Soul in Search of Lightness..

selahNotwithstanding our Adamic nature, we enter the world pure, light, as a blank canvas. Yet, somewhere along the way, we start to amass and hold on to words, gazes, feelings, habits, disappointments, worries, broken dreams, broken hearts – things that weigh heavily on our souls; burdens that can keep us crippled and forever lost, if not deposed of.

Those weights, without a doubt, may require some heavy lifting – counseling, rehabilitation, even major life alteration. However, despite the pedigree, well-regarded credentials or even methods from which we seek help, nothing substantial or lasting will occur without a firm resolution for change and a total return to the source, our Creator.

More often than not, those heavy weights become obstacles that keep us from the relief and renewal we need. But not to despair, for the divine umbilical cord that ties us to God is never cut. It may not always seem visible to the natural eyes but it is there; we only have to find our way back home, back to our point of origin.

God created each and every one of us with our own unique identifiers and pathways to His loving arms. He has given us His Spirit and has endowed us with the mental and spiritual acuity, authority and the ability to desire and affect change in our lives.

God is a caring and restoring God who has granted to us everything pertaining  to life and who has placed us in a beautifully crafted world, filled with immediate remedy for our mind, body and soul; if only we would, even for awhile, stop running, stop hiding, stop procrastinating.

For sure, there are times when spiritual guidance, counseling and deliverance are essential; yet, their pursuit does not negate our responsibility or eradicate the powerful force that resides in us and with which we ought to grab hold of our divine destiny, speak to our souls like King David did, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Put your hope in God” and allow Abba to care and nurture our deepest wounds and fears, just like He did for Elisha.

Get up! Stand still for awhile! Observe the marvelous beauty and remedy that are all around you! Surrender! Find your way back to the pure, light, blank canvas. For His invitation still stands; like the one He offered in Matthew, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Again in Mark, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” and in Isaiah, “…only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength…”

Come, stop, listen, relish, restore to lightness…this is Sabătica and the invitation still stands!

REGISTER ONLINE!

Selah!
Christine

Image via: Bloom The Blog

Sabătica FOCUS on: Sarina Fiorita, Pilates

Sarina-PicIf you were to meet Sarina without any prior knowledge of her background, you would not instantly think she was a professional fitness instructor; but don’t let her petite frame and gentle demeanor deceive you, for she is a powerhouse.

Sarina Fiorita is a Certified Personal Trainer with numerous certifications in Pilates, Aerobic, Kickboxing, Weight Training and Spinning, among others. She works with men and women, young and old.

A former professional ballroom dancer and competitor, today Sarina trains clients privately and teaches group classes at the Jewish Community Center (JCC). In 2005, she released her first exercise video, Pilates with Sarina, wanting to offer a series of workout routines that were easy and safe for everyone and which could be practiced every day.

Sarina is passionate about health and fitness, especially Pilates, which method she wants to bring to everyone, to encourage body awareness and endurance. She is equally enthusiastic about nutrition and wants to promote a stronger, healthier and happier life for all.

We are so excited to have Sarina help us start our first full day at the retreat with an early morning session of Pilates on the green. She will not only help stretch your sleeping muscles but her class coupled with the fresh morning dew and the beautiful lush surrounding, will certainly awaken your spirit to receive everything the day will have to offer.

It might be a bit hard to get up extra early but you definitely don’t want to miss Sarina’s class; unless you want some personal and reflective time on the trails. Otherwise, make your selection on the registration form and see you on the green, first thing Saturday morning.

Sabătica Class Info: Core.dinating Body, Mind & Spirit

Sarina’s Contact Info

Email: sarinafiorita@yahoo.com

Christine

Sabătica FOCUS on: Dorota Matys, Aromatherapy

Aside for the use of candles, a few drops of lavender oil and a handful of fresh eucalyptus from time to time, I had not really ventured into the world of aromatherapy. Well, all that changed after meeting Dorota, the “oil whisperer”.

More than being well informed, Dorata has a passion for aromatherapy and for sharing its benefits with others. She is not just a living encyclopedia of everything essential oils, she has a unique way to take them out of the bottles and infiltrate them into everyday life.

I am thrilled to report that Dorota Matys will be joining our inaugural retreat in September to help us explore the world of aromatherapy and for a fun-filled, hands-on demonstration on how to incorporate the oils in our beauty regimen, among other things.

Dorota is a certified Aromatherapist and currently works at the Stamford Center for Natural Healing; but that’s not all, she is also a trained artist whose studies focused on fiber arts, textile design, painting and sculpture.

She hails from the Republic of Poland in Central Europe where began her passion for the arts. She attended the School of Fine Arts in Bielsko-Biala and later obtained a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. She concurrently works as a free-lance artist throughout Connecticut and the Westchester County.

Dorota’s passion for beauty, nature and creativity vividly comes through in her beautiful, introspective and soothing art work. Likewise, her love affair with aromatherapy/essential oils is contagious and, more importantly, it points us to a much needed awareness and the necessity to pursue a more holistic way of living.

Sabătica Class Info: Sweet Aroma, Sugar & Spice

Dorota’s Contact Info

WEBSITES
Essential Oils:
http://essentialthyme.myoilsite.com
Dorota Matys Art & Design: http://www.dorotamatysart.com

Be sure to join us for an aromatic, relaxing and fun session!

Christine

Sabătica FOCUS on: Vernice Holmes, Painting

Vernice-HeadshotIt doesn’t matter how many times you’ve sat in one of her painting sessions or listened to her speak; every time is like the first time – filled with energy, fun unspeakable and so inspiring.

We are so honored and excited that the incomparable and multi talented Vernice Holmes will be joining Sabătica in September to lead our very first painting session – Song of the Soul.

Vernice is an accomplished fashion designer and illustrator who has worked for well-known retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstroms, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus and several specialty store chains across the country. She has traveled from Europe to the Far East shopping for the newest trends & styles. Presently, she designs and oversees her own creations. She is the CEO and Creative Director of I am Vernice which creates inspirational art, apparel and aromatherapy for young girls and women.

Vernice is also one of the lead teachers at Painting with a Twist in Westport, CT where she ushers scores of never-suspected-creative souls into a place of possibilities – possibility to be brave, to create and most of all to discover their hidden treasures.

In addition to being a celebrated artist, Vernice is a sought-after keynote speaker who has  hosted sold-out events and has catalyzed changes in many lives.

She also makes a mean red velvet cake [trust me]!! There is no guarantee you’ll get any of her succulent cake at the retreat but you sure are in for a treat. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sabătica Class Info: Song of the Soul

Vernice Holmes

Website: http://www.iamvernice.com/
Facebook: I AM Vernice
Video: HERE

Christine

You May Now Also Register Online…

We are happy to report that in addition to using our beautiful registration form, you are now able to register online for the upcoming Sabătica retreat.

Please click on the following button to submit and pay for your registration!

Register Online

Please watch your inbox for your confirmation which will be emailed to you once your registration is processed.

If you’d prefer retaining your room directly with Dolce, please let us know and we’ll send you the link for you to do so.

Looking forward to seeing you in September!

So, it begins…

The secret is out! The dream that I’ve been nursing for some time is now released to the world. The excitement and anticipation that propelled me through the months of planning (and dreaming) have now brought about a feeling of trepidation.

But, I suppose that’s okay; just as it is okay for you to be apprehensive or to even ask yourself “what if”. What if something happens while I’m gone? What if i use the money then realize that I needed it elsewhere? What if I make a fool of myself? What if I don’t connect to anyone there? What if? What if? What if?

I have asked myself a lot of “what ifs” through the years – in fact, I still do from time to time. However, I have also come to realize that those “what ifs”, even when they are legitimate questions, often serve as obstacles and even unnecessary delays in obtaining the things that we need and which are good for us.

After confirming with our amazing teachers and as I got ready to sign on the dotted line to retain the venue for sabătica’s inaugural retreat, I too had a moment when I asked “what if”; but then I remembered why I started the journey and so took a deep breath and decided to take a leap of faith.

There will be many arguments about why we shouldn’t do this or other things, but at the end of the day all that is required is a decision. For, nothing happens until we decide.

Cheers to choosing life! Cheers to choosing you!

Christine