The Way of Story at Esalen in Big Sur, CA

Posted by on Nov 15, 2018 in Catherine Ann Jones

An Oasis in today’s chaotic world

The Way of Story at Esalen in Big Sur, CA

This was the sixteenth year teaching The Way of Story: the craft & soul of writing at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. Esalen is an oasis in today’s chaotic world. Sometimes whales and dolphins and otters are seen daily while dining or soaking in the Sulphur Springs hot tubs on the edge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Five days, five hours daily with wonderful and diverse students from all over the world, each discovering their voice as a writer.

Here are some comments from this year’s group:

Comments from Way of Story, Esalen 2018

Catherine’s teaching style was inviting and approachable. I felt safe to share deeply personal unfinished work.  Her exercises helped me access creative writing material I was not yet aware of – it truly was an awakening experience. She challenged everyone in our class in a constructive and supportive way, and I greatly benefited from the feedback she gave to me and to others as well. I hope to return to her course at Esalen in the future.

                                                               Christina T., San Francisco, CA

Loved this workshop. Equal parts practical advice for becoming a writer and self-inquiry & reflection. Catherine brings so much wisdom and is very gentle but also direct and to the point.

There was a very disruptive student at the beginning of the workshop. It threatened to create a very unpleasant experience for all. Catherine handled it with tact and compassion and the remaining group later became a very cohesive group leading to an excellent experience.

Ken P., San Francisco, CA

Catherine’s course re-awoke my love of writing; not just for the sake of creating art, but as a therapeutic tool. She showed us how much richer your work can be using her tools to access your soul.  – Jim  D. Santa Monica, CA

I enjoyed the Way of Story workshop and learned quite a bit. Catherine is insightful, humorous, and accommodating; she shared her wisdom generously and compassionately.

Farshid F., M.D., Albany, CA

The Way of Story was a beautiful and transformative experience for me. Catherine Ann Jones could not have made me more welcome, secure, and encouraged. Her professionalism and array of techniques for evoking feeling is extraordinary. The writing you do is from the heart and soul.

I came to this workshop a dry and stunted writer. I leave with enthusiasm and energy.

Tim Sheehan, Dublin, Ireland

You opened up a side of me that I felt was trapped like a bull waiting to be released in a rodeo. I hope we stay in touch. Thank you for being a teacher, friend, and mentor.

Kurt D., San Francisco, CA; Knoxville, TN

Catherine offered a wealth of knowledge and guided us on a journey of self-exploration which led to personal growth, inspired writing, and refining craft.

Martin P., Los Angeles, CA

Loved this workshop. Equal parts practical advice for becoming a writer and self-inquiry & reflection. Catherine brings so much wisdom and is very gentle but also direct and to the point.

Catherine’s Way of Story workshop was inventive and evocative. I found her writing challenges and encouragements allowed me to write more comfortably and think more expansively than ever before. I strongly suggest this experience to anyone aiming to develop their writing voice.

Eileen, Ft. Collins, CO

The Way of Story with Catherine Ann Jones at Esalen last week was truly excellent! It was easily the best workshop I’ve ever taken at Esalen  and I’ve been taking them for some 40 years! I was very inspired to get some new insights about writing and my fellow workshop members seemed very uplifted from the class as well. I hope to be attending the next one!

David T., Ojai, CA

For workshop schedule, online courses, writing consultations, or gypsy card readings

visit wayofstory.com