The Art of Zen was formerly the “Be Calm Be Happy” course.
Schedule
Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
We recommend that you arrive by 9.50 on both days, to settle before the days begin.
Experience how mindfulness can transform life’s stresses and increase contentment in this weekend mindfulness course, based on the well-loved, and practical teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Course Overview
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.
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 (pronounced “Tik Nat Harn”) 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 offers
— An introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to mindfulness from experienced practitioners. How it works and how to build a mindfulness practice that is stable and self-reliant.
— A sense of support, connection and community by practising and sharing with course participants.
— Understanding ways to cope with life’s stresses, reducing feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, anger and depression by establishing a stable and lasting mindfulness practice.
— Understanding ways to develop a greater sense of wellbeing and inner peace in everyday life as a means of generating compassion, joy and calm for yourself and others.
— Practical exercises to help you bring more awareness to your experiences, understand the importance of rest, and what it means to be more Zen.
— Practical ways to connect more deeply with family and friends by learning the art of compassionate speech and deep listening.
Throughout the course, you will be supported in finding ways to bring mindfulness more fully into your life through formal and informal exercises practised in each session. We assist you to look at making incremental, sustainable changes to your daily life. This allows you to make time and space for mindfulness and meditation. We encourage you to look honestly at how you currently operate and be willing to make adjustments to help you live a more authentic 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 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.
Car Parking
The Stamford Guide Hut is located on a residential street with restricted parking. The closest car park is North Street car park, PE9 1EG. The charge for a full day is approximately £5.50, but parking is free on Sunday.
Refreshments
Tea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. You are invited to bring a packed lunch to eat during the lunch breaks together. There are also cafes and shops close by.
Accessibility
The Stamford Guide Hut is a single-storey building, fully accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility including accessible toilets.
Pricing
Standard Rate | £130
This rate helps us to sustain the course.
Discounted Rate | £95
For students and participants on a low income that cannot afford the standard rate.
Sponsor Rate | £200
This rate helps us to sustain the course and allow us to offer it to to those on a lower income.
For those with no income, one or two supported places may be available.
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.
Refund Policy
If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. If you cancel your booking within 14 days of the start of the course we are unable to refund you, but can transfer you to an alternative course if one is available. Once the course has started no transfers will be possible.
