Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL)

MBCL (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living) – This mindfulness program was developed in The Netherlands by Erik van den Brink and Frits Koster for graduates of 8-week mindfulness courses (MBSR, MBCT, or equivalent).  Building upon the personal practice base established in the earlier mindfulness course, a deeper exploration is engaged to learn more how to deal in a healthy way with pain, stress or suffering, in whatever form it presents – physical, mental, emotional or relational. It is a way one can deepen the healing effects of mindfulness with the help of this program, which offers practices in cultivating compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others. 

The course structure engages with themes about compassion, kindness, self-care, behavioural patterns, growing happiness, gratitude and weaving wisdom and presence into daily life. As a group we read chapters from the workbook, discuss topics, journal our experiences, practice insight dialogue and learn new forms of guided meditations.

Week 1 – Being Human: “Wired to survive rather than thrive” – what threatens us? What drives and motivates us? How can we engage in soothing to restore balance?

Week 2 – Exploring Inner Landscapes: “Identifying threats and self-compassion” – how can we compassionately relate to resistance & challenges?

Week 3 – Treating Habits Kindly – what to do about those old patterns and discovering new ways of relating.

Week 4 – Embodying Compassion – what are different ways to cultivate this?

Week 5 – Self & Others: “receiving and giving in every breath” – how to deepen our relationships with kindness and compassion.

Week 6 – Growing Happiness – exploring joy, happiness, friendship, values, forgiveness, kindness, appreciation.

Week 7 – Heartful Mind, Mindful Heart: “weaving wisdom and compassion into daily life”.

Week 8 – Healing Life: “living with heart” 

Week 9 – Reviewing the course material and preparation as the journey continues.

Note: prerequisite of this course is past completion of an 8-week mindfulness course (ex. MBSR/MBCT or equivalent) and an ongoing regular personal practice. A personal meeting with the teacher is required beforehand to discuss intentions and course particulars.

• 9 x Weekly Sessions (2.5 hours each) program that includes workbook, handouts and audio recordings.
• 4-Hour Session (Silent) is included in the course curriculum 
• Home Practice for 30+ minutes daily practice throughout the course.