Study Circle - 21st Century Enlightenment

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/9/3/c/event_255335132.jpegWe are continuing our study circle on “A New Age of Enlightenment or Darkness” and the next one will take place on Aiugust 7th. This is a continuation of what started as a House Meeting earlier in the year and because of interest has now turned into a study circle.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/1/e/event_179373822.jpegKathryn Best will facilitate this Study Circle and is a writer, speaker, educator and consultant in design and the creative industries, and the author of 2 books on Design Management. Her new book on design and systemic change is due out in 2013.

We will continue to explore what does it mean to be an enlightened citizen in the present age, and are we indeed entering a new age of enlightenment or one of darkness.

There is a need for a new enlightened model for how we can create/recreate our future, but will it come from the top or the bottom of our current power structures, or is a combination of both necessary for success?

The first house meeting agreed on the importance of shared meaning, on the need for more conversation (and less TV), more curiosity and imagination (and less fear and rigid thinking), more pleasure generated from accomplishing things and less reliance on our addictions and distractions - technology or otherwise. Enlightenment is a choice we all make as individuals, as communities and as a global society.

This study circle will take the discussion forward, question the status quo and inspire debate around theoretical and practical alternatives. How can we integrate both existing and better ways of living? What new frameworks can we create for a healthier concept of society and politics? And how can we use these to bring our systems back into balance - and align them with the right to prosperity and peace for all?

Kathryn also hopes to discuss the further development of this study circle and how the theme might be developed.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/f/0/2/event_213843842.jpegAlthough membership of our site is free we do expect all those who attend our events to pay an annual subscription that covers attendance not just one meeting but also to the vast majority of our meetups and webinars for any one year. It also allows you to bring one guest free to every meeting or webinar.

If you are unable to pay online this way can you please let us know and we will make other arrangements. Also we never refuse membership to anyone who is unable to pay, so do please let us know if there are difficulties this way and you will still be able to join in.