Dear visitor,
Welcome to this first draft of the Amiglia website! Have a look around and explore what Amiglia is all about. It’s a beautiful place, but we don’t have many pictures yet. We’ll be adding more later, especially when we gather with a small group of ‘first settlers’ in early October.
Starting from mid-October, we’ll be ready to welcome those who are looking for a comfortable room, a freshly forming small community, a daily morning practice, and the soft autumn weather. The previous owner told me winter doesn’t really begin until after Christmas in Monferrato.
There is so much to explore, create, and allow to unfold, but here is a start. More information will be added as we move forward. Meanwhile don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Your questions can help shape this website. Your presence will help shape Amiglia.
Welcome!
Zoe
A Place to Inspire
Art in Progress
Opening in October 2024
Ami - I am
Amiglia is a place in Italy where you can stay to:
Simply be
Work on your art
Conduct research
Live together in community
Remember your true nature
Find inspiration to uncover your unique expression
Philosophy
Our true nature is not something to work on, but to uncover. It’s found not in form, but in the formless. At Amiglia, we examine what stands in the way of being free from identifications and attachments, fully committing to taking self-responsibility. All we can truly say about what we are is "I Am." Not someone or something, just "I Am"—pure being. We welcome those who resonate with this principle.
With full self-responsibility comes the realization that we are free to be who we truly are. As a community, we ask that everyone participate in the daily morning practice, but beyond that, you are free to socialize as much or as little as you wish.
When we realize our true nature, we understand that we are connected with all beings and all that is. Our true nature is Love, and this is naturally expressed in many different ways, one of which is through silence.
The Name Amiglia
Ami is an anagram of ‘I am’ - all we can say about our true nature. It is often suggested as a reminder in Non-duality philosophy (Advaita Vedanta).
Ami is a form of the verb ‘amare’ (to love) in Italian.
Ami: A for Arts, M for Meditation, I for Inquiry.
Amiglia reminds us of the Italian word Famiglia.
Pronunciation: Don’t pronounce the g - just say ‘amilia’.
It’s a girl.
Daily Life
Daily Morning Practice
Everyone at Amiglia participates in the daily morning practice, which consists of half an hour of conscious movement with music followed by half an hour of silent meditation. This practice is accessible to beginners and stimulating for those who may struggle with consistency when practicing alone. It serves as the nucleus of our small community, connecting us all beyond words and work.
Meals and Karma Yoga
We share three meals a day, and each person contributes an hour of karma yoga daily. Whether it’s cutting vegetables, doing dishes, or working in the garden, this is another way to contribute and connect with the community.
Weekly Sharing Circle
Once a week, we gather to share how things are going, listen to each other, and discuss any tasks that need attention. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this sharing circle.
Self-Realization Practice
In addition to the morning meditation, Zoe offers moments of inquiry and practice to support the path of self-realization.
Special Weeks
During special weeks, the morning meditation continues with everyone at Amiglia, including participants and work-exchange guests, joining together.
Community Contributions
There is space to share music, propose activities, exchange treatments, or teach a class in something you’ve mastered, further enriching our collective experience.
Ways to Stay
As a guest: you can come anytime and stay at Amiglia as a guest. You participate in the morning meditation and do one hour of karma yoga a day. Apart from that you use your time to relax or work for yourself.
As a work-exchange guest: you work 4 hours a day (5 days a week) and you pay only a small amount of money for your stay.*
As a participant of a Special Week: you stay as a guest (you take part in the morning meditation and do one hour of karma yoga) and follow the program as it is announced.
Where It is and How to Get There
Amiglia is situated in Piemonte, near the Liguria border, in the village of Spigno Monferrato. It’s located roughly between Turin and Genoa, surrounded by the Apennines mountains. A railway station is just 3 km from Amiglia, with trains running between Savona (50 minutes away and by the sea) and Alessandria, making it convenient to reach by train. The nearest airport is in Genoa, though you may also find good connections via Turin or Milan.
If you’re traveling with a van or camper van, we recommend setting the Spigno Monferrato railway station as your initial destination to avoid small and steep roads before continuing to Amiglia.
Address: Regione Lochetto, 4, 15018 Spigno Monferrato AL, Italy
Amiglia Is Art in Progress
Amiglia is still a work in progress, not yet fully revealing its potential beauty. However, the place has been chosen precisely because it invites the uncovering of its beauty and our creativity. You are welcome to come, explore, and be part of this art in progress.
Thank you for your openness and flexibility. Initially, our meditation hall will not be ready, so we will hold the morning meditation wherever it is most convenient. When the weather allows, that might even be outdoors.
