Events & Retreats
A SEASON OF HOPE:
This season we turn our focus of healing and spiritual growth on workshops that will bring us practical skills to break through the bonds and barriers placed in our lives to emerge with renewed strength, hope, and energy. As the world becomes more complicated & fast paced, & with ever increasing challenges, we may wonder how we can continue to cope with the daily obstacles while still trying to meet our own needs and desires.
Our spring workshops are designed to teach you skills to break through the daily challenges, and live your life fully - with strength, energy, purpose, and lasting hope. These powerful workshops will assist you to develop the ability to see and move through difficulties, while maintaining focus on hope, peace and contentment in every moment.
Our weekend workshops are held at the Maya Center in Isle LaMotte, in a blissful setting of peace and tranquility along the western lakeshore of Lake Champlain. Accommodations are available for overnight stay in the main building or carriage house, please inquire for further information.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS:
Reaching the Mountain Top: Living with Meaning, Courage, & Purpose in a Health Crisis
May 1st, 2010; 2-3 pm
Dr. Jeanette O'Conor
Stowe Weekend of Hope, Stowe Vt
The experience of critical illness is a devastating and all consuming process, where the perspective is often on how the illness has taken control of our life. Yet in the midst of such a crisis, a transformative shift can take place- and the illness can become an unfolding journey filled with learning and wisdom. In the midst of this transformation, even the most difficult struggle can bring forth new life meaning, purpose, strength, and courage.
This session will focus on learning how to make this transformative shift using powerful lessons from those who have struggled, suffered, yet thrived; and have then gone on to conquer their mountain top.
Registration: Free to Cancer Patients; see Stowe Weekend of Hope website: http://www.stowehope.org
Breaking Through to HOPE
May 1st, 2010; 3-4 pm
Dr. Jeanette O'Conor
Stowe Weekend of Hope, Stowe VT
Critical illness can strip away every aspect of our physical, mental, emotional, and spirituals self and leave us feeling raw and naked at the core of our being. In this interactive session we will focus on how new perspectives and a transformative shift can manifest into daily skills that will teach us to break through and emerge from pain with renewed strength and lasting hope. This session builds upon the prior session "Reaching the Mountain Top".
Registration: Free to Cancer Patients, see Stowe Weekend of Hope website: http://www.stowehope.org
Dr. O'Conor is the medical director and founder of the Maya Center for Integrated Medicine. Dr. O'Conor's expertise is helping those with critical illness achieve new levels of health and well-being through integrative therapies and mind-body medicine. She has published in the field of integrative medicine and self-healing, and she has developed a successful four month program titled "Journey to Healing" which has helped many women to work through their physical and emotional pain to achieve states of happiness, health, and wellness.
Mindfulness for Living Now: Opening with Courage in Difficult Times
May 28-30th
Dr. Arnold Kozak
Location: Maya Center, Isle LaMotte
Being in the present moment is a natural way to inspire hope by harnessing our focus in the lived experience of now. This way of being moves us into acceptance and all the benefits that flow from being in contact with what is so. From this place of equanimity we can focus on the future with choice, spaciousness, and optimism. During this meditation-intensive weekend, we will look within ourselves to open to the kind of hope made possible by letting go of limiting expectations, beliefs, and rules. We will work with metaphors from Arnie's bestselling and award winning book, Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness (Wisdom). Throughout this workshop you will develop a repertoire of practical metaphors for mind, self, acceptance, practice, and coping with "ordinary craziness." No previous experience with meditation is required. All levels welcome.
Dr. Arnold Kozak is recognized as an innovator in the field of mindfulness-based psychology. Dr. Arnie Kozak is northern New England's leading expert in the field of mindfulness. Dr. Kozak's ability to translate ancient healing traditions into pragmatic applications suitable for modern lifestyles through the use of metaphors have made him a strong voice in healthcare and business. Dr. Kozak is a licensed psychologist and lecturer in psychology at the University of Vermont. He is the founder of Exquisite Mind, and author of "Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness".
Registration fee $225.00, to register go to our website link below. Accommodations separate fee. http://www.mayactr.org
HOSTING RETREATS & EVENTS
The Maya Center is a beautiful renovated farmhouse and carriage house situated along the western shores of northern Lake Champlain. The property contains three acres of farm land, gardens, meditation spots, and private beach front & shoreline all perfectly suited for small to moderate size intimate retreats and events. Our lakefront is known for it's spectacular sunsets, and peaceful, serene landscape.
We have hosted many healing retreats, health workshops, family reunions, corporate meetings, and intimate weddings. The main building has three lounging areas: living room, den, and large 30 foot family room; a large enclosed front and back porch for lounging and entertaining; and newly remodeled modern kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. The main building sleeps 12.
The carriage house is a separate building situated behind the main house with two modern remodeled apartments, including fully equipped kitchens. One apartment has a sunken tub located perfect for long relaxing baths. The carriage house sleeps 6-8 comfortably.
LEASE RATES:
Workshops/Weekend Retreats:
One day events (main building fee): $350.00
Two day events (main building fee): $600.00
Corporate Events: inquire for rates
Weddings: inquire for rates
Vacation/Week long retreats (main building): $2250.00/week for summer 2010
PRIVATE CATERING:
Private European chef available to create cuisine to specific requests for. Specialties are French and Italian cuisine, mouth watering pasteries and delicacies. Fees and menus available upon request. Sample menus (See Attached - Opens a new window).
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS:
Address: 2755 West Shore Road, Isle LaMotte Vermont 05463
Travelling By Car:
Driving North on I87:
From the Southern/New York Region: Take I 87 north to the last exit before the Canadian border Exit #42 US-11 Mooers/Rouses Point. Turn right onto Route 11 and follow Route 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Lake Street/US Route 11, follow for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto US Route 2/Bridge street and take the bridge over the lake into Vermont. Stay on US Route 2 Theodore Roosevelt Highway for 5.6 miles. Just through the town of Alburgh, turn right onto West Shore Road. Follow West Shore road for 4.4 miles (staying to the right). Turn right onto Route 129 staying to the right of the shore-drive over the bridge into Isle LaMotte. Turn right onto Shrine Road-follow to the end and turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 2755 West Shore Drive.
Driving North on I89:
From the Southern Vermont Region: Take I 89 north to exit #17 US Route 2 Lake Champlain Islands. Turn right onto US Route 2 and follow for 27.5 miles. Turn left at "the Brown Church" onto US Route 129. Follow for 5.5 miles, staying to the left-making sure to cross the bridge over into Isle LaMotte. Turn right onto Shrine Road-follow to the end and turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 2755 West Shore Drive.
Driving South from Montreal:
Take Autoroute 15 south to Secondary Route 202. Follow Route 202 to Chemin de la 3e concession/provincial Secondary Route 225 (crossing into *United States* Vermont). This becomes border road/US VT 225. Cross through the border, turn left onto US Route 2 Theodore Roosevelt Highway. Stay on US Route 2 Theodore Roosevelt Highway for 5.6 miles. Just through the town of Alburgh, turn right onto West Shore Road. Follow West Shore road for 4.4 miles (staying to the right). Turn right onto Route 129 staying to the right of the shore-drive over the bridge into Isle LaMotte. Turn right onto Shrine Road-follow to the end and turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 2755 West Shore Drive.
By Ferry: (Plattsburgh, NY):
Isle LaMotte can be reached by taking the Plattsburgh-Grand Isle Ferry. The ferry runs about every 15 minutes. Cash or local check accepted only, no credit cards. ATM is on sight. Ferry costs $9.50 one way for one car and passenger. Additional fees per passengers.
To reach the Plattsburgh/Cumberland Head Ferry Dock from New York:
Take Interstate 87, use Exit 39; follow 5 miles to ferry dock.
Driving directions:
Off-loading from the ferry dock, turn left onto Route 314 and follow for 1 mile, turning right onto Allen road/Route 314. Follow for 2.5 miles and turn right onto US Route 2 Theodore Roosevelt Highway. Follow Route 2 for 14 miles. Turn left at "the Brown Church" onto US Route 129. Follow for 5.5 miles, staying to the left-making sure to cross the bridge over into Isle LaMotte. Turn right onto Shrine Road-follow to the end and turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 2755 West Shore Drive.
Grand Isle Plattsburgh Ferry:
Grand Isle Dock
1268 Gordon's Landing
Grand Isle, VT 05458
Plattsburgh/Cumberland Head Dock
838-842 Cumberland Head Road
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Travel Directions to/from Burlington International Airport:
From Isle LaMotte:
Turn right and head north on West Shore Road. Take a right onto New Road, at the end turn left onto Main St. This becomes US Route 129. Follow Rt 129 all the way along the shore (staying to the right). At US Route 2 turn right. Follow for 30 miles to I89. Turn right onto I89 heading south. Travel about 9 miles and take exit #14E /Williston Road towards South Burlington. Follow for about 1.5 miles and turn left onto airport road (at the intersection- there is a bank on the right and gas station on the left). Turn right into the airport, parking garage is on the left.
To Isle LaMotte:
Turn left out of the airport onto airport road. At the intersection turn right onto Williston road. Follow for about 1.5 miles, and turn right onto I89 North. Follow north for about 9 miles and take I 89 north to exit #17 US Route 2 Lake Champlain Islands. Turn right onto US Route 2 and follow for 27.5 miles. Turn left at "the Brown Church" onto US Route 129. Follow for 5.5 miles, staying to the left-making sure to cross the bridge over into Isle LaMotte. Turn right onto Shrine Road-follow to the end and turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 2755 West Shore Drive.