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 Clare Belbin-Carlile and Ian Sneath, experienced practitioners 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 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 Tuesday evenings, commencing April 13th for eight weeks so concluding 1st June inclusive.
Each class is 2 hours long from 7-9pm UTC with a short comfort break in the middle.
Course leaders
The course leaders are Ian Sneath and Clare Belbin-Carlile
Clare first encountered Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings through his books and subsequently retreats from 1998. She became increasingly committed to her daily practice with the support of the Sanghas in York and Kirkbymoorside, and it is now a central part of her life. The Plum Village tradition has enabled Clare to work with the demands of a complex life managing a large shared household to benefit the needs of adults with special needs, alongside bringing up her own four children. She provided guidance and teaching for young interns over many years. Clare’s mindfulness practice is deeply rooted in her daily practice which includes drawing and painting in the Helmsley Walled Garden. Clare studied Fine Art at Newcastle and completed her postgraduate degree at Edinburgh. Clare’s practice transforms and enlivens everything she does.
Ian has recently returned from living in Plum Village for two years (Thich Nhat Hanh’s (Thay’s) International Mindfulness Retreat Centre). This experience allowed him to immerse himself in Thay’s deep-wisdom mindfulness teachings. Ian discovered Thay 12 years ago after studying various mindfulness teachers. In 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat, “What happens when we are alive, what happens when we die?” led by Thay. This was a deeply powerful, healing, and transformative teaching that made Ian stop, look deeply, and realise that he had been on the wrong path for most of his life. Bringing himself and others a lot of suffering. Mindfulness has given Ian so much benefit, helping every aspect of his life (ethics, health, relationships, compassion, insight, concentration, livelihood, peace, kindness, openness, etc) and his volition is now to dedicate his life to continuing to deepen his practice, to lead a happy and joyful life and to help bring Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to others.
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 Clare at clare.carlile@me.com
