agrees.“Imagine leaving the heavy bur- dens of the world at the top of the gate to enter down the hill and the long driveway, to meet a rolling green lawn to the edge of the sea, where you find the most beautiful, sacred landscape where physical and spiritual healing are offered for your well-being.” Pondering how it all came to be leaves Murphy incredulous at moments.“There have been times where there was no explanation for what we accomplished, and I joke that often it has felt like amateur hour here. But we are doing enough right…and our dreams are gaining new clarity.” Some of that magnification will focus on over- looked groups. “We have more workshops that embrace feminism and women. We are focused on creating a safe space for marginalized voices and bodies. Esalen is privileged to be engaged in healing and reconciliation with the indigenous peoples of this area, in the process, learning many valuable lessons from our Native teachers about stewardship of this magic land and coastline.” In fact, Esalen has been in reconciliation work with the EsselenTribe of Monterey County since 2019 and on November 13th had a land acknowledg- ment ceremony, sage planting and precolonial din- ner together, before kicking off a return of the tribe as faculty, with a current workshop taught by Tribal Vice Chair Cari Herthl and another in the spring with Tribe Chief Little Bear. Murphy and his mission are also proof that if you’re around long enough, history will repeat itself. As the use of microdosing so-called psy- chedelic drugs picks up steam in the mainstream (primarily in mental health practice), Murphy 152 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 The Meditation Hut at Esalen is one of many peaceful, quiet spaces throughout the property offering a respite from the out- side world and the opportunity to center one’s self and reflect on whatever it is that has brought you to this special place. Photo: Tim Farrell