Be Calm, Be Happy is an 8-week online 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. This course is offered online for those who cannot make a physical course, or do not have one in their locality.
Each class includes guided mindfulness exercises and meditations, group discussions and practical exercises led by an experienced facilitator in a warm, friendly atmosphere, with a maximum group size of 12 people.
This is a live, interactive course, not recorded sessions to download.
Course content
The eight sessions of 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
- 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.
Please note, you will be using a computer/laptop, iPad or phone to access each session, and will need a functioning camera and mic.
Proposed 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
This course is taught over eight Thursday evenings, from May 2nd – June 27th (excluding 30th May).
Each class is 1.5 hours long and the class timings are from 8pm – 9.30pm
NB: once you book onto the course you will be invited to a brief pre-course Zoom orientation, to iron out any potential difficulties in joining Zoom before the course itself starts.
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 been teaching mindfulness since 2013 and is continually inspired by the positive changes that it can bring.
Frequently Asked Questions…
What if I miss a class?
It is ideal if you can make all the classes as this way you will gain a sound 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.
What further information will I receive?
All our course attendees will receive “Joining Information” in a confirmation email once they have purchased their ticket. This will confirm the information on the class timings, and how to access the online course.
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
