Black Expressions

💥 **Fuego Latino Mondays @ Tehranto Restaurant** 💥 Start your week with flavor, rhythm, and good vibes! 🌶💃🕺 Enjoy amazing food, fun lessons, and non-stop Latin dancing all night long! 📍 Tehranto Restaurant – 5625 Yonge St, North York 🚇 Finch Subway \| 🅿 Free Parking 🍽 Full Kitchen + Bar Specials Open Late 🎟 $10 Cover (includes Lesson) 🕘 9PM Lessons: • Salsa – Guest Instructor • Bachata – Guest Instructor 🎶 DJ Geronimo heating up the floor with the best Salsa, Bachata & Latin beats all night! Come for the lessons, stay for the dancing — Mondays just got HOT! 🔥 Best way to get a hold of us is through WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpFOsXEuXRWB7uOYorJNPU

**A New Perspective on Spiritual Living - Spiritual Discussion Series** (based on ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality by Harold Klemp) In this discussions series you will gain deeper insight into * **A true Spiritual path,** * **Your spirituality from a new perspective,** * **The purpose of life,** * **HU, an ancient mantra for a modern world** * **Spiritual Masters and their mission,** The simple truth is that we are SOUL, a divine, conscious spark of God made manifest in this life to experience and learn here on earth. “*M*y definition of a true spiritual path is one that does good in the world. It tries to find ways to help people be themselves. It does not try to shape people to be what we think they should be, then break spiritual or man-made laws to accomplish that." —Harold Klemp, *[ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality](https://www.eckbooks.org/items/ECKANKAR_The_Art_of_Spirituality-2474-0.html)*, page 1 Looking to explore new frontiers of spiritual experience, come join us and share your stories and insight about your perspective on spiritual living. We will also practice a simple spiritual exercise that can help to connect with the ECK (Life Force or Spirit) which is called HU. HU is the Sound behind all sounds, woven into the language of life. It is the wind in the leaves, falling rain, thunder of jets, singing of birds and the awful rumble of a tornado. Its sound is heard in laughter, weeping, the din of city traffic, ocean waves, and the quiet rippling of a mountain stream. HU offers balance, wisdom and wonder—it brings alignment with your true purpose and highest good. All are welcome — family and friends — so come share your experiences or just listen as we explore together. Register here on Meetup by clicking the ATTEND button or just drop in. **This event is free.** Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario. Illustration Courtesy of Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom **More information is available at** * **[[eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](http://eckankarcanada.ca/ontario)]([https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html))** * **[[eckankar.org/](http://eckankar.org/)]([https://www.eckankar.org/](https://www.eckankar.org/))**

We often think of reasons as tools for justifying our choices. But if that’s all they are, why is it that we can feel “reasonless” in the middle of doing something — or confident in a choice we can’t explain to anyone else? In our next Curiosity Café we will begin by thinking about reasons as justifications. What makes a reason a good reason? What has to be true for a reason to actually justify an action — and why do we so often feel compelled to justify ourselves in the first place? Then we will turn to the question of where reasons come from. The answer seems deeply personal — your reasons feel like yours — yet philosophers argue that some reasons may be universal, rooted in human nature, culture, or ethics. But which is it? And does having a reason to do something mean, on some level, that you want to do it? Finally, we ask: can any choice be fully justified? The “Why Game” suggests that however good your reason is, someone can always ask why again. What does this justificatory regress mean for the choices we make and what responsibility do we have, individually and collectively, to seek good reasons for how we live and treat each other? Join our co-moderators Jesse Vriend and Marybel Menzies to explore these questions and more on May 5th! **Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-reasons-justification-tickets-1988294578608) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle. Hope to see you there! ***__________________________________________________________________*** This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us. By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/). About the Curiosity Café Series: For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.

**I ran this small 'Inner Peace Qigong Healing Circle' in Palm Springs for 10 years and now we are in Welland.. and are opening the circle here.** This special class is a favourite and has been running weekly now for 6 months. Love the energy of this group! Join Hae Kwang Sunim Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" Qigong - Don't Miss It! **THIS IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER QI-GONG YOU EVER EXPERIENCED** Class also Includes full lying down guided Inner Peace Qigong. Join Community - let's connect and grow the Inner Life Training. **Experience the healing and stillness of Inner Peace Qigong. Also learn essential mind-body tools for the Inner Life.** **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. Welland.** This is a small, intimate class (maximum of 7 participants). If you feel called to join us, please reach out to Sunim first to check availability. E-transfer is sent to **innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com** to hold your place. You can DM Sunim as 416-797-7553. Space is usually available when booking a few days in advance. **Required:** **Contact Sunim to register (text 416-797-7553 or email to [innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com](mailto:innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com))** **Investment: Only $17.70 + hst ($20.00\*\*)** **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. > Welland.** **Benefits of attending this class** \*\*\*Soft 'Inner Peace' Qigong leads to the deep release of dis--ease / stress and the restoring of ones energy channels and the infusion of fresh Qi and Peace through the body (reconnection to the Universal Qi field). About Inner Peace Qigong **"HARMONIZE" - "DESTRESS" and "RECHARGE"** We invite you to a great class which includes Zen Qigong, "Experiential" Qi Energy infusion and healing instruction, Meditation and more. This class also includes a soft, flowing series of Tao In, Deep Breathing, Relaxation and an amazing stress reduction closing and meditation that will leave you floating out of the class. The energy healing components of the classes are taught at Zen Temples in Korea that specialize in martial arts. This class by Hae Kwang Sunim is considered the ultimate stress reducer. All are welcome!! \*\*What to Bring A yoga mat and anything else that will make you comfortable for this class. A friend! Note: We have extra yoga mats, blankets, etc., but we recommend bringing a yoga mat to place over ours for optimal 'Inner Qigong' comfort. We supply use of meditation chairs and blankets (please arrive 5-10 minutes early). Class Benefits Include: Reduced stress level / deepening mind-body connection, improved blood pressure, massaging of all organs of the body, reduced anxiety and depression, relieving chronic pain, improved balance and coordination, improved sleep quality (such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day), strengthen mind awareness and inner peace, vitality, and everyday physical functioning. UNDERSTANDING Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" ZEN QIGONG Health = A Balanced Flow Of Qigong The health of our body is dependent upon a clear, strong and balanced flow of Chi through the Sen Lines. Since qigong practice accomplishes just this, it should come as no surprise that the benefits of qigong (also spelled “Chi Kung”) practice extend to every physical system of our bodies, as well as to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our Being. Physical Benefits of Qigong Practice: Qigong practice makes the body strong and supple. It improves balance, stamina and flexibility. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and immune and central nervous systems. It tends to create smooth skin, and a pleasant feeling of deep warmth within the body. It increases sexual vitality, and allows our sleep-time to be more deep and restorative. Over time, qigong practice can reduce or eliminate chronic pain. It also has the power to reverse the aging process, and restore youthfulness. Emotional Benefits: The smooth and balanced flow of Qi created by qigong practice shows itself as a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind. While the emotional energies of anger, fear, anxiety or grief still may arise, they will be much less “sticky” – and be held and then dissolved within the larger field of joy, gratitude, acceptance and equanimity. Mental & Spiritual Benefits of Qigong: The abundance of clarified energy and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity. As our intelligence becomes rooted in a connection to the inner body, it widens and deepens in increasingly wonderful ways. As we deepen in our qigong practice, we become aware of more subtle realms of Being, and begin to experience, directly, our interconnectedness with All-That-Is. As acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York–Presbyterian Hospital writes in his best selling book ‘Staying Young’: “Qigong allows us to cope with the day to day struggle of being human – it can help us stretch and stay loose and balanced in both mind and body.” On the Oprah Winfrey show in November he simply put it this way, "If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong." He also added that Qigong reverses the aging process. Parts of P.K.Z.Q. are modeled off of the Mind-Body Wellness Program taught at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The mindfulness based stress reduction meditation techniques come from Dr. Jongmae Park of Loyola Marymount University. During P.K.Z.Q., cares and troubles wash away. Replacing them are positive images, increased confidence and peace of mind. Near the end of each class the goal is for participants to attain the full ‘relaxation response’ and it’s that response that helps release the feel good endorphins. Why is this important? Endorphins encourage white blood cells and white blood cells help the body fight infection and disease. According to Dr. Benson, “repeated activation of the relaxation response can reverse sustained problems in the body and mend the internal wear and tear brought on by stress.” (Ref: Center for Women’s Healthcare, Weil Medical College of Cornell University.) "When the mind is trained, quieted, then room is created for our brightness, our True Self to shine through. The nature of True Self IS positive, loving, witnessing, unmoved in the moving. No positive affirmation can deliver the depth of contentment, of joy that already exists, that comes forward from True Self. The more we connect with it, the more it grows through us. In such an environment, the body has comfort, hurry sickness and chasing to 'fix' what we 'thought' we were collapses. The nervous system can finally rest - Stillness. From this place, the body will not easily fall prey to disease." - Hae Kwang Sunim **🌿🌿 Stay connected beyond our gatherings** **Between classes and events, we share reflections, short teachings, inspiration, and gentle reminders to return to presence, balance, and inner peace on Facebook and Instagram.** **You’re warmly invited to join us here:** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/innerpeaceqigong **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/inner_peace_qigong Questions? Email us at innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com --- About The Teacher: Hae Kwang Sunim started training at the age of 18 in Thailand. He has taken full seminary and in temple training, with graduated ordinations (including Bhikkhu ordination) under Patriarch Kun Sunim in South Korea. He spent over 25 years distilling the deepest and hardest to grasp teachings into a simplified language so it can be taught and effectively applied directly in daily life. In 2005 (2549), the 19th Headquarters in Korea appointed Venerable Hae Kwang as Director of Bo Kwang Zen Center Palm Springs, U.S.A. In 2013, the Western Bhikkhus Council nominated Hae Kwang Sunim 교구장 Kyo Goo Jahng of all American-European Temples (closest english translation: North American-European Oversight Head / Bishop / Director). Qigong and Mind-Body Training Hae Kwang Sunim drew from the most effective mind-body teachings he acquired from studying under different teachers in the East, including the teachings of Wat Bua Luang in Thailand. The methodology is based on the ancient Eastern principles of Hai Palung (Energy Healing), Pon Klie Kwan Sow (Emotional Release), Meditation, Food Based Healing and the importance of compassion, gratitude, oneness, outreach and the need to support the whole person holistically - body, mind and spirit.

**.... Do you *dread* speaking in front of others? .... Need to *present* an important meeting? .... Is it time to *enhance* your communication skills?** **Meeting Theme: 'Create Images with Powerful Words**' In Toastmasters we encourage the use of precise, vivid, and active language to engage audiences and convey ideas clearly. By stretching our working vocabulary and using more evocative word descriptions, we can easily expand our language skills and eventually improve our message. Gain new insights and benefit from the information provided by Toastmasters Speechcraft program. Join our meeting and experience the hands-on “how-to” instruction in public speaking. If you are an experienced Toastmaster or a guest exploring Toastmasters, you will acquire a new way of communicating your thoughts with increased clarity and impact. Each ‘discovery’ meeting will provide valuable tips to boost your confidence on stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced speakers. **What is the Toastmasters Speechcraft Discovery meeting?** You will: * gain insights into principles and strategies from expert speakers, * hear speeches and learn from evaluations given by advanced Toastmasters, * experience what happens at a real Toastmasters meeting, * get familiar with the Toastmasters Speechcraft program and resources, * discover the benefits of Toastmasters Speechcraft for personal and club growth. **Register NOW for any FREE Discovery meeting.** **Discovery Meeting:** Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:00PM to 8:30PM Doors open 6:45PM **Have a question, contact organizer:** Phoenixtmvppr@gmail.com **Sponsor:** Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters Club Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters empowers individuals to master the communication skills that drive personal achievement and confidence. Through practice and peer feedback, you will rapidly develop presentation abilities, persuasive influence, and leadership presence. Accelerate your audience impact and transform your trajectory with skills that will help you grow your opportunities. **Speechcraft Discovery Series** **Week 1 – Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026** ‘How to Choose a Topic’ **Week 2 – Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026** ‘How to Organize a Speech’ **Week 3 – Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026** ‘Know Your Speech Purpose’ **Week 4 – Tuesday, Apr 7, 2026** ‘How to Impact with Body Language’ **Week 5 – Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026** ‘How to Use Vocal Variety’ **Week 6 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026** ‘How to Create Images with Powerful Words’ **Week 7 – Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026** ‘Research Your Topic to Elevate Your Credibility’ **Week 8 – Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026** ‘Evaluate to Elevate’

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Laugh out loud every Thursday at 10 PM! Dynamic duo comedy at Backroom. Toronto's best stand-up. Hilarious night out!** Embark on a laughter-filled journey every Thursday at 10 PM with Toronto's premier Dynamic Duo Comedy Showcase at Backroom Comedy Club. Immerse yourself in the wit of local stand-up talent, promising a hilariously unforgettable night out. Join the laughter movement and experience comedy excellence at its best. Secure your seat now!

Twist Gallery and Dreams Tree Community Investments and photography by Ryan Bolton and Yuma Dean Hester! With no fixed itinerary, we traveled north through Northern Alberta into the Rockies. We then ventured into the Yukon and the Northwest Territories in pursuit of the Northern Lights. What began as a road trip became an exercise in listening and being present. Along the way, we met with Elders, Chiefs, and storytellers whose histories are inseparable from the land. Conversations about memory, responsibility, and continuity — reminders that these landscapes are not empty expanses, but living territories shaped by generations of knowledge and care. Before Borders reflects on what it means to cross provincial lines while recognizing deeper, enduring boundaries that predate them. The work considers travel not as an escape, but as an exchange — guided by those who have called this land home since time immemorial.

🎨🏙️ **GRADEX 111 – OCAD UNIVERSITY ART EXHIBITION & SOCIA**L 🏙️🎨 Emerging Artists, Creative Energy & A Cultural Hangout If you want to feel inspired, this is the kind of event that does it. Join us for GradEx 111 at OCAD University — Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition, featuring work from over 800 graduating artists and designers. This is a chance to step into the next wave of creativity — exploring everything from painting and photography to design, installation, and experimental work, all in one space. It’s vibrant, it’s varied, and there’s always something that catches you off guard in the best way. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — come explore, react, and experience it together. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet outside and head into the exhibition together, spending about 1.5–2 hours exploring the different displays across the building. You’ll have time to move at your own pace, take it all in, and check out the wide range of disciplines on display. **There’s also:** 🎓 Student work available for purchase 🏅 A special medal-winning exhibition in the Great Hall 🛋️ An alumni lounge space Afterward, we’ll head out to find a nearby spot for drinks or food and keep the conversation going. You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. *** 🎨 Vibe & Expectations This is a relaxed, low-pressure event — no art expertise needed. Just: ✔️ Curiosity ✔️ Openness ✔️ A willingness to explore Also — this is NOT a guided tour. It’s about experiencing the exhibition in your own way, while being part of a social group. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Corner of Dundas St W & McCaul St (AGO side) 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in promptly. End Point: Back at the starting location *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** The exhibition itself is free. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable shoes (we’ll be on our feet) Curiosity and an open mind 🎨 Optional: cash/card for food & drinks afterward *** 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the art. Stay for the conversation. Leave feeling inspired by what people are creating right now. 🎨✨

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of local food, interesting beers, Paul McCartney's photos, an AGOs collection of photos, and OCADs 111th celebration. At 6 pm. we will warm-up at the Village Idiot for a beer and a bite. They have a great selection of Ontario Craft and Traditional European beers. I usually start with a Fullers. Their menu of fine foods, includes a wicked pulled pork poutine, eggplant parm with pesto rice, and poke tuna cobb salad. https://www.villagegeniuspub.com/food-menu 126 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W2 7pmish, we will join the fast moving queue, to gain our Free entry to the AGO. Please book your digital entry here: https://visit.ago.ca/59813/59875 Then we will head to the back to ride the lift to the 5th floor to see Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm These intimate and historic photographs, shown alongside video clips and archival materials, capture both the intensity of The Beatles touring schedule and the energy of the era, as well more intimate views of his bandmates John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. https://ago.ca/exhibitions/paul-mccartney-photographs-1963-64-eyes-storm Afterwards, we will descend to the ground floor and make our way to Collective Visions: Celebrating 25 Years of Photography Organized by Sophie Hackett, this exhibition aims to highlight the breadth of the AGO’s photography collection, representing a diverse range of artists, artistic genres and approaches, subject matter, and materials. Accompanied by responses from the participants, the works on view offer a rich and varied perspective on the medium of photography. https://ago.ca/exhibitions/collective-visions-celebrating-25-years-photography Around 8:00 pm, we will leave the AGO for OCAD around the corner for the Opening Night event to Celebrate this year’s student medal winners at one of Toronto’s most fun art parties with a bar, food, DJ and the city’s most creative people. https://www.ocadu.ca/gradex111 OR You can continue to visit other galleries in the AGO until they close at 9pm.