I hope you are doing well.

This newsletter focuses on the new workshop 'Dealing with thoughts' and the live course 'Mindful aging'.

Tomorrow there will be another Sangha Live evening, this time hosted by Ciska and Stef. During these evenings we will use Zoom Meetings, so we can see each other and strengthen the connection.

We are happy to be at 30NOW have so many valuable meditation guides. In this newsletter we would like to introduce you to the guides of 30NOW Next and Mindfulness Moment. They create a safe and inspiring space for meditation, reflection and connection.

Thank you for your involvement and sharing 30NOW with others!

Sincerely,

Dirk & Joost

Compassion for all AGES –
Live Course

We all have thoughts. They can be very useful, when we want to remember something, or want to explain something for example. But there are also moments when thoughts just keep going. Then they are not helpful.

In this workshop we will explore how to deal with unwholesome thoughts, both in meditation and in daily life. The Buddha gave several ways to do this.

We will take a look at a sermon in which the Buddha explains to us how to deal with unhelpful thoughts. We will practice together with the application of the tips he gives and of course there is room for questions and exchange.

With the tools that you are offered during the workshop, you can also continue to practice at home, so that thoughts no longer have to be an obstacle. Instead, we learn to deal with thoughts in a friendly and supportive way.

📅 Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
🕒 Time: 14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
👤 Supervision: Marjolein Janssen & Helena Pauptit
🔗 More information & registration: 30NOW.nl/dealing-with-thoughts

Mindful Aging – February 21

Growing older is inevitable, but how we deal with it makes all the difference. While it brings physical and social changes, it also offers opportunities for wisdom, reflection and growth. How can we grow older consciously and openly? 

Conscious aging gives you the opportunity to slow down, reflect and grow with who you will become. 

In this six-week online course we explore this together through meditation, reflection and exchange. We delve into the challenges and richness of growing older, with space to share experiences.

📅 Starts: February 21, 2025

🗓 Weekly live sessions on Friday morning (10:00 – 11:30)

🎥 Guided exercises and reflection assignments available after each session.

🔗 More info & registration: 30NOW.nl/mindful-parenting

Compassion for all AGES – February 28

The world is in crisis, which calls for more compassion and well-being over prosperity. In collaboration with 30NOW provides Erik van den Brink the six-week live course 'Compassion for all AGES', an accessible version of the original compassion training.

We deepen our practice of compassion and explore how we can deal with ourselves, each other and the earth in a healthier way. Inspired by ancient wisdom, modern science and art, we search together for answers to life's questions.

You are most welcome on this journey of discovery.

📅 Starts: February 28, 2025

🗓 Weekly live sessions on Friday morning (9:30 – 11:30)

🎥 Video lectures, exercises and reflection assignments and more.

🔗 More info & registration: 30NOW.nl/compassion-for-all-ages

Meet the guides

van 30NOW Next

Do you want to deal with stress better, experience more kindness or improve your focus? 30NOW Next is for young meditators (18-32 years old) who want to grow together. In this online sangha, guided by young meditation practitioners, you can meditate, share experiences and find support for personal and social challenges.

📅 When?

Every Wednesday evening from 20:00 PM to 20:30 PM or 21:00 PM via Zoom Meetings.

✔ Even weeks: 20:00 – 21:00 (60 min)

✔ Odd weeks: 20:00 – 20:30 (30 min)

💡 What can you expect?

✅ Guided meditation and reflection

✅ Open conversation and exchange of experiences

✅ A safe and inspiring group

Participation is optional and free of charge. Join us and discover how meditation can enrich your life!

🔗 More info & registration: 30NOWnext.nl

Meet the guides

from Mindfulness Moment

Want to keep your mindfulness practice alive? Join our weekly Mindfulness Moment, especially for anyone with experience in mindfulness. Whether you have just completed a training or have been practicing for a while, these sessions will help you find peace and renew your attention.

Mindfulness requires regular practice—a kind of MOT for your attention. During these meetings, you create a moment of silence and renewed focus. Four experienced mindfulness trainers, trained by the Mindfulness Academy in Amsterdam or the Radboudumc Expertise Center for Mindfulness in Nijmegen, guide the sessions.

📅 When?

Every Tuesday evening from 20:00 PM to 20:30 PM via Zoom webinar.

💡 What can you expect?

✅ A short meditation

✅ A mindfulness theme from the training or daily life

✅ Space to share experiences via chat

🔗 More info & registration: MindfulnessMoment.nl

Live tips

📅 Sunday February 16 – Sangha Live with Stef Lauwers and Ciska Matthes

🎥 What are you feeding yourself with? The wise distinction.

🔗 Sangha Live sessions are only accessible to participants with a Membership. Already a member? Then go to 30NOW.nl/sangha for the participation link.

📅 Sunday March 2 – Live lecture with Leni Cellini

🎥 The mindful warrior – Learning to embrace emotions

The most healing thing about mindfulness and meditation is that all feelings are welcome. In this session we explore how to make space for emotions, without getting stuck in them or suppressing them.

We will do an exercise together in embracing feelings and end with a Q&A.

🔗 You can find the participation link before the start at 30NOW.nl/live, or use the free e-mail announcements.

Behind the scenes

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working at 30NOW is the consultation with fellow supervisors. In addition to coordinating meditations, it is mainly the conversations that inspire and connect.

Last week I had a nice conversation with Sherida. She told me about her vipassana retreat in Nepal and her morning routine: waking up early, meditating for an hour and then walking through a still sleeping Amsterdam. At 30NOW We often hear how much participants appreciate her calm voice and how much her meditations mean to them.

Joost