Workshops & Classes

Flowing Presence: An Introduction to Esalen® Massage

Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026

Wood Haven ATX, Austin, TX

with Mac Murphy and Lance Weihmuller

Schedule: Saturday & Sunday (13 hours)

10am-1:15pm Morning class

1:15pm-2:15pm Lunch break

2:15pm-5:30pm Afternoon class

Cost: $275-$325 sliding-scale

This workshop is an invitation to step out of the analytical mind and into the "flowing presence" of the somatic self through Esalen® Massage. Join Mac and Lance for a weekend of discovery, connection, and the transformative power of presence-based touch.

Created at Esalen Institute and inspired by the human potential movement, nature, and many pioneering leaders in the fields of bodywork and somatics, Esalen Massage is, at its core, an awareness practice. It is known for its long flowing strokes, slow rhythmic movements, and whole body//whole person integrative focus. In this course, you will be introduced to the history of Esalen Institute and the basic techniques that form the foundation of Esalen massage.

This is an introductory-level class for anyone interested in exploring presence-based touch, beginners and licensed massage therapists alike. Beginners will have the opportunity to learn the essence of healing touch and a foundation for a profound way of relating to another human being as well as themselves. Those who already have massage training will be offered a new perspective on how to relate to the work and turn their massage practice into a moving meditation.

What to Expect

The weekend is designed around the concept of Flowing Presence—a state where the practitioner’s movement, breath, and touch become a single, continuous stream. Our time together will consist of group exercises, brief lectures, demonstrations, and supervised practice, with time for reflection and integration.

We will cover the foundational techniques of Esalen massage, which are designed to facilitate deep relaxation and greater self-awareness. The techniques demonstrated in this brief course may not seem particularly challenging. The opportunity for growth, however, is in the practice of becoming more present with what you are doing, which we will explore at the massage table, in group discussion, and in embodied movement practice. Please come prepared to exchange touch with others.

This class is approved by TDLR for continuing education credit for massage therapists in the state of Texas. This is not a certification course. In order to promote yourself as an Esalen® Massage Practitioner, you must complete a 100-hour or longer program.

What to bring

You will need to bring a pillow, a blanket (preferably twin sized), and a journal and pen or pencil. If you have a meditation cushion, please bring one for brief periods of sitting. You may bring your own unscented massage oil or lotion if you like; however, massage oil will be provided in class. Massage sheets can be provided by request. Please wear clothes comfortable for movement, attend to your personal hygiene, and come fragrance-free. Massage tables will be sourced from community, so if you can bring one, please indicate so upon registration.

You are encouraged to bring your lunch. The gardens at Wood Haven ATX make for excellent picnicking. A few more details about mealtime below.

Where we will meet

Class will take place at Wood Haven ATX, 11008 Tangleridge Circle, Austin, TX 78736 in the wood-sprung somatic arts training center. Parking is available on property past the entry gate. An electric kettle and microwave will be available for use, in addition to a refrigerator to store personal snacks or meals for lunch. Wood Haven is located near HEB Oak Hill as well as other establishments for off-site lunch options; however, packing one’s lunch to picnic on the Juniper-canopied land is encouraged.

How to sign up

Click any of the sign-up buttons, or click here, and fill out the registration form. Class capacity will be limited to fourteen to eighteen students, so do not hesitate or wait to sign up. After you have registered and submitted payment, you will receive confirmation via text message within 36 hours.

Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available up to 10 days before class begins. Between 10 days and 7 days before class, 75% will be refunded. Between 7 days and 2 days before class, 50% will be refunded. No refund will be given for cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of class.

Mac Murphy is a practitioner of human transformation, certified massage therapist, and embodiment guide. Raised in Mill Valley and Big Sur, he developed a deep-rooted love for the magic and rawness of the natural world. As a fourth-generation steward of the Esalen Institute, he carries the powerful energy and profound human history of that land within him. His work focuses on helping others rekindle their lost connection with the elements through an innate intimacy with the wild. Since beginning his formal bodywork education in 2005, Mac has immersed himself in Soul Motion®, the Feldenkrais Method®, and various movement arts. His extensive studies span martial arts, shamanism, and the Gestalt process, guided by the elders of the Human Potential Movement. In 2017, he furthered his practice by spending seven months at a Daoist temple in China studying Kung Fu and Qi Gong. Today, he facilitates healing for individuals and groups through Elemental Embodiment, a modality integrating biomimicry and earth-based ritual.

Lance Weihmuller is a Esalen® massage practitioner and Esalen® Massage Teacher. They have been licensed as a massage therapist by the State of Texas since 2020 and, more recently, as a Massage Therapy Instructor. Lance is excited to foster a community of presence-based bodyworkers in Central Texas. When not dancing around a massage table, Lance can usually be found laying in the full sun at Barton Springs Pool, perusing the produce section at Central Market, or playing hockey like a true peaceful warrior.