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Our Programmes

The How of Happiness

17th January 2025 - 19th January 2025

Facilitator: Miriam Akhtar

An uplifting and inspiring journey into positive psychology and what it takes to feel good and function well. The retreat will equip you with a range of practical tools to grow your wellbeing. You will come away with your own toolbox of happiness boosters, which open the gateway to a flourishing life.

Event time: 17th January 2025 4:00pm - 19th January 2025 4:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

  • Mindful walking through our woodland trails
  • Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
  • Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
  • Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

  • A journey into the science of happiness
  • Explore the practices that grow wellbeing
  • Reflect on your source of meaning and purpose 

What You Will Gain

  • Get to know positive psychology
  • Understand the major pathways to happiness
  • Try out positive psychology practices
  • Take away insights and practices to grow your wellbeing 
  • Savour Hawkwood’s natural surroundings and delicious food

Booking Options

Residential (single)Residential single rate
£470.00
Residential (shared)Residential shared rate
£420.00
Non-residentialNon-residential rate
£340.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

The How of Happiness Tutors

Miriam Akhtar

Miriam Akhtar

More about The How of Happiness

Across the weekend we explore these major ingredients in the science of happiness.
- What is Happiness
- Flow: Being ‘in the zone’
- Positive Emotions: The feel-good factor
- Strengths: You at your best (Please take the free test at www.viacharacter.org and bring your results to the workshop)
- Positive Relationships: Other people matter
- Finding Meaning & Purpose
- Optimism: Developing the glass half full.
- Positive Directions: Planning the way forward

Practical Information

Bring journals or notebooks to write in.
Bring comfortable clothes and footwear - whatever will help you feel cosy.
Bring your outdoor gear to explore Hawkwood.

"Hawkwood is a very special place; the only place where I’ve really felt that possibly spiritual feeling and I feel able to switch off from the outside world. Perched high up on the hills, the views are amazing and the cosiness of the library, hospitality and warmth of the Hawkwood team, make this a perfect venue for the How of Happiness."
Julia, previous participant

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

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Hawkwood is an arts and educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.

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