The Tassajara Zen Center, approx 4 hours south of San Francisco is one of those amazing spots that I wish I had discovered much earlier in life. I now take an annual pilgrimage  to the center where I participate in their Summer Work Practice. I have found that working with the residents and volunteers at the center allows for a much richer experience of the place. ( The rate is $60 per day).

The center is very diverse and Queer friendly, attracts adorable, fun people and is a perfect spot to land  when you need to drop out of the modern world for a bit….or for the rest of your life.

I generally join the morning meditation with the monks, do 3.5 hours of work in the kitchen and then head to the hot springs bathhouse overlooking the river is where I would spend the afternoon doing yoga and reading.

photo: Alison Bank

Guests are always welcome to join the residents for meditation and chanting every morning and evening. During guest season free instruction is offered.

Two more things. No electricity or cell phones and the food is amazing. Some of the best I’ve ever had.

Go to the website