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Esalen Institute

Encounter: Meeting the Moment

Feb 16, 2026 – Feb 20, 2026 · 5 days · Big Sur, CA

Residential
Encounter: Meeting the Moment
SecularSilence TBDLevel TBDCost on site

Registration

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Retreat overview

To encounter someone, something, or someplace implies that it’s unexpected or a surprise.

Encountering the moment means coming face-to-face with the unknown.

In movement practice, we train ourselves to stay open, curious, centered, and responsive at the front edge of any encounter — counterbalancing those innate primal reactions to fight, flee, freeze, or please.  

Rather than withdrawing, playing it safe, or tolerating things you shouldn’t, imagine being adept at staying present and standing your ground clearly and authentically.

Picture a world where we are able to express opinions, feelings, discontents, and appreciations skillfully while remaining wholeheartedly open to outcome and change.  

In this workshop, within a supportive and challenging environment, we will create “safe emergencies” — situations intense enough to command our attention that are managed with care and support, to help us risk moving beyond habitual self-defeating patterns.

Participants can receive real feedback and gain plenty of practice making new choices in relation to others.  

Recommended Reading: https://www.andreajuhan.com/content/open-floor-encounter-dance-therapy-and-transformation

Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals

  • CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
  • LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
  • SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.
  • For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact info@andreajuhan.com .
  • For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com .
Teachers: Andrea Juhan

Daily schedule shape

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Logistics

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About Esalen Institute

Big Sur retreat campus known for experiential workshops, contemplative practice, and ocean-view renewal.

Founded 1962Iconic retreat center
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