Esalen Massage®: The Power of Mindful Touch

Esalen Massage®: The Power of Mindful Touch

This article originally appeared in the Florida State Massage Therapy Magazine, Massage Message.

Imagine yourself sitting on the cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountain range in Big Sur, California looking out at the Pacific Ocean.  You hear the crash of the ocean waves below and a sea otter as it floats on its back cracking shells. You see an occasional condor soaring above.  The sun is shining, the air is filled with the smell of sea water and sulphur from the hot springs.  The hot water bubbles up from under the earth and pours into the large bath tubs.  

People from all over the world, and all walks of life, gather to bathe in these pools of healing waters and experience the beauty of nature and the magic of the place.  This sacred ground, the Esalen Institute, once home to the Esselen Indians, is the birthplace of Esalen massage.  

[Podcast] "A Mindful Emergence" The Power of Mindful Touch with Robin Fann-Costanzo

[Podcast] "A Mindful Emergence" The Power of Mindful Touch with Robin Fann-Costanzo

Eddie - The theme this week is The Power of Mindful Touch. Perhaps you could give us an idea of what we might be talking about this evening.

Robin - Thanks for asking Eddie. I suppose over my lifetime, really since I was a child, I’ve been really interested in touch and present touch and I’ve spent most of my life I would say dedicated to that exploration. I spent many years at the Esalen Institute practicing and learning different types of bodywork and massage as well and I’m looking forward to talking about my experiences over all these years.

[Podcast] “A Mindful Emergence” Eddie LeShure interviews Corey Costanzo

[Podcast] “A Mindful Emergence” Eddie LeShure interviews Corey Costanzo

Listen to the full interview - #30 Accessing Deep States of Mindful Relaxation to Guide the Transformation and Personal Growth Process

Eddie: So the theme this week that we are going to talk about, and I have to hand it to you Corey, you came up with the longest theme of any, and I love it.

Client Feature: How I Hacked into Creativity Without Doing any Work

Client Feature: How I Hacked into Creativity Without Doing any Work

Bring creative sounds like a lot of work. Keep in mind I’m an artist.  I am also one who likes to plan, to strategize, and organize (read: INTJ Capricorn). Lets just say my passion and personality haven’t always seamlessly merged.  I’ve always felt stuck in my head, trapped in an over-analytical mindset. Thinking and over-thinking everything, especially creative projects, can be torture.

Clear, Relaxed, and Open: The Mind, Body, and Heart of Mindfulness

Clear, Relaxed, and Open: The Mind, Body, and Heart of Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation is a research-validated method of reducing stress, coping with pain and illness, enhancing wellness, and increasing self-awareness and compassion. Mindfulness is an essential skill that can be learned as a formal meditation practice and as a natural way of peacefully relating to our mind, body, emotions, and the people and situations we encounter in everyday life. The following article addresses how mindfulness can support health, wellness, and the quality of our relationships.