Desert Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Seekers

Saturday June 14, 9:30 Am - 4:00 Pm

In person with Nicholas Bartoli at the Spiritual Life Center at 76 Sherman st in the west end of Hartford

In this one-day retreat, we will immerse ourselves in the spiritual wisdom of the Desert Fathers  and Mothers, as well as early Christian hermits who sought solitude in the desert as a path to inner peace and divine union. Drawing from the teachings of Evagrius Ponticus and other early monastics, participants will explore the stages of prayer, purification of the heart, and the battle against inner thoughts.  We will reflect on the timeless relevance of desert spirituality for modern life, where solitude, silence, and simplicity can cultivate a deeper relationship with the Divine amidst the noise and distractions of contemporary life.


What to Expect:

  • A guided exploration of key teachings from the Desert Fathers and Mothers
  • Practices of silence and reflection inspired by the desert tradition
  • Discussions on how desert spirituality can be integrated into everyday life
  • Group meditations and personal time for prayer and contemplation


This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper spiritual grounding, especially those who feel drawn to silence, solitude, or contemplative practices, who want to learn from ancient Christian wisdom.




Please bring a brown bag lunch to this program. Coffee, tea, cold beverages and lite snacks will be available.



Cost: $85 or alternative cost of $70


Register here

Rev. Nicholas Bartoli is an interfaith minister with a background

in multiple spiritual traditions. With a foundation in

contemplative and mystical Christianity, he has also studied and

practiced Zen Buddhism, Sufism, and Advaita Vedanta. Nicholas

lived as an Episcopal monk for ten years where he led retreats,

delivered homilies, and offered spiritual direction. His

background also includes work as a yoga teacher, dancer,

massage therapist, and psychotherapist. Currently, Nicholas is a

spiritual teacher and counselor while also offering occasional

retreats and workshops. His areas of specialty include desert

spirituality, mysticism, and nondual spirituality.