Brotherhood

*‘Universally, trees have long been perceived as doors or gateways to other levels of consciousness, and humans have always honoured trees for their gifts and their wisdom.’* Fred Hageneder Under the auspicious influence of a New Moon in Taurus, join transpersonal art therapist and tarot reader Rachael Wildman as she turns our attention to the spirit of the Earth by focusing on trees; reminding us how we human beings have searched for Truth through the ages beneath their leafy boughs, providing insights into how we resemble these arboreal beings, and then looking at the symbolism of trees as they appear in the Tarot. The talk will then branch out into a description of the process she took in creating her own Tree of Growth tarot spread; detailing what instigated its creation, the inspirations that fertilized its growth and how the spread is read along with the self-transformative benefits that can be found in seeking its counsel. After the talk, time shall be given to explore the Tree of Growth spread as a collective process wherein everyone shall be granted the opportunity to participate, to divine a card through a simple ritual and then share insights into the reading of the spread for the benefit of a flourishing spiritual community. There is no need to bring along a tarot deck as one shall be supplied, nor is it necessary to be a seasoned theosophist or tarot reader; an open-hearted curiosity, a love of nature’s spirit and our own unique wisdom-seeking nature is all that is required. *‘Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.’* Rabindranath Tagore **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. * However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Meditation practicing

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month to learn about Theosophical principles and how we may apply them to our lives. From its inception in 1875, the Theosophical Society encouraged study of the Ageless Wisdom to discover enduring religious Truth and to make Brotherhood a living reality in the world. *“For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth.”* HP Blavatsky, Our Cycle and The Next, 1889. *The mission of the Theosophical Society is to serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realization of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation and the Unity of all life.* Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924. According to these principles, a theosophic life is not just theoretical, but must also be practical, indeed must be a life of service. Amid the noise and conflict of the modern world, what might be our role, as individuals and as a Theosophical Society? Through a range of books and Theosophical pamphlets, we will look to both exoteric, widespread social principles and to more esoteric, spiritual principles for discussion and guidance.

E is for Exhibition, and what better exhibition than ROME: Empire, Power, People. After pondering the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, we continue our Italian adventure by exploring the delicious flavours of Italy conveniently located nearby in Carlton: think pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, perhaps a nice espresso or a glass of vino... **ITINERARY** 11am: Meet at the foyer of Melbourne Museum for meet and greet and to purchase your ticket if you haven't done so. Here's the link to purchase your Rome exhibition ticket (includes museum entry): https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/rome-empire-power-people/ We will enter as a group but feel free to meander at your own pace as you explore the exhibits. If you only want to visit the museum but not the Rome exhibition, general admission is $18. https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/ 12.30pm - Meet back at the foyer to proceed to lunch together. 12.30-2pm - Lunch and coffee in Carlton (exact venue TBC). 2pm - End of event. **NOTE** There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. Feel free to PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low) or bring cash on the day. **GETTING THERE** The closest train station is Parliament.

Please join us this Sunday to discuss discomfort, growth and personal development. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5-10 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs (food & drinks for table), etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Philosophy Circle group. Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below: * What does it mean to “improve” oneself? Are we trying to become our true selves, or create better versions of ourselves? * Does growth require discomfort? * Can unnecessary suffering be mistaken for productive discomfort? * Can suffering produce wisdom when it is reflected on properly? * Is courage the willingness to remain present inside discomfort? * Can comfort become a prison and lead to a shallow life? * Is personal growth possible without some form of sacrifice? * Is there a danger in constantly treating oneself as a project? * Should personal development aim at happiness, virtue, freedom, usefulness, wholeness or holiness? * Make makes a strong family? * What duties do children owe their parents, and what duties do parents owe their children? * What have religions and spiritual traditions said on the above questions? Hope to see you there!

Hey girls 💛 Join us on a Sunday for a relaxed afternoon at the Hotel Esplanade. Think ocean views, good chats, and a few drinks to wind down the weekend ✨ 🕒 Time: Sunday, 17th May at 2pm 📍 Location: The Espy, St Kilda Come along for a casual catch-up, meet some new faces, and ease into the week ahead 💫 See you there! xx

Please join us this Sunday to discuss discomfort, growth and personal development. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5-10 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs (food & drinks for table), etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Socrates Cafe group. Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below: * What does it mean to “improve” oneself? Are we trying to become our true selves, or create better versions of ourselves? * Does growth require discomfort? * Can unnecessary suffering be mistaken for productive discomfort? * Can suffering produce wisdom when it is reflected on properly? * Is courage the willingness to remain present inside discomfort? * Can comfort become a prison and lead to a shallow life? * Is personal growth possible without some form of sacrifice? * Is there a danger in constantly treating oneself as a project? * Should personal development aim at happiness, virtue, freedom, usefulness, wholeness or holiness? * Make makes a strong family? * What duties do children owe their parents, and what duties do parents owe their children? * What have religions and spiritual traditions said on the above questions? Hope to see you there!

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

Due to popularity, we are doing another walk, talk, lunch and coffee, this time as requested, in the city. Fitroy Gardens. Ticket here: [Walk, talk and lunch - Fitzroy Gardens](https://www.trybooking.com/DMDSE) Meeting at Kere Kere Green cafe, on the grassed area. It's a nice open space to meet, mingle, talk before making our way around the gardens, over to The Tan and back. Meeting at 10:30am, starting walk around the gardens at 11am, walk shall take about 70 mins, to then make our way back to Kere Kere Green Cafe. Grab your coffee as we meet and then lunch once we make it back. The cafe has seating inside/outside or we can stand on the outside grassed area. There is prospect of rain but come prepared with umbrella and rain coat. If it is too wet, we can just stay at cafe for a coffee. Dogs welcomed! Please do NOT be late, smell of alcohol/be hungover (Sober Sunday) or have bad BO. Being a Sunday, there should be parking around, plenty of public transport options as well. Your ticket goes towards the associated costs of running the group and it is ONLY $5! ## Date

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan