More Than Just a Space.
In 2001, Yoni and I were done with the constant hunt for the perfect workshop space.
We wanted a place that was truly ours—a space tailored to our needs, free from the restrictions and whims of others.
But finding such a place? That was a challenge. We needed a spot big enough for our groups (up to 50 people), tolerant of the music levels we used in our workshops, accessible enough so people wouldn’t hesitate to come, and—most importantly—affordable on our non-existent budget.
For months, we scoured Amsterdam, but every potential space had a deal-breaker.
Then, in mid-August 2001, we found something promising: a basement in a historic building on one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals—Herengracht.
This wasn’t just any basement; it was the former cafeteria of Amsterdam University, a place with a rich history.
Mention “H88” to anyone of a certain age, and they’d know exactly what you were talking about.
The space had potential, but it needed a complete overhaul to fit our vision.
We needed a training room, sleeping quarters for our residential programs, a kitchen, dining area, and proper bathrooms.
And yes, we had high standards.
To complicate matters, Yoni and I were scheduled to start our Flow retreat in Scotland in early September, leaving us no time to oversee the renovation.
Enter our dear friends Gidoen and Thorsten, the same duo who had helped transform our home into a colorful haven.
They offered to take on the renovation and promised to have it ready by the third week of September, just in time for our first activity there.
Their only request? Free participation in our activities. We didn’t hesitate to agree.
We handed them our budget, and off we went to Scotland while they got to work.
When we returned, we were stunned. The transformation was unbelievable.
The basement dungeon was now a cozy, inviting space where everyone felt at home.
The long corridor was adorned with beautiful illustrations from the Zen Buddhist story of the 10 Bulls.
The training room was pristine and serene, and they had turned the solarium into a fantastic lounge.
For the next five years, H88 became our second home.
We held weekly evening activities and residential weekends there.
Our flagship programs, One Experience and Leadership From The Heart, turned H88 into a haven for us and the many people who participated in our programs.
These were the days when we introduced the Dutch community to programs that encouraged emotional expression, Shamanism, and meditation.
From Tantra to emotional release, we explored it all, and along the way, many of our students became lifelong friends.
It wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely an adventure.
H88 changed lives—not just ours, but the lives of many others. It was our second home, not just because of the time we spent there, but because it was a space where Thom could be part of our journey.
Even my father, who was far from spirituality, felt at home when he visited in 2002.
It was a glorious chapter in our lives, but like all good things, it eventually came to an end.
We moved on to new adventures, but the memories of H88 and the magic we created there will always stay with us.
