Course for beginners · Five elements in seven weeks
First Steps: the free meditation course for beginners
“First Steps” is a free online meditation course for everyone who is new to meditation. Over seven weeks in the SoulGarden app, you get to know the five elements earth, air, water, fire and space as simple practices for everyday life. The kick-off is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11:11 (CET). After that you meditate every Sunday at 10:00 (CET) together with others in the app's circle, written and spoken by Jenny and Olli. All you need is the app and an account with your email address.
By Oliver Braese, founder of SoulGarden, more than 2,500 hours of meditation practice ·
The course at a glance
- Kick-off
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11:11 (CET)
- Then
- Every Sunday at 10:00 (CET), for seven weeks
- Where
- In the app's circle, no camera
- Cost
- Free and ad-free
- For
- Everyone who is new to meditation
- With
- Jenny and Olli
Who the course is for
The course is for people who are starting to meditate or want to begin again after a break. Most don't come looking for something spiritual, but because their head feels too full or everyday life too loud.
- You don't need any prior knowledge, a cushion or a special posture. A chair is fine.
- Thoughts are allowed. The practice is noticing and kindly coming back.
- You sit in a circle with others, without a camera and without having to say anything.
- If you've started and stopped meditating before, you're in the right place.
How it works: seven weeks, five elements
The course begins with the kick-off on Wednesday and then moves, Sunday by Sunday, from the body to the breath, to feelings, warmth and openness. In the last week all five elements come together.
Week 1 · Kick-off
Space · Arriving
Welcome to the circle. You arrive and make room for the weeks ahead.
Week 2
Earth
Arriving in your body. Ground beneath your feet when your mind is too full.
Week 3
Air
Following your breath and letting thoughts drift by like clouds.
Week 4
Water
Letting feelings be there without being swept away.
Week 5
Fire
Focus and warmth. For what matters to you.
Week 6
Space · Openness
Openness. A quiet place within you that is always there.
Week 7
All five elements
A look back at the five elements and at how you'll carry on.
Between the Sundays
Between the Sundays there are short practices for every day. Nobody has to practise daily: the practices are an offer, and your garden grows with every minute you take.
Written and spoken by Jenny and Olli
How do I join?
Taking part is free. Here's how to be there for the kick-off:
- Get SoulGarden for free on iPhone or Android, or open the app in your browser.
- Create an account in the app. All you need is your email address.
- Sign up for the course “First Steps” in the app.
- Join the circle on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11:11 (CET). After that we meet every Sunday at 10:00 (CET).
Your place in the circle
SoulGarden is free and ad-free, on iPhone, Android and in your browser. For the course you need an account with your email address, so that we can welcome you in the circle.
Frequently asked questions about the course
How much does the course “First Steps” cost?
Nothing. The course is free, just like the SoulGarden app. There are no ads and no subscription that renews afterwards.
Do I need any experience?
No. The course is made for people who are new to meditation. You can sit on a chair, keep your eyes open or closed and pause at any time.
When does the course take place?
The kick-off is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11:11 (CET). After that it continues every Sunday at 10:00 (CET) for seven weeks.
Do I have to show myself or say anything?
No. In the circle you see who's there and can wave to others. You don't need a camera, and you don't have to say anything.
Who leads the course?
Jenny and Olli write the meditations and speak them themselves, not an AI. Olli founded SoulGarden and has more than 2,500 hours of meditation practice.
Do I need an account?
For the course, yes. You sign up in the app with an account that only needs your email address. To meditate on your own you don't need one. With an account, your garden is also saved across devices.
