I arrived here “alle porte del paradiso” feeling as if I had been hauled onto a desert island, finally finding land after weeks of being at sea. It really has been a refuge for me, the lavish physical space with all the generous touches, beautiful gardens and exquisite surroundings. I have felt nourished, healed and accepted.

Last year I came away with the precious gift of honoring and being more aware of the sacred space inside me. This time, with Ruth's gentle guidance, I have the gift of feeling, sensing, knowing that this sacred space inside me is my truth, my identity, my being – it is all that matters, it is all of me.

Some of my emotions have melted in the presence of this loving, accepting, receptive space. I have become more aware of my conditioned patterns and what is not me. I know this is probably just the tip of the iceberg! I look forward to remembering what else I am. With more awareness of what is and isn't me and with the knowledge that when my conditioned patterns, emotions, my anxieties and my desires take over, there is a place where I can be that is really me, that can be alongside my thoughts and emotions - that will accept them and still love me. What a relief and release !!!!

Meditation has begun to become a time for me to come home to myself – to keep revisiting, feeling and experiencing this sacred space, my heart, my soul; allowing it to grow and expand and gradually become a more prominent and integrated part of my daily consciousness. A better reason than I could ever have thought of to meditate. !!

Many, many thanks for these gifts. I hope to be with you again soon to go deeper into my spiritual journey and the wonders that lay ahead. Until then !! I will keep practicing, opening and unfolding. Everything beautiful and good for you both. Sarah, England

"Thank you so much for the retreat. It was a wonderful week. Now I make an altar at home and continue here. Some special moments was the special stillness in the Center and on the Center's farm. I remember a lilac butterfly sitting on a yellow flower. I look forward to coming back. Love, Chandi" London, England

"When we got home we realized how everything is driven by time. We remember back to the retreat and the feeling of timelessness that we experienced there. We learned that if we want to live a simple life we must be conscious of every minute of the day and see this as an opportunity to nuture our souls. After learning about simplicity and nakedness of our souls we wanted to scream to the world the wonders of love. The presence of God could be felt everywhere. Much love and blessings to you, Orlando and Edgar" Orlando, Florida

"It was so lovely to be together in the retreat and I still feel the retreat with me. I make this a part of my daily practice. I am called to sit more and am deepening to a larger expression or radiance of myself. Blessings, Helga"  Frankfurt, Germany

"I often think of the retreat with such a big gratitude inside myself and everything I received in your wonderful place in Assisi. I received so much from God, from you, and from all the people there. With your help I have discovered what God has given me. When you said, "We are really being carried" I felt so grateful. I feel connected. I feel calm. Drama is no longer a part of my life. I appreciate so much what has been given to me and I can follow my own way and find my task on Earth. Everything good for you, Helga" Hamburg, Germany