The Sun My Heart: Colorado Retreat

Imagine stepping into a sacred pause where the only sound is your own breath, your footsteps on forest earth, and the whisper of wind through pine. The Sun My Heart is a transformative meditation retreat rooted in the mindfulness teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, held in the serene mountain sanctuary of Plum Village near Thénac, Dordogne. This August 2026 gathering invites you to walk the contemplative path Thay himself established—a practice of present-moment awareness that heals not only the individual heart but ripples outward into relationship, family, and community. Whether you arrive as a seasoned practitioner or someone newly curious about mindfulness, you will find yourself held in a beloved community of seekers from across North America and beyond, guided by monastics trained in the Plum Village tradition.

This is not a retreat to escape the world, but to return to it with clearer eyes and a steadier heart. Families are woven into the fabric of this gathering; children aged six through seventeen have their own structured programs, allowing parents and children to deepen their practice together while honoring each stage of the journey. The retreat honors Thay's vision by continuing the legacy he established at this location, carried forward by the monastic community he inspired—a living testament to the power of his teachings.

What to Expect

Days begin with sunrise meditation and move through silent mindful walking, dharma talks, and group practice. You'll participate in structured sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful meals eaten in silence. The monastery community creates an atmosphere of gentleness and unhurried presence—there is nowhere to go, nothing to accomplish except to be fully here. Afternoon sessions include teachings on how contemplative practice transforms relationships and community; structured children's programs run in parallel. The retreat closes with a ceremony of gratitude and renewed commitment. You'll leave with a deepened understanding of present-moment awareness, practical tools for bringing mindfulness into daily life, and the warmth of spiritual friendship.

About the Artist

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022) was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and pioneering mindfulness teacher who brought the practice of present-moment awareness into mainstream spiritual consciousness across five decades. Through his prolific writings, international retreats, and tireless peace activism—including his work during the Vietnam War—Thay (as he was lovingly known) demonstrated that meditation is inseparable from compassion and social healing. He founded Plum Village in France as a sanctuary for practice and a bridge between ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern life, creating a lineage that continues to guide thousands worldwide.

Venue & Logistics

Plum Village, Thénac, Dordogne, France. Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026. The retreat is held at this beloved monastery nestled in the Dordogne countryside. Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for sitting meditation and walking. Bring any personal meditation cushions if desired; the monastery provides basic supplies. Please contact the venue directly regarding accessibility accommodations.