In these extremely challenging times, making the time for contemplation and community is essential for our well-being. Contemplation evokes carving out a time and a space to become silent and be present with a kind, open awareness. The busier our lives and the bigger our responsibilities are, the more important this becomes — not to escape reality, but to be able to stand in the middle of it, with more courage, energy, creativity, freedom, and compassion.
These sessions arose out of our ESRIs, where the desire to meet as a community to contemplate and discuss together has continued to grow.
We hope you will feel inspired to join us at these monthly evening online gatherings, during which we will collectively sit in contemplation (sometimes silent, sometimes dialogical).
These sessions are free and open to everyone, so please feel free to invite friends, colleagues, or anyone who might benefit from a moment of quiet reflection and community.
Please note that these sessions are run monthly. You are welcome to attend all sessions or just drop in whenever you feel called to. The meeting ID will always be the same, but registration is required via the zoom link for each individual event to attend.
Upcoming Sessions
To see upcoming sessions for Making Room for Contemplation, please see our events page.
To register for any of the following events, click here!
about the TEACHERS
Dr Edel Maex is a psychiatrist and Zen teacher living in Antwerp, Belgium. Teaching mindfulness became his way to integrate his Zen practice and his practice as a psychiatrist. He founded the Stress Clinic at the ZNA Hospital in Antwerp. He is the author of several books (in Dutch) on mindfulness and Buddhism. He is currently translating the Dharma talks he has given over the years into English and publishing them on Substack.
FIVE COLOURS ZEN: PATHS TO AND FROM BY eDEL MAEX
Edel has recently written a new short book about Zen practice, which you can read here. Feel free to share it with anyone who might be interested.