“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”
Be Calm, Be Happy is an 6-week group course teaching mindfulness meditation, in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, as an effective counter-balance to the stresses of life and as an opportunity to become happier.
Course overview
Be Calm, Be Happy provides a gradual introduction to mindfulness and meditation and key teachings on positive happy living over six classes. Each class includes guided mindfulness exercises and meditations, group discussions and practical exercises led by experienced facilitators in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Course outline
The course explore the following themes:
- Stopping and calming;
- Turning to the positive;
- Loving communication;
- Nourishing happiness;
- Interdependence and community;
- Guidelines for a happier life
Reported benefits include:
- 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 gain an overview of the key teachings and how they support each other. 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 wellbeing and to identify positive responses to challenging situations. This online course is particularly suitable for those who cannot attend a physical course or who do not have one in their locality.
Commitment
For this course to be effective, we recommend that you commit to attending all eight sessions and also do a minimum of 20 mins daily practice for five days each week. 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 can not 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 arrange with the Course Leader a catch-up session.
Course schedule
The course runs from 19.00-21.30 on the following Tuesdays:
10th, 17th , 24th September & 1st, 8th , 15th October. Before booking please make sure you are able to attend every session.
We recommend that you aim to arrive 10 minutes before the session is due to start
(i.e., by 18.50).
Course leader
The course leader is Dr. Lauri Bower.
Lauri has been practising meditation for 30 years and met Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings in 2006, from which point she committed to putting mindfulness practice at the centre of her life. In 2008 she began researching a Ph.D. on Thich Nhat Hanh and his teachings of mindfulness and Engaged Buddhism. With her Ph.D. complete Lauri began teaching mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) courses and is delighted to bring this experience to a course devoted to the Plum Village mindfulness tradition. Mindfulness has become a crucial aspect in Lauri’s life and she has experienced firsthand the healing and transformational aspects of this practice. Lauri has also been teaching mindfulness for 6 years and is continually inspired by the positive changes that it can bring.
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, breakeven price
£130: Supporter Rate – this ticket helps us to be able to offer ‘concession’ places on our courses.
£160: Sponsor Rate – this ticket further helps us to be able to offer ‘supported’ places on our courses.
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 ground floor level and there is a ground floor toilet although not wide enough for a wheelchair.
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.
If you have any questions please contact Lauri on: bcbhmindful@gmail.com
