Be Calm, Be Happy is an 8-week online mindfulness course based on the well-loved, and practical teachings of mindfulness, ‘the art of transforming suffering into wellbeing’.
Guided by Jan Cook, an experienced practitioner in the mindfulness tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh (often referred to as ‘the Father of Mindfulness’, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. and author of numerous best-selling books), this is an online course sharing simple and concrete ways to generate energy and wellbeing and release the stresses and strains of life.
In the 8 sessions, we teach you how to meditate effortlessly, so you can ease painful thoughts and emotions; you will also be encouraged to use mindfulness practices to bring joy into your daily life.
We invite you to join this course comprising of guided practices, group discussions and practical exercises. There will be a maximum group size of 12 people, for a light-hearted and deep exploration of mindfulness together, in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
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 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 happy 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 are able to develop positive responses to challenging situations. This online mindfulness course is attended via the internet, wherever you are. We suggest you find a quiet space where you will be undisturbed.
Please note, you will be using a computer/laptop, iPad or phone to access each session, and will need a functioning camera and mic.
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 cannot make a session, then please discuss with your Course Leader so that you can understand the content of the missed session.
Course schedule
This course is taught over eight Thursday mornings from 29 th April to 24 th June 2021 (there will be a break for half term on 3 June).
Each class is 1½ hours and starts at 10.30 am finishing at 12 noon.
Course leader
The course leader is Jan Cook.
Jan attended a Mindfulness-based stress reduction course about 9 years ago, when she was looking to find some peace and calmness in herself. Following the course she went to various mindfulness groups to try to sustain the mindfulness practice. One of the groups she stumbled across was the Oxford Sangha which follows the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition; she soon realised she had found her practice “home”. Since then she has attended many retreats and has followed the teachings to help her live a calmer and happier life. She is
grateful for the continuing support from being a part of, and helping to run, the local group.
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 Jan Cook: bcbh.oxford@gmail.com
