START TO MEDITATE
Start to Meditate is a practical program of 18 sessions on Thursday evenings . It guides you step by step in the development of mindfulness, self-insight, and meditation. The program consists of three parts, each comprising six sessions . First, you learn to connect body and mind; then, you explore your inner world through introspection. In the third part, you are introduced to the principles and practice of Zen meditation.
START TO MEDITATE
PART 1: BODY AND MIND
Start: 24/09/2026
End: 29/10/2026
In this first part, you will discover how body and mind are continuously connected. Through breathing exercises, meditation, body awareness, and simple daily practices, you will learn to regulate stress more effectively and become more present in each moment. You will develop a stable inner center and learn to relate to thoughts, emotions, and habits without being carried away by them.
You will also gain an understanding of how the nervous system works and learn practical techniques for building resilience and self-regulation. Each session combines theory, meditation practice, and home exercises that help you integrate meditation into your daily life. Step by step, you will strengthen your ability to respond consciously rather than react automatically, laying a solid foundation for further meditation practice and personal development.
Price
-
€90 for 6 sessions
-
or €480 for the full year, excluding retreats
(The fee for retreats is €50 per day in Brussels and €60 per day at Mottereau.)
50% discount for participants up to 25 years old.
24/9/2026 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION
Get acquainted with the structure of the program and discover how attention, breathing, and meditation connect body and mind. We practice simple mindfulness exercises and take the first step towards a daily meditation practice.
01/10/2026
19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 2: BODY AND MIND
Through movement, prostrations, and meditation, you learn to reconnect with your body and its signals. You develop more presence, stability, and body awareness in daily life.
08/10/2026
19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 3: BREATHING: THE DOOR TO THE SPIRIT
Breathing forms a bridge between body and mind and helps you balance calm and energy. You learn techniques to remain mindfully present, even when thoughts arise.
15/10/2026 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 4: STABLE AS A MOUNTAIN
Develop a strong inner center and learn to be less driven by automatic reactions and emotions. Through meditation and mindful action, your freedom to make conscious choices grows.
22/10/2026 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 5: RESILIENCE TRAINING
Discover how the nervous system responds to stress and learn practical techniques to return to balance. You practice self-regulation, grounding, and strengthening inner resources.
29/10/2026 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 6: CONCLUSION
In this concluding session, we bring all the exercises together into a longer meditation practice. You evaluate your experience and prepare for the follow-up program: Look Within .
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
PART 2 – LOOK WITHIN
Start : 12/11/2026
End : 20/12/2026
In the second part of Start to Meditate, the focus shifts from the body and breath to the workings of the mind. We explore how thoughts, emotions, opinions, and habits influence our daily lives. Through meditation, mantra practice, and self-inquiry, we learn to observe clearly without immediately judging or reacting. Step by step, you discover a mind that is open, calm, and flexible. You learn to hold less to expectations and automatic thought patterns. At the same time, you develop more courage, direction, and confidence in your actions. The exercises help you experience more freedom in relation to yourself, others, and the world. This part forms a bridge between personal development and the deeper practice of Zen.
Price :
150 euros for 6 sessions, including 1 day retreat
or 480 euros for the full year, excl. retreats
(The price of a retreat is 50 euros per day in Brussels, and 60 euros per day in Mottereau.)
50% discount up to 25 years old
12/11/2026 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 1 – CLEAR LIKE A MIRROR
Discover the original mind that is clear and open like a mirror. Thoughts, emotions, and impressions come and go, but need not drag you along. Through meditation, you learn to look without immediate judgment. This creates more peace, clarity, and freedom in daily life.
19/11/2026 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 2 – DON'T MAKE ANYTHING
Much tension arises because we constantly create expectations, opinions, and stories. In this session, we practice adding nothing to whatever presents itself. Through mantra meditation, you learn to let go of thoughts without suppressing them. This creates more energy, simplicity, and inner space.
26/11/2026 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 3 – RIGHT SITUATION, RIGHT ACTION
What is truly appropriate in a given situation? We explore the difference between personal preferences and what the situation truly demands. By observing clearly, action becomes simpler and more effective. In this way, we develop wisdom in relationships, work, and daily activities.
03/12/2026 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 4 – DECIDE AND JUST DO IT
A clear decision gives direction to our lives. In this session, we explore the difference between desire and determination. Through meditation and mantra practice, we strengthen courage, perseverance, and confidence. Decide first, then act simply: Just Do It.
10/12/2026 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 5 – LIVING WITH DIRECTION AND MEANING
What truly gives direction to your life? We explore the Bodhisattva Way, the Great Vows, and ethical guidelines to support conscious living. Meditation helps connect intention and daily actions. In this way, a life grows that is meaningful not only for yourself but also for others.
20/12/2026 08:00 - 16:00
SESSION 6 – ONE-DAY RETREAT
During this practice day, we bring together all the techniques learned in a longer and deeper practice. Silence, meditation, bows, and mindful activities support a direct experience of clarity and presence. The retreat offers space to deepen insights and let go of habits. A powerful conclusion to the second part of the program.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
PART 3 - INTRODUCTION TO ZEN MEDITATION
Start: 14/01/2027
End: 20/02/2027
In the third part of Start to Meditate, you are introduced to the essence of the Zen tradition. We explore fundamental questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Through meditation, mantras, chanting, and self-inquiry, you learn to look beyond ordinary thinking. The emphasis is not on gathering knowledge, but on direct experience. You discover how an open and inquiring mind creates space for clarity and insight. At the same time, you develop confidence in your deeper wisdom and inner strength. The exercises help you to be present in the current moment and to experience reality directly. This part provides an initial introduction to the depth and simplicity of Zen practice.
Price :
190 euros for 6 sessions, incl. weekend retreat
or 480 euros for the full year, excl. retreats
(The price of a retreat is 50 euros per day in Brussels, and 60 euros per day in Mottereau.)
50% discount up to 25 years old
14/01/2027 - 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 1 – WHO AM I?
Who am I really, beyond my thoughts, feelings, and roles? We explore what psychology and meditation can tell us about the sense of a separate self. Through self-inquiry, space is created for a deeper experience of presence. A first step toward discovering your true nature.
21/01/2027- 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 2 – DON'T KNOW MIND
Zen begins with an open mind that fixates nothing and assumes nothing. In this session, we practice letting go of expectations and returning to a fresh perspective. Don't Know means being open to reality as it is. In this way, clarity arises beyond opinions and concepts.
28/01/2027- 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 3 – TRUST IN THE HEART-MIND
This session explores the deeper dimensions of consciousness that lie beyond rational thinking. Symbols, rituals, and meditation open the door to intuition and inner wisdom. We learn to trust something that is already present deep within ourselves. An invitation to connect heart and mind.
04/02/2027- 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 4 – GREAT FAITH, GREAT COURAGE, GREAT DOUBT
Zen practice rests on three powerful pillars: faith, courage, and doubt (inquiry). Trust provides depth, courage provides energy and direction, and not-knowing keeps the mind free from our conditioned emotions and thoughts. Together, they support a profound inquiry into the great questions of life. This session teaches how these qualities reinforce each other.
11/02/2027- 19:00 - 21:00
SESSION 5 – THE POWER OF CHANTING
Why have people been chanting for centuries in spiritual traditions? By hearing clearly and reciting, we learn to be present without judgment. Chanting helps align body, breath, and mind. It becomes a direct and vibrant form of meditation.
20/02/2027 - 21/02/2027
SESSION 6 – TWO-DAY RETREAT
This retreat offers the opportunity to practice all learned techniques more intensively. Through silence, meditation, chanting, and mindful activities, the experience deepens naturally. Continuous practice helps to strengthen clarity and concentration. An inspiring conclusion to the complete Start to Meditate program.