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 Katie Sheen, 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 15 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
Dates are 4.30 – 6.30pm GMT on Tuesdays 20th & 27th April, 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th May, 8th & 15th June 2021.
Course leader
The course leader is Katie Sheen.
Katie first discovered mindfulness in 2001 and practiced in various Buddhist traditions before discovering the Plum Village Heart of Manchester Sangha in 2013. Her cancer treatment in 2015 highlighted the practicality, healing nature and joyful simplicity of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings and she now teaches mindfulness full-time. She offers free online tools, an app, an online course and regular events to support a calmer, happier life at her ‘Soul Nutrition’ website (www.soulnutrition.org), which she developed for her MA Education in 2012. She received the 5 Mindfulness Trainings in 2016 and was given the Dharma name ‘Dharma Light of The Heart’.
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
