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    Anatomy of a sabbatical: A Journey to Slower, More Conscious Living

    Writer's picture: Violaine Des RosiersViolaine Des Rosiers

    As far as I can remember, I have always been a high achiever—driven by challenges, obsessed with perfection, valued by my achievements, and afraid of nothing. This will probably continue, but with a greater sense of of mindfulness and self-awareness.


    Eight months ago, when I decided to step away from my job to rest, learn something new, and deepen my passions, I did not anticipate the transformative experience that would elevate my consciousness and redefine how I want to lead my next chapter of life.


    During my incredibly fulfilling career as a humanitarian leader and a non-profit executive, I was so deeply immersed in my work—operating in socially, environmentally, and politically complex contexts—that I had forgotten the importance to regularly connect with nature, check-in with myself every day and to take a deep breath between each of my life-changing projects. My personal and professional relationships suffered, my other passions were neglected, my true life priorities were overshadowed, and, most critically, my physical and mental health deteriorated. I had become a machine, emotionally detached, driven by results—a superwoman on a mission. My internal compass was disrupted by the electromagnetic field of external and internal pressures: constant solicitations, difficulties to set boundaries, addiction to adrenaline, fast changing digital literacy, the need to achieve great things and have a positive impact, my ego management (and those of others), the fear of boredom, and the avoidance of emptiness. For the last 25 years, I sped through life at 250 km/hour, content, proud, fulfilled—yet accumulating exhaustion that no spa retreat could cure.


    A Path of Serendipity and Learning

    In an attempt to recharge before embarking on a new venture, I enrolled in a Culinary Arts program at the SCHOLA Craftsmanship School in Florence. This decision serendipitously led me to permaculture training at MILKWOOD and eventually into regenerative leadership studies with Laura Storm and the REGENERATORS. This sequence of experiences unfolded naturally—a beautiful manifestation of flow, creativity, and connection. By relinquishing control and rigid planning, I found myself immersed in a process of deep listening—to my body, my intuition, and my soul. This transition was not just about doing but mostly about being.


    Through this journey—exploring Italian cuisine, food systems, permaculture, and regenerative organizations—I have gathered profound insights about living systems and their crucial role in sustaining life and humanity. Here are some key reflections:


    1. Slow Food, Slow Life, Slow Work

    The slow food movement taught me more than just the art of cooking; it reintroduced me to the rhythm of life. Slowing down is not a sign of inefficiency but a gateway to deeper connection, presence, and sustainability. Our culture glorifies speed, but true nourishment—whether in food, relationships, or work—requires time.


    2. Living Systems Thrive by Design

    Nature operates in cycles of adaptation, regeneration, and balance. It does not need external interventions to thrive—only respect and understanding. We, too, must learn to trust in natural rhythms and re-integrate them into our personal and professional lives. Whether we adapt our diet to seasonal availability, capture the fruits of our harvests by the process of fermentation or pickling so we preserve life longer, or slow down our work rythm during extreme changes of temperatures, these are all good ways to tune-in with our natural cycles of life.


    3. The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

    In nature, no element exists in isolation. Everything is interconnected, and the health of the whole system matters more than its individual components. In permaculture principles, individual elements (plants, animals, soil, water, etc.) work together to create a resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem. In a food forest, trees provide shade for smaller plants, which in turn contribute nutrients to the soil. Pollinators, fungi, and microorganisms further enhance the system’s health, making the entire ecosystem more productive than any single component would be on its own. Similar to nature, in cooking, the most important is to balance flavours, colors, textures, animal, vegetal, botanical, bacterial, and temperatures. The less transformation, the better we can appreciate what each ingredient has to offer, whilst resulting in perfectly balanced combinations, like a food symphony. This principle extends beyond nature into organizations, communities, and personal well-being. By fostering strong, interdependent relationships and embracing holistic thinking, we create systems that are more resilient, adaptable, and regenerative. Organizations and communities must move away from siloed thinking and embrace holistic approaches that prioritize interconnectedness and collaboration.


    4. Diversity is Non-Negotiable

    Diversity is not a “nice to have”—it is the foundation of resilience and survival. Diversifying the food we grow and valuing diversity in the food we eat makes it much more enjoyable and takes us through a journey of discovery, opening our minds, stepping out of our confort zone, awakening our senses. In nature, diverse ecosystems are more robust and adaptable and can face climate crises with more strenght. The same principle applies to human societies and organizations. We must celebrate and integrate diverse perspectives while fostering shared values.


    Moving Forward with Regeneration in Mind

    This journey has reshaped my vision of leadership, sustainability, and life itself. The regenerative mindset is not just about environmental stewardship; it is about how we live, work, and relate to one another. It is about designing systems—personal and professional—that allow for renewal, resilience, and meaningful contribution.

    As I step into this new chapter, I embrace a slower, more intentional way of living. One that honors nature’s wisdom, values holistic well-being, and fosters regenerative leadership. This is not just a pause before another high-speed endeavor—it is a commitment to a new way of being. And in this space, I find true fulfillment.

    To anyone feeling the pull to slow down, listen deeply, and realign with their inner compass: trust the process. The most unexpected paths may lead to the most profound transformations.

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    1 則留言


    HPC
    2月04日

    Hi Violaine,

    Nice to read about your slowing down process. I started mine 8 years ago when I discovered the magic of singing which has become 80% of my life now.

    Take a moment one of these days and enjoy a dozen oysters with a glass of Yamazaki 12years old on the rocks ….

    Just did … and it brought very nice memories. 😘


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