COMPASSIONATE CAVE
Compassionate Cave: A Sanctuary in Amsterdam Noord
At Movement Matters, we are proud of our past project, the Compassionate Cave, located in the heart of Amsterdam Noord at NDSM. For 5.5 years, we transformed an old traffic light factory office into a sanctuary for connection, compassion, and community. This unique space served as a long love letter to the neighborhood, welcoming everyone to unwind and restore.
Our Compassionate Cave was home to 15 talented and loving bodyworkers and therapists, offering diverse practices from shiatsu to osteopathy. Working with such a dedicated team was our greatest gift, and their compassion and expertise made the Cave a true haven. It was extra-ordinary to have such wild flowers in our team, all with different talents.
We acknowledge that each person had their own favorite therapist within our team, forming unique and cherished bonds. When the project concluded, it was natural for a sense of loss to follow, as these special connections were an integral part of the healing journey. We invite you to learn more about the extraordinary individuals who made up our team on the following page, where their stories and contributions are celebrated and remembered.
Originally designed as a womancave and a sensory retreat for people with neurodiversity, it quickly became a cherished compassion sanctuary for many.
Visitors were often surprised by the contrast between the industrial exterior and the warm, inviting interior – a grotto-like space with clay plaster walls. This unexpected sanctuary provided a place for people to unburden their hearts, find solace, and reconnect with what truly matters.
The Compassionate Cave was more than just a physical space; it was a place where time was taken for empathy and understanding, allowing people to reflect on the essentials of life and find refuge from the outside world. We honor the legacy of the Compassionate Cave and the incredible team that made it all possible.
