Free the Resonant Voice: A Vocal Embodiment Journey to Remember the Soul of Your Sound

Free the Resonant Voice is a vocal embodiment and sound healing workshop led by vocalist and composer Odeya Nini at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. It is for anyone who wants to return to the natural sound of their own voice, whether or not they think of themselves as a singer, and who is curious about using breath, vibration and the body as a way to release tension and express more freely.

The workshop runs across four nights, from a Monday evening opening to a Friday close, and centers on the idea that the voice is the breath of our being made audible.

What to Expect

Through deep sensing, visualization, somatic exploration and playful vocal exercises, the group works to release the blocks that stifle expression. The body is treated as a resonant chamber for sound. Practices aim to dissolve physical and emotional tension, open new pathways of vocal creativity, and let breath and vibration guide participants toward what the description calls sonic liberation. The emphasis is on surrendering to the voice and letting it move freely, with power, care and love. Speaking, singing and sounding are all welcome.

The shape of the week is simple. Monday begins with check-in, an orientation to Esalen, and an opening session in the evening. Tuesday through Thursday each have a morning session from 10:00 am to noon and an afternoon session from 4:15 to 6:15 pm, with a lunch break and rest between. Tuesday and Thursday also include an evening session from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Wednesday evening is left free for reflection and time on campus. Friday brings a final session from 10:00 am to noon, themed around integration and closure.

Please note that this workshop includes physical touch, such as a hand placed on the body to aid in sounding, as well as physical embrace within the group.

About Odeya Nini

Odeya Nini is a vocalist, composer and facilitator whose work bridges somatic practice, experimental sound and vocal liberation. Committed to embodied inquiry, she guides participants into a deep relationship with their voices, as a portal to presence, power and possibility.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast, and guests are welcome to use the hot springs and other campus features during their stay, along with the open schedule of classes. Meals are served in the dining hall: breakfast from 8:30 to 9:45 am, lunch from 12:30 to 1:45 pm and dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, with coffee, tea and snacks available through the day. Vegetarian and vegan options are offered, and guests with specific allergies or restrictions are encouraged to consult Esalen directly.

Accommodation ranges from shared dorm-style sleeping bag space and bunk rooms to shared and private rooms, including queen and king rooms, some with ocean or forest views. Check-in begins at 2:00 pm on Monday, with room keys available at 4:00 pm, followed by a 5:00 to 6:00 pm orientation called How to Drop Into Esalen.

Access to this part of Big Sur has at times depended on Highway 1 travel advisories, including convoys at set times each day. Check current conditions before you travel.

Before You Go

Registration can be done as a workshop with an on-site stay, a workshop with an off-site stay, or an individual day pass. The workshop with on-site stay includes your housing, all meals, coffee, tea and snacks, hot springs access and the open classes. Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen Massage, specialty coffee or tea and alcohol from the bar, and bookstore purchases are extra. If you choose the sleeping bag space, bring your own sleeping bag and bedding, and plan to pack up your belongings during the day. Linens are provided in the other room types. The community is inclusive and gender-conscious, and scholarship applications are available through Esalen.