“I’ve experienced a very real shift in my ability to be present and enjoy simple things”
“what I have gained from the course has given me real optimism for a calmer and happier future”
Course overview
Be Calm, Be Happy provides a gradual introduction to mindfulness and meditation and key teachings on positive happy living in six classes taught over three Saturdays. Each class includes guided mindfulness exercises and meditations, group discussions and practical exercises led by experienced facilitators in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Course content:
Session 1: Stopping and calming
Session 2: Turning to the positive
Session 3: Loving communication
Session 4: Nourishing happiness
Session 5: Interdependence and community
Session 6: Guidelines for a happier 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 depression
Who can attend
This course is suitable for beginners, as well as those wishing to refresh their mindfulness practice. It is suitable for those of all faiths and none. Our course participants come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many of our participants are keen to learn new ways to look after their own well being and to identify positive responses to challenging situations.
Proposed commitment
Participants will gain most from this course if they are able to attend all the classes and to do the suggested homework and home practice in between. Creating a stable and strong practice of mindfulness is a habit that needs regular, ideally daily, practice. If you know ahead of time that you cannot make a session then please discuss with your course leader so that you can understand the content of the missed session. If you have to miss a session at short notice please arrive early for the next session so that you can speak to the Course Leader ahead of time.
Course schedule
This course is taught over 3 Saturdays: 2nd, 16th and 23rd March,10.30 – 12.30 and then 2.00 – 4.00pm. * Please bring a packed lunch with you.*
Please make sure you are able to attend each week. We recommend that you aim to arrive 10 minutes before each class is due to start (i.e., by 10.20am).
Course leaders
The course leaders are David Will and Denise Rowe.
David Will has been practising for about 10 years, and joined Bridport Sangha in 2012. He has been a facilitator for about four years, and edits the Sangha newsletter, which comes out monthly. He took the Five Mindfulness Trainings two years ago. He came across Thich Nhat Hanh through his books, especially The Miracle of Mindfulness. In Thay’s approach David finds a solid and thoughtful guide to a peaceful and joyful existence.
Denise Rowe is a founder member of Bridport Sangha, and has been practicing since 2005, when she took the five mindfulness trainings at Plum Village in France. She is a regular attender at Plum Village and became an aspirant last year. The practice has brought Denise to a peaceful and nourishing place, allowing her to experience life fully in the present moment.
Ticket pricing
We ask you to consider carefully what you can realistically afford without depriving yourself and your family or dependents. Supported and Concession Tickets are intended for those who are unwaged, have a low household income and/or limited funds available. In offering a range of ticket prices we aim to make the course available to as many people as possible.
£30 – Supported Ticket, unwaged
£60 – Concession Ticket, low income
£95 – Standard Ticket, break even price
£130 – one Standard Ticket, plus enabling a Concession place
£160 – one Standard Ticket, plus enabling a Supported place
Frequently Asked Questions…
What if I miss a class?
It is ideal if you can make all the classes as in 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. They will be able to advise you on how you can continue your mindfulness practice by using the online materials provided.
Is there disabled access to the venue?
Yes. The venue is on the ground floor with wide doors.
What further information will I receive?
All our course attendees will receive “Joining Information” in a confimation email after they have purchased their ticket. This will confirm the information on the class timings, venue and facilities.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel your booking at least 7 days before the start of the course we will refund your full course fee minus a £15 administration fee.
If you cancel your booking less than 7 days before the start of the course we will issue a 50% refund of the course fee.
Once the course has started no refunds will be issued.
Do you have any other questions about the Be Calm, Be Happy course? If so we’ll be happy to help. Please contact us on: d.h.will@me.com