The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy

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”).

Each two-hour weekly session 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 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

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 Leader

Stephanie Jackson

Stephanie lives in Penryn in Cornwall and practices with the Apple Tree Sangha.

She received the Five mindfulness trainings in Plum Village in 2006 and was given the name Deep Silence of the Heart. She attended the Summer retreat regularly with her family before setting up Apple Tree Sangha in 2022.

In response to her own suffering, she found the dharma in her 20’s. Through committed practice and the support of teachers and sangha, she learnt how to heal and love herself and others. She continues to be inspired and motivated by this path, with its emphasis on engaged practice and the experiential knowing of Interbeing.

Stephanie works as a GP alongside teaching yoga, mindfulness and compassion training to healthcare professionals, teachers, community classes and those with a diagnosis of cancer. She is currently an aspirant to the Order of Interbeing.

Practical Info

Schedule

Mondays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
8, 15, 22 & 29 September
6 & 13 October

We recommend that you aim to arrive 10 minutes before each class is due to start and allow longer
on the first evening to ensure you find the centre and parking with ease.

Location

We are located at Chyan Cultural Centre TR10 9B, however this postcode will take you to the residents gate where there is no access.

Chyan can be quite tricky to find as the entrance to the car park is hidden well by the hedge despite the signs!

Easiest way to find us is through the website WHAT3WORDS: w3w.co/toads.colleague.approvals
This link will take you to the exact entrance of the car park you need.

OR please use the postcode TR10 9BS which is the postcode for Fig Tree House B&B, which is located right opposite the car park you will need on the main road. Please do not turn into Fig Tree House!

Once in car park, find a space and then walk into the smaller car park and follow signs for the Sky Barn… Down path beside the notice box.

Travel

Car
Car parking is free

Bus
— From Penryn, take the U4 towards Helston and Penzance, alight at Longdowns and then it is a 35
minute walk.
— From Falmouth Moor B, take the 35 towards Helston and alight at the telephone box in Treverva. It
is then a 25 minute walk.

Bikes
it is a 40 minute cycle from Falmouth.

Meeting Room and Facilities

Follow the signs from car parking to the Sky Barn. If there are accessibility needs, let the course leader know so that alternative parking can be advised.

All toilets are composting. We have two disabled access toilets on site.

There are chairs and cushions at the centre, please bring a water bottle and anything else you may need to feel comfortable.

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.

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. After this time, no refunds will be possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?
Please dress casually and comfortably.

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 me: mindfulmedicinecornwall@gmail.com

With best wishes
Stephanie Jackson

The Community of Interbeing UK
Charity Number 1096680
Plum Village UK

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Please read the participant agreement carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully.