The call for compassion is getting louder in the world. So much is coming our way. The word crisis is heard more and more often: climate change, disruption of ecological balance, extinction of plants and animals, depletion of raw materials, (threat of) wars and pandemics. More stress and burnout, at an increasingly younger age. Less trust in politics, education, healthcare and the economy. Instability in more and more areas of society. Is there still a liveable future for our children and grandchildren?
We humans seem to be able to create both light and darkness. We can be boundlessly compassionate and creative and unfortunately also extremely hateful and destructive. How do we get the best out of ourselves instead of the worst? Every crisis offers an opportunity.
With Frits Koster I developed a compassion training (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living, MBCL) in mental health care as a follow-up to a mindfulness training. I am very grateful for the international interest in this. Not only in mental health care, but also in general health care, education, at the workplace, and in spiritual care. Afterwards I often hear from participants: 'I wish I had learned this at school.'
Now that I have finished my work in regular care, I would like to continue to work for health and well-being in the broadest sense. Our personal well-being is inextricably linked to the health of the larger whole (the eco-systems and social systems) of which we are a part.
Thanks to 30NOW I have been given the opportunity to offer this in-depth series Compassionate Living online, as an accessible, lighter form of the original compassion training. Tailored to the current challenges of our time. Intended for people in all their diversity, with whatever background and in whatever phase of life.
How can we deepen our practice of compassion and deal more healthily with ourselves, with each other and with the earth as a whole? Of course, there is no ready-made manual for this. This deepening series is a way to make a start. We are inspired by wisdom from all times, by modern science, by nature, art and culture.
Especially in difficult times we often ask ourselves the big questions again: who are we, where do we come from, where do we want to go? What is truly valuable and do we want to pass on to future generations? How can we, while we are oppressed by everything, still stand in the world with an open mind? How can we deal with our individual and collective pain, our desires and insecurities, with the animal in us and the storyteller in us? How do we connect with the wisdom of the heart? How can we play, share and heal in a responsible way?
Would you like to join us on this journey of discovery, tailored to your own needs and situation, at your own pace?
You are most welcome!
You can start this in-depth series when you answer the following questions affirmatively:
- Are you through 30NOW, or otherwise, become familiar with the basic practice of mindfulness and meditation?
- Do you need deepening exercises in compassion, for yourself and for others?
- Are you willing and stable enough to independently do exercises to explore yourself – including the more difficult areas – to discover how to live compassionately?
- Are you affected by the challenges of our time and are you looking for ways to contribute to healthy living and a better world in a conscious and committed way?
- Are you prepared to spend an average of 30 to 45 minutes a day on a six-week online course (intended) – during which you can dose the exercises and determine the pace according to your own needs?
The deepening series consists of six consecutive weeks with themes and exercises that build on each other in terms of content. After registering, you will have direct access to the full material and you can absorb the content at your own time and at your own pace.
Each week consists of:
- A video lecture on the theme of the week (six lectures in total of approximately 30 minutes).
- Guided meditations in audio format for daily practice (A total of 14 meditations with an average duration of 20 minutes.).
- Supporting texts, in-depth short videos and practical tools for personal practice, reflection and application in daily life.
You are completely free to determine at what pace you go through the series. A period of at least six weeks is recommended, with an average of half an hour of practice daily. However, this can be shorter or longer, depending on your experience and circumstances.
During the deepening series you can use the weekly pages to reflect on the themes and exercises and share your own experiences. There is a response option where both the supervisor and other participants can post messages.
This is what you can expect
The deepening series consists of six weekly themes. Each weekly page starts with a recorded video lecture by Erik, in which the theme of that week is explained and deepened, followed by listening and reflection exercises, reading and viewing tips for inspiration. It is recommended to spend at least a week on the themes and exercises before continuing with the next lecture. Of course, you can also take longer to deepen.
Lectures in video format
In total the series contains six lectures of approximately 30 minutes each, which you can watch at a time that suits you. The lectures form the introduction to the weekly theme and the accompanying exercises.
The lectures are taken from the live course “Compassion for all AGES”. Sometimes this name will be used or a reference to live sessions, which are not part of this in-depth series.
Listening exercises
After the lecture you can listen to the guided meditations for that week. It is recommended to set aside about 30 minutes of practice time each day.
Reflection exercises
In these exercises you reflect on experiences in the guided meditations and in your daily life. It is recommended to write down valuable insights in a special notebook or digital document, so that you can read them later.
Inspiration
Here you will find pithy sayings and poems that fit the theme of the week.
Viewing tips
For further inspiration, here are short films that explore the week's theme in a different way.
In-depth exercises
These exercises are meant to be done only when you are sufficiently familiar with the previous exercises. They are usually a bit more challenging because they invite you to explore a difficult area within yourself. Compassion can indeed awaken when we encounter suffering. You do not have to choose a very heavy theme right away. Choosing with kindness is an exercise in itself.
Suggestions for movement exercises are also provided with links to videos of mindful qigong with the facilitator.
Support and connection
Here you will find the opportunity to share experiences and read those of others. Consider this exchange as an exercise in developing respect and compassion, towards yourself and others. The facilitator also actively participates in this.
For personal questions you can contact the supervisor directly by email.
Further after the event
After completing this deepening series, you may want to continue practicing with others. Then you can register separately for the ongoing practice group 'Compassionate Living'In this group you practice monthly online with like-minded people (10 times a year), so that you can stay connected, motivated and inspired after the series.
