Spring brings movement – ​​and that also applies to our agenda.
We would like to remind you of the Self-Compassion workshop, a valuable opportunity to learn to look at yourself with kindness. In addition, we are pleased to announce something new: an inspiring haiku writing workshop led by Maarten Olthof. A creative afternoon in which you get to work yourself and learn to write your own haikus.

We would also like to introduce a new guide to you: Diecke van Bentum. You may have seen her guide a meditation – read more about her below. And finally, a familiar face is back in the circle: Karin Rekvelt is back after two years. She will mainly guide the shamatha meditation on Sunday mornings. It is great to welcome her back!

Finally, we would like to ask for your help. 30NOW Next – our weekly meditation evening for and by young adults – deserves more participants to truly flourish

Sincerely,
Dirk & Joost

Writing Haiku – Workshop

The Japanese haiku is the shortest form of poetry: only 3 lines with a total of 17 syllables. As a result, the writer must limit himself to the absolute essence of what he perceives. This is only possible by being fully aware in the here and now. As a result, the haiku expresses a momentary experience. A rich bouquet, but in a nutshell!

A haiku often expresses a loving and almost childlike wonder. Conversely, reading a haiku means experiencing the impressions, the atmosphere and the feelings of the moment of writing. It is a celebration to write a haiku for someone, and it is an extremely personal gift for the person who receives the haiku.

In this workshop by Maarten Olthof you will hear about the history of haiku, learn about Basho, the most famous haiku poet of all time, and read haikus. Eventually you will write some yourself. You will share these with other participants and listen to what they have written. We will start from meditation.

Writing a haiku is something you should do! Even kids can do it. So what are you waiting for? Reserve your spot before the workshop fills up.

📅 Sunday evening June 8th 19.00:21.30 PM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM

👥 Under the guidance of Maarten Olthof

🔗 More info & registration: 30NOW.nl/haiku

Introduction to Self-Compassion – May 25

Are you looking for more peace, balance and resilience in your life?  

Registration for Mila de Koning's workshop on self-compassion is still possible.

More information & registration >

Meet Diecke

Diecke van Bentum first came into contact with yoga and meditation when she was around sixteen, during a period of stress. The practice helped her to reconnect with her body, to relax and to (re)cognize her boundaries.

Around the age of twenty, she started training as a Raja Yoga teacher. After years of deepening in this tradition, she followed a ten-day Vipassana retreat according to the teachings of Goenka in 2014. The silence, contemplation and the sober character of the retreat matched her nature perfectly.

Through Vipassana she came into contact with mindfulness, which led her to become a trainer. In the years that followed she regularly attended retreats. These not only brought valuable insights, but also healing of old wounds – which made her a more relaxed and happier person. The emphasis on asceticism slowly shifted to a practice that became increasingly rooted in metta (loving kindness). The step towards Buddhism felt like a natural next step. She herself says about this: “Buddhism has helped me to accept life.”

Diecke draws a lot of inspiration from the suttas, Tibetan Buddhism and dhamma talks of Buddhist monks. In addition to the spiritual path, she seeks tranquility in nature, where she often walks with her dog Ramses. She also practices Ki Aikido - for her a form of meditation in movement. She teaches weekly yoga classes in Baarn, mindfulness training in Amsterdam and has been working as an acupuncturist since 2019.

🧘 Check out a recent meditation by Diecke below.

Welcome back Karin

We are pleased to welcome you Karin Recvelt welcome again to 30NOWAfter a two-year silence, she returns as a guide for live meditations, based on the shamatha tradition – calmness, concentration and stillness are central to this.

Are you curious about her approach?

🧘 Check out one of her previous meditations below.

📘 Follow her in-depth series: Shamatha Meditation: Calmness and Concentration.

👤 Read more about Karin on her supervisors page.

Viewing tips

live tip

Sunday May 18 – In conversation with Tetsue roshi

🕙 20:00 – 21:15 | Listening with your whole being – in conversation with Tetsue roshi

Ciska Hosen Matthes talks to Tetsue Roshi, a Zen master associated with the International Zen Institute (which also includes Zen center Noorder Poort).

Tetsue roshi combines coaching Zen students with her challenging work as a mediator in complicated care and contact arrangements in divorce cases. She listens to the child and ensures that the child's voice is taken seriously.

How she herself came into contact with Zen during her studies and how Zen practice helps her in mediating in conflict situations where emotions can run high; this interview is about that and more.

Beforehand, Tetsue roshi will guide us in a meditation; afterwards there will be room for questions.

🔗 The participation link for the above live session can be found at 30NOW.nl/live, or use the free e-mail announcements.

Give 30NOW Next future

We have been on the road for almost four months now 30NOW Next – an online sangha specifically for young adults (18–32 years), available via 30nownext.nl
Every Wednesday evening we come together to meditate, share experiences and support each other on our spiritual path. In a safe, open atmosphere we build connection and deepening within the 30NOW-community.

But: the group is still small – and that makes it difficult to really experience the power of such a sangha. 30NOW To keep Next alive and sustainable, more participants are needed.

Do you know a young adult (18–32 years old) who could benefit from this – a friend, colleague or family member? Share 30NOW Next then especially. Your invitation can make the difference.

To clarify: you will retain access to your courses

We noticed that after our previous newsletter there was confusion about access to course material. So here it is again in a nutshell:

✅ As a member, you have unlimited access to almost all course material from purchased courses - for example, all lectures, texts, reflections and guided meditations. You can continue to follow, review and deepen this at your own pace.

📹 Recordings of live sessions within courses will now be available for up to one year after the end of the course.

This also applies to the year group and is necessary for privacy and storage capacity reasons.

If you would like to save or watch a specific live session, please let us know by June 1st at the latest via 30NOW.nl/help, then we will be happy to find a suitable solution.