About this Event
“This has been a life-changing experience”
“Thank you so much for assisting me to further my journey in such a lovely, peaceful way”
“I’ve experienced a very real shift in my ability to be present and enjoy simple things”
“What I have gained from the course has given me real optimism for a calmer and happier future”
Guided by 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), Be Calm, Be Happy is an online course sharing simple and concrete ways to generate energy and wellbeing and release the stresses and strains of life.
In these 6 autumn afternoon sessions, you may learn 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 enjoy this course comprising guided practices, group discussions and practical exercises. There will be a maximum group size of 14 people, for a light-hearted and deep exploration of mindfulness together, in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Course content
The six 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 Buddhist psychology and supported by neuroscience; it may be practised by those of all faiths and none.
Many of our participants learn new ways to care for their well-being 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.
Feedback from the online course – “The supportiveness of the whole group was lovely, and I was surprised to be able to feel that with an online course. I came away from each session feeling calm and happy”.
Commitment
For this course to be most effective, we recommend that you commit to attending all six 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
The course is taught on Tuesday afternoons commencing 14th September for 6 sessions, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
This is a live, interactive course, not recorded sessions to download.
Once you book onto the course you will be invited to a brief pre-course Zoom orientation, to meet the Course Leader and iron out any potential difficulties in joining Zoom before the course itself starts.
Ticket pricing
We ask you to consider carefully what you can realistically afford without depriving yourself or anyone else. Supported and Concession Tickets are intended for those who are unwaged, have a low household income and/or limited funds available. In offering a range of ticket prices (£30 to £200) we aim to make the course available to as many people as possible.
Course leaders
The course leaders are Katie Sheen and Gavin O’Driscoll.
Katie first discovered mindfulness in 2001 and practised in various Buddhist traditions before discovering the Plum Village ‘Heart of Manchester’ Sangha in 2013.
Having worked in brain tumour charities for 20 years in both patient support and research management roles, alongside studying for a PGCE and MA Education that enabled her to teach nutrition at Universities and Colleges, her own cancer treatment in 2015 highlighted with even greater clarity the practicality, healing nature and joyful simplicity of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings. Grateful for having her mindfulness practice as the anchor that she needed in order to process the physical and emotional trauma of her experience, she now teaches mindfulness full-time.
Katie received the 5 Mindfulness Trainings in 2016 and was given the Dharma name Dharma Light of The Heart.
img. After many years working within the corporate world, Gavin (at the age of 30) returned to academia to pursue a career in psychology/psychotherapy. It was at this time that he came in contact with the nourishing teachings of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and experienced first-hand the healing and transformative benefits of practising together with a local Sangha in Cork, Ireland. In 2014 he visited Plum Village as part of a wake-up retreat and soon after decided to take part in the five year monastic training programme. In 2020, Gavin returned to lay life and is now passionate about finding ways to continue his own spiritual development and to support others on their spiritual journey. Gavin’s Dharma name is Dao Kien (Solidity on the path)
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?
You will receive “Joining Information” in a confirmation email once you have purchased your ticket. This will confirm the information on the class timings, and how to access the online course. You will receive a further email directly from the Course Leader in the week before the course starts, inviting you to a short pre-course zoom call.
