The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy

We are a UK Charity promoting mindfulness and ethical living as a path to peace, both in ourselves and in the world.

Based on the teachings of "father of mindfulness" Thich Nhat Hanh.

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
• The continuing opportunity to practice mindfulness with Stamford Zen (For those that live locally. Others will be supported to find their local Sangha.)

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 is an ordained lay practitioner in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition who interconnects mindfulness, presence, and transformation in everyday life.

After an entrepreneurial path marked by both outer success and inner questioning, he spent two years living in Plum Village, where he dedicated his life to mindfulness, simplicity, and letting go.

Drawing on lived experience of trauma recovery, addiction healing, neurodiversity, and a near-death awakening, Ian offers a grounded transmission of Thay’s wisdom through The Art of Zen – an invitation to peace, compassion, and interbeing.

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. Kirstie is now enjoying the journey as an Aspirant to receive the Fourteen Mindfulness Training and to join the UK Order of Interbeing.

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. 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 practises with a number of sanghas including Stamford Zen, Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha and the Earth Care Sangha.

Practical Info

Location

The Old School House
Chapel Street
Belper
Derbyshire
DE56 1AR

Schedule

Saturday 19 Sep: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 20 Sep: 10 AM - 4 PM
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early each day.

Travel

We recommend using public transport. The course venue is a very short walk from both Belper’s Rail Station and Bus Station. Driving instructions are available via this link: Space Locations :: Creative Holistic Space. There is off road Parking at the venue.

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

There are 4 steps leading to the entrance of the Old School House. The course will be held on the ground floor. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Accommodation

Please note, if you live outside the area you will need to arrange your own accommodation for the weekend. This is a non-residential weekend course.

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

• 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.
• 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

The Community of Interbeing UK
Charity Number 1096680
Plum Village UK

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Please read the https://plumvillage.uk/participant-agreement/ carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully.