Sabătica “Unplugged” at The New York Botanical Garden {4.7.18}

March 10, 2018March 31, 2018Leave a comment

There is something rather soothing and reviving with being surrounded by beauty and vibrant colors, especially after months of Winter. I don’t know about you but I’m excited about Spring and everything it brings along — warmer weather, flowers, time outside — and can’t think of a better way to kickstart the season and slow down then with a day at the New York Botanical Garden.

NYBG Cuban Orchid Show

Please join us Saturday, April 7th as we do just that. We will hop on the train in Stamford and head to the NYBG for a day of fun adventure and beautiful time of rest, including:

– Private Guided Tour of this year’s Orchid Show

– All-garden pass

– Lunch

– Meditation & Reflection

All for $80, excluding transportation

Our private tour starts at 11:00 am and we’ll need to arrive at the garden no later than 10:45am. Please consider and plan your departure time accordingly! For your convenience, we are also working on providing transportation options; please check back in for any update.

There is still time — reserve your spot TODAY!

Thank you for slowing down and pursuing beauty with us. We look forward to seeing you at the NYBG. Remember to wear your comfortable shoes, invite a friend and bring your camera!

Selah,

Christine

Photo Credit: C. Dorvil

“Beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them.

The least we can do is try to be there.”

— Annie Dillard

Sabătica Fall 2016 – Peace that Endures [Reflections & Pictures]

September 30, 2016December 30, 2016Leave a comment

We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God. –Thomas Merton

As we prayed and began to prepare for this year’s Fall retreat, the word PEACE kept on surfacing. Considering the current state of our cities, nation and world, overtaken by fear and despair, we took it as a clear indication of where our focus ought to be and a confirmation that our gathering needed not only to provide a space for serenity and respite but also to engage in practices that would harness an inner peace that could endure through layers of fear, global chaos and uncertainties. So, for two days we gathered and through selected teachings, various practices, rest and community, we pursued the peace that endures. What ensued was a beautiful lesson and testament of faith — faith to trust and proceed despite obstacles; faith to show up, to be vulnerable and to seek peace with ourselves, with others and with God.

For various reasons, this second Fall retreat was very significant to me, especially for the lessons it brought along. It didn’t go according to the original plan but as it unfolded and as everyone later shared about their experiences to and during the retreat, it was certain that it all transpired just as it was supposed to.

To every soul who attended, to our teachers and helpers who selflessly gave of themselves and to all of you, our friends reading this post, we pray for continued grace and enduring peace.

Here are some of the moments that were captured during the retreat.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you…”
— Isaiah 26:3

Sabătica Fall Retreat: {Peace That Endures}
Date: September 23-24, 2016
Location: Dolce Conference Center, Norwalk, CT
Retreat Leader: Peace That Endures, Lectio Divina, Meditation {Christine Dorvil},
Retreat Teachers: Pilates {Sarina Fiorita}; Painting {Vernice Holmes}; Aromatherapy {Dorota Matys}

The Wellness Initiative in Pictures

June 23, 2016June 23, 2016Leave a comment

The dictionary defines Wellness as “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort;” which comes pretty close to my preferred definition, “Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.”

I love that it is an active process — one that requires our attention and intentional involvement. Wellness isn’t just about maintaining a clean bill of physical health but it also connotes that we are “whole” emotionally, spiritually, socially, financially, intellectually, etc…The Wellness Initiative only scratched the surface on a few of those dimensions. It was the beginning of what I hope will be a movement to bring awareness to the importance of complete wellness and a conduit to encourage us to make those practices a way of life.

Here are few pictures from the day’s sessions: Emotional Wellness, Walking Meditation, Nutrition and Floral Arrangement. Hope to see you next time!

Nature’s Healing Touch…

May 20, 2016Leave a comment

Yesterday was the culmination of a rather heavy week — one marked by disbelief, tears and sadness. There were some moments of relief through the recounting of sweet memories, communal support and eternal hope; and yet there were a myriad of persistent internal questions. After gathering as a community to bid farewell to a sweet little boy who left us too soon, I felt the warning tug to disconnect and quiet down. So, I grabbed my camera and headed down to the Bartlett arboretum for some nature therapy. The sun was a bit timid but somehow that was just perfect as I sought to lose myself on the trails and around the property; staying outside of my head and allowing the birds’ songs, whistling creek, the colors and fragrances to feed my soul. Following are some of those moments that brought me to a halt and which I attempted to capture…

I did stop to smell these babies…so fragrant!

My favorite flowers – Lily of the Valley

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
—Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

All photos are taken by Christine Dorvil and cannot be reproduced without permission.

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.