The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
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 Leaders
Ian Sneath
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.
Ian spends time between Plum Village France and the UK and practices predominantly with Nottingham Deep Roots and Durham Sacred Earth Sanghas.
Kirstie Berridge
Kirstie is firmly committed to the Plum Village approach to mindfulness, having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh in 2013 and receiving the Five Mindfulness Trainings while on retreat in Plum Village France in 2022 and the lineage name, Deepening Path of the Source.
Much of Kirstie’s time is spent on Sangha building and spreading the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, providing administrative and marketing support for Plum Village UK on a voluntary basis, including supporting the delivery of Plum Village UK’s Mindfulness courses and serving as the UK Sangha Coordinator. Kirstie is fortunate to visit Plum Village France regularly.
Kirstie continues to experience the transformational benefits of practicing mindfulness on all aspects of her life, including relationships, right livelihood and interbeing. Kirstie lives just outside of Stamford and practises with the Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha with an aspiration to continue to build Sangha, including in and around Rutland / Lincolnshire.
Practical Info
Location
Guide Hall
34 Conduit Road
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 1QQ
Parking
The Guide Hall is on a residential street with restricted parking. The closest car park is North Street car park, PE9 1EG. The charge for a full day is approximately £5.50, but parking is free on Sunday.
Refreshments
Tea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. You are invited to bring a packed lunch to eat during the lunch breaks together. There are also cafes and shops close by.
Accessibility
The venue is single storey and fully accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility including accessible toilets.
Pricing
Standard Rate | £130
This rate helps us to sustain the course.
Sponsor Rate | £200
This rate helps us to sustain the course and allow us to offer it to 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
For those with no income, one or two supported places are available.
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.
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 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. We will be invited to eat together during the break for lunch. Local cafes and shops are also a short walk away.
- 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
With best wishes
Kirstie and Ian
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
Please read the terms and conditions listed below carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully.
I acknowledge that I am physically and psychologically fit enough to participate in this programme. I know of no reason, nor have I been informed by my doctor or health care professional, of any reason why my participation in this programme would do me or others harm of any nature.
I understand that the course may raise emotional issues. Whilst mindfulness can be helpful with ordinary anxiety and low mood, this course is not suitable for people with extreme anxiety, severe depression, psychosis or personality disorder.
The course is not intended to provide a therapeutic environment. It is not a substitute for ongoing medical support.
I agree to take full responsibility for my own health and well-being.
I understand that participants and instructors must keep everything that happens within the course completely confidential.
As a participant, I agree not to record or make any reproduction of the whole or any part of the programme, materials or electronic files and I understand that the content is protected by copyright laws.
