Vilma Staiano's blog

Who is Vilma II

Submitted by Vilma Staiano on Mon, 09/20/2010 - 19:37

How do you feel your studies thus far have changed you?

After graduating college I left the USA to travel.  I was working in Greece as an au pair when I came across an opportunity to travel by bus overland to India.  The map was a handrawn one and the cost very inexpensive.  I had never traveled to Asia before but here was this map that I would stare at  and within was all the excitement of when you feel your whole world is ripe with potential.   This is what my  studies have continued to teach me.  The incredible potential that exists in the world for myself and others.  This starts with feeling like I am making more sense of the difficulties around me, and the understanding from my studies that I can actually do something to change what I am experiencing and then watch as that happens.

 

 

Where are you from, what's your educational background, what has been your career path?

I am from New York City.  I attended Catholic school through high school.  I have a BA in Psychology  (a minor in Art) from Queens College of the City University of  New York.   I worked for almost 20 years doing audio visual presentations.  Early in my career I started as a photographer, typesetter and mechanical artist to eventually being a production/av manager and project coordinator of audio visual presentations. 

I have been teaching Asian philosophy since 200l.  This has included courses from the 18 ACI Courses and also from the Advanced Studies at Diamond Mountain University.  


What will you do after the three year retreat?

This is almost impossible to answer as hopefully this will be revealed in the course of retreat. Some possibilities to me at the moment is to do some kind of work to help others with my husband.

He is a certified NYC elementary and middle school teacher and I thought some kind of collaboration between us to utilize his skill and knowledge in working with children and any wisdom I may have gained in the course of the retreat to work together.

 

What will you do after the three year retreat?

This is almost impossible to answer as hopefully this will be revealed in the course of retreat. Some possibilities to me at the moment is to do some kind of work to help others with my husband.

He is a certified NYC elementary and middle school teacher and I thought some kind of collaboration between us to utilize his skill and knowledge in working with children and any wisdom I may have gained in the course of the retreat to work together.

 


 

Above is a photo of me with my Father and brothers followed by a photo of me teaching.  

 

More information to come...

The Cabin has Arisen

Submitted by Vilma Staiano on Mon, 09/20/2010 - 19:02

Hello Everyone,

Well, the cabin has come a long way!  

This week I am painting and doing other finishing work.  Also, I am figuring out what else is needed.

Here is a view of the whole cabin from the outside.  

 

This is the inside of the main room where I will meditate, eat and sleep.  

Here will be the bathroom.  

 

We have come a very long way so far!  This is very exciting, to see the reality, to imagine being here in three months time to stay for the duration. Though the progress is great, help is still needed to complete the cabin and make it livable for three years.  Some of the items already installed are yet to be paid for in full. 

 

Should you be inspired, there are several ways you can help.


  1. 1. A one time, tax deductible, donation to my fund.
  2. 2. Sponsor a specific item or portion of one.  These are listed below. 
  3. 3.Donate a dollar a day(or any other amount) throughout the retreat for continued support.  

 

Items you can sponsor, all amounts in dollars: 

  1. Roof: 3,000
  2. Front door: 200
  3. Porch door: 100
  4. Wood burning heater: 900
  5. Solar oven: 275
  6. Pressure cooker: 75
  7. Sink: 55
  8. Propane stove: 200
  9. Windows: 700
  10. Drywall: 1000
  11. Solar powered fan: 1500
  12. Rechargeable LED lamps: 150
  13. Table/Chairs: 150
  14. Bed: 700
  15. Ladder: 50
  16. Water filter with cartridges: 250
  17. Camping shower: 150
  18. Composting toilet: 1500
  19. Bookshelves: 250
  20. Cabinets: 1000

I am so very grateful to all the holy beings who are making this possible.  

My heart is joyful!

 

INTRODUCTION

Submitted by Vilma Staiano on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 19:17

My name is Vilma Staiano

 

How old are you? 

 I am 54 years old.

 

Talk about your family a little bit.

I live with my husband, Ken, we have been married for 18 years.  

I have 2 brothers and 1 sister.  My parents and siblings are able to come together at least once a year, even though the family is across the country, to celebrate Christmas.  My family is Catholic and my parents for  years have sung in the church choir and continue to do so.  All my siblings are married with children.  When we get together there is much preparation of food, and meal time is a feast as we sit around the dining room table talking and laughing.

 

 

  

 

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