Center & Bird Sanctuary
"It was a wonderful experience. I gained a lot of tools here that I will use going forward. The individualized attention, programs, focus on nature, discussions getting to the root of how to move forward, was very satisfying. It was exactly what I needed at this time. I liked being in nature, the genuine caring by the host/teacher, methods to get at the crux of my issue and tools for moving forward. It was perfect for what I needed." T.M.P., 2024 (NY, NY).
spring-waters
Private but not secluded, these spaces are suitable for those who seek smaller personalized settings.
“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
*Donations accepted to offer sliding scale retreats for others.
https://www.bluezones.com/
Interested? Email me at: DrCMazzeo@gmail.com
Clinician Corner: Interested in co-facilitating retreats or renting the space to run you own retreats? Contact me for further information.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
--- Harriet Tubman
The aim is to remain humble and modest in the hopes of co-existing with nature smoothly. We aspire to be as Green as possible and encourage others as well during their stay. In living gracefully with nature, we leave areas natural for wildlife while grooming other areas.
Technology is very helpful when it does not use us, but when we consciously use it. During this inward process, it is strongly recommended to put away phones during your stay and limit the use of technology so you can take the necessary time to enter deeper into your personal spiritual journey and be more fully imbued with nature. If you must leave your phone on, please put on silent/vibration mode during your stay while being discreet and respecting others privacy.
"The human spirit needs places where Nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man" ---Author Unknown
The Land
Located in breathtaking Ulster county. “Spring Waters” sits on the East side of the Shawangunk mountain range. The building was built by renown artist Hans Van de Bovenkamp, formerly entitled “The Coop." This rustic bright European loft interior style building maintained the bird motif incorporating love of nature, simplicity and sanctuary. Located on a classic country road, you may catch a glimpse of a horse drawn carriage of my neighbors, the Bruderhof's. Direct neighbors are the "Bali house" and the Center for Symbolic Studies/Stone Mountain Farm and Mohonk preserve, with over 8000 beautiful hiking acres
"The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind." -Paracelsus
Spring Waters
“Spring Waters” has a spring-fed pond, meditation walking paths, benches, wild berries (strawberries, thyme, mulberries, black caps, and grapes). “Spring Waters” has Four lovely separate private places to choose from King David ~ Sophia ~ Buddha ~ Ocean. Additionally, attached to the center are two apartments that share the property. The center allows for bright natural light with many sliding glass doors and skylights. All dwellings have yoga mats and and exercise balls for stretching, meditation and relaxing as well as a basic kitchen and simple cookware. All contain a steep staircase (similar to inside a brownstone), high ceilings, full baths. Essential oils/diffusers, tea, eye masks, ear plugs for napping, and basic emergency medical kits are supplied. We have well water with brita filters on tap, as the local regional water contains non harmful sulphur, similar to hot springs natural mineral baths enjoyed in Montana.
King David: 1-4 persons, (queen bed, 2 couches 1.5 bath, kitchen). . Expansion & sound is the theme of this space. Enjoy some vibrational healing with the large "King David" Woodstock chime off the bedroom balcony. *** [My office/library is located within this space, may be used for 1 on 1 meetings. A small library, you can “check out” books to read during your stay. The gallery is a common space where group yoga, chanting, and meditation will be held. ] ***
Sophia: 1-5 persons (queen bed, two twin beds, sleeper couch, 1.5 bath, large living room, kitchen, 1.5 bath, kitchen). Ideal for those who do not want to climb steep stairs. One gets to experience community (dorm) living in this large open sunny space. Large living room with stretching areas, many glass window doors leading to a large deck for relaxing and birding.
Ocean: 1-2 persons (queen bed, bath, kitchen). It has a vibe of waves and wind to help guide you into the flow of movement with nature. A skylight over the queen bed upstairs, seating areas, basic kitchen and full bathroom downstairs. Enjoy a bath while looking out at the birds in the mulberry tree.
Buddha: 1-2 persons (full bed & full futon (sleeper) couch, bath, kitchen efficiency). With warm colors and a large Buddha picture, it is easy to get into a meditative state, Full bed and reading area upstairs, futon couch (opens to full bed downstairs), small kitchen, full bathroom downstairs. Outdoor deck for relaxation, bird feeding, and stretching.
People or groups may rent out spaces for their own activities (insurance required).
Bird Sanctuaries
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." --John Muir
Just off the Eastern side of the end of the Shawangunk mountain range. Geologically, it is a mix of forest and wetlands - a bird & wildlife haven.
Wild Birds are fed and can be very friendly if you are still enough for them to come close to you, one may land on you. Messengers of the sky, birds are very relaxing to watch and possibly connect with! For those interested, there is a easy hike (15 minute drive) to "crow country" where the crows tend to live year round and if you are lucky, you can hear their vast array of intricate continuous orations. You may also observe how blue jays mimic hawks, sound alarms, ask for food and warmly greet each other (and possibly you too). The Tufted titmouse are very friendly house birds, showcasing their acrobatic feats and expressing curiosity about you. They tend to land on you, if you are still or napping. To catch a sighting of the Blue birds, Orioles, Rose breasted grosbeak, Mallards, Black crowned night heron and Blue heron, is always special. A Bald Eagle in the area as well. Some of the regulars are: Goldfinches, Red winged blackbirds, Blue jays, Cardinals, Mourning doves, Sparrows, Starlings, Chickadees, Nut thatchers, Cowbirds, Catbirds, Grackles and of course Hawks. Seasonally, flocks of birds have come to rest and eat grubs in the yard.
Separate but interconnected groups, I have been observing their communication systems, solar referencing, interrelatedness to various weather conditions, etc. for the last 10 years. We have witnessed on multiple occasions, Crows chasing hawks and possibly leading them to food as well. Crows are fascinating and their intellect/social systems are not fully realized or appreciated.