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

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.

Letizia Nodari

Letizia has practised in the Plum Village Zen tradition since 2002.

She works as a person-centred counsellor. The teachings and practices she has encountered during her retreats have helped her greatly to deepen her own self-awareness and to inform and enrich her therapeutic interventions.

She has attended retreats regularly to deepen her understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings and increase her ability to incorporate them in her daily life. During an extended stay in Plum Village Monastery at the 2022/23 Rains retreat, Letizia was deeply moved by the light-heartedness and joyfulness emanated by the monastic community, and by the depth and stability of their practice. Since that stay, she has been even more determined to nourish her practice regularly and to share its transformational energy with others.

Letizia lives in the Northeast and practises with Northern Lotus and York sanghas. She received the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings in 2024 and her dharma name is True Deep Inclusiveness.

Practical Info

Location

Mindful Therapies Centre
First Floor
British India House
15 Carliol Square
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6UF

Please use the entrance located between Metro Repro and Body Zone.

Schedule

Saturday 24 Oct: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 25 Oct: 10 AM - 5 PM
Please arrive by 09:50 a.m. on both days to settle before we begin.

Travel

Public Transport
The nearest metro stations are Monument and Manors. The nearest bus stops are on Market Street. The nearest train station is Newcastle Central. See www.nexus.org.uk for routes and timetables.

Parking
Pay and Display Mon to Sun 8am to 7pm.

Refreshments

Please bring a packed lunch to enjoy mindful eating together during the lunch breaks. A selection of hot drinks and snacks will be available. But if you have a favourite drink, please bring this. Local cafes and shops are a short walk away.

Accessibility

The centre is accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility using a lift. Please let us know in advance if you have accessibility requirements. An accessible toilet is also available.

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: 

heather@plumvillage.uk  letizianodari@plumvillage.uk

With best wishes
Heather and Letizia

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.