Building on the Basics (BoB) programme
What is a BoB?
A BoB is a series of follow-on study sessions that has been designed to commence shortly after a 16G Level 1 workshop, providing participants with an opportunity to integrate their experience and understanding of the 16G into everyday life. Experience has shown that this is also a very helpful way to enjoy ongoing support and a sense of 16G community.
Completing a BoB is a necessary intermediate step to attending a 16G Level 2 workshop. You will need to attend a minimum of 8 out of the 10 BoB sessions.
What does a BoB provide?
Led by either a 16G facilitator, or by volunteer members from a Level 1 workshop, a BoB will provide:
- Weekly home-study work sheets [a commitment of ten minutes each day]
- Support and weekly set-aside time to design and implement a joint community project inspired by the 16G
- Encouragement and a framework to continue practicing the skill of mindfulness
- Additional deepening practice using the reflections, experiential tools and creative activities that provide the foundation for personal exploration and understanding of the 16 Guidelines and the Four Wisdom Themes
- Small group and full group discussions to share ideas and understanding
Why participate?
BoB is a great way for you to engage in a regular, on-going commitment to further explore the reflections and experiential tools introduced in the Level 1 workshop. At the same time you will have the opportunity to deepen your connection and engagement with a group of like-minded participants. An important final outcome of a BoB programme is the joint community project, which you will plan and put into action as a group.
This is for you if:
- You enjoyed the Level 1 and would like to deepen, integrate and extend that experience
- You want to continue and deepen your practice of the 16G reflections, experiential tools and creative activities on a regular basis
- You are prepared to commit to five minutes of daily mindfulnesss practice during the ten weeks of BoB
- You want to stay in contact with other participants from your Level 1 workshop
- You want to find out more about applying the 16G in your family life and local community
Bob logistics
A BoB consists of 20 contact hours. These are intended to function as a two-hour session every week for 10 weeks, although in special circumstances a BoB can also take place over a single weekend. BoB is designed for a small group of 5-15 Level 1 ‘graduates’ who will each receive a study pack to download and print at home, plus on-going bi-weekly support from a Level 1 facilitator.
6 of the 10 weekly sessions are designed to be held face to face, while the other 4 sessions can be completed at home. Alternatively, a BoB can consist of 10 face-to-face sessions. In special circumstances, BoB has been held entirely online with participants meeting via skype or a similar virtual platform. Strong emphasis is placed on the joint community project, which is an important outcome of any BoB.
When do Bob take place, and how do I register?
A BoB usually begins shortly after the end of a Level 1 workshop.
If a BoB is already in place, your Level 1 facilitator will provide more information, give you the opportunity to register, and ensure that all the practical arrangements are in place.
If no BoB is yet in place, your Level 1 facilitator will be able to discuss alternative options with you, such as members of the group taking responsibility themselves to set up and facilitate the BoB.
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