"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."
- Dalai Lama
You feel a bit stuck.
It’s not that you’re depressed. You’re just not that in to things at the moment.
You know logically that life is pretty good.
You’ve got a good job, a nice house, a lovely family.
You have friends to hang out with.
But, it feels as if life is passing you by.
You go to work. You come home.
Perhaps, you collapse on the couch with a glass of wine.
You watch some TV. You go to bed.
Then you get up and do it all again.
Is this really all there is to life?
You used to have interests, even passions.
You used to think you would make a big impact.
You used to go out and catch up with friends.
And now you’re here.
On the work treadmill.
Weeks go past. Christmas arrives.
Despite the heat, you feel like hibernating.
Are you ready to change things?
Would you like to laugh out loud?
Would you like to start controlling your life rather than it controlling you?
Happiness is:
50% genetics, 10% life circumstances and 40% within your control
Would you like to:
- appreciate the present moment
- identify your strengths and use them every day
- embrace uncertainty
- accept your imperfections
- find practical ways to be happier
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, please speak to your GP or other health professional for signing up for this program.
If you need urgent assistance, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or, (in the ACT) the Mental Health Crisis Team on 1800 629 354.
Happiness isn’t something that just happens to you.
I’m going to show you how to make it happen.
Not next year. Now.
I’m not offering a magic wand.
You’ll need to take little steps, every day.
But you won’t be alone.
We’re in this together.
And I’ll be your guide along the way.
It’s not that life’s bad.
It’s just not fabulous. Yet!
If you can commit just 20 minutes per day for 6 weeks, you will be happier.
And the skills you're going to learn will be with you forever.
The program starts on 19 October 2015 and runs for 6 weeks.
We're excepting enrolments until Friday 23 October or until we book out.
There are currently 6 spots left.
What’s included:
Mindfulness workshop – Sunday 25 October – 1:30 to 4pm
Meditation, mindfulness and a little bit of relaxing yoga, plus a lovely afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings.
Playfulness and happiness workshop - Sunday 22 November – 1pm to 4pm
I’m not going to give too much away but be prepared to have fun. Explore your creative side and unleash your inner child. You’ll learn how efficiency is overrated and how play shapes the brain and invigorates the soul. You’ll also get to celebrate your successes, identify what works for you and work through a step-by-step process to design your own future happiness.
Each week you will receive:
- one guided meditation or relaxation MP3
These are yours to download and keep. A CD of these guided meditations is also available.
- one challenge activity to practice throughout the week
These activities have been developed through years of psychology research and have been shown to improve happiness and wellbeing.
- readings and videos for those who would like to delve deeper into the science
Each week you’ll receive a summary of the scientific research relevant to the theme. You’ll also receive a collated reading (and watching) list to help you to delve deeper.
- walking group twice per week
Walks are held outside in the beautiful grounds of ANU. See below for more information about walks and alternative arrangments if you can’t join the ANU walking groups.
- personalised coaching to help you achieve your wellbeing and happiness goals
Bernie is a wellbeing and happiness coach and is keen to help you achieve your personal goals.
Walking: Exercise + social interactions + outside time = happiness.
Participants are strongly encouraged to walk outside with a friend at least twice each week (and preferably on most days). Walks will be held twice each week at lunchtime on ANU campus, beginning from near the Menzies Library. You’re also most welcome to form your own group (or just find a partner) and walk at a time that is convenient for you. And, if you can’t find a partner, at least go outside and walk by yourself.
Course modules include:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Self-compassion
- Gratitude
- Community and connection
- Using your strengths
- Playfulness, creativity and flow
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, please speak to your GP or other health professional before signing up to this program.
If you need urgent assistance, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or, (in the ACT) the Mental Health Crisis Team on 1800 629 354.
Making Canberra Happy is for you if:
- - you'd like to find enjoyment every day
- - you’re interested in the science of how your brain works
- - you'd like to stop worrying about the future and regretting the past
- - you’re feeling ready to make changes in your life
Making Canberra Happy is not for you if:
- - you prefer to complain than take action
- - you’re more interested in magic than science
- - you’re already feeling so happy that you can’t imagine being any happier
- you're not ready to make changes to the way you think about things
Making Canberra Happy was created by Bernie Morris.
Bernie is a 30-something yoga & meditation teacher, health researcher & epidemiologist, wellness coach, wife and mum. She’s also a runner, silversmith, gardener, reader, and environmentalist. She enjoys sitting on top of mountains, having long hot baths, snuggling with her family and eating chocolate.
She has experienced several bouts of anxiety and depression in her life. She is slowly learning to go with the flow and let go of her compulsion for list-writing.
Bernie has studied medical science, science communication and public health. She has also trained as a wellness coach and as a yoga teacher. She is fascinated by how the body and the brain work together and is excited to be sharing Making Canberra Happy with you.
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What if I discover the course isn’t right for me? You won’t know if you don’t try. I truly believe that this is a wonderful course with a great mix of theory and practice.
If you cancel prior to the start of the program, 100% of the registration fee will be refunded.
Because of the costs associated with running the mini-retreats, if you cancel after the start of the program but before the end of week 2, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded.
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How is 'Making Canberra Happy' different from other personal development courses?
Making Canberra Happy is based on current scientific research. I am completely committed to having a program that is grounded in good solid evidence. There’s nothing woo-woo about Making Canberra Happy. Unlike many personal development programs, Making Canberra Happy includes both online and face-to-face components. You’ll be supported throughout the program with regular check-ins. Bernie will be available by email throughout the 6 weeks and at the walking groups.
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Do I have to do the face-to-face component?
Yes. The face-to-face components are an essential part of the program. Through the workshops and the walking groups, you’ll get all of the physical, social and mental benefits of gentle exercise, fresh air and social interaction. Just being in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on your brain (and you’ll learn some more about that in the program!)
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How many people will there be?
The program is limited to just 15 participants in each intake. I’m keen to get to know every participant personally. We’ll be there to support each other through the fun and the more challenging activities.
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Does the program include yoga?
Unlimited yoga at Flourish Yoga in Braddon is available for course participants for an additional $100 (valued at $210).
There will also be a small amount of yoga at the mini-retreats but it is not the primary focus.
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I've tried meditation and it didn't work. Do I have to meditate in this program?
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation exercises into your daily life is a big part of the program. But you don’t need to sit down in silence to tune in to the world. You’ll learn a few different techniques to help you relax and unwind and hopefully you can find one that works for you.
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How does the 6 weeks of unlimited yoga work? Is it really unlimited?
The yoga add-on includes unlimited yoga classes at our Braddon studio. This includes all of our active vinyasa classes as well as our relaxation and restorative classes. It also includes prenatal & mums n bubs classes if these are suitable for you. You can choose from over 12 classes per week.
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I can't attend one of the retreats. Can I still sign up?
Yes, you’re most welcome to join the program, even if you can’t attend one of the retreats. You will still receive the worksheets and notes for the retreat, and can work through these in your own time.
Registrations are now open. We like to keep things small and personalised - there are only 15 spots available.
Sign up here and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your booking and get you started.
These links will take you directly to our members website. You will need to create an account to purchase. If you have a discount code or would prefer to pay by bank account transfer, please email bernie@flourishyoga.com.au.
Questions? Email bernie@flourishyoga.com.au and I'll get back to you soon.