loose leaf hollow
A unique guest house designed for deep peace, quiet, and creative spiritual practice
The friendly, open and warm character of Loose Leaf Hollow sets it apart from larger retreat facilities. It is truly “a space for grace” where you can relax, reflect and re-energize your soul!
LOCATION
Only 45 minutes from Louisville, 25 minutes from Gethsemani, and only 10 minutes from Bardstown — Loose Leaf Hollow is easily accessible, yet quite secluded.
SURROUNDINGS
Bordered by gorgeous Bernheim Forest, Loose Leaf Hollow has a grace and beauty all its own, and will be a tonic for both your senses and soul.
AMENITIES
Loose Leaf Hollow has a full kitchen, library, and a beautiful zendo for meditation. It can accommodate six guests and is suitable for over-night, weekend, and longer solitary retreats. A separate hermitage (“Ti Hollow”) is available for a more solitary retreat.
POEM DU JOUR
It’s a really simple process—I get up about
four in the morning, have a cup of coffee,
and then go to the zendo and sit.
And after sitting, I write.
Just bringing forth whatever’s within.
And later, I listen to what I wrote
with the ear of the heart.
The only way I know how to “true” a poem
is by ear, and by heart.
The heart knows what’s true—
and I listen with it.
And then I just whittle away everything
that isn’t true.
Whatever’s left on the page—is the poem du jour.
Then somehow, mysteriously, the poem “trues” me.
Mistakes
Mistakes are the golden threads in the tapestry. When mistakes hurt someone, regret it. A heart with a sky full of guilt can help. A thimble full of shame can kill. Make amends if you can. Ask for forgiveness always. And be sure to forgive yourself. Learn what...
Tending the Garden
Pam works outside the zendo windows weeding the front garden; me inside meditating and writing, working with the “mind weeds” that Suzuki Roshi talked about so fondly, almost 50 years ago. Roshi saw mind weeds as a treasure. I’m not sure Pam would agree — though, they...
A Soulful Prayer
May you tend to whatever veils your Heart. May you be healed in your difficulties. And may you radiate Great Kindness to all sentient beings.
Featuring Selected Poems from his first three books, and 45 new poems, ALLOWING is Joe’s 4th book of poems.
To purchase a copy of ALLOWING via USPS, mail a check for $20 (plus $3 S&H) payable to Joe Z at:
Joe Zarantonello
250 Loose Leaf Dr
Bardstown, KY 40004
Or order online with PayPal
VIRTUAL HEART-TO-HEART SESSIONS
On Sundays, Loose Leaf Hollow is open via Zoom to all who want to engage in comtemplative practices with others. We normally begin at 11:oo (EST) and conclude around noon.
The format is: a short inspirational talk, followed by a group meditation, and concludes with a group conversation. Inspiration-Mediation-Converation!
The sessions are free and open to the public. Please contact as at joe@looseafhollow.com to register and to receive the link to attend.
In Their Own Words …
Reflections on breakthrough retreats by the participants
By the end of The Breakthrough, my spirit is feeling clean, fresh and soft — just the way my skin and hair feel after being washed by a summer rain shower. The Breakthrough provides a safe place where the storms of my life feel free to erupt and clear out — making space for a new view to arise.
Breakthroughs are a vacation for my Spirit! A Breakthrough is an opportunity to ‘rend another veil or two’ in order to get closer to Truth, to God, to the Kingdom Within. It is where I can practice ‘Being’ and ‘quiet reflection’ without interference from the routine of my life. Breakthroughs help me deepen my life experience.
Attending a Breakthrough is like getting your hands deep into the early spring earth. All year, you have been immersed in life around you, but it’s not until you step out into the miracle of new life that you sense the depth of your own connections. You’ll never have another experience like ‘The Breakthrough’.
ABOUT
Joe Zarantonello is a teacher, poet and meditation instructor. Joe’s undergraduate degree is from the University of Notre Dame where he majored in The Great Books. His M.A. is from University College Dublin, Ireland where he studied Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama.
Joe and his wife, Pam, began co-creating Loose Leaf Hollow in 2002 as a guesthouse for contemplative retreats. In 2013, a small hermitage, called “Ti Hollow,” was added to offer a place for deeper solitary retreat.
(Portrait of Joe by Margo Delaney Hite, BFA)
To schedule a Retreat or for more information:
502-348-0201
Loose Leaf Hollow
250 Loose Leaf Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004