Designing The Life We Want: Self Renewal in the Fall

Picture yourself in the heart of Big Sur, surrounded by redwoods and ocean cliffs, stepping away from the relentless pace of daily life to ask yourself the questions that matter most: Am I living in alignment with my values? What brings me genuine joy and purpose? What needs to shift? This five-day wellness retreat at the iconic Esalen Institute offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and redesign the trajectory of your life—not through abstract theory, but through embodied practice, honest dialogue, and wilderness-informed wisdom.

Facilitated by executive coach Mark Nicolson and wilderness guide Caitlin Wild, this self-renewal workshop meets you exactly where you are. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, feeling disconnected from your authentic path, or simply ready to reclaim agency over your future, this retreat creates the container and guidance you need. Rather than passive lectures, you'll engage in experiential exercises, somatic movement, and reflective group work designed to illuminate patterns that either support or sabotage your goals.

By the time you leave Esalen on the final morning, you'll carry with you a clarified vision for the year ahead, concrete practices for aligning your daily actions with your deepest values, and renewed confidence in your capacity to create meaningful change. This is not about starting from scratch—it's about reconnecting with your own inner wisdom and allowing it to guide you forward.

What to Expect

Over five days, you'll move through a carefully designed arc of exploration and integration. The program combines reflective practices, intuitive listening circles, and movement-based exercises that engage both body and mind. Mark and Caitlin create an atmosphere of psychological safety and authentic inquiry, where each participant's story and vision are honored.

Mornings may include grounding practices or gentle movement. Afternoons invite deeper exploration through group dialogue and individual reflection on behavioral patterns and life direction. Evenings offer time for rest, integration, and the simple nourishment of being held by community and landscape.

You'll leave with: clarity on what truly matters to you; a personal vision statement for the next phase of your life; embodied tools for navigating transitions; and a deeper understanding of how your choices either reflect or contradict your values.

Venue & Logistics

Held at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California—one of the world's most transformative retreat centers—this workshop begins Monday, October 26, 2026. Esalen's oceanside setting and thoughtful infrastructure support deep work. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and an open heart are all you need to bring. While attendance at all sessions, including the final morning, is encouraged, participation in exercises and sharing remains voluntary.