The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
We are a UK Charity promoting mindfulness and ethical living as a path to peace, both in ourselves and in the world.
Based on the teachings of “father of mindfulness” Thich Nhat Hanh.
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 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
- The continuing opportunity to practice mindfulness with Stamford Zen (For those that live locally. Others will be supported to find their local Sangha.)
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
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 Sneath
Ian is an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, receiving the Dharma name True Insight on the Path after many years of practice, including two years living in Plum Village Monastery in France.
In 2014, Ian attended Thich Nhat Hanh’s 21-day retreat “What Happens When We Are Alive? What Happens When We Die?” Thay’s teachings on non-duality, interbeing, no-birth and no-death awakened a profound recognition of a near-death experience Ian had at the age of ten — an experience of deep connection, peace and love that he had never fully understood. Exploring and sharing this deep wisdom of non-duality has since become a central part of his practice.
After many years as a spiritual nomad, Ian has now settled in Leicestershire within a Christian community, where his life is guided by a simple volition: To practise. To share the practice. To build community.
He builds community locally while sharing mindfulness globally through online courses, retreats and gatherings. His work and volunteering include addiction recovery, end-of-life spiritual care and chaplaincy, neurodiversity, workplace wellbeing and community practice.
Ian has shared mindfulness in settings ranging from local communities and recovery groups to organisations and international settings, including with leaders at the United Nations.
At the heart of everything he shares is the practice of stopping, looking deeply and discovering our interconnectedness — helping us live with greater awareness, compassion, freedom and peace.
Kirstie Berridge
Kirstie is deeply committed to the Plum Village tradition of mindfulness having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings in 2013. Kirstie received the Five Mindfulness Trainings during a retreat at Plum Village, France, in 2022, and the lineage name Deepening Path of the Source. She is now enjoying the journey as an Aspirant to receive the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings and to become a member of the UK Order of Interbeing.
Kirstie devotes much of her time to building sangha (communities of mindfulness practitioners) and sharing Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings with individuals and organisations through the practice of right livelihood. In so doing, Kirstie draws on her own experience of mindfulness and meditation as transformative practices, allowing a better understanding of her relationships with herself and others, and a deeper connection with the wider world.
As a farmer’s daughter, Kirstie has always loved spending time in nature. Through Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, this connection has deepened, helping her live more fully in the present moment and to recognise the interconnected nature of all things.
Kirstie enjoys practicing with a number of Sanghas – primarily Nottingham Deep Roots and Stamford Zen.
Practical Info
Location
Groby Community Centre
39 Forest Rise
Groby
Leicester
LE6 0BB
Schedule
Saturday 5 Dec: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 6 Dec: 10 AM – 4 PM
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early each day.
Travel
The Community Centre has a small car park and there is also plenty of street parking. Groby is also accessible by bus from Leicester city and the surrounding area. Please check before booking that you are able to access the venue via public transport.
Refreshments
Tea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. Please bring a packed lunch on both days.
Accessibility
Although the venue is single storey and accessible for wheelchair users, the disabled toilets need updating. If you have any queries please email us.
Accommodation
Please note, if you live outside the area you will need to arrange your own accommodation for the weekend. This is a non-residential weekend course.
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 allow us to offer it to those on a lower income.
Discounted Rate | £95
For students and participants on a low income that cannot afford the standard rate.
Supported Rate | £30
Limited availability ticket for those with no income or specific circumstances.
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. After this time, no refunds will be possible.
After the Course
After the course, you would be very welcome at Leicester Sangha, the local Zen group. Information is on the Leicester Sangha webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Read our full Course FAQ guide here
What should I bring with me?
You may find it helpful to bring the following with you to class:
- A pen and notebook for journaling.
- A meditation cushion, stool, mat or blanket – or whatever helps you to be comfortable, particularly during the meditation sessions. Chairs will be provided.
- A packed lunch.
- A selection of hot drinks will be available, but if you have a favourite drink, please bring this.
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.
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.
What further information will I receive?
You will receive a confirmation email once you have registered.
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.uk
The Community of Interbeing UK
Charity Number 1096680
Plum Village UK
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.
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
Please read the https://plumvillage.uk/participant-agreement/ carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully.
