The Wellspring reading circle

Name: Strength Through Stillness? Tao Te Ching in Practice (Fortnightly–1st gathering)
Start: 2026-03-10T05:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-03-10T07:00:00.000Z
Location: Fendalton Library

About us

## The Wellspring – A Circle for Meaningful Reading & Conversation

In a world full of noise, speed, and constant distraction, many of us are quietly longing for something deeper.

This group is a space for thoughtful reading and honest conversation — a place where we slow down, explore meaningful books, and reflect together on life, growth, and responsibility.

We read works that invite depth rather than quick answers — from psychology and philosophy to literature that touches the human condition. Each gathering is small, relaxed, and conversational. No lectures. No gurus. Just shared inquiry.
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to have all the answers.
Curiosity and sincerity are enough.

This circle is for people who:
• enjoy reflective conversation
• value personal growth
• prefer depth over small talk
• are open to different perspectives
• are willing to listen as much as they speak

It may not be the right fit if you’re looking for debate for its own sake, fast networking, or purely social events.
We believe meaningful community grows slowly — through presence, trust, and shared exploration.

If that resonates with you, you’re warmly welcome.

Featured event

9 seats left

Strength Through Stillness? Tao Te Ching in Practice (Fortnightly–1st gathering)

Tue, Mar 10 · 18:00 NZDT

Fendalton Library, 4 Jeffreys Road, Christchurch, NZ

A fortnightly philosophy circle exploring the Tao Te Ching as practical wisdom for modern life. Through reflective dialogue and thoughtful discussion, we examine themes of leadership, personal development, clarity, responsibility, and spiritual depth beyond religion.

The Tao Te Ching is one of the most influential works of philosophy in history. Its language is brief, poetic, and often paradoxical — which is precisely why it continues to challenge thoughtful readers across cultures.
This circle approaches the text as a living source of insight rather than a historical puzzle. We are not attempting to reconstruct Laozi’s original intent in an academic sense, nor are we treating the work as religious doctrine. Instead, we explore a practical question:
How might this wisdom inform the way we live, work, and lead today?

Each gathering focuses on two short chapters. We read attentively, consider multiple interpretations, and examine how the ideas might apply to contemporary life — particularly in areas such as leadership, responsibility, ambition, restraint, and navigating complexity with clarity.
The tone of the circle is reflective and serious, yet open. It is not a lecture and not a debate forum. It is a structured conversation among thoughtful adults.

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### Structure

• Fortnightly on Tuesdays (6–8 PM)
• Two chapters per session
• Close reading followed by facilitated dialogue
• Ongoing, cumulative exploration

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### Participation

To ensure depth of conversation, the circle will commence once a small committed group (minimum six participants) is formed.
Once established, this gathering is intended to continue on a regular basis. If attendance were to decline significantly (fewer than four participants), sessions may be paused to preserve the quality of discussion.
All registered participants will be notified once the initial session is confirmed.

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This circle may resonate with:
• Working professionals seeking thoughtful engagement beyond daily demands
• Individuals who consider themselves spiritual but not religious
• Readers interested in philosophy as lived practice rather than abstract theory
If you value careful thinking, intellectual humility, and meaningful conversation, you are warmly welcome.

🗓 Fortnightly on Tuesday evenings | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Fendalton Library