Amazed at Amiglia

Dear friends,

These past days, we’ve been holding a short sharing circle before dinner — just a moment for each of us to speak about our day.
And I noticed… I often say the same thing:

“I’m amazed.”

I’m amazed by our new, spacious, half-open meditation hall — the comfort of a flat surface to move and sit on, while breathing fresh air and gazing out at the hills.

I’m amazed by the people finding their way to Amiglia, forming ever-changing constellations. Each of them contributes to the unfolding of this place and touches me in their own way.

I’m amazed that we now have a full-fledged vegetable garden, where we can harvest the most delicious vegetables just moments before preparing another colourful meal.

I’m amazed by the fun we have while playing volleyball almost every evening (and I’m amazed that I am playing volleyball almost every evening!).

I’m amazed by the Italian people — how they open my heart. Their warmth, their laughter, their generosity. How I love it when a neighbour drops by, or when I go to the market in Acqui Terme, sip un decaf under the trees, and watch everyday life in a small Italian town unfold around me.

And I’m deeply amazed by a beautiful, talented young woman who wants to become part of Amiglia.

Lianne came here for the first time two months ago. When she left, she said: “This is how I want to live. Would it be possible to explore my coming here more often, and becoming part of Amiglia’s unfolding?”

We were standing in the kitchen. Before I could think about her question, I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion. It moved through my whole body and brought tears to my eyes.

This is how decisions are made at Amiglia: not through thinking, but by letting the answer find us.
We don’t know how things will evolve — we allow life to reveal itself, one moment at a time.

Lianne understands this. It’s not about me, or her — it’s about listening how life’s creative force wants to work through us..

I asked her to write down why she feels that ‘yes’ for Amiglia, and she shared these words:

“Amiglia allows me to live the way I deeply long for: feeling, flowing, unfolding, surprising me — like a dance — in connection and in freedom.
Here, life takes over and lets me be, in this growing community amidst the rolling Italian hills.”

Lianne still works in the Netherlands. For now, she’s using her holidays to be here, and she also wants to contribute from a distance.
She’s gifted in organising, planning, and holding an overview — offering support to Amiglia in the ways I can't. She’s offering to be my right hand, and for visitors, to be a space-holder for Amiglia.

I’m amazed.
And I’m deeply grateful.

Amiglia is a living space for anyone who wants to explore new ways of living and connecting — whether as a guest, a retreat participant, or a work-exchange guest.

Welcome!

With love,
Zoë
on behalf of Amiglia