Amma Italy Center, at Nebbioli
Dear friends, we are happy to offer a valuable opportunity for practice again this year in Italy. In the spring, seven nuns and monks from Plum Village will accompany us on a retreat designed for young people, but open to participants of all ages, focusing on the theme of peace: the peace we can choose to cultivate within ourselves, so connected to the peace outside of us.
On this occasion we will have the opportunity to practice together for five days, savoring the energy of presence through breathing, mindful steps, the practice of mindful eating, sharing and other activities aimed at nurturing the seed of peace within us and around us.
Retreat dedicated to 18-35 year olds and open to the entire community.
While designed for the 18-35 age group, the retreat is open to practitioners of any age including beginners.
When
The retreat starts on April 30 with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. The first activity will be dinner at 6 p.m. It concludes after lunch on Sunday, May 4.
Where
Amma Italy Center, at Nebbioli Location, 44 Gavi (AL).
Easily reached by car or train. A shuttle service from Arquata Scrivia FS station to the Amma Italia Center will be available for those who request it.
The facility is fully accessible to people with mobility difficulties.
Indicative program
Morning meditation, body awakening practices, meals in mindfulness, teachings, meditative practices, group sharing, evening meditation and noble silence. All teachings and practices will be in Italian or English with Italian translation.
Food
Meals will be vegan. Any food intolerances/allergies must be reported at the time of registration.
Costs
Individual fees for participation in the retreat, including Amma Italia association membership fee, room and board for the entire period, are as follows:
- 290 euros shared room (bring single sheets, pillowcase and towels)
- 220 euros for those staying
- 170 euros without staying at the facility. It is possible to book a room at nearby B&Bs. Those opting for this option are kindly requested* to register for the retreat only after identifying the host B&B, handling the reservation independently. Here is a list of nearby facilities: https://www.amma-italia.it/strutture-ricettive-nei-dintorni/.
These rates cover the facility’s out-of-pocket costs, room and board.
Dana
Considered part of mindfulness practice, it involves cultivating generosity; is a way to express gratitude to the nuns and monks for their choice of spiritual life and their willingness to share the teachings.
Those who are able, can contribute to the monks’ travel expenses, support their efforts in sharing the practice, and help Plum Village and the monastic community in their needs and projects.
We recommend considering these contributions according to one’s availability, which can be reclaimed in addition to the registration fee at the time of payment by making a single transfer (e.g., 290€ + dana 100€= total transfer 390€)
Scholarships
Any difficulties in meeting the costs of the retreat can be expressed in the registration request and will be answered once the costs are covered with the generosity of other participants.
Registration
For better organization, registrations must be made no later than April 15 exclusively through the form (coming soon) indicating all the required information.
You will receive a confirmation email containing the payment arrangements, once made the registration will be complete. Registration will close when 130 participants are reached, after which a waiting list will be established.
Cancellations
In case you are no longer able to attend the retreat, if a replacement with another participant will be possible, the full amount will be returned, otherwise the fee paid will be allocated 50% to the facility and 50% for the support of the monastic community. You are asked to give any notice to:
What to bring
Personal sheets and towels, your own pillow or meditation bench, a yoga mat or plaid to use on the floor, notebook and pen, personal hygiene products (e.g., soap, shampoo). The facility provides plenty of chairs. We suggest comfortable clothes, including for exercise physical activity; slippers/socks for indoor spaces and the meditation room, which is accessed without shoes.
We look forward to welcoming you!