Courses

Important points to consider when participating in a retreat

When participating in an online retreat, there are some important points to consider:

We use Zoom Meetings. To do this, you must download and install the Zoom application on your device (once) in advance. If you are not familiar with Zoom Meetings, please review the 'How does Zoom Meetings work?' manual prior to the retreat.
Technical preparation: Check your internet connection, audio and video settings to ensure a smooth experience. We assume that you will be able to be present with image and sound during the Zoom sessions.
This is a 'camera-on' retreat. We want to create a space that feels as much like we are together as possible. That's why we all have the camera on in the Zoom sessions. This gives a feeling of sitting together, instead of just seeing names on a screen. We also invite you, if it suits you, to meditate in images. So that we feel the connection together as a sangha. You don't have to sit facing the screen while meditating.
Calm and Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you will be distracted or disturbed as little as possible. This promotes a focused meditation experience. Let housemates know that you are participating in a retreat and ask for support in creating a quiet setting during the retreat days to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Timetable: Follow the stated retreat timetable, including login times for sessions and breaks. This helps to maintain the structure and depth of the retreat.
Interaction and involvement: Actively participate in the sessions by turning on your camera. Turn off your microphone except when speaking to avoid background noise. Ask questions and participate in exchanges when invited, as you would during a physical retreat.
Self-Discipline: Since you are at home, it takes some self-discipline to participate as you would at a physical retreat. Hold yourself accountable for your involvement. Stick to the retreat schedule as much as possible. During the retreat, suggestions are given for activities between meditations, such as working meditation (samu) in or around your home. Allow yourself the experience of making the retreat last all day.

Does 30NOW provide Teachings and Courses in English?

Most of the offerings are in Dutch, but we regularly offer Live Lectures in English. In addition, some Live Courses, In-Depth Series and Live Retreats are also largely in English. See 30NOW.nl/courses-series and use the language filter.

Good to know: The translation option in the menu bar is a feature that allows you to easily translate the content of 30NOW.nl from Dutch to English. The button, when clicked, activates a translation tool that automatically converts the text on the page from Dutch to English, making it more accessible for users who speak English but not Dutch.

Do I need a Membership to participate?

No, for participation in (almost all*) Live Courses, Deepening Series and Live Retreats is not Membership required.
If you don't have a Membership, you can easily create a free one Courses account .
This will give you the correct access to your courses and you will receive all related information by email.

Want to know which account suits you best? Check out compare accounts.

* The series hard meditations is available exclusively to members.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us.

Do I have unlimited access to course materials?

With an active membership you have unlimited access to the course material of purchased courses. This material includes video lectures, texts, exercises and guided meditations.
From April 2025, there will be one exception: recordings of live sessions (such as Zoom meetings within courses and year groups) can be viewed with membership for a maximum of one year after the end of the course, due to privacy considerations and limited storage capacity.

How do I use my Inspiration Gift?

Received an inspiration gift? First of all, welcome!

The Inspiration Gift is included in the email you received as a PDF attachment. This contains the activation code.
Log in with you 30NOW account. None yet 30NOW account? Then make one here first free Courses account .
Select the Floor Series listed on your Inspiration Gift.
Enter the Inspiration Gift activation code in the registration form. This changes the purchase amount to zero euros.

Do you have questions about activating your Story sequence? Please contact Team Support. We are happy to help you!

How can I pay?

You can make payments on the following pages:

Courses: Payments for courses are made via the registration pages at 30NOW.nl/courses-series.
Membership: Payments for membership are made via 30NOW.nl/membership.
Donations: Donations for the supervisors can be made via 30NOW.nl/donate.

We currently support the following online payment methods:

iDEAL, credit and debit cards, PayPal, Bancontact, SEPA transfer, SOFORT Banking, KBC/CBC Payment, Belfius Direct Net, and GiroPay.

You can also transfer the membership rate or course participation rate to bank account number NL11BUNQ2067341758 in the name of 30NOW. When making the transfer, please state which contribution it concerns and send us an email message, so that we know to which email address the membership or course access should be linked.

Thanks in advance!

How can I cancel my participation in a course or workshop and what are the conditions?

To cancel your participation in a course or workshop, we ask you to do the following:

Send Email: Please send a cancellation request as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours before the start of the course or workshop, via the contact form. 30NOW.nl/help. Please include your full name and the specific course or workshop you have registered for.
Administration costs: Please note that in the event of cancellation, a 6% administration fee will be deducted from the total amount of your registration. These costs are necessary for the administrative handling of your cancellation.
Return: You will receive a refund of the remaining amount (after deduction of administration costs) if your cancellation takes place at least 24 hours before the start of the course or workshop.
Refund: The amount to be refunded will be deposited into the same account with which the payment was made. This usually happens within a few working days after your cancellation has been processed.

How long do I have access to the course material?

With an (active) Membership you have unlimited access to the course material of the Live Course or In-depth series you have purchased.
With a Courses account, the access period differs per Live Course or In-depth series. More information about this can be found on the registration page of the relevant Live Course or In-depth series.

Do you have a question about this? Please contact contact us.

How do I post and delete a comment?

Check out the screenshot below to see how to post and delete a message.

Click here the screen recording.

How does Zoom Meetings work?

At 30NOW we make, during the Live Courses, 30NOW Next and Live Sangha evenings, using Zoom Meetings.
At the daily Live Meditations and Live Lectures on Sunday, we use Zoom Webinar.
The explanation below is about Zoom Meetings and therefore applies to the Live Courses, 30NOW Next and Sangha Live evenings.

What is Zoom Meetings

Zoom Meetings is a video platform that makes it possible to organize online sessions/meetings where participants can see and hear each other live.

To participate in a Zoom Meetings you need an internet connection and a computer or mobile device.
You install the Zoom application (once only) via zoom.us/download.
Joining then goes through a unique meeting URL or meeting ID.
You will receive this from 30NOW by email and is also visible on the Week or Month pages of the Live Course.
You can then turn on your audio and video yourself and send chat messages.

Short video tutorial

A handy video manual on how to participate in a (Live) Zoom meeting can be found below.

Using "Reactions" or "Reactions"

During a Zoom meeting, participants can use reactions by clicking on the "Reactions" icon in the bottom bar. This opens a pop-up menu with different emoticons to select. After selecting an emoticon, it will be displayed on the participant's screen and visible to the facilitator and other participants of the live session. Reactions can be used to communicate quickly and non-disruptively with other participants during the live session, for example to indicate that you would like to respond by saying something.

Changing your name during a live session

Windows | macOS | Linux:

Join a Zoom meeting using the Zoom desktop app.
Click on Participants in the Zoom-in meeting controls.
Hover your mouse over your name and then click on the ellipsis.
Click Change Name.
A pop-up window will appear. In the pop-up window, enter your display name.
Click Change.

Android | iOS:

Join a Zoom meeting using the Zoom mobile app.
Tap Participants in the Zoom-in meeting controls.
Tap your name and then tap Change Name.
A pop-up window will appear.
In the pop-up window, enter your display name. Tap Done.

Website:

Join a Zoom meeting using the web app.
Click on Participants in the Zoom-in meeting controls.
Hover your mouse over your name and then click More.
Click Change Name.
A pop-up window will appear. In the pop-up window, enter your display name.
Click Change.

Test beforehand

Before participating in a Zoom Meeting, it can be nice to gain some experience with Zoom Meetings. For this you can:

Join the next Zoom Meetings test session available 24/7 at https://zoom.us/test
In Zoom you can test your sound and microphone in settings:
- Click the sound icon in the bottom left corner of the Zoom application.
- Select "Test Speaker and Microphone" from the menu.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to test the audio and microphone.
- If the test is successful, you should be able to hear what you are saying through the speaker and the sound level of your microphone should be displayed.
In addition, all live sessions are opened for participation fifteen minutes before the start so that you can test your image and sound.

General technical tips

When participating in a Zoom Meeting, you should pay attention to the following:

Stable internet connection: Make sure you have a stable and fast internet connection to participate in the Zoom Meeting without interruption.
Working camera and microphone: Make sure your camera and microphone are working properly and that you are clearly visible/audible to other participants. Do you have doubts? Then test your image and sound beforehand. See 'Pre-testing' above.
Up-to-date: Make sure your Zoom application is up-to-date. You can download and install the latest version from zoom.us/download

Do you have other questions?

Then contact Team Support. We are happy to help you!

How does 30NOW exactly funded?

We distinguish between 4 payments:

Donations/dana for the supervisors of the daily live sessions: This supports the facilitators in providing the live meditations and lectures. The amounts received are periodically distributed among the facilitators who have provided a live meditation or lecture.
More information (with a video message about dana van Joost): 30now.nl/donate
Membership Payments: These payments make the platform 30NOW possible. The following applies here: Because every personal situation differs, we want to give you the choice of which amount for the Membership is feasible or appropriate for you.
More information: 30now.nl/membership
The Membership payments enable us to:
- Facilitate the current offer;
- to take care of the communication;
- Provide support where needed;
- To further develop the platform technically;
- Broaden the offer.
Participation rate for Live Courses and In-depth series: This is possible 30NOW offer the Live Courses and In-depth series in collaboration with the supervisor(s) involved. More information: 30now.nl/courses-series
Free gift for 30NOW: Finally, there is the possibility to make a free donation in the meantime 30NOW to transfer. The amounts received are spent in the same way as with the Membership. It is additional support for the team that works in the background every day to facilitate our mission 'Making meditation accessible to everyone'.
More information: 30now.nl/over-30now

At the same time, money should never be a barrier to participation. That is why:
If it is not possible to pay the Membership base amount or a course participation fee, please contact contact us so that we can make a suitable appointment for you. Although we incur costs as an organization, we believe that money should never be an obstacle to access.

Thanks on behalf of the team of 30NOWThank you on behalf of all supervisors for your support!

I have another question / My question is not listed

Is your question not listed? Please contact Team Support, we are happy to help you!

Is Zoom safe?

At 30NOW we make, during the Live Courses and Live Sangha evenings, using Zoom Meetings.
At the daily Live Meditations and Live Lectures on Sunday, we use Zoom Webinar.

A characteristic of Zoom Webinars is that participants are not visible and audible.
At Zoom Meetings we apply extra security measures so that access is only possible for the course participants.

Questions or doubts? take contact us.

Can I purchase/give a course for someone else?

For most Floor Series, this is possible with the Inspiration Gift: 30NOW.nl/inspiratie-cadeau

Can I receive an invoice in the name of an organisation/company?

Yes, that's possible. When purchasing the Membership, Live Courses, In-depth Series or the Inspiration Gift, you can enter the details of the organization/company in the registration form. After payment you will receive the invoice, with the entered company data, in your mailbox.

Can I share meditations and lectures with others?

To the 30NOW Live sessions can be enjoyed by anyone, with or without 30NOW account, join live.
De 30NOW Live sessions that you can watch with the Membership you can also freely share with anyone. For this you use the share buttons that are visible on every review page.

Click here the screen recording.

The meditations from the 30 Day Series and other courses and in-depth series you can't share it anyway.

Can I also pay by transferring an amount instead of via the online payment system?

Yes, that is certainly possible. We understand that some prefer direct bank transfers. That is why we offer the option to make payments by transferring an amount to our account number.

Follow the steps below to complete your payment:

Payment via Bank Transfer: Transfer the amount to IBAN NL11BUNQ2067341758 in the name of 30NOW. Make sure you clearly state the name of the product you are paying for in the description of your payment. For example: 'In-depth series RAIN', 'Year group Eight steps to happiness', or 'Ambassador membership 12 months'.
To inform: After transferring the amount, please send us a message via the contact form at 30NOW.nl/help. Please include the product you paid for and the email address you provided. 30NOWaccount is linked. This is necessary so that we can process your payment correctly and link it to your account.

Once your payment has been processed, you will receive confirmation from us and further information on how to access the product you paid for.

Do you have any questions or need help with the process? Please feel free to contact us contact with us. We are here to help you.

Am I in the picture and can I be heard myself?

During the daily live meditations and the live lecture on Sunday, only the guide can be heard and seen. As a participant, you can respond via the chat.
During live sessions of Live Courses, Workshops and Retreats you can also (if desired) switch on your own camera and microphone.

Who is an online retreat for?

In general, retreats offer the opportunity to practice meditation more intensively. Participants follow a schedule of (partly guided) meditations during the day, often from morning to evening. The retreats at 30NOW are multi-day retreats and a requirement is that participants are already familiar with this. A retreat also requires some stability and psychological health. Although there is meditation together and there are moments of exchange, the guide is not able to provide you with the individual psychological care that you may need during the retreat.

For these reasons, we apply the following guidelines for participation:

You are familiar with meditation and mindfulness and practice regularly.
You currently do not suffer from seriously hindering traumatic or psychiatric conditions such as severe anxiety or depression.
If you have any doubts about your participation, you can contact the supervisor yourself. Based on your registration form, we can also take the initiative to explore whether participation in the retreat is suitable for you at this time.

Where can I find my Courses?

Once you are logged in, you can view your purchased Live Courses en In-depth series find in the main menu under COURSES > MY COURSES.

If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact us via 30NOW.nl/help.

Why is an account required to participate?

We need some basic information (first name, last name and email address) in order to register you for a Live Course, In-Depth Series or Live Retreat. This is done by creating a (free) Courses account or (paid) Membership account.

An account is required for the following reasons:

This way we know (30NOW and the course supervisor) who will participate;
To access the course material;
For sending additional information about the course;
For sending the newsletter.

Do you have a question about this? Please contact contact us.

What if I cannot afford the offer?

Participation in the 30 Day Series is free for 30 days.
In addition, the daily Live Meditation and Lectures offered on a free basis contribution / dana.
If you would like to use it Membership or want to participate in one Live Course or In-Depth Series, but you really can't afford this, please send us a message. Although we incur costs as an organization, we believe that money should never be the reason for denying people access.

What is an online retreat?

An online meditation retreat is a virtual version of a traditional retreat, where participants participate from their own location via Zoom. During the retreat, participants follow a schedule of silent and guided meditations, lectures, mindful movement and exchange led by an experienced guide. The aim is to enable a deep meditation practice and reflection in your own location, just like in an on-site retreat, by creating a peaceful environment where you can be alone, relax and concentrate.

We encourage you to schedule yourself free for the entire period of the retreat. If this is not feasible for you, it is advisable to simplify your days as much as possible and consciously choose what you will and will not do.

What is a week, month, theme or lesson page?

These are pages that are specifically designed for a certain moment within a Live Course or Deepening Series. It contains all the necessary information and materials for that specific week or month, with for example lectures in video format, deepening texts, quotes, exercises and guided meditations in audio format.

These pages are intended to support you as a course participant step by step in following the course and to highlight the theme of that moment.
These pages also offer the opportunity to respond by sharing a question, for example. This is an important part of learning and growing as a meditation practitioner, as it allows you to connect with the guide and other course participants. This can provide further depth of knowledge and experience, as well as answering any questions or uncertainties.

An example of a lesson page can be found below.

What is a Workshop?

A workshop is an online interactive meeting on a specific theme of 2 to 3 hours. The topics are diverse and have similarities with meditation, Buddhism and mindfulness. A supervisor shares his knowledge, insights and experience with this subject. During the workshops there are introductions, meditation and room for exchange.

Workshops are not recorded and therefore cannot be viewed afterwards.

What is the difference between Zoom Webinar and Zoom Meetings?

At 30NOW we make, during the Live Courses and Live Sangha evenings, using Zoom Meetings.
At the daily Live Meditations and Live Lectures on Sunday, we use Zoom Webinar. The explanation below is about Zoom Meetings and therefore relates to the Live Courses and Sangha Live evenings.

Zoom Meetings and Zoom Webinar are both Zoom products, but with different purposes and functions. Below are the main differences between these two products:

Purpose: Zoom Meetings is intended for group interaction where everyone can turn on their camera and microphone. Zoom Webinar is designed as a facilitator/speaker for a large group of participants to present with image and sound, whereby participants only respond via chat (and therefore cannot hear or see other participants).
Participants: In Zoom Meetings the participants can actively participate by speaking and chatting, while in Zoom Webinar the participants act as spectators and can only watch, listen and chat.
Presentations: With Zoom Meetings, multiple participants can come into view, while with Zoom Webinar there is only one facilitator/speaker and the rest of the participants only act as audience.
Features: Zoom Meetings offers features such as screen sharing, recording, chat, and virtual backgrounds, while Zoom Webinar has additional features such as Q&A sessions and pre-participation questions.
Security: Both products offer security features such as password protection and password protection, but Zoom Webinar offers additional security options such as participant registration and authentication.

In general, Zoom Meetings is aimed at smaller groups, while Zoom Webinar is aimed at larger groups and public presentations.

What can members do that non-members can't?

Op 30NOW.nl/accounts-compare you will find the differences per account.
In addition, it is good to know that you do not need an account to participate in the daily live meditations and lectures.

What are Breakout Rooms?

Splitting up into (live online) groups for interactive contact moments, with images and sound, is sometimes part of a Live Course.
For this purpose, supervisors use 'Breakout Rooms' in Zoom.

As a participant you always have the option not to participate in Breakout Rooms. In that case, you will stay in the so-called “Main Room” when the Breakout Rooms are active.

The supervisor will tell you the necessary information about this. You can also contact us if you have any questions Team Support.

Which account do I need?

Participation in Live Meditations and Lectures: No account is required to participate in our Live Meditations and Lectures. So you can participate directly live without registration.
Access to the Library: A Membership account is required to access the library, where you can view all meditations and lectures.
Participation in Courses: To participate in a course you need a Membership account or a Courses account.

Have a look at comparison of the different accounts to see which account suits you best.

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