Menstruation

This is a mixed ability night, however this is not a beginners session. We do ask that players joining us are at least of a lower intermediate level. This means that we’d expect you to: * Have the ability to execute and receive all badminton shots with some control; * have an understanding of the rules of badminton and scoring and; * (at least) some rudimentary use of tactics. This is to ensure there are good competitive games for all members. We play in the first floor sports hall and the session will be £10 payable by card on the night (no cash).

Join us for some fun, competitive, but friendly games at our 4-court sports hall. We use Yonex Mavis 600 Nylon shuttles during the 2-hour session. **PAYMENT** * **Session Fee: £9** * We are cashless, kindly pay the session fee **by midnight** on the night before the session. You are welcome to pay early! You can even pay when you book! See our About page for the full process. * If no payment is received, you will be removed and may even be liable for a late cancellation fee if your spot is not taken. * Please use **“your meetup name + date of event”** as payment reference * **Account name:** Thomas Lam * **Sort code:** 04-00-03 * **Account number:** 7478 8608 **LATE CANCELLATION OR NO-SHOW** * **All** **no-shows or late cancellations** (24 hrs or less) will be charged if your spot is not taken by someone else - you will have a title next to your name with the amount and date owed. * Members with 2 no shows/late cancellations will be removed from the group unless outstanding payment is received * **The late cancellation policy** is set up to discourage last-minute cancellations and therefore applies with or without the presence of a waitlist * **Note:** If you are on the Waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will automatically be bumped onto the On list provided the event has not yet started. It is your responsibility to **remove yourself from the waitlist** if you can no longer make it to avoid being charged a no-show if someone cancels late. **PLAYING** * Please wait to be marked off before entering the hall. * Sessions are to finish promptly on the hour by school requests. * If you finish a match with 5 minutes to go, please start packing up instead of starting a new game. **RACKET HIRE** * Please note that we won't be hiring out rackets, so kindly bring your own racket. **PARKING** * There is parking available, but it is now paid parking. Parking is opposite the entrance. Please check the signs for parking payment instructions. **TRACK & TRACE** * We will collect your phone number on-site. Your phone number will also be used in case of fire to contact you if you have not made it to the fire evacuation areas. You can see maps at the venue. We are excited to see you guys on the court! Team LSBC

Welcome to our February's Book Club event and our first one of the year! The book for this month is Sociopath by Patric Gagne. *A fascinating, revelatory memoir revealing the author’s struggle to come to terms with her own sociopathy and shed light on the often maligned and misunderstood mental disorder.* [Good Reads link](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443093-sociopath?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=XyGw34WhmR&rank=5)

**Ursula Blythe - The Philosophy of Grief: Love, loss, and the so-called human condition** ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM Can Philosophy Inform Grief? Death is part of the human condition, yet we tend to avoid the subject in everyday conversations and philosophical discourse. Engaging with Grief reminds people of their own inevitable losses and demise during their life-cycle. However, death remains a curious mystery where our sense of loss and confusion is somehow out of our control. This phenomena generates the concept and real-life experience of Grief itself. As a starting point, it is important to understand or appreciate: Why we avoid the topic of Grief, particularly across Western cultures? Indeed, there are many social, psychological, and philosophical reasons for avoiding the discussion of Grief. As a prelude to my talk, I have signposted some significant examples of why we may avert discussions of Grief, as follows: Emotional Discomfort: Grief is an intensely painful and overwhelming emotion. Discussing it openly can make both the grieving person and others feel uncomfortable, as it forces an acknowledgment of vulnerability and mortality. Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing: Many folks are unsure of what to say or how to support someone who is grieving. They fear causing further pain or appearing insensitive which often leads them to avoid the elephant in the room! Social Norms and Stigma: Western culture often emphasises resilience and “moving on” quickly. So, open displays of intense emotions, especially prolonged sadness can be seen as a sign of weakness or an inability to cope, leading to avoidance of the subject. Lack of Personal Experience: If an individual has not experienced a significant loss themselves, they may struggle to empathise or appreciate the depth of another’s pain. Pace of Modern Life: Everyday life moves quickly, and there is often little time or space for the extended period of mourning that Grief requires. People may feel pressure to maintain normalcy and avoid “bringing down the mood” in social interactions. In Philosophical Terms: Traditional philosophy, particularly from the Stoics onward, has often focused on how to overcome or control emotions like ‘Grief’ through reason, rather than exploring its inherent value or meaning. The goal was often ataraxia (a state of freedom from emotional disturbance) which positions Grief as something to be managed, rather than discussed openly. Solomon (2007) states that the avoidance of Grief stems from a human disposition to: Shield ourselves and others from intense pain and the profound existential challenges that Grief presents. On reflection, normative definitions explain Loss as the event of losing something or someone. However, death remains a curious mystery here a sense of loss and bewilderment is out of our control known as the ‘process’ or ‘stages’ of Grief, which I will strongly argue against. For me, Grief is nether inherently rational or irrational, as it a natural emotional, mental, and physical response to the loss of a loved one. However, everyone’s experience of Grief is different, both culturally and individually. When endeavouring to “draw out meaning” from Grief. Perhaps it is very subjective in the early stages, and more objective in the later stages, which may generate a new understanding of Grief as a philosophical concept. In this talk, I will be drawing on the work of C.S. Lewis (1963), Robert C. Solomon (2007) and Michael Cholbi (2022), in order to assess if philosophy can actually inform our understanding and meaning of Grief. **Ursula Mary Blythe** is a public philosopher, essayist, researcher, and someone who has experienced profound loss and grief in recent years. This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

Every Monday since 2009 between 15 - 40 men have come into this oasis of calm in the heart of London to meditate, relax and make new friends. * We're a diverse and constantly evolving group with a broad age range and many nationalities. * There's a great balance between long-time regulars and new faces. * No prior meditation experience is necessary as full instructions are provided. * Experienced meditators are also welcome if you are looking for a group to meditate with. * We sit on chairs but if you prefer to sit on the floor there are mats and cushions available. **What You’ll Learn** * **Breathwork** for stress reduction * **Gratitude practices** to enhance your enjoyment of life * **Mindfulness tools** for focus and clarity * **Meditations** that boost emotional intelligence * **Self-care practices** to cultivate kindness in areas where you struggle * **Compassion techniques** for processing difficult emotions * **Resilience-building** to overcome challenges and adapt to change * **Social skills development** through interaction with fellow participants **Meeting Details** * **When:** Every Monday (the event proceeds regardless of RSVPs) * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square or Charing Cross Tube Station) * **Time:** Doors open at 6:45 PM; meditation starts at 7 PM and concludes at 9 PM. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **About the evening** The evening is a combination of meditation, inner exploration and relaxation done in connection with others. * We start with a grounding practice and some movement to release tension from your body, followed by a guided meditation to calm your mind. * Mid evening there's a 20 minute refreshment break, giving time to chat with others at the class. * The second half explores a different theme each week which leads into a second guided meditation. * The room is heated and warm. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **About the Teacher** The sessions are led by Nick, who has over 30 years of meditation experience and lived for 7 years as a Buddhist monk. Central to this monastic training was the principle that our freedom lies in our ability to choose our response to life rather than react to external situations. **Fees** * **First-Time Attendees:** £10 (for newcomers or those returning after a year) * **Standard Rate:** £16 per session (book online or pay at the door) * **[Silver Membership](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds/memberships):** £55 for 4 sessions within 3 months (average cost: £13.75/session) * **[Gold Membership](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds/memberships):** £95 for 8 sessions within 3 months (average cost: £11.87/session) Additional sessions within the 3-month period are also discounted. Memberships are auto-renewed unless canceled. **Concessions for students, retired on a low pension, low income, Universal Credit, refugees and disability support** Concession rates are available for those needing financial support and are available at the door only. If you think you might qualify, just speak to us when you arrive. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **Member Testimonials:** *"The connection I found at the London Gay, Bi, Trans Men's Mindfulness Meditation Group has been truly transformative. Not only have I learned valuable skills for managing stress, but I’ve also formed meaningful friendships that support my overall well-being. I highly recommend this group to anyone looking for a welcoming and inclusive space."* — **A** *"Meditation has freed me from negative thoughts through increased self-awareness. Nick is an inspiring teacher who has helped me find happiness within myself."* — **Daniele** *"These thoughtful sessions have been invaluable in helping me focus and unwind. Nick has created a friendly space to sort one’s thoughts."* — **Neil** [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/39682 **Game Description:** Come and join a casual women’s football game in Stratford 😎 Directions: 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Stratford International DLR Station 📍 Pitch 3 - In the small 6 aside cages NOT the big 11 aside pitch. Rules Classic 6 aside rules, can be explained at the start of the session. Please be encouraging and positive to all players 🧡

Fun and experienced doubles badminton! We play over four courts each Tuesday, bring your own kit and racket. £9.00per person for 2hrs; quarterly payments should be discussed with Eli is desired. if less than 24 notice is given for a cancellation then the session fee will have to be paid. we need this so other people on the waiting list can attend. We play with plastic shuttle on most courts; feather available as advance request. Important note: Our club is paid for by individuals; as such your attendance and payment is required when making a commitments to play - as a matter of respect, please ensure that you consider this when saying you will attend. If you desire a PayPal link to make a payment please contact the Hosts first (these are personal payments). Please ensure you tell the host via the app, when any payment been made.

Ticket is needed in order to attend this event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977767143767?aff=oddtdtcreator ## Overview Are you longing for deeper connections with other women who are on a path of self-discovery and growth? Join us for a women's circle! Join us for a gentle and nurturing **Women’s Circle:** a sacred, heart-led space for women who want to go deeper. Every month, we gather to explore themes around **spirituality, feminine embodiment, self-discovery and personal growth**. Each circle centers around a unique topic: from **feminine energy, intuition, boundaries**, and **embodiment** to **self-worth, healing** or **emotional expression** but the intention remains the same: 💗 To create a space for authentic connection, inner reflection, and collective wisdom 💗 To be seen, heard and held without judgment or pressure to be anything but yourself 🌙 **This Month’s Theme: Understanding Attachment Styles & Relationship Patterns** Many of us notice ourselves repeating similar patterns in relationships — feeling drawn to certain dynamics, struggling with closeness or distance or wondering why connection can feel both comforting and challenging. Often, these patterns are shaped by early experiences of love, safety and belonging. In this circle, we’ll gently explore attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganised) and how they influence the way we relate in dating, relationships and emotional intimacy. We’ll reflect on how we respond to closeness, boundaries and uncertainty and begin to bring awareness to patterns that may be running in the background. This is not about labeling or fixing yourself. It’s a space for compassion, curiosity and understanding — a chance to see your relationship patterns as learned strategies rather than flaws, and to open the door to more conscious, secure and nourishing connections. ### ✨ What to Expect: * A grounding **meditation & breathwork** to help you arrive in the moment * A short **introduction to the theme** of the circle * **Mindful exercises** to reflect, feel and reconnect * A **safe, supportive sharing circle** * A closing **visualisation, affirmation & oracle cards** * Warm, soul-led connection with other women walking the path of self-discovery * Optional social afterwards where you can continue connection with others ### 🌀 Why this Circle was Born: “I created this circle because I craved **soulful, nourishing connection** with other women: spaces where we could go deeper than small talk and share from the heart. If you feel that same longing: for truth, presence, sisterhood, then this circle is for you.” ### 🌸 Why Women’s Circles Matter: Female connection is not just emotionally enriching—it’s also *biologically essential*. Research shows that when women gather in safe, supportive spaces, they release **oxytocin**—the bonding hormone—which helps lower stress, build trust, and boost emotional resilience. Strong female friendships and emotional expression are linked to: * Reduced anxiety and depression * Better heart and immune health * A longer, more joyful life In times of stress, women are wired for a “**tend-and-befriend**” response, **we heal in connection**. 📍 **WHERE:** Blackwell House, King's Square Community Centre ### 💫 What to Bring: * An open heart * A journal & pen Let’s sit together, soften, and reconnect with our inner power—**not through doing, but through being.** 🔗 Stay Connected: Join my WhatsApp community to stay in the loop about future circles & classes: 👉 [Click to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSwy4GT3zeM8ywHHR931A1 "https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSwy4GT3zeM8ywHHR931A1") 📸 **Click to follow me on Instagram for more:** [aga.tokarskaa](https://www.instagram.com/aga.tokarskaa?igsh=MTUzOGtkdjhoOHkweA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr "https://www.instagram.com/aga.tokarskaa?igsh=MTUzOGtkdjhoOHkweA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr") **About me:** Aga is a **yoga teacher and transformational life coach** devoted to guiding others on the journey from overwhelm to inner peace. Her work supports those with busy, overthinking minds in **creating calm, clarity and confidence:** one breath, one choice, one breakthrough at a time. With her North Node in Scorpio, Aga's soul mission is **all about transformation: letting go of control, trusting the unknown and living from deep inner truth rather than external expectations.** After leaving behind a structured corporate path, she committed to creating a life led by intuition, embodiment and spiritual growth. Her journey has taught her to embrace change, follow the soul’s whispers and live from a place of empowered surrender. Through her women’s circles, Aroma Yoga sessions and coaching, Aga now holds space for others to do the same: to remember who they truly are, reconnect with their inner power, and create lives rooted in **freedom, authenticity and feminine wisdom.**

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Ladies Only: Speed Friending** **Ladies Only: Speed Friending. Join us for an extraordinary evening exclusively for women looking to expand their circle of friends**. This is a unique and exciting Speed Friending event is designed to help women connect nd form new friendships quickly and effortlessly. In a fast-paced and fun environment, you'll have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of like-minded women, engage in meaningful conversations, and potentially find lasting friendships. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/23l5 Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ladies-only-speed-friending-at-mint-leaf-bank-tickets-1978776858852?aff=oddtdtcreator **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Attend our unique ladies only: event to meet like-minded women and discover new friendships and make new connections. (We will be in the private room downstairs) **Mint Leaf Lounge -** Situated next to the iconic Bank of England, Mint Leaf Lounge serves innovative Indian cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting. Oozing luxury, Mint Leaf Lounge welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and drinks alike. While Indian cuisine is their most sought after fare, the cocktails are also to be admired. Take to their 16-meter cocktail bar for a high-end selection of handcrafted drinks in a contemporary and cool setting. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 20:30 \| Welcome to the event** where your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19\.00 – 20\.00 \| Speed Friending Starts**: This event is designed to help you break the ice and form connections quickly. You'll engage in a series of five minute short, timed conversations with other female attendees, ensuring you meet a variety of new ladies in a relaxed environment. **20:00 \- 20:30 \| Speed Friending Ends: Social Event Starts:** It will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the speed friending is finished. **Why Attend?** This event provides a safe and supportive space for women to meet and connect with others. Ladies, don't miss this exclusive opportunity to expand your social circle and form meaningful connections. Attend our unique Ladies Only: event to meet like-minded women and discover new friendships. **Who Should Attend** Connect with each other in a relaxed setting. **Women looking to expand their social circle, Female professionals seeking new connections, Ladies new to the city wanting to meet new friends, Women of all ages interested in socializing and networking.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/23l5 Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ladies-only-speed-friending-at-mint-leaf-bank-tickets-1978776858852?aff=oddtdtcreator Secure your spot now and elevate your socialite network! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event. Your ticket can be reassigned to another person of your choice..**

Step away from the screen and join us for our **Offline Women Tea Time**. This is a cosy, phone-free gathering for genuine connection and thoughtful conversation over a cup of tea. It's a simple, mindful break to enjoy **a good chat, share stories, and build community in a relaxed setting.** Spots are limited to ensure the group remains small, intimate, and everyone has a great time connecting. **Meeting Point:** Inside the Café. Look for me with **an embroidered black tote bag.** My phone will be **offline**. If you have questions, please message me at least one hour before the starting time.

Hello, incredible Women, I’m deeply honoured to invite you into the sacred space of our \***Women’s Vision Boarding Circle - Reclaim your vision** [Please ensure to save your space here.](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womens-visionboarding-circle-reclaim-your-vision-registration-1980491664883) Did you know there is a science behind vision boarding? And did you know that magic happens when women gather in Sisterhood? When practised intentionally, this combination supports deep-rooted alignment, focus, and positive change. In this circle, we’ll explore your unique vision through guided meditation, reflection, and a creative vision-boarding process. Together, we will feel and learn more about how and why this works wonders. This is a space for women to return to themselves - and to lead from there, together. You’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired, and more connected to what truly matters to you. **\*\*Suggested Contribution: £25; please give from your heart whatever suits your pocket.** Spaces are limited; advance booking recommended as I cannot guarantee walk-ins. **Whether you’re seeking clarity, realignment, or nourishing connection with like-minded women, this circle is for you.** 📅 **Saturday, 7 February 2026** ⏰ **2:30 – 5:00 PM (GMT)** 📍 **Time and Talents, Rotherhithe, SE London** **What to Expect** * Women’s circle connection and sharing * Heart-opening guided meditation * Visioning & intention setting * Creative vision board exercise (materials provided) **Practical Info** * Dress comfortably * Bring a blanket and pillow if you wish * Journals welcome *\*These Women’s Circle events are intentionally created for cisgender women. If you have any questions about the space, you’re very welcome to reach out.* *\*\*It is at the centre of my heart to make these spaces available to all women; hence, the event is donation-based, with a suggested contribution of £25 to help cover the costs. If you're able to contribute, please consider the suggested donation amount. However, please know your presence is most valuable. Additionally, if you're in a position to support another Sister's participation, I encourage you to pay it forward. Your kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone else's experience. Thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can create a space where all sisters feel welcomed and supported.*

**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.

If you would like to participate in a fun gift exchange please bring a wrapped $5 sweet treat 😋

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This month we’ll be reading Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan