Day of Mindfulness

Day of Mindfulness at Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California, is a day of practice with the resident monastic community, open to anyone who wants to spend a few hours in a mindfulness meditation setting in San Diego County. Deer Park is a Plum Village Tradition monastery, rooted in the teaching of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, whom the community calls Thầy. Days of Mindfulness are held at the monastery through the year, and this one runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

What to Expect

The day is offered as a day of practice, hosted by the monastics who live at Deer Park. It follows the same five-hour rhythm as the other Days of Mindfulness on the monastery's calendar, from morning into early afternoon. This is a day to slow down, spend time among a community that practices together, and take part in the monastery's way of mindful living. The monastery does not publish a detailed program for the day, so come ready to follow the community's lead as the hours unfold.

The Setting

Deer Park Monastery sits in Escondido, in northern San Diego County. The monastery is open to visitors during retreats and Days of Mindfulness, which makes a day like this the most natural way to see the place for the first time. Guests are welcomed by the monastic community, and the monastery keeps its doors open through the year on the strength of donations from the people who visit and practice there.

Before You Go

Nothing in the monastery's description asks for prior experience, so newcomers and long-time meditators are equally welcome. Plan for the full window from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and look at the monastery's visitor guidance for arrival and what to bring before you set out.

If you would like to stay connected to the community afterward, the Deer Park monastics share event announcements, writing, art, music and meditations through their Coyote Tracks newsletter.