Recovering from Religion

Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth. Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality. During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics: 1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives. 2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path. 3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives. 4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth. By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future. Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.

NOTE: the pub does not charge for our space on the understanding that we all purchase something from the bar. Please support them. I'll be there from around 7pm if anyone would like a social chat before we get started. **Please arrive in time for a prompt start at 7:30.** Moral blind spots are cases where people or societies sincerely see themselves as decent, yet fail to notice serious wrongs embedded in their own beliefs or practices. They are not usually a matter of explicit cruelty but of systematic inattention, rationalisation, and social normalisation. Institutions such as slavery, public torture, and the legal subordination of women were once treated as natural or even virtuous, and only later recognised as grave injustices. The idea of a “blind spot” highlights this gap between self-image and moral reality. We can distinguish several patterns here. Sometimes people literally lack crucial concepts or facts, and so cannot yet see an issue as moral at all (a kind of genuine moral ignorance). Sometimes they see the facts but interpret them in purely technical or economic terms, so the ethical dimension drops out of view. In other cases they do register some unease, but resolve the tension through rationalisation, group loyalty, or deference to authority, pushing doubts to the margins of attention. There are also cases where people know something is wrong yet remain silent from fear, convenience, or career incentives; the silence of many then helps the blind spot persist as if nothing were wrong. This topic connects closely with classic debates about moral realism and relativism, because talk of “blind spots” and “moral progress” seems to presuppose that some practices are genuinely worse or better, even when insiders think otherwise. It also raises questions about responsibility under moral ignorance: to what extent are individuals or cultures blameworthy for wrongs they could not easily recognise at the time? Psychological research on ethical blindness underlines how framing, overconfidence in one’s own goodness, diffusion of responsibility, and distance from victims all make moral failures more likely and less visible. Thinking about moral blind spots naturally leads to the idea of moral progress and “future-proofing.” Many accounts describe history as a gradual expansion of the circle of beings we take seriously: across lines of class, gender, race, species, and now perhaps even to ecosystems or AIs. If we suspect we too, as individuals and as a society, have our own serious blind spots, what should the appropriate response be? Some possibilities at the institutional level might include: practices that amplify dissenting voices, protect whistleblowers, foster open debate, and build in ethical reflection to professional and political life. For us as individuals, perhaps Cafe Philo discussions like this one could be one small step towards reducing our own blind spots? **Questions to ponder**: * What practices of today might look as obviously wrong to our descendants as slavery or child labour look to us? * Are societies with moral blind spots blameworthy in the same way as individuals? * Can we be responsible for what we cannot yet see as wrong? * Which current institutions are most vulnerable to moral blind spots, and why? * If we really believed we had serious moral blind spots now, what concrete habits would we adopt to address this? **Resources** [Gerald Jones, Moral Blind Spots](https://philosophynow.org/issues/128/Moral_Blind_Spots) – I strongly recommend reading this before the meeting if you are able – by far the best popular article I’ve found on this topic Another accessible overview if you want a second perspective: [Moral Blind Spots](https://lifestyle.sustainability-directory.com/term/moral-blind-spots/) [Moral_blindness (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_blindness) [Stumbling Into Bad Behavior](https://web.archive.org/web/20110424091849/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/opinion/21bazerman.html) – short NYT article [I went to prison for my ethical blind spots. You don’t have to. Richard Bistrong](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDnGVxAc7ik) – a business-focussed account (TED video) Thanks to our friends at Cafe Philo Bristol for planning this topic Hope to see you there.

**Monoux Sixth Form College** 190 Chingford Road London E17 5AA Not a structured meeting but an exhibition of personal approaches to the UN sustainability goals on climate change, inspired by Buddhism and created and promoted by SGI-UK. It is open from 4 - 6pm from Monday 20th April to Friday 24th, and from 1 -3pm on Saturday 25th April. Just come along at any of the above times — but please register your interest here on the app for monitoring purposes. I'll be there myself some of the time but am not 'hosting' as such. There will be an Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism meeting on Saturday 25th, from 12 - 1pm as part of this project. See the separate listing for details. TRANSPORT INFO: Driving? Parking is available in the College grounds. From Walthamstow Central Station (Victoria Line, Weaver Line) From Walthamstow Queen’s Road (Suffragette line) There are few different bus options from Walthamstow Central Station and Walthamstow Queen’s Road from different bus stops in close proximity to each other, some options are below: Please see the attached pdf for a map showing where all the different bus stops are. The map can also be found here too: [https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/walthamstow-c](https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/walthamstow-c) [entral-a4-020324.pdf](http://entral-a4-020324.pdf/) For buses 97 or 357 Bus Stop W 4 stops to Aveling Park Road bus stop For bus 34 Bus Stop R 4 stops to Aveling Park Road bus stop ## Attendees 1 [Host](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) [Steve Ellis](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) [Organizer](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) ## Photos 0 No photos for now! You'll see them here once they're added. ## Start the conversation Communicate with event participants to ask questions or share information. Send as a private comment (Visible only for attendees) [See more events by First Steps in Nichiren Buddhism (SGI-UK in Lond](https://www.meetup.com/first-steps-in-nichiren-buddhism/events/) ##

This seminar is for improving your communication skills, so you can achieve greater success in life. We will especially focus on a life tool that you can easily learn and use to improve your: - \- Interviews \- Public speaking \- Communication with strangers \- Connection with co\-workers \- Comfort with various social situations\. \- Handling upsets \- Getting along with others better\. \- Meeting new people\. This seminar invites your feedback and input. You could learn some new skills and we would love for you to be able to practice this also. You will learn an amazing life tool that you can put into practice right away! We also offer free one-to-one appointments to be made after the seminar if you require a bit of extra coaching or tips. From the Scientology Life Improvement Centre

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **Bridge House, 2 High Street, London, SE20 8RZ** **at 7:00pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:15pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 9:00pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/areas/ealing/happenings **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

An easy way to take time out: a **30-minute guided meditation** to pause, let go of your day, unwind your mind and create a space for calm and peace. **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

\*\* Online Event \*\* Learn cool SEO & ads tricks to get more clients from Google for your small biz—online and easy! ## Boost Your Business with Google SEO & Ads! Join our online event, *How to Get More Clients from Google (SEO & Ads for SMEs)*, and discover simple, effective ways to attract more customers using Google. Whether you’re self-employed, a freelancer, a consultant, or running an SME, this workshop is designed for you. You don’t need to be a marketing expert, just someone who wants more clients and better results online. Many businesses invest time and money into Google but don’t see real returns. In this session, you’ll learn what actually works, what most people get wrong, and how to fix it. During this workshop, you’ll learn: \- How Google really generates leads \(and why it may not be working for you\) \- The difference between SEO and Google Ads\,d which one you should focus on \- How to target the right keywords that bring clients\, not just traffic \- What makes a landing page convert \(and simple changes you can apply immediately\) \- The most common mistakes that waste budget\, and how to avoid them This is a practical\, no\-fluff session focused on helping you get results\, whether you want quick wins or long\-term growth\. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of: ✔ What to prioritise in your business ✔ What to fix first ✔ How to turn Google into a consistent source of leads

In this live and in-person seminar you will have an opportunity to explore how you could possibly improve YOUR self-confidence. How does a lack of confidence affect you? Is it in personal relationships? In the professional arena? In meeting new people in social groups? Or just within yourself and having your own confidence to do what you would really like? This seminar is geared toward you. Come and discover what could be a real boost for you! Personal interviews are offered and personal recommendations can be made to assist you in life. The seminar is presented to you by an experienced life improvement consultant from the Church of Scientology London. All references are taken from the works of L Ron Hubbard.

IS IT POSSIBLE: TO BECOME MOTIVATED ABOUT LIFE AGAIN; TO REBUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF AND GET RID OF NEGATIVE THINKING? Attend this meeting and see how you could possibly get some new knowledge to improve your life! A personal questionnaire and private discussion to help locate areas of life that you maybe could improve. A personalized programme for how you could do that! Come and meet us and others that may be like minded. Improve Your Life!!

The SWLH Book Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11.00am, usually in person in Twickenham. If you would like to be on our mailing list for details please email carolyn@swlhumanists.org.uk Everyone reads the selected book before the meeting and then has an informal discussion about it.

Jonathan Sattin, the founder of triyoga, and his team invite you to come HOME – to the site of the original triyoga building in Primrose Hill. HOME will be a beautiful, welcoming, warm space. A place for yoga, Pilates and treatments with the best UK and international teachers and therapists. A place for enjoying amazing food and simply hanging out. A place of community. There will be two yoga studios with over 90 classes a week, online classes, workshops, a Pilates equipment and Reformer studio, two treatment rooms, changing areas/showers, a café/hangout area and a far-infrared sauna. **Cost:** £24 for a single visit. Check HOME for all the memberships and packs available Note: We provide this service via HOME. The prices are their centre set fees. We do not set their prices. [Book via Home](https://www.homewellness.uk/book-yoga)

For this walk we'll be talking about **Religion for Atheists** by Alain de Botton and walking along the Thames from Putney up to Hammersmith and Chiswick. *"All of us, whether religious, agnostic or atheist, are searching for meaning. And in this wise and life-affirming book, non-believer Alain de Botton both rejects the supernatural claims of the major religions and points out just how many good ideas they sometimes have about how we should live.* *And he suggests that non-believers can learn and steal from them."* (from book cover description) You don't have to read the book to attend but if you would like to here's a link: **Religion for Atheists** https://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Atheists-non-believers-guide-religion/dp/0141046317 **Please read the following notes carefully and check the meeting point location details before attending!** This is a walking discussion group with handouts with quotes and questions provided as a starting point. The only rule is to keep all discussion friendly and constructive and be respectful of other attendees. No dogs please because they are distracting for group discussion. **Please arrive early: we wait a maximum of 15 minutes at the meeting location and once we have left it will be very difficult to find us.** The walk will go ahead no matter the weather so do dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if needed. There is a £5 fee for this walk to contribute towards the meetup.com fees and other costs. If you are a student, unemployed or retired then you can attend for free. You can pay in cash or card on the walk or online with this link: [https://pay.tide.co/products/philosophy-kfDyHrXZ](https://pay.tide.co/products/philosophy-kfDyHrXZ)

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

From birth, human beings are learning. Before we are able to hold concrete memories, we are being shaped and impacted by everything about our lives and situations. From the point that we become capable of cognizant thought and memory, our lives could be summed up as a series of our responses to our circumstances, whether for good or for ill. Dr. Joe Dispenza sees a deep need for human beings to live *on purpose*. Rather than just living life in reaction mode, he challenges people to live intentionally, to seek to change the negative that we have encountered and to pursue the positive through purposeful steps in a different and healthy direction. His study and work seek to demonstrate the changes that can be made from the inside out. Join us as we take a look at new ways to grow at **6:30 pm,** **Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center, Columbus**. Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-the-habit-of-being-yourself-columbus-ohio-tickets-1984662515008)! Connect with us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/973088205892754)! Check out our updated website [LocalCA](https://localca.org/)!

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.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.