The Art of Zen was formerly the “Be Calm Be Happy” course.
Thursdays 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM UK Time
Beginning 5 Dec 2024
This 6-week group course will help you develop and deepen your own practice of zen and meditation, following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh (the “father of mindfulness”).
There will be a two-hour session each week. Each of these will be interactive, using a mixture of guided meditations, group discussions, and practical exercises. You will learn how to bring more peace and joy into your daily life.
All our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although mindfulness training is rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques, it is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none – everyone is welcome.
Course Content
Week 1 – Stopping and Calming
- How to be present in the moment
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Simple breathing techniques
Week 2 – Turning to the Positive
- Retraining our mind’s negativity bias
- Practising gratitude
- The conditions for happiness already available to us
Week 3 – Loving Communication
- How to communicate with awareness
- Deep listening and loving speech
- Building better relationships
Week 4 – Nourishing Happiness
- Being present with our senses
- Music and time in nature
- Awareness of what we eat and otherwise consume
Week 5 – Interdependence and Community
- Connectedness of all things
- Cultivating compassion
- Community in daily life
Week 6 – Guidelines for a Happier Life
- Ethics and happiness
- Ethical guidelines
- Living with kindness
Method
Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to develop your own practice of mindfulness. In both the group setting and at home, you can learn how to integrate mindfulness into your daily life and consider what will best support you.
You will have the opportunity to connect with others and will have access to resources and support to help you on your journey, including how to find groups and communities (sanghas).
You will be encouraged to cultivate a greater awareness of the present moment, learning how to observe thoughts and feelings without judgement, and to practise being fully present in daily life. The aim is to cultivate a sense of inner peace and to live in harmony with the world around you.
Commitment
For this course to be effective, we recommend attending all six sessions. Creating a strong mindfulness habit will need some regular practice alongside the course. Daily practice is ideal – if you can only spare a few minutes each day this will still be effective.
If you know ahead of time that you cannot make a session, you can discuss this with your course leader.
You will need access to a laptop or phone with internet access, plus a functioning camera and microphone.
Previous Feedback
The supportiveness of the whole group was lovely, and I was surprised to be able to feel that with an online course. I came away from each session feeling calm and happy
This has been a life-changing experience
I’ve experienced a very real shift in my ability to be present and enjoy simple things
Pricing
We hope to make this course available to as many people as possible. A wide range of prices are offered – from £30 – £200. Please pay what you are able when booking
Further Information
Further information can be found on the course TicketTailor page
