Being Yourself in Turbulent Times (The Stuff You Can’t Bring to Parties)

❄️💡Everyone welcome! This is our first-ever circle, an informal meeting to light the spark of a community where sensitive, thoughtful people can connect, breathe out, and be honest.

Why
Modern life gives us enough reasons to feel unsettled — climate anxiety, global conflict, political volatility, and the persistent sense that something in our world is shifting faster than we can process.
These feelings matter. But most of us can’t exactly bring them up at a party without someone saying, “Let’s not get depressing.”
This gathering is for those deeper conversations — held gently, safely, and without pressure.

What to Expect

• A short introductory talk (15–20 mins)
On why so many of us carry unspoken grief, tension, or fear about the world — and how sharing these feelings in community can be strengthening rather than overwhelming. I’ll draw on the work of Joanna Macy, Francis Weller, and Steffi Bednarek, my experience as a coach supporting people who feel things deeply.
• A gentle group exercise
Something grounding to help us arrive in the space.
• Small-group sharing
With a simple guided exercise, in dyads (groups of 2) we will explore. You’re welcome to share your experience — or to participate silently. Both are equally valid.
The tone of the event: Honesty without dramatising, presence without fixing
This is not a space for despair spirals or venting endlessly — but equally not a place where anyone will try to “cheer you up” or rush you toward solutions. We’ll practise the art of being with what’s real, together, in a way that respects everyone’s boundaries and capacity.

### Afterwards

For those who feel like it, we can continue chatting in the Bridgend café for a cup of tea (+cake of course).

### Who This Is For

• People who carry worries about the state of the world
• Anyone longing for honest conversation and gentle connection
• Activists, carers, coaches, healers — and those who don’t fit any label at all

### Contribution

A suggested small contribution (e.g. 5 pounds) helps cover some the venue and Meetup costs. You can bring cash or pay by transfer on the day. If money is tight, simply come — no questions asked, truly.

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Where: Bridgend Farm, in the 'Eco Bothy'. Please arrive ahead of starting time, so we can benefit from the full 90 minutes.

Capacity
We have space for 20 people.
If you have a friend who would love this kind of space, please bring them.
This first meeting will help us sense whether a monthly Edinburgh circle could take root in 2026.
I’d love for you to be there as we begin.