Embodying Joy: Relaxing the Body Into Being

Embodying Joy: Relaxing the Body Into Being is a weekend meditation retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, led by James Baraz and his son Adam Baraz. It is for anyone drawn to the idea that joy is something we uncover rather than chase, whether you are new to meditation or have practiced for years. The weekend blends guided meditation, somatic practice and Buddhist wisdom, with an emphasis on softening the body so that awareness can settle.

What to Expect

The weekend moves through five elemental phases, drawn from Adam's SomaWaken framework. Water softens the nervous system into safety and trust. Earth restores a felt sense of grounding, belonging and inherent worth. Wind frees the breath, mind and emotions through movement and inquiry. Fire awakens vitality, creativity and joyful aliveness. Space invites rest in open awareness.

Along the way you will work with guided meditation, gentle movement, somatic inquiry, partner exercises and contemplative reflection. Seated, moving and lying-down practices are all offered, so you can meet each session in the way your body prefers. The aim is practical: ways to release chronic tension, deepen presence and let joy move more freely through your body and daily life.

The schedule begins on Friday with check-in after 2:00 pm, room keys at 4:00 pm, and a "How to Drop into Esalen" orientation from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The opening session runs from 7:15 to 9:30 pm. Saturday is the core practice day, with workshop sessions from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm and again from 3:00 to 6:15 pm, with meals between. On Sunday the final session and integration run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Guests depart by 2:00 pm or stay on for afternoon and evening time on campus.

About James Baraz

James Baraz is an American Buddhist teacher and a co-founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He has spent decades sharing the path of loving-kindness and awakening joy, and has taught his "Awakening Joy" online course since 2003. His books include Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You On The Road to Real Happiness and Awakening Joy for Kids.

About Adam Baraz

Adam Baraz is a somatic meditation teacher and the founder of SomaWaken, an embodied approach that integrates somatic psychology with Buddhist meditation. His teaching draws on nearly twenty years of somatic practice and dharma study with wisdom teachers in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, including more than 100 days in solitary darkness retreat. His approach is body-centered and complements his father's.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast, known for its hot springs, ocean views and long history of open exploration. Guests have access to the hot springs and other campus features, and to classes on the open schedule during their stay.

Housing ranges from shared sleeping bag space, in a gender-inclusive room for up to six, to bunk rooms, standard shared and private rooms, and premium rooms and yurts, some with ocean views and private decks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, with coffee, tea and snacks available.

Before You Go

No prior experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Programs may be taken as workshop with an on-site stay, workshop with an off-site stay, or as an individual day pass.

Included are workshop instruction, housing, three meals daily, coffee, tea and snacks, hot springs access and open schedule classes. Not included are Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen massage, specialty coffee, tea or bar purchases, and bookstore purchases.

Esalen has noted a Highway 1 travel advisory, with Caltrans-operated convoys into and out of northern Big Sur at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Check current conditions and plan your travel accordingly. Recommended reading is Awakening Joy by James Baraz.