Research in which you can play a role
The Plan
The preliminary research is being conducted by me, while the experimental research will be a collaborative process during the retreats. I've been working on this for quite some time. I am inspired by the work of quantum physicist David Bohm who stated that we would never be able to understand more about the nature of reality as long as we were using our Western languages. (read more here). During my stay in Canada, I have talked to native speakers and language teachers of Mi’kmaw, to explore the language, but also to investigate how these people experience reality differently and maintain unique relationships with each other and with nature.
Based on this information, insights from literature studies, and my knowledge and experience as a linguist and spiritual researcher, I will design a language mode. This language mode can be applied to any Western language. Essentially, it’s a set of agreed-upon rules. These could include: avoiding words like ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘my’, or ‘your’; starting every sentence with a verb; or refraining from using past or future tenses.
Through video presentations, I will share the research findings and explain the fundamentals of the new language mode. Then, we will meet during a retreat at Amiglia, where you’ll receive further language instructions. Over the course of a week, we will engage in simple activities while communicating solely in this new language mode. You will also be asked to report on your experiences.
Ultimately, the entire project will culminate in a new book.
That’s the plan!
I will tell you more about this plan and the new insights I took from my stay with the Mi’kMaw community in Nova Scotia during a FREE WEBINAR - open to everybody interested!
Wednesday 12 March - 19h30 CET (in English)
Thursday 13 March - 19h30 CET (in Dutch)
Become a patron and be among the first to participate in this groundbreaking research!
Your role as a patron
By contributing €100 per month for two years, you will enable this research to thrive. Your support covers travel expenses, research, the development of retreats, and the writing of the book. In return, you’ll gain priority access to retreats, receive exclusive updates, and be part of an inspiring and transformative journey.
What’s in it for you?
As a patron, you’ll gain exclusive early access to the results.
You’ll be the first to try this language mode during a retreat at Amiglia. Together, we’ll immerse ourselves in this new way of communicating while engaging in simple, meaningful activities.
You will connect to like-minded people in a deep personal and transpersonal way.
You’ll contribute directly to groundbreaking research that could reshape how we view reality.
Practical details
The first retreats will take place in October 2025, with more dates to follow. You will have several options to choose from for your enrollment.
The default language of this project is English, but Dutch-speaking people can join a retreat in Dutch.
No special language skills are needed, and the experience is accessible to everyone.
You can become a patron at any time. As long as the donation link remains active, you will have the opportunity to enroll in a Language Mode retreat. Once you submit the form, we will send you additional information and any video presentations you may have missed.
Preliminary Timeline
20 Jan - 8 Feb 2025 : Zoe’s stay in Nova Scotia (Canada) to study the Mi’maw language, traditions, and ways of sharing life.
12 and 13 March: Free webinars!
2 April 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) presentation of the project, sharing of insights by Zoe. Q&A. Getting to know each other.
11 June 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) presentation of the project, sharing of insights by Zoe. Q&A. First ‘language class’.
10 September 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) Sharing of experiences and insights. Second language class.
5 - 11 October 2025: Language Mode Retreat I - in English
19 - 25 October 2025: Language Mode Retreat I - in Dutch
Dates of future retreats will be announced here and by email to patrons.
Patrons are invited to take part in ONE retreat. As things unfold we will learn if follow-up retreats are useful or desirable for those interested.
Online presentations will be held at Amiglia. Those who happen to be there will have the opportunity to attend the meeting in person.
Save the dates!
FAQs
Can I be a patron and sponsor someone else to participate in a Language Mode retreat?
Yes, absolutely—that’s a wonderful idea! The participant you wish to sponsor is invited to complete the form and mention that you are their patron.
Can I be a patron without being directly involved in the retreats?
Yes, of course! Thank you for supporting this project from behind the scenes. You’ll have access to the online presentations and will be acknowledged as a patron in publications—unless you prefer to remain completely anonymous, which is also an option.
Is accommodation at Amiglia included in my contribution as a patron?
Yes and no. Amiglia is a space created and sustained through the efforts of volunteers and generous donations. Once you are there, you can decide if you’d like to make an additional contribution—any support is greatly appreciated.
Can I have a private room?
Yes and no. Each retreat has one or two private rooms available. Additionally, there are double rooms with single beds, as well as double rooms for partners. We encourage you to remain open to sharing your space and embracing a sense of connection with others. However, if you tend to snore heavily, we recommend requesting a private room as a courtesy to fellow participants.
How many people can participate in one retreat?
We aim for a group of 8 participants per retreat. This number creates enough dynamic interaction while maintaining a safe and cozy environment.
What will we actually DO at a retreat?
We will adopt a new language mode, learning and practicing it together. As it takes some rehearsal to express ourselves, we will say less, which will naturally bring us closer to our essence. We will also meditate, partner up to prepare meals, go on hikes, and practice remembering and sharing our dreams. As the week progresses, we will increasingly understand—through our hearts rather than our minds—what it truly means to live naturally.