What is so beautiful about NâmLiving

NâmLiving is living according to the Ethics of Nâm
The Ethics of Nâm are the way of living
That is guided by Nâm in Attitudes and Behaviour
Nâm is the Affirmation of what is not necessary to know
Because being of it, living itself is its affirmation

In such Affirmation the Ethics for living
Is rooted in and based on Compassion
Compassion is the sharing in the passion, which is living
Compassion is not a concept, it is only happening as a living
That is guided by Loving-kindness, Involvement and Respect

Living the Ethics by Yoginam, January 2026

The beautiful thing about NâmLiving is that it is very practical. The texts of Yoginâm often introduce all-encompassing concepts, like ethics, while at the same time offering translations of how to live them.

Although it sounds simple, it’s not always easy, because in my experience it asks for an unconditional openness in listening. But if you are ready to be involved, listening and following the invitations that life offers can be as simple as in the story below.

“Notre four de boulangerie manque de bois”

It all started when we received an e-mail saying: “Notre four de boulangerie manque de bois” - our bakery oven is running low on wood.

It was an invitation from the community that lives in the castle in Fisenne. They have a stone oven where they bake delicious bread, and this was an invitation to collect wood on their land behind the castle. We like this community and the things they do. They grow vegetables and have a small market on Fridays. They have an imker on their land who keeps bees and makes honey, and they have a fruit orchard from which they make jam. They also work with social workplaces, offering a social working space.

Supporting each other

We value supporting the local economy and being part of a local network. We buy our bread from them and visit their market on Fridays to buy local, organic vegetables. This invitation was another opening to get involved with one another. We went and noticed how surprised and happy the small group was to see us. We walked through the fruit orchard, into the woods. Some people started to collect the wood and we began sawing the tree trunks, separating the dead wood from the greener pieces and making little bundles we could still carry.

Jam and dried fruits for breakfast

We really enjoyed working together, sometimes in silence, sometimes with a small exchange and an occasional joke, revealing the dynamic and connection among them and with us. At the end of the day we were invited for tea. The home-baked bread with jam and honey on the table made for a Burgundian experience. Motivated by the inviting atmosphere, which is also always valued in Amonines, we decided to buy their jam and dried fruits to enrich our breakfast and to be able to offer our guests the possibility of taking something home with them.

The day concluded with the remark that they were very happy that our two houses are coming closer - a sentiment we wholeheartedly share.

Unconventional and imaginative: A playful way of Meaningful Living

Loving-kindness is an attitude of approaching life
Always with an open expectation towards others
You are the cause of the consequence in which you live
Infusing yourself with Loving-kindness as a basis
Will colour you consequence

Living the Ethics by Yoginam, January 2026

Having an open attitude

The course Meaningful Living can be seen as a playful way to practise this open attitude towards others, but also towards yourself and your perspectives on life, touching on the infinite potentiality we can realise when we understand that the way we act, think and speak creates both who we are and our world. As one participant concluded at the end of the course:

'We are part of and creator of our world. We have a responsibility and opportunity'.

The feedback of another participant was more on a practical level, when asked what this retreat did for her:

'The morning meditation with the drum. I never thought I could stand still for so long and after a few days be happy to hear the bell announcing meditation."

A vibrant visit: wonder and adventure in daily tasks

Involvement means an openness to situations as they appear
It means following challenges as they announce themselves
It means helping and giving assistance where it is required
It means a readiness to serve and an interest in other’s needs
It means being hesitant in refusal and in saying ‘no’
What you are presented with may be a Sign of Guidance
This means: carefully manage your activities and concerns
So that your living can be optimally of service

Living the Ethics by Yoginam, January 2026

Doing things together connects you with others

'I’ve been coming to the Asharum for about eight years now. At first to visit my friend, but soon also for my own peace of mind. I now come here about twice a year for my much-needed dose of putting things into perspective, relaxation and reflection. As soon as I open the garden gate, I feel the pressures slip away. I’ve been to Amonines so many times, and every visit is a different experience. Sometimes it is light and spring-like with long walks; other times it is cosy and wintry and I sit by the open fire for hours. More than in previous years, I felt drawn to activities in and around the house. I asked if I could help in the garden. We carried on creating the hedge: transporting tree trunks in a wheelbarrow and planting bamboo canes. We realised that we both love short projects – projects that require little effort but yield quick results, without needing to be finished in one go — talking about letting go ...
I love cooking, so I’m happy to help in the kitchen. We made a warm lunch together, exchanged recipes and discovered that we both love to improvise ánd are incredibly stubborn.

This time, I really experienced how doing things together connects you with others. I’m already curious to see what life lesson awaits me next time.'