Newsletter: In embracing what is, Asha gently surprises
Living in Asha: A continuation of letting go and creation
Slowly the signs of autumn begin to show themselves. The light is dim, mist hangs over the forest, the trees shed their leaves and fruits, and mushrooms sprout from the ground. Life retreats to its roots. The old becomes a source of nourishment for the new that is yet to come. The air is crisp, and the whole spectacle reminds us that everything passes. It is the movement of life itself, as Yoginâm puts it:
‘I/World’ is Asha, a continuous spectacle of phenomena in situations.
The movement of life - an example from daily living
As summer draws to a close, life in Asha takes on a more tranquil pace. We were expecting only one guest, and despite the delay in maintenance work, we were assured that our sewage system would be ready and functional by 3 p.m., so we were confident that we would be able to welcome our guest without any issues.
As the day progressed, however, we discovered that the toilets would be out of service until 6 p.m. Imagine how awkward it is to tell a guest who has just driven for three hours that they cannot use the facilities upon arrival. The idea was a bit uncomfortable, but the guest was probably already on his way. While we were pondering this, we received a phone call: the guest had fallen ill and decided not to come. The situation resolved itself.
At ten to six in the evening, the doorbell rang. There was a new guest at the door, asking if he could stay the night. Now that the toilet problem had been solved and a delicious soup was already waiting for our original guest, we welcomed him with open arms.
Adding to the day's unexpected turns, our cleaning lady, who would normally have come that morning, informed us that she couldn't come because her car had broken down. Normally her absence would have been missed, but given the circumstances, it now seemed perfectly logical.
At such moments, we are reminded of the beauty of Asha—filled with awe and wonder, and grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that life brings. We realise once again that we cannot control life, we can only trust that life will take care of itself!
Acceptance of what is
Instead of limiting potential to meet our expectations while protecting our needs, it is possible to be present in the moment and open to whatever comes. When guests come to the Asharum, they bring their own history, their own life experiences, their own desires and needs to find peace and let go. Sometimes people come for a Private Meditation Retreat, but are not yet ready to stay in silence; other times, people participate in the activities and find themselves entering into a deep silence. Being able to trust that everything that is needed will present itself is perhaps the key to fully accepting what is. The same applies to living in a community:
The Nâm Community is primarily sharing in an Ethics. In that Ethics it is recognised that people who are rooted in this same endeavour behave towards each other as a family.
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Nobody is ever judged, because from the perspective of the community everything and everybody’s behaviour is Asha, and as such a teacher for finding Abbah for those who witness it.
From: Nâm Community by Yoginâm, September 2025
Thanks to the community
We were very and pleasantly surprised by the news that Yoginâm was planning to contribute his birthday present to help pay for the maintenance work that urgently needs to be done in Amonines. Thank you for this wonderful gift!
Thanks to everyone who donated -whether for Yoginâm’s birthday or in response to our earlier appeal- an incredible sum of over €9,000 has been raised! This amount will enable Amonines to cover all essential expenses.
All this support – financial or otherwise – nurtures a deep sense of community and belonging and is greatly appreciated. Indeed together, we keep this place alive as a beacon of silence and beauty. Thank you very much!
Events
What Came Before and….
In terms of events, September was a relatively quiet month, marked by a Yoga Retreat and the Weekend of Silence. During the yoga retreat, one participant –who turned out to be a photography student– took photographs of the garden; green and vibrant, a testament to a summer of rainy nights and sunny days.
Garden-Impressions by Sarah Rodriguez
… What Lies Ahead
This course explores different ways to enter a meditative state, including the unique practice of "breathing through the skin". Often seen as the boundary between self and world, the skin becomes a gateway—opening us to greater spaciousness and connecting us to a state beyond boundaries.
Held several times a year, the value of this programme becomes more apparent with each time. It’s both moving and inspiring to see participants step out of their comfort zones and into the unknown. While it’s natural to interpret new experiences through familiar lenses, this event gently challenges you to let go of that tendency—and open fully to something truly new.
For those seeking to reconnect with the essence of being and embrace inner quiet during the transition into the new year, we offer the Nâm Retreat of Silence.
Through a daily rhythm of meditation, silence, and shared meals, this retreat creates space for stillness and inner discovery. As thoughts settle, the gentle rhythm of the breath anchors you in the present.
A daily online HarpMood with Yoginâm in Spain significantly deepens the experience, gently dissolving inner barriers and guiding transformation.This retreat brings lightness to daily life and opens the way to a sense of unconditional wellbeing, the inherent potential of all living.
Returning to Letting Go and Creation
Letting go makes room for something new. This can happen on many levels—especially in how we think and what we believe. Often, we’re not aware of how these ideas shape the way we see ourselves and the world.
One question that often comes up in this context is: “How can I stop myself from overstepping my boundaries?”
Irma wrote a blog about this, showing how your perception can change the flow of Asha. To read the blog, click here
