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 online sessions and 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). Indigenous languages are structured differently. Prioritising the use of verbs instead of nouns, they focus on movement, change and interconnectedness.
Based on this information, insights from literature studies, and my general knowledge and experience as a linguist, and spiritual researcher, I am in the process of designing a language mode. This language mode can be applied to any Western language. Essentially, it’s a set of agreed-upon rules. These will certainly include prioritising verbs, but could also include avoiding personal and possessive pronouns, or refraining from past and future tenses.
Through video presentations and online meetings, I 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 practicing communicating 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!
Become a patron and be among the first to participate in this groundbreaking research!
For the retreats you will pay the cost of your stay at Amiglia, and any additional contribution will be appreciated.
Your role as a patron
By contributing from your heart, you 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.
In October 2025 you can join a retreat at Amiglia in Italy, where we will put the language mode into practice.
5 - 11 October 2025: Language Mode Retreat I - in English
19 - 25 October 2025: Language Mode Retreat I - in Dutch
This project is Community-Sustained Research. While it holds the potential for profound transformation in communication, therapy, and deep self-realization, it receives no government funding. Instead, it is supported by a community of people interested in engaging with and learning from its insights. With every contribution—whether a one-time donation or ongoing support—you help sustain this work and stay connected to its discoveries.
What’s in it for you?
As a patron, you’ll gain access to the Patrons’ Page.
You’ll be the first to try this language mode during online sessions and - if you wish - 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 possibly more dates to follow. We aim for a group of 8 participants per retreat. This number creates enough dynamic interaction while maintaining a safe and cozy environment.
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 have made a donation, you will receive a password to acces the Patrons’ Page.
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. NEDERLANDS
3 April 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) presentation of the project, sharing of insights by Zoe. Q&A. Getting to know each other. ENGLISH
More online meetings to be scheduled!
11 June 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) presentation of the project, sharing of insights by Zoe. Some practice. Q&A. NEDERLANDS
12 June 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) presentation of the project, sharing of insights by Zoe. Some practice. Q&A. ENGLISH
17 -19 June 2025: Zoe gives a talk at the Conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality in Northampton (UK).
10 September 2025 at 19:30 CET: (online) Sharing of experiences and insights.
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.
You 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.
2026: Possibly more first-time or follow-up retreats, and (further) writing of the book.
Save the dates!
FAQs
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 materials and will be acknowledged as a patron in publications—unless you prefer to remain completely anonymous, which is also an option.
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.
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 (on language), do exercises to connect our two hemispheres, 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.