Cooperation-Contribution from Lukas
Tuesday 07.04.2020, 19:00
Arrival: 18:45 (6.45)
„We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness”
Thich Nhat Hanh
In this workshop I will lead a guided full body relaxation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and the “Plum village community”. Similar to a the method of a body scan from MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) we will bring awareness to our different body parts and also the systems, that always operate and work within us, as long as we are alive.
It is also a possibility to invite the energy of gratitude and loving-kindness into our bodies and therefore minds, as body and mind are one and no separate entities. This offer is really an invitation to let go of any “goals” or “efforts” and let yourself be nourished by a person's voice and guidance. It is an invitation to sooth yourself and rest.
I will integrate some ideas from Thich Nhat Hanh on our nature of interconnectedness or inter being. You are invited to let these ideas wash over you, knowing that the intelligence of your body and mind will pick up on the words or ideas that connect with your inner wisdom about peace, love, compassion and healing.
Practicalities
You will want to lie down on a comfortable surface, with a blanket at hand. There will be no movement or long period of
sitting. If you have a nice candle, feel invited to light it.
I decided to do this session in English and not bilingually, as there is quite a bit of talking involved. In case it resonates, I'm happy to offer it a second time in German.
Background information
I feel very connected to this way of Buddhism, which is part of Buddhist schools called “socially engaged Buddhism”. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk, who developed his mindfulness practice amidst the Vietnam civil war. He developed teachings and techniques in order to support social workers, teachers and others working with highly traumatized communities in a situation of collective trauma. He is/was not only a meditation teacher, but also social activist and was forced into exile because of his efforts of creating peace. Thich Nhat Hanh was in close contact with human rights activists like Martin Luther King and others. I personally reconnect with this background and think it is helping me to cope in this current situation.
Structure
18:45-19:00 Arriving
19:00-19:10 Introduction
19:10-19:50 guided Relaxation
19:50-20:00 Awakening / Arriving / Feedback
20:00 – Space for exchange
Resources
Monastery in France
https://www.youtube.com/user/plumvillageonline
Online Monastery with many talks, guided meditations, songs
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/
Further recent resources especially for dealing with the current Covid-19 situation