The Art of Zen course was formerly called Be Calm Be Happy
SCHEDULE
Saturday 26 Apr: 9:45 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 27 Apr: 10 AM – 4 PM
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time on both days to settle.
Course Overview
The course offers a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how it can support many aspects of your daily life.
The wisdom of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (“Tick Nat Harn”) teaches us to find a sense of peace within ourselves, and serenity in the face of suffering. In a supportive community of like-minded people we experience developing more kindness and compassion.
We will introduce and explore new ways of bringing mindfulness into our day, not only in meditation, but also in how we eat, behave, speak to ourselves and others, and take care of ourselves.
This course provides
— An opportunity to experience the power of practising mindfulness in a supportive community
— A grounding in Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to mindfulness
— A programme of structured learning and guidance from experienced practitioners, which helps build a mindfulness practice that is stable and self-reliant
— Understanding ways to live with less anxiety and a greater sense of wellbeing
— Ethical strategies to help cope with life’s stresses and develop inner peace
Mindfulness encourages a sense of wellbeing moment by moment, as well as being aware of what is happening in the present moment without reacting to it.
What does the course offer?
— An introduction to mindfulness, how it works and how to practise it
— Reducing feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, anger, and depression by establishing a stable and lasting mindfulness practice
— A sense of connection and community by practising and sharing together with course participants
— Practical exercises to help you bring more awareness to your experiences, understand the importance of rest, and what it means to be more Zen
— Connecting more deeply with family and friends by learning the art of compassionate speech and deep listening
— The art of mindfulness in everyday life as a means of generating compassion, joy and calm for yourself and others
Throughout the course, you will be supported in finding ways to bring mindfulness more fully into your life through formal and informal exercises practised in each session.
We assist you to look at making incremental, sustainable changes to your day. This allows you to make time and space for mindfulness and meditation. We encourage you to look honestly at how you currently operate and be willing to make adjustments to help you live a more authentic life.
Reported benefits
- Increased enjoyment of life
- Increased ability to be calm and relaxed
- Increased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety
- Improved sleep quality
- Fewer feelings of anxiety and low mood
Who can attend?
This course is suitable for beginners, as well as those wishing to gain a fuller understanding of how mindfulness can support calm and peaceful living. Mindfulness is a practice originating in Buddhism and supported by neuroscience and psychology; it may be practised by those of all faiths and none.
Many of our participants learn new ways to care for their wellbeing and can develop positive responses to challenging situations.
Course Leaders
Ian
Ian is a fully ordained student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, receiving the Dharma name True Insight on the Path, while living for two years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Monastery in France.
In 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat – What happens when we are alive, what happens when we die? – led by Thich Nhat Hanh. This was a deeply powerful, healing, and transformative teaching that made Ian stop, look deeply, and realise that he had been on the wrong entrepreneurial path for most of his life.
Mindfulness has given Ian so much benefit, helping every aspect of his life (ethics, health, relationships, compassion, insight, concentration, livelihood, peace, kindness, openness, etc) and his volition is now to dedicate his life to continuing to deepen his practice, to lead a happy and joyful life and to help bring Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to others, whilst also building community.
Kirstie
During the course Ian will be supported by Kirstie, who is firmly committed to the Plum Village approach to mindfulness, having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh in 2013.
Kirstie received the Five Mindfulness Trainings while on retreat in Plum Village France in 2022 and the lineage name, Deepening Path of the Source. She practises with the Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha and is fortunate to visit Plum Village France regularly.
Kirstie continues to experience the transformational benefits of practicing mindfulness in all aspects of her life, including relationships, right livelihood and interbeing. It is her aspiration to continue to build Sangha and to spread Thay’s teachings. Kirstie volunteers for Plum Village UK as UK Sangha Coordinator.
Practical Information
Location
Café Sobar is located a short walk from the city centre. It is a 10 minute walk from Nottingham Railway station and Friar Lane is accessible via tram routes and buses.
Travel and Car Parking
Public transport links are good. The venue is easily accessible by rail, tram and bus.
There are a number of car parks close to the venue. Please see the map on the following link, or below, and check prices before arriving: Café Sobar – Visit us
Price example: NCP Nottingham Maid Marian Way Car Park is accessible 24-hrs daily.
Price for 3-24 hours = £9.95, or £8.95 by paying via the NCP App
Refreshments
A selection of hot drinks will be available in the meeting room throughout the duration of the retreat. But if you have a favourite drink, please bring this. Café Sobar offers an extensive menu and course participants can enjoy a 10% discount in the café. Other cafes and shops are a short walk away. Or you may like to bring a packed lunch.
Accessibility
The retreat will take place in a meeting room on the ground floor and is accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility. The toilet on the ground floor is also accessible.
Pricing
Standard Rate | £145
This rate helps us to sustain the course.
Supporter Rate | £175
Support others on lower income to attend.
Sponsor Rate | £200
This rate helps us to sustain the course, and allows us to offer it to those on a lower income.
Discounted Rate | £95
For students and participants on a low income who cannot afford the standard rate.
Supported Rate | £30
Limited availability ticket for those with no income or specific circumstances.
Plum Village UK is a not for profit charity based in the UK, dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and mindful living in the Plum Village tradition.
The pricing range enables us to cover marketing and admin costs, and ensure the continuation of the courses well into the future. If you are not sure which rate to choose and would like some guidance, please contact us and we will be happy to help you. Nobody should be excluded from taking part based on their income or life circumstances.
Refund Policy
If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. We shall be unable to refund you later than this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me?
You may find it helpful to bring the following with you:
- Chairs will be provided. However you may wish to bring your own meditation cushion, stool, mat or blanket or whatever helps you to be comfortable, particularly during the meditation sessions. The chairs may also benefit from extra padding over the two days.
- A selection of hot drinks will be available in the meeting room throughout the duration of the retreat. But if you have a favourite drink, please bring this. In the spirit of Plum Village plant based milks only will be provided for tea and coffee in the meeting room.
- In addition, Café Sobar offers an extensive menu and course participants can enjoy a 10% discount in the café. Other cafes and shops are a short walk away. Or you may like to bring a packed lunch.
- A pen and notebook for taking notes and journaling.
What should I wear?
Please dress casually and comfortably. You may find it helpful to wear several layers, so that you can remove/add a layer to maintain a comfortable body temperature during the day and particularly while meditating. Some people bring slippers or a blanket.
What do I need to do to prepare?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for the course. This course is designed to be suitable for beginners and all the information you need will be provided.
During the course we will propose some home practices and routine activities to help you integrate mindfulness and meditation into your daily life, including apps and links to guided meditations online.
Mobile phones
In the spirit of sustaining mindfulness, shared experience and practice, we invite participants to turn off their phones during the course and not use them around other participants during breaks. If this will be a concern for you, please get in touch.
What further information will I receive?
You will receive an automated confirmation email once you have registered. One week beforehand you will receive an email from the Course Leaders. If there is anything else you would like to know before the course starts please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact Us
If there is anything else you would like to know before the course starts please do not hesitate to contact us: kirstieberridge@plumvillage.org
