A course consisting of three Saturdays – time to deeply explore self-compassion, inclusiveness, and interbeing with Dharma teachers Vari McLuskie and Susanne Olbrich.

Saturday 26th February – Caring for ourselves 9.30 – 16:00

Saturday 12th March – Caring for others 9.30 – 16:00

Saturday 26th March – Caring for the Earth 9.30 – 16:00

”The teaching was wise, deep and insightful and the sense of community very much present through the screens”

“Thanks for having the courage to take this theme, and for transmitting that courage to everyone”

“I feel my heart has been opened in a new way”

“A wonderful experience, all held within the deep inspiration, insight and practice that Vari and Susanne brought” (participant feedback)

True Belonging — Caring for Ourselves, Each Other and the Earth

“There is a revolution that needs to happen and it starts from inside each one of us. Restoring balance to ourselves, we can begin the work of restoring balance to the Earth. There is no difference between healing the planet and healing ourselves.” Thich Nhat Hanh

“Nondiscrimination means to let go of the separation inside me.” Sr Dangh Nghiem

How do we cultivate a sense of ‘True Belonging’, deepening our connection with ourselves, each other and the Earth? How can we understand and heal ourselves and embody compassionate awareness in our relationships with one another and the planet? On three Saturdays we will practice with themes of self-compassion, inclusiveness, interbeing and Earth care, deepening our understanding of how they are interconnected.

Vari and Susanne will offer Dharma talks and guide meditations, Dharma sharing groups and mindful reflection practices — opportunities to deeply explore these questions together. The course is designed for a small group of up to 23 participants to nourish a sense of connection and community and to support insight and transformation.

The course is offered online through zoom. You will need a device that can connect to the internet (ideally a computer or laptop, a tablet or smartphone also works). If you are booking for more than one person from the same household, please register each name individually.

Sample Schedule (UK time)

09:20 arrive and settle

09:30 welcome, introduction, guided meditation, short break

10:30 exploring our theme – Dharma talk and Q&A

12:00 mindful movement

12:20 lunch break (offline)

13.30 Deep relaxation and 3 Earth Touchings, break

14:30 Dharma sharing groups with Vari and Susanne

15.30 suggestions for further practice, final sharing, short sitting practice

16.00 close

Who Can Attend?

The course is suitable for everyone with a basic understanding of Plum Village Mindfulness practice, as well as for more experienced practitioners. Please note that this course will not offer an introduction to mindfulness practice.

Cost of the workshop

We offer a range of prices to suit a variety of financial circumstances. A limited number of tickets are available at the two lower price levels which are intended for those on reduced or no income. Please choose a price that feels right — not too much and not too little.

Facilitators

Susanne Olbrich (True Ever-Present Stability)

Susanne discovered Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village in 1996 and was ordained as a lay Dharma teacher in 2016. Originally from Germany, Susanne moved to Scotland in 2001 to live in Findhorn, home of the international Eco-village and spiritual community. She co-founded Northern Lights Sangha which serves people from across the north of Scotland. As a pianist and music teacher, Susanne enjoys encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. She loves offering mindfulness retreats and courses on the themes of creativity, music and deep nature connection.

Vari McLuskie (True Action of Loving Kindness)

Vari discovered Thich Nhat Hanh in 1990 and was ordained as a lay Dharma teacher in 2012. She has applied her mindfulness practice during the ups and downs of family and work life, including the sudden deaths of her parents and the premature death of a beloved friend. Vari has shared mindfulness in many settings – including courses for female offenders, victims of sexual abuse and for organisations, as well as through Plum Village UK retreats and the Be Calm, Be Happy courses which she co-developed. She enjoys offering mindfulness retreats and courses on the themes of transformation and healing and cultivating love. Vari was born in Scotland and is currently living in the West Midlands.