Deb Ondo is the Communications and Engagement Manager at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Previously, she served as Program and Marketing Manager at Genesis. Her career spans media and nonprofits in Massachusetts and New York, and has earned her five prestigious broadcast Emmy awards for excellence in television. A lifelong artist, with a deep passion for nature, Deb is especially drawn to the Universe Story and ecospirituality. Her paintings explore humanity’s interconnectedness with the natural world, reflecting the belief that all beings are part of a living, interconnected whole. Her paintings can be found at https://www.debondowildart.com/
Details of this retreat
Much of daily life pulls us toward constant output, gradually dulling our capacity to notice what is alive around and within us. Lent invites a pause.
In this one-hour online gathering, we will explore creativity as a form of relationship rather than as individual achievement. Through reflection, silence, and simple creative invitations, participants will engage with the spiritually resonant patterns of the natural world—its rhythms, changes, and reciprocity.
Grounded in contemplative practice, this gathering cultivates attention, listening, and curiosity. Here, creativity is not about producing something new but about remembering our belonging within a larger, living cosmos and noticing what our experiences are longing to express now.
No artistic background is needed. All creative orientations, belief systems, and spiritual paths are welcome.
Customer Reviews
4.91 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
The Wisdom of St. Francis
Simon and David led us on a beautiful experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. The music, sharing, dialogue and discussion all helped to create a strong bond between participants. Genesis is a place of peace, hope and healing, and I could feel it the moment I arrived. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality and kindness.
5.0
Verified
Wise woman Retreat
The best part of this retreat was connecting with the amazing women who shared this retreat with me. It is so affirming and healing to be in a group of mature women who listen with their hearts and all their wisdom and very little judgment. The Genesis Spiritual Center is very welcoming and accommodating and made you feel at home. The leader of the retreat set the stage and then allowed us to fly. I am so glad that I took the time to go.
5.0
Verified
Becoming the Wise Woman: Embracing the Sacred Path of the Elder
Janice led our small group of wonderful ladies through exercises that made us think, helped us remember, and strengthened us our resolve to embrace the life we have this very moment. Through journaling, meditation, yoga, small group discussions and small and large group sharing we grew connected to one another and strengthened ourselves. I would recommend this retreat to my friends. I have attended retreats with Janice before and have made plans to do so again
The retreat house is lovely, clean and well managed. The food was delicious
5.0
Verified
Perfect
I had a wonderful first visit during a weekend retreat.
The food and hospitality were just right. Clean, comfortable rooms, comfie bed and pillows, too. Love having a sink in the room. The program I attended was well planned and entirely worth the trip. I plan to return as frequently as I can for future events. Thank you!
5.0
Verified
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
My experience was one of quiet peace, and unwinding from my busy life. At the same time, I felt an inner excitement to be learning new techniques to contemplative living. The grounds and spaces were quieting, and pleasant. Everyone's quiet friendliness made me feel confident, and accepted. I made friends, and felt refreshed by being around unique people, but with common passion.
Thank you.
Top Rated
Online
Verified
Spirituality
