Deep Talk Amsterdam

#

What changes—and what remains—when we try to change ourselves?

There are changes we pursue, changes we resist, and changes we only later recognise.

We may want to respond differently, leave a familiar pattern behind, or find that something which once felt natural no longer fits. At other times, we surprise ourselves—or wonder why, despite our efforts, we keep reacting in familiar ways.

When does a change in what we do become a change in who we are?

And how do we decide what we want to change—and what we want to keep?

Join us to explore these questions through personal reflection and shared conversation. No particular beliefs or extraordinary experiences are needed.

What to expect

• Self-exploration: speak from your own experience.
• Openness: explore questions and welcome different perspectives.
• Participation: shared speaking time, attentive listening and an optional grounding practice.
• Attendance: arrive on time and honour your reservation; cancel promptly if your plans change.

Please read the full group description to see whether this format suits you.

Practical details

Quiet, private space · Drinks and snacks included (non alcoholic)
A small voluntary contribution—even a couple of euros—is welcome to help cover costs

Facilitator: Evelyn Rakos Donoso — The Presence & Perception Lab.

## What happens when the life we imagined abroad takes an unexpected direction?

A special-edition gathering for internationals who live in the Netherlands and are building a life here.

We make plans about work, relationships, study, where we will live and the kind of life we hope to build. Sometimes circumstances change. Sometimes another person decides differently. And sometimes we ourselves discover that the plan we were following no longer fits.

During this special edition of Deep Talk, we will explore one experience in which something did not happen as expected.
What had you imagined? How did you respond when the plan changed? What was difficult to let go of? What remained important—and how did you begin to find your way forward?

This is not about pretending that every setback is an opportunity or that everything happens for a reason. Some changes bring new possibilities; others bring disappointment, uncertainty or genuine loss. We will explore how we relate to what happened and how we proceed when the old map no longer shows the way.

You can choose an everyday experience or something more meaningful, and you decide how personal you want to be. No special knowledge or previous experience with Deep Talk is needed.

### What to expect

• Self-exploration: We begin with our own experiences.
• Open conversation: We listen to different perspectives without needing to agree.
• Participation: Shared speaking time, attentive listening and optional grounding practices.
• Small group: A quiet setting for a more personal and meaningful conversation.

Please read the full description to see whether this conversational format suits you.

### Practical details

Quiet, private space · Drinks and snacks included
A voluntary contribution of a couple of euros is appreciated to help cover the costs.