The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy

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

Schedule

Every Tuesday 7 - 9 PM
13, 20 & 27 Jan
3, 10 & 17 Feb

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

Ian Sneath

Ian spends time between Plum Village France and the UK and practices predominantly with Nottingham Deep Roots and Durham Sacred Earth Sanghas.

Ian lived in Plum Village for two years. This experience allowed him to immerse himself in Thay’s deep-wisdom mindfulness practices. During this time Ian received ordination in the Zen Buddhist tradition, becoming an Order member with the True name True Insight on the Path.

Ian discovered Thay in 2010 after studying with various mindfulness teachers. In 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat, “What happens when we are alive, what happens when we die?” led by Thay. 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.).

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.

Practical Information

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. We will be unable to refund you after this time.

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.

Contact Us

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
Ian

mindfulness-courses@plumvillage.uk

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

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

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