Half-Day Sabbath Experience
Rest and Restore.
Saturday, October 17 · Raleigh, NC
Four unhurried hours to come back to yourself. A small, in-person gathering of restorative movement, breath prayer, guided meditation, and stillness, with a nourishing lunch and time to simply be.
Why a half day
Half a day set apart for rest.
Most days don't leave room to slow all the way down. The Half-Day Sabbath Experience is built to be that room: four hours where nothing is asked of you except to arrive and receive.
The day moves the way the body actually unwinds, gently and in layers. We begin with breath and prayer, settle into a long restorative practice, make space for quiet reflection over lunch, walk and pray together, and close with a blessing to carry home. It is rooted in Scripture and grounded in the science of how the nervous system finds its way back to calm.
You don't need any experience with meditation or movement. You only need to come.
The rhythm of the day
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A gentle arc from arrival to blessing. Here is how the four hours unfold.
Arrival & settling in
Guests arrive, enjoy tea and light refreshments, and settle into their space.
Welcome, opening prayer & intention setting
A gentle opening to ground the group, set the tone for the day, and invite everyone into rest and reflection.
Restorative practice & guided meditation
A 90-minute immersive session weaving together:
- Restorative movement
- Breath prayer
- Guided meditation
- Stillness
- Scripture reflection
- Nervous system restoration
Quiet journaling & personal reflection
Guided prompts and space for quiet reflection, prayer, and integration.
Lunch & gentle connection
A nourishing boxed lunch with unhurried time for quiet conversation or personal reflection.
Contemplative prayer walk
A guided reflective walk focused on presence, prayer, breath, and noticing.
Closing meditation & final blessing
A peaceful closing meditation and prayer to help you carry the experience into daily life.
What's included
Everything is taken care of.
Come as you are. The day is set up so all you have to do is rest.
Tea & refreshments
Waiting for you on arrival, with a boxed lunch at midday.
90-minute practice
Restorative movement, breath prayer, and guided meditation.
Guided journaling
Reflection prompts and quiet space for prayer and integration.
Contemplative prayer walk
A guided walk focused on presence, breath, and noticing.
All materials
Everything you need for the practices is provided.
An intimate group
Seats are limited so the day stays small and personal.
A glimpse of the day
What it looks like.
Quiet, gentle, unhurried.
Set the day apart.
Seats are limited and the experience is held just twice a year. Reserve early to save your spot.
Questions before you register? Email hello@vanessamichele.com.
Good to know
Before you come.
Do I need any experience with meditation or movement? +
None at all. Everything is gently guided and beginner-friendly. Come exactly as you are.
Is it for women only? +
All are welcome. The day is open to anyone seeking rest, regardless of gender or background.
What should I wear and bring? +
Wear something comfortable you can move and rest in, and bring layers in case you run warm or cool. Mats, props, journals, and all materials are provided. You're welcome to bring your own water bottle and a Bible if you'd like.
Is lunch really included? What about dietary needs? +
Yes, a nourishing boxed lunch is included. After you register, you'll be able to share any dietary needs so your lunch is one less thing to think about.
Where is it held, and how often? +
It's held at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center, 5611 Jaguar Park Dr, Raleigh, NC, twice a year. The exact date is confirmed by email when you register.
Are there nearby hotels if I'm traveling in? +
Yes. A few that put you within a short drive of the venue:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Cary I-40
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Raleigh Cary / Weston Parkway
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Raleigh SW (At NC State, by IHG)
Book directly with the hotel for best rates. Reach out if you'd like a hand sorting out timing.
Is this a Christian retreat? +
Yes. The day is rooted in Scripture and Christian prayer, woven together with restorative practice and the science of rest. You're welcome wherever you are in your faith.
Start with three free days.
If you'd like a taste of the practice first, the free 3-Day Nervous System Reset is the gentlest place to begin.
Get my free 3-Day Reset →