Whether you’re just wanting to find a bit more calm, clarity and focus or are interested in exploring meditation training in more depth we hope that The Meditation Cafe can offer you the support you need.
In our fast paced, modern lives we can find ourselves rushing from one commitment to the next. It can feel like we are always chasing some future success but in the process missing what’s most important here and now. The practice of meditation can help us catch up with ourselves. By training our minds to be more present and less prone to distraction we can discover more appreciation, enjoyment, and acceptance of what we already have.
The Meditation Cafe is a place where you can relax, be yourself, and connect - with others and with yourself.
The Meditation Cafe is a place where you can relax, be yourself, and connect - with others and with yourself.
Online Meditations
The practice of meditation is not difficult. Finding the time and motivation to do it, however, can be extremely hard!
One very effective way we have found to help us maintain a regular schedule of meditation is to meet together online each day to practise. Simply knowing that there are other people practising with us can be a great support, especially as we find ourselves again experiencing varying degrees of isolation.
Everyone is welcome to join, whatever your experience . We hope we can help you to integrate a little bit of meditation into your daily routine .
These meditations are offered free of charge so that anyone can join. If you are able to support our work, however, you are welcome to make a donation or become a supporter.
Schedule
(all times are Central European Time)
Morning Meditations
08.00 - 08.30 Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
Mindfulness and awareness
09.00 - 09.30 Tuesday, Thursday:
Meditatie in het Nederlands (in Dutch)
Evening Meditations
19.00 - 19.40 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday:
Mindfulness and awareness
19.00 - 19.40 Wednesday, Friday:
Loving Kindness
19:00 - 19:40 Sunday: Self-Compassion
Practising Self Compassion
We all need and deserve compassion, yet the person we can be hardest on is often ourselves.
Practising self-compassion can help us relax our harsh inner critic and reconnect us to our natural resources of empathy and kindness. It can help us to bear difficult situations with more patience and inner strength, leading to more resilience, confidence and contentment. We also discover that by taking care of ourselves in this way we are more open, ready and capable to practise compassion for others.
How does it work?
• Begin with the 3-week foundation course which presents the fundamental understandings and practice of self-compassion.
• After completing the foundation course you can join our monthly self-compassion gatherings to connect with peers, reflect on our own journey, clarify questions and practise together.
• You are also welcome to join our weekly self-compassion guided practice on Sunday evenings, 19.00 - 19.40.
Investment
• 3-week foundation course, €35
—3 x 1.5 hour live sessions via Zoom
—small group size for personal attention and lasting connections
• The monthly gatherings are offered free of charge. You are, of course, welcome to support the work of The Meditation Cafe by donation.
Dates
Coming soon!
Please register your interest and we will be in touch when dates are announced.
Dharma Talks
Something here…
Dates
Coming soon!
Bloom
The digital world impacts every aspect of our lives and delivers many undeniable benefits. Many of us are realising, however, that an unintentional relationship with technology can significantly impact our physical and mental wellbeing. In particular, when we practise meditation, we are training to reduce the habit of distraction and cultivate more calm, clarity and presence. But this is difficult to maintain if our relationship with digital devices is constantly provoking the opposite.
Bloom is a programme of investigation, discussion, experimentation and practise to help us take back control of our digital life, develop greater self awareness and bring more conscious intention to our actions. Bloom is not about throwing away your phone. It is about using technology to our best advantage through understanding what good digital habits look like and how to practise them. Bloom is an ongoing programme created with our friends at Mind over Tech to provide a supportive community where you can establish and practise your own culture of Digital Wellbeing.
What you will get
• Fundamental tools and methods for establishing good digital habits
• A simple awareness based meditation practice to help apply these methods during the day
• A supportive community who meet monthly to explore our ongoing practice.
• Regular updates and ideas for how to continue your process of Digital Wellbeing.
How does it work?
• Begin with the 3-week foundation course which presents the fundamental understandings of Digital Wellbeing
• After completing the foundation course you can choose to join the monthly gatherings to connect with peers, reflect on our own journey, learn new skills and practise together
• Over time, you will also be able to sign up for additional courses that go deeper into various topics.
Investment
• 3-week foundation course, €45
—3 x 2 hour live sessions via Zoom
—small group size for personal attention and lasting connections
—retake the foundations course in the future for just €10
• Community subscription, €15 per month (paid annually / €20 per month when paid monthly)
—free to attend monthly gatherings
—regular newsletter and ongoing tips and support
—access to future courses
Foundation Course Dates
Option 1
Tuesday, 9.00 -11.00 (CET)
26 January, 2 February, 9 February
Option 2
Wednesday, 17.00 -19.00 (CET)
27 January, 3 February, 10 February
Meditate Together at 10D
While it’s always possible to meditate at home there is something extra that happens when we practise together in person. It can be easier to sit and settle the mind for longer and many people find it can provide the motivation and support needed to keep up a daily meditation.
Times
Due to the increased COVID-19 restrictions currently in force in Amsterdam, classes will be online only until 19th November.
Residential Retreats
Steve will be holding meditation sessions on the Mandali Experience Retreat at the beautiful Mandali, in Italy . Designed for everybody, the experience combines guided meditation, yoga, periods of silence and group sessions. It is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to disconnect from the daily stresses of life and discover their own natural flow.
If you are arriving home after a retreat you might like to read Some Ideas On How To Continue After A Retreat.
Dates
Mandali is currently closed due to Italian covid restrictions.
Donate
Your donation makes it possible for us to continue to offer meditation guidance and support to anyone who needs it. If you would like to continue supporting our work please consider becoming a supporter with a regular monthly donation.
Stay Informed
Enter your name and email address if you’d like to be kept informed of new classes and future happenings at The Meditation Cafe