Until probably the end of March 2021, we will offer all of our programs for the sake of caring for one another
and solidarity exclusively live online at. We hope for your understanding.

about us

Nature plays an important role in our retreat ... Many units of shared exploration therefore also take place outside, some in the presence of animals.

TN: "I got to know different religious or spiritual teachings. But none of them satisfied me in the end. There were always doubts. Which teaching do you represent?"

B.: "We work freely, we are together in a free way and explore the most important questions of life together. In the retreat we meet like friends. Nobody has to do anything here. We do not see our task in representing this or that worldview again, this or that Philosophy to be a mouthpiece again, or to recommend any practice or even to teach it ... The history of all these schools of thought, convictions and religions is so old ... And it has - it is obvious to everyone, not changed people : there is still suffering and conflict in him, he is still waging war and living in bad relationships, needs his addictions and is deeply unhappy ...

Such a person cannot be himself, he experiences again and again the unsatisfactory situation that comes from imitation, allegiance and spiritual conformity. He only ever experiences the reactions of his ego, which is largely shaped by the environment, to this environment. He is never himself. Therefore, there is no need to repeat certain beliefs and schools of thought. It takes something completely new ... What it takes is a practice of clarity, an attitude and a joy in really understanding your own life and taking it into your own hands responsibly and freely. The question of what one's own life is, how it can be understood and improved, how it can be lived in real abundance and beauty, is the only question that stands behind all individual aspects of our joint work. If you are passionate about this question, you will find it. "(B)
The B NOW | academy sees itself as an intellectually independent place where all questions relating to a better life for the individual and the community are investigated. A better life arises from recognizing what is, from inner freedom and from conscious decisions. And in that sense, it's happier too. Because it is more fulfilling - from moment to moment.

We are not bound to any denominations, no spiritual, philosophical or other ideological schools. For us, this kind of freedom is a basic requirement for intellectual freedom in general and thus for a self-determined life.

Our work is only oriented towards giving people an insight into their lives. We provide certain settings, questions and instruments. We are in a permanent 'dialogue' with the people who come to us. We do not conduct any form of therapy and do not intend to do so.

The retreat is led by Bernhard Kaschek. Other teachers join in, depending on the topic.

Think

  • The difference between change and transformation

    “You know, it's actually very simple and makes sense. Maybe you want to change; something in your life and how you deal with it. And maybe you've wanted that for a long time. But if you don't change now, if you don't change your life now, you will never change. It is very unlikely. Because the change that you postpone until tomorrow, which should take place tomorrow because you still have something more important to do today, you will 1. not do it out of convenience, 2. not out of fear and 3. simply go back to your project to forget. And if you should actually go about it, which, as I said, is rather unlikely, then you are very likely only creating a version of what you are already today. You build small modifications into your matrix.

  • You are your own teacher

    “There are many so-called 'spiritual teachers' who pervade this whole area today, where people are longingly looking for something 'different'.

  • What you think determines what you are and become.

    »Our thinking determines our actions to a large extent, it also determines what we feel, experience, feel. And so our thinking has a significant influence on whether we feel good, whether we are okay, whether we feel strong and powerful or rather insecure, anxious, lackluster or even depressed. All of these feelings, moods and stresses on the mind are nothing but our sufferings. These psychological ailments must be taken as seriously as the many ailments of the body.

  • When to start ...

    “To answer the question of when to begin my wisdom, allow me to make a comparison.

  • Life without illusions

    »... What is an illusion made of? Part of the illusion, of course, is that I believe something is true that is not true. Another factor is this constant comparison between what is, or what I assume to be real, and what could be what I would like to have. This measuring between good and bad, ultimately the thinking that wants to improve itself, the "I", the memory of sensations of pleasure, the attempt to gain more pleasure, and so on. It is this desire for more, for self-optimization. It is this impression of inadequacy, deficiency, that leads us to accept or believe something, and that inevitably leads to all forms of delusion and illusion.

  • Meditation

    »... We could ask whether our brain can be silent and only work when it has something technical to do - when knowledge is required in action, for example when learning a language, driving a car or building a house.

podcast-project
Bernhard Kaschek has been working with people of the most diverse origins, lifestyles and worldviews and in very different projects since 1986. He does this as a coach, companion and advisor for individuals, couples, groups, communities, NGOs and companies.

The podcast project will gradually bring some important texts in spoken form, so that the listeners can get a good insight into the work as it takes place in the retreat program. "These texts aim to address the individual and his or her important issues."
Bernhard Kaschek has been working as a life coach and consultant since 1989. He does this with individuals, couples and groups, as well as for companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He is personally committed to animal rights and human rights (prisoners, refugees, homeless people). He has three cats (Seneca, Knight and Coltrane) and is married.
Behind the scenes... Bernhard during the preparations for the interview with Eva ...

"Animals can play an important role in understanding ourselves; they can help us a lot. I would like to emphasize that this is not their job. But they do - and especially when we really get involved with them They show us immediately and very directly, without any thoughts or concepts intervening, whether we are in relationship with them or just 'have' them ... They show us unfiltered how they are doing with us. That makes it easier , than with people. And because it's easier, we understand better ... It's worth researching into relationships with them ... "
Our single and duo retreats at Lake Constance