CLOWN AND THE ART OF MINDFULNESS – Peredur Centre, East Grinstead, UK

with Carol Thompson and Teri West
20-25 July 2025

A light-hearted playful week in the beautifully designed spaces of Peredur Centre for the Arts, in East Sussex. We will develop a sense of wellbeing and experience plenty of fun and laughter as we explore how the worlds of clowning and the practice of mindfulness connect.

Stopping, breathing and being fully present to each moment is the perfect companion on the path to meeting our unique ‘clown within’. Our clown is the free, fun, spontaneous and playful side of ourselves that copes with life without being concerned about getting it right or being clever, just as our ‘Buddha-nature’ or awakened mind accepts all as it is, without judging or comparing.

Through play, games and short improvisations, we will learn to let go of our need to be in control. Through practising mindful breathing, movement and deep listening we will develop the ability to be truly present in each moment.

The group size is limited to 12. We welcome those with or without previous experience of clowning or meditation. 

Facilitators:

Carol Thompson

Carol has been a teacher of English and Theatre Arts, a therapeutic
counsellor, presentation skills trainer and laughter leader. She trained as
a clowning facilitator with Nose to Nose in the Second Facilitator
Training (2006-2008) one of the most challenging, gratifying and
fulfilling courses ever! The skills she learned have enabled her to introduce and nurture clowning for so many different people in the UK, Europe, India and Canada.
Carol and Teri met on a Nose to Nose “Courage to Be” workshop in 2006. They often recall an improv where one was the saucer and the other the cup and still laugh about it to this day! Since then they have worked together as clowns many times, mostly as part of an ensemble
called “The Fool Effect”, performing improvised shows.
Carol and Teri facilitate “Clown and the Art of Mindfulness.” It continues to be an absolute joy for both of them!

Teri West

Teri is a storyteller, musician, mindfulness practitioner and clown. She was ordained by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2000 into the Order of Interbeing and as a lay Dharma teacher in 2016.  

She trained at Europe’s first School for Storytelling, then with Nose to Nose clowning.  She worked professionally as a storyteller for over 15 years and as a member of “The Fool Effect” for over 5.  At the same time she worked on developing her skills as a singer/songwriter and ventured onto the cabaret stage a few years back, enjoying the freedom that the cabaret stage offers to address edgy subjects while offering Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) messages as entertainment. She has taught courses in Clown and Mindfulness with Nose to Nose teachers at the European Institute of Applied Buddhism and elsewhere.

Teri and Carol know the common ground that clowning and mindfulness share. It gives them great happiness to offer this opportunity to explore both over a week at Peredur.

Course Fee: £520

Deposit:  £180

Date and Times: 20-25 July 2025
First Day: 19:30-21:00
Day 2 to 5:  9:00-12:30  and 14:30-18:00
Last Day: 9:00-12:30

Venue: Peredur Centre, West Hoathly Rd, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NF

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Step 1 – Book this course

To book this course or enquire
PLEASE CLICK HERE

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Step 2 – Accommodation and meals

Accommodation can be booked directly with the Peredur Centre.

info@peredurcentre.org.uk
01342 312527

There is access to a kitchen and dining area here to prepare your own meals.

Alternatively please contact us for list of local people and friends  of Nose to Nose providing B and B accommodation.

Please note that this course is self-catering. The village of Forest Row with three supermarkets, whole food shops, cafes and restaurants is just under 4 miles away. There is similar in East Grinstead which is just over a mile away in the opposite direction.