Experience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.

Zen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do.

The Art of Zen course was formerly called Be Calm Be Happy

The course offers

• A supportive community to learn alongside
• Grounding in Thich Nhat Hanh's approach
• Structured progress led by our experienced course leaders

What you will learn

Week1 - Slowing and stopping, to see what is really happening in the moment

Week 2 - Awareness of the mind's tendency to negativity, and how this has come about

Week 3 - The power of loving kindness, with deep listening and loving speech

Week 4 - How mindfulness affects our choices, positively impacting our wellbeing

Week 5 - Seeing our connection to others, and thus developing our compassion

Week 6 - The value of ethical practice, supporting us into the future

We encourage you to look honestly at how you currently operate and to be willing to make adjustments to help you live a more authentic life. We assist you in making incremental and sustainable changes to your day, allowing space for mindfulness and meditation.

Our Course Leaders are expert practitioners with a deep aspiration to share the benefits of Zen with others. Together they bring a broad range of experience with backgrounds including teaching, creative arts, health and business.

Practical Information

• Each 6-week course is delivered in 2-hour sessions at the same time each week
• In addition, we encourage finding 20 minutes per day to devote to practising by yourself
• There is a handout each week, summarising what has been covered and with help for home practice

Pricing

We offer a range of pricing options from £30 - £200 with the intention that the course is available to all. We ask that you pay whatever you can afford, to enable these courses to continue.

Plum Village UK is a not for profit charity based in the UK, affiliated to Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village monastery in France, and dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and ethical living in the Plum Village Zen tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the refund policy?

If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. If you cancel your booking within 14 days of the start of the course we are unable to refund you, but can transfer you to an alternative course if one is available. Once the course has started no transfers will be possible.

Can I follow this course if I’m new to meditation?

Yes! We welcome newcomers to mindfulness as well as anyone wishing to bring mindfulness more fully into their daily life. The course helps participants gain an overview of the key teachings and how they support each other. It gives you the confidence to participate in further group activities (Sanghas, retreats, Days of Mindfulness) offered by Plum Village UK.

Is this course for all ages?

The course is open to all those over the age of 18

Is this course live or recorded?

This is a live course. For the privacy of all participants we do not record any part of a session. Please check the six consecutive dates of a course before booking to ensure you are available for all of them.

What if I miss a session?

It is ideal if you can make all the sessions, as this way you will gain a solid foundation in mindfulness practice. If you have to miss a class and know ahead of time, do let your Course Leader know. Please refer to the handouts to see what you have missed.

Can I join from any timezone?

This is a UK-based event. If you are joining us from outside the UK, you may wish to use a timezone converter to check your timezone works with the course timings.

What is your transfer policy?

You can transfer to different course dates, please give us at least 14 days' notice before the course starts. After the course starts, we do not offer transfers onto other dates.

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions do please contact us via mindfulness-courses@plumvillage.uk

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.