For many of us men, there hasn't been enough space to be vulnerable and explore touch. We haven't been taught the skills or words to give and communicate with those we care for consciously. When we start small with a supportive hand on someone's back or simply share how we're doing, slowly, we can access new capabilities that we never knew were possible.

The EsalenⓇ approach to massage is like a moving meditation practice. An opportunity for the practitioner to drop into presence and deeply listen to the client and oneself. All techniques are meant to cultivate more awareness for the client and provoke deep relaxation and restoration. The foundational Esalen techniques include long strokes, pauses, compressions, kneading, passive joint movement, focused techniques, stretching, and energetic contact.

We will begin with a foundation of sensory education: how to center yourself, cultivate mindfulness, and move, and from that place, how to reach out and make contact.

Then we will build specific massage methodology for the back and front of the body, learning how to support awareness, relaxation, and safety. We will trade full massages, focusing on presence, quality of touch, integration, and wholeness.

Throughout the course, we will emphasize a personal awareness practice, regular “check in’s,” and learning how to monitor and share feedback. This process will aim to create a safe and healing community environment to learn Esalen Massage. Body mechanics, personal response, and communication skills form the backdrop for each massage session. Bodywork details will be added to address specific areas with pressure, movement, and a gentle range of motion.


Price: $350 early-bird / $450 full price

Saturday:

11am - 7pm

Sunday:

11am - 7pm

Bios: Sam Sebastian has been practicing massage and bodywork for over 18 years. He has trained with some of the world's most respected teachers in the healing arts. He has a BA in Contemplative Psychology and is currently a grad student in the Community, Liberation, Indigenous, & Eco-Psychologies PhD program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, an Esalen Institute Massage Faculty, a Certified Massage Therapist, a Hakomi Method Practitioner, and a yoga teacher. Various modalities inform his work and have become an ever-evolving body of work of its own. He is passionate about helping others become more embodied, cultivate presence, and deepen their ability to relate to the natural world and each other!

Social Media Links: samsebastian.com

IG: @samsebastiansomatics

FB: www.facebook.com/SamSebastianSomatics



Malachi Stone is an Esalen® trained Massage practitioner and teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge from various modalities of the human potential movement. He has spent 12 years working and studying at the Esalen institute. Other training includes continued Gestalt Practice, Dance, Cranial Sacral, and Ayurveda. Presents and patience lie at the core of Malachi's mission as a Healing Arts Practitioner and Facilitator.

https://www.malachistone.com/

IG: @bodyawarenesspractice

If you are interested in volunteering for a future event in exchange for a ticket, please fill out this form.

**no refunds or exchanges are available for this event - you can sell or gift your ticket to a friend**