MBCL Intensive (3 days)

During November 15-17, dr. Rhoda Schuling and dr. Marleen ter Avest will provide the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) Intensive at Studio Duinlust, Overveen. They will cover the ins and outs of the 8-week MBCL compassion training during three full days. The MBCL Intensive is suitable for healthcare workers (e.g., psychologists, doctors, nurses or therapists), mindfulness trainers and other professionals who work with people. Participants can attend the program to support their personal health and professional functioning, and also as a first step in applying compassion-focused work professionally. Additionally, the MBCL intensive is also recognized as an experiential introduction for healthcare workers and mindfulness trainers interested in the MBCL Teachter Training Program. More detailed information can be found below

For Whom?

The 3-day MBCL Intensive is suitable for people who:

• Work with people and are interested in applying mindfulness and compassion in their personal and professional lives;

• Have previously completed an 8-week mindfulness training (MBSR, MBCT or similar program);

• Are familiar with mindfulness practice in their daily lives;

• Are willing to contribute to a retreat atmosphere at the location (e.g., time and space outside for formal practice and self-care, mindful exercise, walking and meditating in silence);

• Are sufficiently physically and mentally healthy to participate in a 3-day retreat-style training;

• Are willing to exchange about heir experience during practice, both in small groups as well as plenary, from a place of respect for themselves and others.

Content The following will be covered during the 3-day MBCL Intensive:

• The 'low' path to compassion: nurturing the soothing system, rather than the anxiety and drive system;

• The ‘high’ path to compassion: performance exercises (safe place, compassionate companion, embodying compassion) and contemporary adaptations of traditional exercises such as metta and tonglen;

• Compassionately dealing with resistance, desire, stubborn patterns and difficult emotions; nurturing an inner helper rather than an inner critic;

• The gates of happiness: letting the good in, experiencing connection and meaning; forgiveness and gratitude;

• Cultivating the four friends of life (or “heart qualities”) in concert: kindness, compassion, and equanimity;

• Compassion in everyday life.

There will be regular opportunities for guided practice, such as mindful movement, qigong or walking meditation. One's own experience is the most important teacher. Where necessary, relevant insights from (neuro)sciences and psychology of East and West will be explained in an accessible way.

Literature Concise handouts will be provided. In addition, you are advised to purchase one of the following books which offer practice support and include audio exercises and other downloadable materials from the publisher's website.

• “Compassionate living - a mindfulness-based in-depth program” by Erik van den Brink & Frits Koster (Boom Publishers Amsterdam, 2016). Aimed at professionals.

• “Compassion in your life - deepening mindfulness with heartfulness” by Frits Koster & Erik van den Brink (Boom Publishers Amsterdam, 2019). Help book aimed at a broad audience.

Accreditation The 3-day MBCL Intensive is recognized as continuing education and accredited by the Mindfulness Register of the VMBN for 31 accreditation points. Dates & Timings Friday November 15: 9.30am - 6.00pm Saturday November 16: 9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday November 17: 9.00am - 5.00pm Costs The price, including coffee, tea and lunch, is € 595,- . The workbook "A Practical Guide to Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living - Living with Heart" by Erik van den Brink and Frist Koster should be purchased separately prior to the course (price: € 30,-). Certification After participation in the 3-day MBCL Intensive, participants will receive a certificate of participation for 21 net hours of classes.