MBCL Training
There are multiple compassion trainings. Kind to Mind offers the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) training as follow-up to mindfulness or other insight practices (e.g., zen meditation, breathworks). There is also a possibility to participate in the MBCL intensive, in which you are immersed in the eight-week MBCL training during 3 full days. See below for a more detailed description.
Agenda
Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL)
Compassion (or compassion) is the ability to be sensitive for the pain and suffering, both of our own and others. It is accompanied by a desire to alleviate this pain and suffering and a willingness to take responsibility for it. It is a common human trait, potentially present in everyone, but often, for a variety of reasons, has not flourished (yet). Fortunately, compassion can be developed and deepened through practice. That is the purpose of compassion training.
The MBCL is an 8-week training, developed by Frits Koster and Erik van den Brink as a follow-up training to an official 8-week mindfulness (MBSR / MBCT) training. This training has been developed for people who are facing strong critical minds and those who are more inclined to cross their own boundaries. By further developing (self-)compassion skills, you learn to face difficult and stressful experiences, from which the intention arises to bring relief. This allows you to deal better with difficult circumstances, and act more consciously while being less guided by negative thoughts and feelings.
For whom?
The 8-week MBCL training is suitable for those that wish to deepen their mindfulness practice with heartfulness. For those who are unable to fit in an 8-week training, there is an opportunity to follow the training in a condensed form during 3 full days (also called MBCL Intensive). Participants can join both training formats to support their personal health and professional functioning, as well as a first step to apply for the MBCL Teacher Training to work proffesionally with (elements of) MBCL.
Eligibility criteria
MBCL is suitable for those who...
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work with people and are interested in applying mindfulness and compassion in their personal and professional lives;
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have previously completed an 8-week mindfulness training program (MBSR, MBCT or similar program);
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are familiar with mindfulness practice in their daily lives;
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are willing to exchange about their own experience in practicing in a casual manner, both in plenary and in pairs or threesomes, respecting themselves and each other.
Additional eligibility criteria for the 3-day MBCL intensive
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are willing to contribute to the retreat atmosphere at the location and also have time and space outside of formal practice time for self-care, mindful exercise, walking and meditation in silence;
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be sufficiently physically and mentally healthy to participate in a 3-day retreat atmosphere training.
Content
What will be addressed
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the 'low' path to compassion: nurturing the calming system, rather than the danger and chasing system;
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the “high” path to compassion: performance exercises (safe place, compassionate companion, embodying compassion) and contemporary adaptations of traditional exercises such as metta and tonglen;
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compassionately dealing with resistance, desire, stubborn patterns and difficult emotions; nurturing an inner helper rather than an inner critic;
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the gates of happiness: letting the good in, experiencing connection and meaning; forgiveness and gratitude;
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cultivate the four friends of life (or “heart qualities”) in interconnectedness: kindness, compassion, and equanimity;
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compassion in daily 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.
Practicalities
Accreditation
The 3-day MBCL Intensive is recognized as continuing education and accredited by the Mindfulness Register of the VMBN for 31 accreditation (PE) points.
Costs
The 8-week MBCL Training costs € 450,- (excl. VAT).
The 3-day MBCL Intensive costs € 595,- (excl. VAT).
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Including tea, coffee, and lunch on site.
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Excluding literature and stay.
Literature in English
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E. van den Brink and F. Koster (2018). A Practical Guide to Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living: Living with heart. Routledge | ₤ 20.79 (required literature)
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E. van den Brink and F. Koster (2015). Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living: A new training programme to deepen mindfulness with heartfulness. Routledge | ₤ 22.39
Literature in Dutch
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F. Koster and E. van den Brink (2019). Compassie in je leven: Mindfulness verdiepen met heartfulness. Boom | € 32,50 (verplichte literatuur)
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E. van den Brink and F. Koster (2016). Compassievol leven: een mindfulness-based verdiepingsprogramma. Boom | € 53,75
Meet the teachers.
Is a former monk (6 years) and health care nurse. He has practiced vipassana meditation since 1979 and studied Buddhist psychology. Currently, Frits works as a mindfulness and compassion teacher in mental health care, and he is a teacher and trainer at various mindfulness training institutes in the Netherlands and abroad, for the general public, as well as for healthcare professionals.