Together we will explore ways in which to support each other in being fully aware to all that is in the present, with all its textures and circumstances. Practicing curiosity about life instead of avoiding it, we can learn to see and let go of misperceptions and habits of mind that constrict and block us from truly living.
This is at an all-inclusive subsidized rate of $275 per participant single occupancy. Use the code PLUMVILLAGE to receive this rate, a $100 savings per guest. For those who choose to, there will be an opportunity to offer Dana to support our teachers at the retreat.
Main House Accommodations:
First Floor: Water Bedroom: Twin XL beds
Earth Bedroom: Twin XL beds
Wheelchair accessible full bath with accessible shower plus one half-bath
Second Floor: Sunrise Bedroom: One Queen and one Twin XL bed
Moon Bedroom: Twin XL beds
Stars Bedroom: Twin XL beds
Two shared full baths
Our main house is shoe-free so please bring slippers or socks for indoors
Rustic Accommodations:
Cottage Duality: One Queen Bedroom and One Bedroom with Two Twin Beds (cold water/toilet)
Yoga Studio: Back room with Two Twin Beds (no bathroom)
Guests may use shower and bathroom facilities in the main house
All beds are made with thoughtfully appointed, comfortable sheets, blankets, and pillow. Each guest is provided with one towel set. Please bring your own eco-friendly toiletries and if you have a favorite pillow, feel free to bring that, too.
Wifi throughout main house and sporadic areas on the property.
All meals are served family style in the Still Waters Dining Room and/or with outdoor seating when weather-permitting. We use non-GMO, local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Arrival Date: Friday, July 26, 2019, Check in at 4:00PM
Departure Date: Sunday, July 28, 2019, Check out between 12 and 2 pm
Includes all accommodations, meals and site usage. Includes all required CT Bed & Breakfast Occupancy (11%) and Sales Taxes (6.35%).
Meals include:
Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch, snacks, dinner and Sunday morning brunch.
Still Waters Retreat Center artist-owners Tao & Amy LaBossiere will be onsite all weekend to support the group.
House slippers for shoe-free main house (we have some guest slippers available)
Comfortable outdoor shoes for walking and hiking
Sunscreen, if desired
Bug repellent, if desired
warm clothing for chilly evenings around the bonfire or mornings in the yoga studio
sunhat
rain jacket, umbrella
flashlight
water bottle
your favorite pillow(s) if you like more than one
ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
Reservations are first come, first served. We know that plans can go awry. However, we rely on your Reservation Deposit and a cancellation costs us time and money. We are not a big hotel chain that can offer same-day cancellations. When you enter into a Rental Agreement with us, you are informed beforehand that our Refund Policy is as follows: If an advanced cancellation is necessary (60 days or more in advance) your Reservation Deposit and Payments may be refunded. After this time frame, cancellations will be considered a No-Show, and there will be no refund. Once you arrive at Still Waters, No Refunds will be given due to the weather, your change of plans, or an early departure. We are not responsible for acts of God and nature including power outages.
TOM DUVA
In the late 1990s, while seeking recovery from active addiction, Tom Duva began to practice with the Plum Village community of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. A few years later, at a local temple, he met and began to practice simultaneously with another Vietnamese Zen Teacher, Venerable Thich Tri Hoang. Tom received transmission of the 14 lay precepts from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2007. In 2011, he received the Lamp Transmission (Dharma Teacher ordination) from the Venerable Thich Tri Hoang.
For the last several years, Tom has spent most of his retreat times at Rose Apple Center for contemplation in Vermont. It was at Rose Apple that by chance he met Thay Doji, a monastic Dharma Teacher visiting from France. Tom has continued practicing diligently with Thay Doji both in the States and in Europe. Tom enjoys offering retreats or daylong practices, where together we may create a container in which to explore our true nature.
MICHAEL GERES
Michael Geres met Tom during his own recovery process and has shared much of the same path. Besides his years practicing and attending retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh, Michael practiced extensively with the Venerable Thich Tri Hoang, receiving a certificate in Buddhist Studies from Thich Tri Hoang's Dharma Teacher Order in 2009. Michael received the Lamp Transmission in 2010, and was ordained as a lay Zen Priest in 2012. Michael enjoys sharing the Dharma with others. His personal experience with addiction and recovery, along with his knowledge of Buddhism, has made him an asset to those seeking a spiritual solution to addiction from a Buddhist perspective.
For many years Michael was a mentor in the Buddhist correspondence course. This course, with personal guidance from mentors, offers the means to study and practice Buddhism to those who are incarcerated.
In 1998, Mike and Tom founded Pojama Sangha (pojamasangha.com) in Manchester, CT. This Buddhist meditation group continues today to be a refuge to those wishing to encounter the Dharma.