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 Monday 7 - 9 PM
14, 21 & 28 Dec 2026
4, 11 & 18 Jan 2027

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 Leaders

Ian Sneath

Ian is an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, receiving the Dharma name True Insight on the Path after many years of practice, including two years living in Plum Village Monastery in France.

In 2014, Ian attended Thich Nhat Hanh’s 21-day retreat “What Happens When We Are Alive? What Happens When We Die?” Thay’s teachings on non-duality, interbeing, no-birth and no-death awakened a profound recognition of a near-death experience Ian had at the age of ten — an experience of deep connection, peace and love that he had never fully understood. Exploring and sharing this deep wisdom of non-duality has since become a central part of his practice.

After many years as a spiritual nomad, Ian has now settled in Leicestershire within a Christian community, where his life is guided by a simple volition: To practise. To share the practice. To build community.

He builds community locally while sharing mindfulness globally through online courses, retreats and gatherings. His work and volunteering include addiction recovery, end-of-life spiritual care and chaplaincy, neurodiversity, workplace wellbeing and community practice.

Ian has shared mindfulness in settings ranging from local communities and recovery groups to organisations and international settings, including with leaders at the United Nations.

At the heart of everything he shares is the practice of stopping, looking deeply and discovering our interconnectedness — helping us live with greater awareness, compassion, freedom and peace.

Kirstie Berridge

Kirstie is deeply committed to the Plum Village tradition of mindfulness having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings in 2013. Kirstie received the Five Mindfulness Trainings during a retreat at Plum Village, France, in 2022, and the lineage name Deepening Path of the Source. She is now enjoying the journey as an Aspirant to receive the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings and to become a member of the UK Order of Interbeing.

Kirstie devotes much of her time to building sangha (communities of mindfulness practitioners) and sharing Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings with individuals and organisations through the practice of right livelihood. In so doing, Kirstie draws on her own experience of mindfulness and meditation as transformative practices, allowing a better understanding of her relationship with herself and others, and a deeper connection with the wider world.

As a farmer’s daughter, Kirstie has always loved spending time in nature. Through Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, this connection has deepened, helping her live more fully in the present moment and to recognise the interconnected nature of all things.

Kirstie practises with several sanghas, including Stamford Zen and Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha.

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

Have questions? Read our full Course FAQ guide here

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.

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.