Last week we included the workshop by Susan Bögels, who focuses on integrating mindfulness into family life, as well as the podcast series by Ank and Mirjam called 'Being chronically ill'. Now we would like to share with you two Live Courses that are even closer to the core of Buddhist psychology: the year group 'Eight steps to happiness' by Michaël Verlouw and 'Four paths to well-being and realization' by Frits Koster.

All these initiatives fit in seamlessly with the substantive direction of 30NOW. As a Buddhist-inspired platform, we strive to provide inspiration from different traditions and movements, while also creating space for integrating mindfulness from a Western perspective. We strive to practically connect with the diversity of all our participants and provide tailor-made inspiration and practice. We do this on the one hand through short workshops, lectures and podcasts on specific topics, and on the other hand by supporting participants and offering depth during a longer-term journey on the meditation path.

Michaël Verlouw's Year Group includes no fewer than 10 monthly live sessions and weekly inspiring emails. We saw in the previous year group, 'Dancing with life', that a lot was shared and exchanged within a motivated group. Practicing together proves to be particularly supportive of further exploration and growth on the path of meditation.

Eight steps to happiness by Michaël Verlouw

In addition to the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path is the central tenet of Buddhist psychology and indicates the path from 'stress and suffering' to 'freedom from stress and suffering'. The Eightfold Path is the path to true freedom.

Using eight steps, you will learn to make lasting changes in almost all aspects of your life. You will see in depth that it is possible to make choices that are beneficial and contribute to your happiness and that of others and you will learn to make those choices from a deep contact with your own values.

This year group is intended for anyone who wants to become acquainted with Buddhist psychology, deepen his/her meditation practice or become acquainted with a clear and accessible view of life. Once understood and integrated into your daily life, it provides a feeling of happiness and freedom, regardless of the circumstances.

• Year group / Live course of 10 months by Michaël Verlouw
• 10 live sessions and additional live Q&A sessions.
• The year group offers live sessions, weekly inspiration emails and various exercises, with all content available for review during and afterwards.
• March 31, 2024 – January 19, 2025
• More information & registration: 30NOW.nl/acht-stappen-naar-geluk

Four paths to well-being and realization with Frits Koster

In this live course we explore four paths or 'directions' to (spiritual) growth, realization and satisfaction. These paths, known in Buddhist psychology as the four iddhipāda or 'foundations of magical power', include: deep interest, devotion and commitment, a positive and wholesome attitude, wisdom and insight.

These qualities are crucial in the practice of meditation and help realize life values. Throughout the course we will explore both the value and pitfalls of these indicators:

We approach the concepts from different perspectives, including Buddhist psychology, contemporary positive psychology and neuropsychology. In addition, there are joint meditation practices, interpersonal explorations and you will receive tips and techniques for further developing these qualities in daily life. The live course offers tools for a life with more inner peace, freedom and a deeper connection with the world around you.

• Live Course by Frits Koster;
• 5 weeks – from April 2 to May 7, 2024;
• Weekly live sessions;
• Each week unlocks a themed page with meditations, insights and exercises, supported by interactive community support, to deepen your meditation practice;
• More information & registration: 30NOW.nl/vier-wegen-naar-welzijn-en-verwezening

live tip

On Sunday evening, February 25, you are very welcome to Jikai Brunner's live lecture: 'The five invitations: inspiration from the dying for your life'.

Zen teacher Frank Ostaseski wrote a beautiful book about his profound experiences with dying people at the Zen Hospice of San Francisco.

The stories move me again and again. He distilled five insights or invitations to all of us that I share with you and with which we can explore how we can live our lives in a way that is meaningful to ourselves and in relation to the people around us.

Frank Ostaseksi The Five Invitations. Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully

Dutch: The five insights – discover what death can teach us about living life to the full. levboeken.nl

• Participation link will appear a few hours before the start 30NOW.nl/live
• This Live Lecture is also made possible through dana/ free gifts
• For more daily Live Meditation and Lectures visit 30NOW.nl/live