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Esalen Institute

Sacred Clown: Reconnecting to Self Through the Spirit of Play

Feb 2, 2026 – Feb 6, 2026 · 5 days · Big Sur, CA

Residential
Sacred Clown: Reconnecting to Self Through the Spirit of Play
SecularSilence TBDLevel TBDCost on site

Registration

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Retreat overview

Our clown is the authentic, curious, and playful version of ourselves.

Clowning as a life practice is the balancing of our light and shadow while laughing at our attachments.

We will explore being soft, brave, and available to the moment.

This workshop is an immersion practice that explores our most vulnerable and creative self.

Using tools found in improvisation, meditation, altered states, and movement practice, we will explore clowning as a spiritual practice.

The work begins with exercises that help you drop into the body and descend from the mind to access the clown state.

With the foundation of a sacred container, we will engage in primarily nonverbal, physical games and rituals that give birth to organic impulses inspired by the child within.

There is no pressure to perform, but an invitation to get lost inside yourself, an openness to go beyond your comfort zone, and a willingness to play within the moment.

There is nothing to learn but rather much to uncover — to allow us to move through life in a more open state, with a greater connection to ourselves and the world.

This workshop is physical, open, and accessible for diverse bodies.

Come unravel the clown within!

Please come unprepared and ready to explore.

Recommended reading:

Animal Joy by Nuar Alsadir, Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle

Teachers: Jet Eveleth

Daily schedule shape

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Logistics

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Refund policy: See official site

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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