Course Information

Donation Event: An online silent retreat day from the Mindfulness Network Community Friends with Frits Koster

When: 19 Nov 2023
Where: Online Event
Tutor: Frits Koster

About the event:

Mindful Heart & Heartful Mind

What is involved?
 
The intention of the one-day Mindfulness Network Community Friends (MNCF) silent retreat is to gently refresh and deepen the practice of mindfulness by exploring two valuable qualities: Wisdom and Compassion. The teachings and guided meditations are offered in a space of noble silence through sitting, lying, and mindful movement as taught in Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL). MBCL is recognised as a follow-on course following foundational mindfulness-based programmes (MBSR, MBCT, or equivalent) by BAMBA and VMBN (the Netherlands-based mindfulness teaching network).
 
The online silent retreat will include:
 
· periods of both guided and self-directed practice
· short talks
· periods of silence to enable you to connect more fully with your inner experience
· an encouragement to use the time in the morning and afternoon breaks and lunch break for self-care, and continued silent practice
 
In addition, if you feel the need you can send a private chat to the team, and the teachers will either respond to what you raise during the talks and practice guidance or arrange an individual meeting with you.
 
 
This event is offered in collaboration with the Mindfulness Network Community Friends (MNCF) - an initiative to engage the wider mindfulness community and reach new audiences. Led by a Committee of Volunteers, supported by the Mindfulness Network, we work together to run a programme of donation-based events and inspiring content. You are welcome to visit the Community Friends area of our Community site, which is open to all, for more opportunities to practice and learn together:https://community.mindfulness-network.org/course/index.php?categoryid=5
 
The Mindfulness Network and its volunteers take every care in their preparation of events to make sure they are appropriate for the audience. Please be aware that you are choosing to participate in our freely offered events at your own risk. We invite you to carefully consider your own personal circumstances and experience when joining these events. The Mindfulness Network Terms and Conditions apply (though payment and cancellation policies are not relevant for freely offered Events) and the Mindfulness Network can not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage, suffered during or in relation to the event, however, this may be caused.
 

Who is the event for:

This online silent retreat is suitable for people who have an established regular mindfulness practice, along with people who teach or are training to teach mindfulness-based programmes and others who are integrating mindfulness into their professional work.

It is also suitable for those who have attended an eight-week MBSR/MBCT (or similar) course and who have a personal practice of mindfulness. This online silent retreat can contribute to fulfilling the retreat requirement for mindfulness teachers who wish to be included on the BAMBA Listing of Mindfulness Teachers.

Requirements to attend:

Attendance of at least one day of guided silent mindfulness practice is recommended but not required.


Preparation for the event and what you will need:

In order to participate in the retreat day, you will need:

  • A room where you can close the door and engage in the workshop away from family distractions. It is particularly important that confidentiality is maintained by ensuring that those who are not at the event cannot see your screen or hear the audio. It may be helpful to use headphones.
  • Log in via a computer that is resting on a hard surface and which has audio and a webcam. Please don’t use handheld devices. 
  • A space for practice, a mat, cushion, and blanket may be helpful for your comfort.  

The Facilitator:

Frits Koster, co-founder (with Erik van den Brink) of the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living programme.


Online information:

The retreat day will take place via Zoom - a weblink and joining instructions will be sent to you before the workshop takes place.

Please add mindfulness-network.org to your safe senders list and check your spam/junk folder for communication from us. 


Timings:

Please login via Zoom 9.15 am – 4.30 pm (UK time)

All times are UK. If you are attending from a different time zone, please check equivalent timings in your time zone.


 Donations:

This retreat day is freely offered to anyone who can benefit. Any donations towards the cost of this and towards supporting others on their mindfulness journey are gratefully received. A suggested donation of £25 will help us keep offering these events, but we recognise that this is a lot of money for many, so please donate what you feel you can or just attend. You can read about how we use donations here: https://home.mindfulness-network.org/donate/
 

The application and donation process:

Our application and donation process involves the following steps:

  1. Please complete the application form and you will be given the option to make a donation via PayPal or card at this stage should you choose to do so.
  2. Application is received and you will be booked into the event.
  3. We will email you the Zoom link and joining instructions in advance of the event. 

Please add mindfulness-network.org to your safe senders list and check your spam/junk folder for communication from us. 


Payment and cancellation policy:

Please let us know if you are unable to attend, so that we can unsubscribe you from further emails about this event.


Contact us:

Please feel free to email us at communityfriends@mindfulness-network.org to discuss any questions you may have about the event.  


Click here to sign up to our waiting list - unfortunately this event is now full.