Experience how mindfulness can transform life’s stresses and increase contentment in this weekend mindfulness course, based on the well-loved, and practical teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.

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

SCHEDULE
Saturday: 11 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM
We recommend that you arrive by 10.50am on Saturday / 9.50am Sunday to settle before we begin.

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

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 Leader

Heather Monro

Heather is based in Durham and practices with Sacred Earth and Northern Lotus Sanghas.

Heather received the 5 Mindfulness Trainings from Plum Village in 2023 and was ordained as a novice nun for a time limited period in 2025 with the dharma name Ocean of Great Dedication.

Having been on a path of pursuing happiness through achievement and collecting medals on the world sporting stage, she became fascinated with the psychological aspects of being our best selves and turned to supporting others in their journeys as a leadership coach and spiritual companion. In 2017, feeling increasingly burnt out by pursuing conventional success she had a life-changing realisation; that most personal development just provides people with survival strategies in our broken societal system.

She is now dedicated to facilitating transformative journeys for both individuals and organisations through opening hearts and expanding consciousness and aspires to contributing to a more loving, peaceful and equitable world through mindful practice and a deep understanding of interbeing.

Heather has been practising, studying and teaching mindfulness for 15 years – initially following a secular path and then via various Buddhist traditions before ‘coming home’ to Plum Village in 2022. She currently serves as a Buddhist Chaplain at Durham University and is an aspirant to the Order of Interbeing.

Practical Information

Venue

The Crossgate Centre is located a short walk from the city centre. It is a 12 minute walk from Durham Railway station and 7 minutes from the bus station.

Travel / Car Parking

We recommend using public transport.

There will be a limited number of parking spaces available at the centre. In the final email before the course we will confirm how many spaces we have available and allocate these accordingly. There is also on-street metered parking in the residential streets nearby.

Refreshments

Tea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. You are invited to bring a vegetarian packed lunch to eat during the lunch breaks together. There are also cafes and shops close by.

Accessibility

The yoga studio is located on the 1^st floor of the Crossgate centre. It is accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility using a lift. There is an accessible toilet on the 1^st floor.

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 to class?

You may find it helpful to bring the following with you:

• Chairs, yoga mats, bolster cushions and blankets will be available. 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.
• A packed lunch to enjoy mindful eating together during the break for lunch. Local cafes and shops are also a short walk away.
• A pen and notebook for journaling.
• 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. You may also want to bring socks or slippers as outdoor footwear is not permitted in the studio itself.

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 an automated confirmation email once you have registered. One week beforehand you will receive an email from the Course Leaders.

We warmly welcome you onto the Art of Zen mindfulness course. If there is anything else you would like to know before the course starts please do not hesitate to contact us.

With best wishes
Letizia and Heather

On behalf of The Community of Interbeing
Charity number 1096680
Plum Village UK

heather@plumvillage.uk
letizianodari@plumvillage.uk

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Please read our participant agreement here (opens in new window)