Imagine That: Transform How You Think, Feel, and Live with the Science of Imagination

Imagination isn't just for daydreamers—it's the neurological engine behind every human invention, scientific breakthrough, and social transformation. Yet most of us never learn how to cultivate, harness, or direct this profound capacity. At this three-day workshop in Big Sur, you'll discover imagination not as escape, but as a practical tool for healing, creativity, and expanded consciousness. Led by clinical psychologist Cassandra Vieten with guest faculty Fabrice Guerrier, this immersive program invites you to reclaim your imaginative power and fundamentally transform how you think, feel, and live.

Held at the legendary Esalen Institute—a sanctuary perched above the Pacific where breakthrough work in human potential has flourished for decades—this workshop bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with embodied practice. Whether you're seeking to deepen emotional healing, unlock creative breakthroughs, strengthen relationships, or explore the threshold states that shamanic and contemplative traditions have long honored, you'll find both scientific grounding and experiential depth. This is not theory alone; it's a living laboratory where your own imagination becomes the instrument of discovery.

What to Expect

Over three days, you'll move through three interwoven domains: the neuroscience of imaginative thinking and how imagination shapes emotional and physical healing; the practical application of imagination to relationships and creative problem-solving; and an exploration of altered states, shamanic traditions, and speculative forms of consciousness as gateways to embodied wisdom.

Expect interactive presentations that make neuroscience accessible and alive, experiential practices that engage your whole being, thought experiments that challenge your assumptions, and group dialogue that deepens collective understanding. You'll develop a personal imagination profile—a map of your unique imaginative strengths and edges—and acquire concrete techniques you can integrate immediately into daily life. The atmosphere is both rigorous and sacred, honoring both the scientist and the mystic within you.

Venue & Logistics

This workshop takes place at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, one of the world's most transformative learning environments. The three-day intensive runs Friday, December 4, 2026 through the weekend. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for both sitting in dialogue and moving through experiential practices. Esalen's cliffside location, natural hot springs, and contemplative grounds provide the ideal container for deep work. For accessibility questions or specific needs, contact Esalen directly.