Words Under the Words

This retreat sits at the intersection of two practices: formal Zen meditation and creative writing. Rather than treating them as separate, it uses silence and shared attention—core to Zen training—as ground for the writing work itself. You're not coming to a meditation retreat that happens to include writing, or a writing workshop with some sitting on the side. The structure weaves them together.

Two days is short, which shapes what this retreat does. There's no multi-day sesshin arc of deepening silence. Instead, the format stays social and interactive: you'll share poems you love, write in response to them, listen to others' work in a writing circle, take a writing walk (moving attention outdoors), and do peer interviews. This is writing practice rooted in attention and listening rather than critique or technique-building.

San Francisco Zen Center's City Center sits in the SOMA neighborhood. The retreat likely uses the center's residential spaces if you're staying overnight, though the signup page would confirm lodging details and whether commuting is an option.

Come if you write or want to, and if you're curious how meditation and poetry might speak to each other. You don't need to be an experienced meditator or a published poet.