Annual calendar of activities and events
To give you a clear picture of what’s going on at Buchinger Wilhelmi all year round, we have put together an annual calendar of activities and events, sorted by subject.
*All events are free of charge as part of our Buchinger Wilhelmi program.
“Journaling” writing workshop
with Dr. Dorothée Gommen-Hingst
Journaling is an effective creative writing method for putting your ideas, feelings, thoughts and experiences to paper. It can help structure your thoughts and provide clarity, reduce stress, process experiences and promote your personal development.
Dates
21 – 26 October 2024
More information
Further information:
The “Journaling” workshop will be open for three hours every day during this week and invites you to discover and develop your own writing potential in a creative way. Each day offers new incentives, ideas and suggestions:
Monday: “Stream of consciousness” journaling
Tuesday: “S.M.I.L.E.” journaling
Wednesday: “Magic moments” journaling
Thursday: “Deep dive” journaling
Friday: “Mindfulness meets moment” journaling
Saturday: “Dream board” journaling
The goal of this week is to create and design your own personal journal, discover yourself with new texts, and experience some wonderful surprises as you get into the flow of writing. As part of the writing workshop you can read your texts to the group or receive individual coaching on writing and possibilities for reflection.
The “Journaling” writing workshop is led and accompanied by Dr. Dorothée Gommen-Hingst, author and lecturer at the “Seaside Academy” on the island of Sylt: https://seeundsterne.de
Languages
German, English
Lecture: Me, Myself & AI – The Artificial Intelligence Revolution
with Maks Giordano*
Why AI is coming in exponential steps. How AI is transforming nearly all industries. What are the limitations, challenges and the massive opportunities arount Artificial Intelligence.
Dates
26th of October & 4th of November 2024
Languages
English
Semaines Francophones
with Dr. Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo, Jean Montagard and Irina Brook*
This year, our French-speaking guests will again be able to enjoy the Semaines Francophones. The events offered by our main speakers and the evening programme as well as several other activities in the course of the day will be held in French.
Dates
03 – 17 November 2024
with Dr. Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo
Topic: Angels, prophets and discernment
04.11.2024 ‘Discernment in law, philosophy and spirituality’
07.11.2024 ‘Ignatius of Loyola and discernment’
11.11.2024 ‘Angels – with or without wings’
13.11.2024 ‘The destiny of the prophets’
14.11.2024 ‘Return, repentance and the right path’
Language
French
Partly in English
Mindfulness Meditation Week
with Tenzin Kalden*
Lharampa Tenzin Kalden is a Buddhist monk and meditation instructor who teaches traditional mindfulness meditation methods and Tibetan Lu Jong yoga. Learn how to bring more mindfulness into your life and thoughts.
Dates
25 – 29 November 2024
More information
Practising mindfulness plays a central role in Buddhism. Being mindful means being in the present moment. According to Buddhist teachings, we are conscious of our emotions, thoughts and actions in the here and now. At every moment, our mind is alert and knows what impact our actions will have on others and on the environment. Mindfulness is considered a clear, neutral spirit that does not judge or appraise.
There are four aspects to mindfulness: mindfulness of one’s own body, one’s feelings, thoughts and actions. Those who practice mindfulness are aware at all times of samsara, the repetitive everlasting cycle of habit, and live their lives for the good of all sentient beings.
Mindfulness Meditation Week is run by Tenzin Kalden, who was born in Tibet and grew up in Europe. He studied at the Sera Monastic University in South India for 17 years, where he graduated in the five great sciences of Buddhism. He was awarded the title of Rabjampa and achieved the highest scholastic title of Lharampa. For the last nine years, Lharampa Tenzin Kalden has organized training courses in Buddhist philosophy and meditation retreats in Europe.
Content of the mindfulness seminar:
- Meditation and Tibetan Lu Jong yoga for the five elements
- Mindfulness meditation and walking meditation
- Buddhist psychology for more harmony and health
- Healing mantras and chakra cleansing exercises derived from Tibetan Buddhism
- Meditation and exercises against stress and burnout
- Lecture: “Dealing with sorrowful emotions using exercises for mindfulness meditation”
- Lecture: “Buddhist philosophy as a basis for meditation”
- Lecture: “The therapeutic benefits of buddhist tantra
Languages
German, English
Science Week 2024
with the Buchinger Wilhelmi Science team*
Join us for an enlightening Science Week dedicated to the theme of “Therapeutic Fasting and the Microbiome.” Discover the profound connection between therapeutic fasting and the microbiome, the community of trillions of microorganisms living in and on our bodies.
At Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, our expertise in therapeutic fasting stands out due to our commitment to scientific validation and evidence-based outcomes. We are the ONLY place that validates, tests and amplifies their own product scientifically and hence can almost guarantee certain outcomes. Our scientific team wants to share this with you by a series of engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions with world-renowned experts in nutrition, fasting, and microbiome research.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn about the latest scientific advancements, explore personalized fasting protocols, and understand the pivotal role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will even be able to have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of scientific research by cultivating the microbes that live on their skin.
Dates
02 – 07 December 2024
More information
The following sessions are planned:
02.12. Afternoon (1.5 hours). Cultivate your skin microbiota (Part 1).
Participants will be provided with the unique opportunity of cultivating their skin microbiota. An introduction to experimental research will be provided. This hands-on experience will be accompanied by explanations about how microbiota are analysed, and how the sequencing of DNA is changing our society.
02.12. Evening lecture. Scientific research at the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinics.
An overview of the major achievements of the scientific department to document the safety and therapeutic effects of the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method. Exclusive insights into the current research studies will be provided. / Dr Robin Mesnage.
05.12. Evening lecture. FastForward for a better understanding of the crucial period following a fast.
The new research study ongoing in our clinic aims to study how to improve the food reintroduction and help our patients adopting a healthy lifestyle after fasting. Practical tips for a better blood sugar control and mindful eating will be offered. / Marie Knufinke
06.12. or 07.12. (1.5 hours). Cultivate your skin microbiota (Part 2).
Participants will be provided with the unique opportunity of cultivating their skin microbiota. In this part 2, the patients will be unveiling the results of their very own laboratory experiment initiated 4 days earlier.
07.12. Evening lecture. The mysteries of the gut microbiome.
Our digestive tract is home to an incredible number of bacteria. Recent scientific discoveries about this microbial world is revolutionising medicine and is opening the way to new therapeutic possibilities. / Dr Robin Mesnage
03.12. and 04.12. from 11:00 to 12:00. The scientific department will be opened for visit. Members of the science team will be welcoming you to answer your questions and explain you their work in the realisation of scientific studies.
Languages
English
Yoga transformation retreat
with Gilbert Grimeau*
Experience the transformative power of yoga at Buchinger Wilhelmi!
The end of the year, especially the Christmas season, is great for letting go of the old, allowing change to happen, and realigning yourself. This intense yoga transformation retreat is your opportunity to do so.
Learn various meditation techniques and breathing exercises, explore your body awareness during yoga classes, and open up new horizons through mantra chanting and much more. It doesn’t matter how much yoga experience you have, as you can find your own intensity through the different levels.
We at Buchinger Wilhelmi want to offer you this particularly protected space for your retreat, your spiritual development, and your transformation. Fasting during the retreat can support you in your transformation, but is not mandatory.
Date
09 – 14 December 2024
More information
*Gilbert Grimeau is a yoga and meditation instructor. He has practised yoga for more than 22 years as a life philosophy. Gilbert started training as a yoga instructor in the Sivananda tradition 16 years ago. Following this, he completed further courses in modern styles like Anusara, Yin and Vinyasa yoga. His courses are designed to be integral, incorporating elements from various yoga styles. He learned and experienced meditation in various ashrams in Germany, India and South America. He is currently deepening his knowledge by training to become a yoga therapist.
Since 2021 he has been an Inspiration Coach at Buchinger Wilhelmi, where he offers our guests various meditation and yoga classes, breathing therapy classes and therapeutic dancing.
The following classes are planned:
Daily
7:30–8:10 a.m.: Pranayama – Peace Chanting
8:15–8:50 a.m.: Meditation
9:00–10:15 a.m.: Yoga Level I
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Yoga Level II
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday:
5:00-6:30 p.m.: Yoga therapy (digestive system, heart, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system)
Sunday afternoon:
5:00-6.00 p.m.: Dance It Off (Embark on a journey through the elements and move intuitively to inspiring music. Without judgement, you develop your own, individual dance and activate your self-healing powers.)
Thursday, Saturday, Sunday evening:
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Mantra yin yoga / Mantra meditation / Mantra with sound
Language
English
Art Weeks
with Joanna Klakla and Ursula Erchinger*
Art Weeks take place four times a year with an inspiring motto and under the supervision of Joanna Klakla. The creative atelier is open for three hours every day during Art Week to allow you to work creatively. During this time, our guests can be creative at their own pace.
Dates
21 – 28 December 2024: Celestial Inspiration
Further information
The workshop is run by Joanna Klakla. She is a freelance artist and art teacher who is specialised scriptural painting, woodcuts and collage. Joanna Klakla is also a lecturer at the Youth Art School in the district of Lake Constance. The focus of the Art Weeks is on experimenting with various techniques and materials. The goal is to also cultivate your individual artistic expression.
Here are the mottos of the Art Weeks through the seasons:
- Spring: Growing Plants/A Garden Installation
Techniques: drawing, painting, cut-outs, collage, printing techniques - Summer: Summer workshop
Technique: painting - Autumn: All About Colours
- Winter: Celestial Inspiration
Languages
German, English, French
“My 2025” writing workshop
with Dr. Dorothée Gommen-Hingst
LIVE a new year – BE a new year. What are my dreams, visions and desires for 2025? In this creative biographical writing course, we overcome barriers and taboos and touch the stars with words. What do we find challenging? What do we find encouraging? How do we want to be and live?
Follow happiness and discover yourself with words.
Date
30.12.2024 – 04.01.2025
More information
Further information:
The “My 2025” writing workshop will be open for three hours every day during this week and invites you to discover and develop your own writing potential in a creative way. Each day offers new incentives, ideas and suggestions:
Monday: Who am I?
Tuesday: What do I want?
Wednesday: Where can I?
Thursday: Why should I?
Friday: When must I?
Saturday: How may I?
The goal of this week is to create and design your own personal “future book”, discover yourself with new texts, and experience some wonderful surprises as you get into the flow of writing. As part of the writing workshop you can read your texts to the group or receive individual coaching on writing and possibilities for reflection.
The “My 2025” writing workshop is led and accompanied by Dr. Dorothée Gommen-Hingst, author and lecturer at the “Seaside Academy” on the island of Sylt: https://seeundsterne.de
Language
German, English
Events 2025 – Preview
Seminar: Release. Align. Proceed.
with Saskia Fehr*
A programme for more meaning and purpose in life.
As the New Year rises on the horizon and the festive Christmas lights fade, it’s the perfect time to turn inward, release the old and embrace the new. This program accompanies you on a journey of discovery into what gives your life meaning and purpose.
With support from Positive Psychology, you will explore the topic of meaning and purpose in life and identify what is most important to you in life. Let go of what no longer serves you and devote the energy and resources you have gained to what lies ahead. Through interactive exercises and in exchange with the group, you will gradually create your meaningful life.
About your instructor: Saskia Fehr is a Positive Psychologist and Coach. With her passion for a good life, she integrates insights from the science of wellbeing with approaches from coaching, methods from body psychotherapy and teaching from various wisdom traditions in her practice as Coach and Trainer for Individuals and Organisations. In addition to her practice, she teaches Positive Psychology in a Master’s program and is pursuing a PhD in human flourishing and spiritual awakening. Personally, she considers herself a Dhamma student and practitioner of Vipassana Meditation and Hatha Yoga.
Date
14 – 20 January 2025
More information
The following sessions are planned:
14.01. Introduction to the Programme
Introduction to Positive Psychology and the topic of meaning and purpose in life.
15.01. Letting go of what no longer serves you.
Detaching ourselves with gratitude from the things that no longer serve our growth and development – guided meditation and reflection closed by a fire ceremony.
16.01. Your sources of meaning in life.
Everyone perceives different things as particularly meaningful in life. We want to identify these sources of meaningfulness together. Please bring your phone.
17.01. Core Values.
Everyone has a personal value system that underpins perception, action and identity. We want to clarify those core values together.
18.01. The Good Life.
Wellbeing and the good life ultimately lie in the subjective judgment of the individual. This session is about your personal idea of the best possible existence.
19.01. Vision.
Through a guided visualization exercise, we will create a strong vision of a meaningful life and design our own visual aid: Your vision board.
20.01. Intention.
At the end of the week, we will reflect on what we have developed for ourselves and create a plan for how we can integrate our insights into our lives in a sustainable way.
In addition:
Evening: Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercise (TRE®).
A series of physical exercises aimed at releasing the tension in the body caused by stress and trauma through a natural neurogenic trembling process. – max. 12 participants
Language
English & German
Semaines Francophones 2025
with Dr. Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo, Jean Montagard*
This year, our French-speaking guests will again be able to enjoy the Semaines Francophones. The events offered by our main speakers and the evening programme as well as several other activities in the course of the day will be held in French.
Dates
02. – 15. February 2025
with Jean Montagard
07. – 21. September 2025
02. – 16. November 2025
with Dr Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo
Theme: Spiritual fitness and commitment to living life to the full
Language
French
Partly in English
Pilates seminar 2025
with Blandine Montagard*
Blandine Montagard discovered the Pilates method when her career as a dancer was coming to an end. She trained at internationally recognised schools, such as Alan Herdman (England), Peak and TPC (USA). Since 2004 she has taught Pilates in Paris. She is passionate about the Pilates method as it is geared to a very broad audience – from less sporty people with chronic pain to athletes or dancers who want to improve their performance.
Joseph Pilates was well ahead of his time and denounced a sedentary lifestyle, environmental pollution, the quantity and quality of food, fast life in the city, etc. In his studio in New York, he helped his students build a good physical condition to be able to cope with modern life. The way in which the exercises are performed is what makes this method so unique and effective. Breathing, concentration and the concept of a strong core are the main principles of his method, which he himself called “Contrology”.
Workouts on the mat form the foundation of the Pilates method. Participants can feel how performing these exercises promotes their physical and mental health. Blandine is the author of an encyclopaedia of Pilates published by Flammarion. She will be offering lessons in a group and one-on-one. She will also hold three lectures: The first is about Joseph Pilates and how he came develop the method and equipment; the other two are more theoretical and include anatomic knowledge to help you understand the importance of breathing and the core (stomach muscles).
Dates
08. – 16. February 2025
Languages
French, English
Yoga transformation retreat 2025
with Gilbert Grimeau*
Experience the transformative power of yoga at Buchinger Wilhelmi!
The beginning of the year offers a good opportunity to reorganise your intuition and potential and to get new impulses for the spring. This intense yoga transformation retreat is your opportunity to do so.
Learn various meditation techniques and breathing exercises, explore your body awareness during yoga classes, and open up new horizons through mantra chanting and much more. It doesn’t matter how much yoga experience you have, as you can find your own intensity through the different levels.
We at Buchinger Wilhelmi want to offer you this particularly protected space for your retreat, your spiritual development, and your transformation. Fasting during the retreat can support you in your transformation, but is not mandatory.
Date
17 – 22 February 2025
More information
*Gilbert Grimeau is a yoga and meditation instructor. He has practised yoga for more than 22 years as a life philosophy. Gilbert started training as a yoga instructor in the Sivananda tradition 16 years ago. Following this, he completed further courses in modern styles like Anusara, Yin and Vinyasa yoga. His courses are designed to be integral, incorporating elements from various yoga styles. He learned and experienced meditation in various ashrams in Germany, India and South America. He is currently deepening his knowledge by training to become a yoga therapist.
Since 2021 he has been an Inspiration Coach at Buchinger Wilhelmi, where he offers our guests various meditation and yoga classes, breathing therapy classes and therapeutic dancing.
The following classes are planned:
Daily
7:30–8:10 a.m.: Pranayama – Peace Chanting
8:15–8:50 a.m.: Meditation
9:00–10:15 a.m.: Yoga Level I
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Yoga Level II
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday:
5:00-6:30 p.m.: Yoga therapy (digestive system, heart, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system)
Sunday afternoon:
5:00-6.00 p.m.: Dance It Off (Embark on a journey through the elements and move intuitively to inspiring music. Without judgement, you develop your own, individual dance and activate your self-healing powers.)
Thursday, Saturday, Sunday evening:
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Mantra yin yoga / Mantra meditation / Mantra with sound
Language
English
Meditation during Lent
with Niklaus Brantschen, Jesuit and Zen Master*
Learn to meditate during Lent with Jesuit and Zen Master Niklaus Brantschen.
Date
02 – 07 March 2025
Languages
German, English
Mindfulness Meditation Week 2025
with Tenzin Kalden*
Lharampa Tenzin Kalden is a Buddhist monk and meditation instructor who teaches traditional mindfulness meditation methods and Tibetan Lu Jong yoga. Learn how to bring more mindfulness into your life and thoughts.
Dates
10. – 14. March 2025
11. – 15. August 2025
24. – 28. November 2025
More information
Practising mindfulness plays a central role in Buddhism. Being mindful means being in the present moment. According to Buddhist teachings, we are conscious of our emotions, thoughts and actions in the here and now. At every moment, our mind is alert and knows what impact our actions will have on others and on the environment. Mindfulness is considered a clear, neutral spirit that does not judge or appraise.
There are four aspects to mindfulness: mindfulness of one’s own body, one’s feelings, thoughts and actions. Those who practice mindfulness are aware at all times of samsara, the repetitive everlasting cycle of habit, and live their lives for the good of all sentient beings.
Mindfulness Meditation Week is run by Tenzin Kalden, who was born in Tibet and grew up in Europe. He studied at the Sera Monastic University in South India for 17 years, where he graduated in the five great sciences of Buddhism. He was awarded the title of Rabjampa and achieved the highest scholastic title of Lharampa. For the last nine years, Lharampa Tenzin Kalden has organized training courses in Buddhist philosophy and meditation retreats in Europe.
Content of the mindfulness seminar:
- Meditation and Tibetan Lu Jong yoga for the five elements
- Mindfulness meditation and walking meditation
- Buddhist psychology for more harmony and health
- Healing mantras and chakra cleansing exercises derived from Tibetan Buddhism
- Meditation and exercises against stress and burnout
- Lecture: “Dealing with sorrowful emotions using exercises for mindfulness meditation”
- Lecture: “Buddhist philosophy as a basis for meditation”
- Lecture: “The therapeutic benefits of buddhist tantra
Languages
German, English
Art Weeks 2025
with Joanna Klakla and Ursula Erchinger*
Art Weeks take place four times a year with an inspiring motto and under the supervision of Joanna Klakla. The creative atelier is open for three hours every day during Art Week to allow you to work creatively. During this time, our guests can be creative at their own pace.
Dates
13 – 20 April 2025: Growing Plants
19 – 26 July 2025: Summer Lights
27 September – 04 October 2025: All about colours
20 – 27 December 2025: Celestial Inspiration
Further information
The workshop is run by Joanna Klakla. She is a freelance artist and art teacher who is specialised scriptural painting, woodcuts and collage. Joanna Klakla is also a lecturer at the Youth Art School in the district of Lake Constance. The focus of the Art Weeks is on experimenting with various techniques and materials. The goal is to also cultivate your individual artistic expression.
Here are the mottos of the Art Weeks through the seasons:
- Spring: Growing Plants/A Garden Installation
Techniques: drawing, painting, cut-outs, collage, printing techniques - Summer: Summer workshop
Technique: painting - Autumn: All About Colours
- Winter: Celestial Inspiration
Languages
German, English, French
Happiness Week 2025
with Florence Servan-Schreiber*
Florence Servan-Schreiber is an author who lives and works in Paris. She holds workshops and lectures on positive psychology and the science of happiness. Learn how to craft your own happiness and mobilise your own “superpowers”!
Dates
26 – 31 May 2025
Languages
English, French
Science Week 2025
with the Buchinger Wilhelmi Science team*
Join us for an enlightening Science Week dedicated to the theme of “Therapeutic Fasting and the Microbiome.” Discover the profound connection between therapeutic fasting and the microbiome, the community of trillions of microorganisms living in and on our bodies.
At Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, our expertise in therapeutic fasting stands out due to our commitment to scientific validation and evidence-based outcomes. We are the ONLY place that validates, tests and amplifies their own product scientifically and hence can almost guarantee certain outcomes. Our scientific team wants to share this with you by a series of engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions with world-renowned experts in nutrition, fasting, and microbiome research.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn about the latest scientific advancements, explore personalized fasting protocols, and understand the pivotal role of the microbiome in health and disease. You will even be able to have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of scientific research by cultivating the microbes that live on their skin.
Dates
09 – 14 June 2025
More information
The following sessions are planned:
09.06. Afternoon (1.5 hours). Cultivate your skin microbiota (Part 1).
Participants will be provided with the unique opportunity of cultivating their skin microbiota. An introduction to experimental research will be provided. This hands-on experience will be accompanied by explanations about how microbiota are analysed, and how the sequencing of DNA is changing our society.
09.06. Evening lecture. Scientific research at the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinics.
An overview of the major achievements of the scientific department to document the safety and therapeutic effects of the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method. Exclusive insights into the current research studies will be provided. / Dr Robin Mesnage.
13.06. Evening lecture. FastForward for a better understanding of the crucial period following a fast.
The new research study ongoing in our clinic aims to study how to improve the food reintroduction and help our patients adopting a healthy lifestyle after fasting. Practical tips for a better blood sugar control and mindful eating will be offered. / Marie Knufinke
13.06. (1.5 hours). Cultivate your skin microbiota (Part 2).
Participants will be provided with the unique opportunity of cultivating their skin microbiota. In this part 2, the patients will be unveiling the results of their very own laboratory experiment initiated 4 days earlier.
14.06. Evening lecture. The mysteries of the gut microbiome.
Our digestive tract is home to an incredible number of bacteria. Recent scientific discoveries about this microbial world is revolutionising medicine and is opening the way to new therapeutic possibilities. / Dr Robin Mesnage
10.06. and 11.06. from 11:00 to 12:00. The scientific department will be opened for visit. Members of the science team will be welcoming you to answer your questions and explain you their work in the realisation of scientific studies.
Languages
English
*All events are free of charge as part of our Buchinger Wilhelmi program.
