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Should miscommmunication arise from unfulfilled expectations or unclear communication, cultivate nonaccusatory speech. Invite one another to communicate based on clear "game rules." Put aside the adversary approach, and replace blame with complementary resolution. Each voice and opinion is part of the circle.

— Dhyani Ywahoo

I have always dreamed about Esalen as a visionary leader in the world and see this program as an example. If we truly want to change how people treat themselves, each other, and the environment, we need to address them when they are forming their most basic concepts and belief about themselves and how the world works. This is during the early years of human development - 0-5 yrs, and particularly 0-3 yrs - and I believe educational efforts at these ages are an essential part of any effort to shift the paradigm we, as civilized humans, operate from. Until we all understand, and embody, the interconnectedness of all life and create our relationships from that understanding,, it seems we will continue on this unconscious and destructive path. Esalen has a history of making contributions in understanding and fostering the creation of new ways of being and communicating, with ourselves, each other, and our environment, that support a new paradigm. The Gazebo early educationmmodel is a shining example of that, offering an outdooor educational environment to children and families that is rich with connection and relationship. The program's curriculum and environment, grounded in the natural world, encourage each participant's (children, families, and staff) developing relationship to self, each other, and the environment, resulting in a more "whole body" view. An essential element in providing that is a sufficient number of adults to track and interact with individual children, as well as, safely allow the them to explore the natural world of the Park on their own, and with each other. It's this latter unstructured, eploratory, play that, research says, has the most effect in fostering an attitude of stewardship towards the environment in individuals. Demonstrating a commitment to human development, children, and families, Esalen has supprted Gazebo financially, to operate for the last 30 years with these optimum conditions. Unfortunately that is no longer possible due to the increase of projects Esalen wants to do moving forward, many of which I am very supportive, and our commitment to reduce the footprint on the Esalen property. All this to say that I'm currently looking for solutions that address these issues, increases the population served - or mission impact, and retains the integrity of this unique model.Help wanted. Blessings - Cath

Esalen mission my random thoughts

Cath – December 8, 2007 – 1:35pm

Cath's blog – login to post comments – 829 reads – 4 loves

Important.

Thanks for this articulate introduction to an important issue. I hope we hear more from you in the near future about the challenges faced by the Gazebo, and the ideas you have for preserving its important mission.

John Francis Ca... – December 8, 2007 – 6:17pm

Just an idea....

Cath.......I wondered.... and I preface this with writing that, I know nothing of the inner workings of Esalen or its educational foundations... But why can't you, as an individual or with a group of people, who do know the workings have this continue- with or without the blessing of Esalen (in light of their disinterest or did I read that correctly) to continue it on your own...Just an idea, as it seems you have an incredible passion and belief in what you are doing- Meaning- what do you need in order to continue......

AnjelaM – December 8, 2007 – 7:43pm

Just an idea

And a good one, thank you for your idea. I have contemplated that and lots of money, and land, are the two big needs. A piece of this for me is, it makes such complete sense to me that Esalen foster such a program given its mission and values, as I understand them. Admittedly, I still have not completed the process of letting that go. The whole thing is quite a deep process for me, as far as clarifying what I stand for, and having a voice. Huge. Not surprising, perhaps, I represent a group that often doesn't have a voice in the decisions that are made, daily in our society, and have impact in their lives. I also hold/represent a body of work evolved by the children and teachers over the last 30 years , a way of being with children I wholeheartedly believe is powerful medicine for our times. I definitely have moments of difficults thoughts, and the resulting feelings. I am also blessed with a lot of support and a clear vision of what is important for young children and their families. At present, it's quite a ride through emotions, ideas, memories, and possibilities. Thanks for letting me go on a bit, as well as, your interest in Gazebo.

Blessings - Cath

Cath – December 8, 2007 – 8:58pm