Rest Is The Answer.
Mend’s Restorative Justice Retreat in Northern Italy
Padua, Italy | May 26th - 29th, 2026
3 Days / 3 Nights
Step away from the demands of daily life and into the beauty of Northern Italy’s Veneto region. This 3-day immersion is designed for 10 restorative justice practitioners, peacemakers, and/or social repair practitioners who long to rest, reconnect, and grow in community building. Together, we will explore the radical act of self-care through pausing, reflecting, and dreaming of a world rooted in compassion and grace. Guided by certified circle practitioners and rooted in embodied peacemaking practices, we’ll strengthen our capacity to listen deeply to ourselves, to one another, and to the wisdom of the land.
Enter the Chrysalis.
The Chrysalis is a sheltered state or stage of being or growth. It is the last stage for a caterpillar before it transforms fully into a butterfly. As we escape the stress of daily life in the transformative power of rest, amidst beauty, we'll explore the act of pausing, reflecting, and dreaming of a world rooted in compassion. Through gentle movement, embodiment practices, and dreaming, we'll replenish our spirits, nurture our creativity, and forge connections that inspire lasting change.
Embodiment is Key
Each day we will offer gentle embodiment practices, restorative circle sessions, and a time to soak in the local healing thermal waters of the region. Surrounded by vineyards and ancient villas, we’ll replenish our spirits, nurture our creativity, and forge connections that inspire enduring transformation.
This experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the rhythm of balance so you can return home renewed, restored, and ready to continue the work of repair.
Day 1
Arrivals, Grounding, and Connection
Arrival & welcome breakfast, followed by introductions, an opening blessing, and community agreements. Lunch at the villa, introduction to restorative justice, gentle movement, circles, and free time. Dinner out in the area, with free time afterward.
Day 2
Rest , Reflection and Relaxation
A silent breakfast followed by morning meditation, gentle stretching, and workshop trainings. Excursion: Soaking in Thermal Waters in nearby spa. Dinner at the Villa and outing to local pub and freetime.
Day 3
Integration and Imagination
A silent breakfast followed by morning meditation and workshops. Afternoon workshops and land therapy. Dinner in town and closing gifts at the Villa. We say goodbye to those not staying at the Villa. Free Time and pack for check out in the morning.
MEND
Mend is a non-profit based in Oklahoma City.
Our Vision: Transformed people and communities working together for a just, compassionate, and flourishing world.
Our Mission: To offer restorative practices, embodied peacework, and social movement building that support inner healing and inspire collective repair.