Sabătica Supper No. 1

February 20, 2016May 20, 20161 Comment

Despite the cold, windy, below zero degree weather, eight brave friends came out to join our very first Sabătica Supper – for me, it was a night to remember! We cooked together, laughed, sang and got acquainted with one another. Old friends got to catch up and new friends were made. As the hostess of Supper No. 1, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy as I looked around and observed how engaged, unreserved and happy everyone was. In that singular gathering, many nations were represented namely the United States, Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela and Italy; thus bringing to life a long-time dream of opening my home and table to the world. Above all, as I watched everyone kick off their shoes and put their worries aside for those few hours; as I subsequently hear comments about the Supper bringing relief to someone’s depression and a well needed break to an exhausted mom, I am overtaken by a deep sense of gratitude to have had the opportunity to witness, on day one, Sabătica’s mandate to facilitate immediate respite and to encourage a life of joy, lived in the now. [SS No.1 – 02.13.16]

As I Came Face to Face with Myself…

February 5, 2016August 24, 2016Leave a comment

The month of January is quite a big deal. It is the start of a new year – a symbol of new beginnings, second chances and new opportunities. It offers thirty-one days of energized hope, new resolutions and new determinations.

Many a project is dreamed up and even launched in January. Yet sadly, despite the good intentions and the deep-rooted desires to see them to term, many of those plans dissipate and fail to even make it to March.

As I am no stranger to that predicament, instead of writing yet another list of goals for this year, I turned the focus on me, trying to understand why year after year some of my decrees are left unrealized despite the legitimacy of my desires and calculated efforts. Ultimately, I came to understand that a lot of it had to do with my own blindness or unwillingness to see and accept certain things for what they were; to call the underlying causes by their names.

“Self-acceptance always precedes genuine self-surrender and self-transformation.”
― David G. Benner, The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery

We often quote, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”. The truth will indeed bring freedom; however, as I have been reminded, that process of liberation requires that we awaken from our denial and allow the truth to penetrate those resistant places in our lives. We must process the truth, purpose to remain awakened to it and to deal with it — no matter how painful or risky that may seem.

“Why are you still so entwined in your little girl fears? Why do you continue to allow people to treat your soul unkindly? Why are you still so angry? Why are you hiding in the back of the room when you should be out there living out your purpose, experiencing life, giving life?”

Those were some of the questions that arose in me which I had to grapple with and prayerfully work on. As you continue on with this new year, if you haven’t already done so, sit with yourself for a while, try to formulate and answer the questions that are pertinent to your own life and situations. Don’t move forward until you determine what’s keeping you from advancing, from grabbing hold of the inner healing and joy that are inherently your birthright.

Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” — 1 Kings 19:9 (NASB)

There is no quick fix; it is not a one-day process. Sit for a while, be honest with yourself; be patient and prayerful. Ask God to reveal those areas that may be hidden to you. Be attentive to what you are experiencing [feelings, thoughts, reaction] and be brave to face and embrace the truth. Above all, with the confidence that Abba has you in the palm of His hands, seek to make peace with your findings and resolve to live beyond your annual resolutions or anyone’s expectations; purpose to live awakened to His truth, in complete freedom and in total glory of who you were created to be.

Sola gratia!

Christine

Awakening to Majestic Wonder…

November 2, 2015Leave a comment

While driving on the Merritt/Route 15 the other day, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the beautiful tapestry that was all around me. The parkway was lined up with those tall, majestic, colorful trees – of different sizes, shapes and shades of green, yellow, red, orange. I couldn’t help but be grateful for such abundance of beauty and soul remedy — available to me, to us at the blink of an eye and free of charge or the need to wait in line. At some point, I wanted to stop the car, to stop time and stand still – to take it all in and to capture it in a picture. My heart was overtaken by God’s unmatched provision for our innate and deepest longing for beauty, peace and wonder.

Photo: MassDrive

I was reminded of King David’s amazement when he uttered, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands;” and of Paul who wrote, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…”

So friends, as you walk or drive around, be awakened to God’s marvelous gifts to you and which are all around. Turn every corner with a sense of wonder. Stop, pay attention to the little things. Take it all in. Allow the beautiful fall colors to tickle your soul and to remind you that life is now – in the whistle of the falling leaves, in the brisk morning air, in this very moment.

Sola gratia,
Christine

Post Sabătica Re-entry…

September 14, 2015September 14, 2015Leave a comment

I returned home from Sabătica’s inaugural retreat with a totally refined understanding of what “Sabătica” is about and a deeper personal longing for more of Abba. I am still downloading, processing and waiting for the words to come, to possibly articulate the overwhelming infilling and various lessons learned, both as a director and a participant.

Yet, in the meantime, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who attended, who contributed her/his time, resources, expertise and who made our inaugural retreat a wellspring of refreshing water.

Saturday Crew Minus Five From Friday

Thank you to every soul sister who came from near and far, who helped create a welcoming space for camaraderie, laughter, tears, prayers, impartation, fun, personal discoveries and life giving memories.

Thank you to our teachers, Vernice Holmes, Dorota Matys and Sarina Fiorita, who not only taught from their expertise and hearts but also facilitated turning Sabătica into a tribe of connected souls.

Friday night’s impromptu post-meditation gathering in the hallway

Thank you to our creatively invisible, fun and talented photographers, Mark Helenese and Eddie Pierre who worked tirelessly to capture our retreat.

Thank you to the entire team at Dolce who were so efficient, gracious and patient from planning to execution and who provided a beautiful space for us to gather and renew.

Sabătica’s Art Gallery

Last and certainly not least, thank you to Abba, my not-so-silent partner who not only planted the seed for Sabătica but also brought the dream to life and continue to unfold the blueprint.

From the Aromatherapy Session

Today, as I try to wrap my mind around what occurred this weekend, I am at peace, joyful and excited. My heart is filled to the brim with the feedback, kind words and well wishes that have been directed my way and which are forever engraved in my soul.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Until next time, Selah!
Christine

kind words from this weekend

Dorota Matys: Thank you for including me in your event Christine, by now I hope you know that you did a phenomenal job, and that you are onto something really grand!!!
I Love your excellence and I’m so Proud of you! You’ve created an event that can bring balance and healing to so many, don’t even think of not doing this again…

Vernice Holmes: Thank You Christine Dorvil for a memorable, significant and powerful weekend at the launch of your dream “Sabatica” To the blowing of the Shofar to the fun, laughter & Joy in God’s Presence to the walk in nature! I loved every moment! Happy New Year! Love you

Cassandra Dais: Hi Christine, Just wanted to say that Friday was truly a blessing, good company (1st and foremost the Holy Spirit), good food, good time! I know that Saturday was equally if not more amazing. Thank you for all your hard work, time, energy all that you poured into this weekend. With God all things are possible. XOXO Cass

Stay tuned for our “Testimonial” page and for all the beautiful pictures from our photographers.

Soul in Search of Lightness..

August 19, 2015August 23, 2015Leave a comment

Notwithstanding 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

August 11, 2015August 12, 2015Leave a comment

If 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

August 8, 2015August 8, 2015Leave a comment

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

August 5, 2015August 7, 2015Leave a comment

It 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…

August 4, 2015August 4, 2015Leave a comment

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!

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…

August 3, 2015August 4, 2015Leave a comment

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