Luise Holtbernd

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Biographical Information

"I first encountered meditation and yoga in Germany, in 1982. For 5 years I lived and worked in a residential Buddhist retreat centre for women in Shropshire, before moving to Glasgow in 91. In 92 I became a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order (when I received my Buddhist name) and have been teaching meditation and yoga since, in ongoing classes and on retreats, both in Scotland and internationally. Rooted in the Iyengar method of Yoga, I draw on a variety of other styles and methods of bodywork, including Pilates, Feldenkrais, and dance. My classes are characterised by a warm and open atmosphere and a spirit of inquiry.

"Since 2003 I have been offering MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) based courses and in 2005 completed a training course run by the Centre for Mindfulness in Bangor. I train and supervise mindfulness facilitators working in a variety of healthcare settings, and teach MBCT modules in the psychology department of Caledonia University. I also offer one-to-one mindfulness consultations.

"My first degree is in music and movement and in 2007 I recently was awarded a practice- based PhD in Creative Arts at Dartington College, Devon. The title of my thesis was "Gestures towards Emptiness - an exploration of ritual with reference to Buddhist tradition and innovation".

"In 2001 I was artist in residence at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre, as part of "Scotland Year of the Artist". I exhibit and teach arts, often combining different disciplines.

"I am one of the founder members of the bodhi eco project, a charitable organisation that was set up in 2000 to promote the idea of creating a village community based on the practice of ecology, ethical living, education and the arts." Her partner is Larry Butler.