sexual pain

**Berlin's oldest comedy show where your problems become the punchlines. Real problems. Bad advice. Great comedy. Now in Friedrichshain too!** **A fast-paced showcase where comedians turn your anonymous problems into punchy on-stage therapy** Write down anything you want - from dating disasters to existential crisis & watch comedians solve it in the craziest way possible. ❗️**You stay anonymous, and we won't talk to you unless you want us to!** Perfect for introverts, overthinkers, and anyone who needs a laugh **Doors 20:00 \| Show 20:30** * Stand-up comedy + live "therapy" * Different lineup + new problems every show * A cosy, intimate vibe in Friedrichshain Every show is a fresh combo of stand-up brought by the guest comedian and advice from the host **Lena Stolby** — she's Russian, so she really knows about problems! & **THIS IS A PAID WHAT YOU CAN EVENT** We have been running solely thanks tolthe support of the audience. **Suggested contribution: €15** standard / **€12** reduced (student, unemployed)

**Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** **Relationships and Partnerships** with ***Neo Seefried ***& ***Maximilian Popp*** for **LGBTQIA+** Free with[ ](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w16-2026)**[registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w16-2026)** How do we stay connected in queer contexts when conflict, strong emotions, and differences arise? In this session on r**elationships and partnerships**, guest **Maximilian Popp** (systemic couples therapist) brings a compact mix of input and practice—on triggers, shame, and common protective strategies—plus practical tools for regulation, difficult conversations, and repairing after an argument. **This Month’s Guest: Maximilian Popp – Systemic Couples Therapist** Relationships and Partnerships In this workshop, guest Maximilian Popp offers a practical mix of a short talk and an exercise. Together, we’ll explore what conflicts in close relationships can bring to the surface—and how queer experiences can shape our patterns around closeness, arguments, and withdrawal. The session also introduces everyday tools to help us stay more regulated, clear, and connected in difficult moments. We’ll close with space to reflect on our own strategies and try out new possibilities for deeper connection. **About Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** builds on Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection (2025) and further develops the format: from collective storytelling to collective practice. The workshop series strengthens queer solidarity in all its diversity and asks: How can we stay connected, especially when things get tough? Hosted by **Neo Seefried**, the series combines collective storytelling with somatic, communicative, and creative tools to remain capable of acting in queer contexts when faced with conflicts, emotions, and differences—without avoiding or escalating them, but rather with greater clarity, care, and relational competence. Each session has its own thematic focus (including grief & death, relationships, migration, HIV/AIDS, club culture & substances, trans/inter/non-binary) and is complemented by a guest who explores the respective topic in depth. At the center is the Resonance Circle: a space for shared stories, mindful listening, and resonance—empathy as a practice that we train together and carry into our daily lives. 🔵 #### **Radikale Empathie – Werkzeuge für das Miteinander** **Beziehungen und Partnerschaften** mit ***Neo Seefried*** und ***Maximilian Popp*** Wie bleiben wir in queeren Kontexten verbunden, wenn Konflikte, starke Emotionen und Differenzen auftauchen? In dieser Session zu **Beziehungen & Partnerschaften** bringt Gast **Maximilian Popp** (systemischer Paartherapeut) einen kompakten Mix aus Input und Übung mit – zu Triggern, Scham und typischen Schutzstrategien – plus konkrete Tools für Regulation, schwierige Gespräche und Repair nach Streit. **Gast in diesem Monat: Maximilian Popp – systemischer Paartherapeut** **Beziehungen und Partnerschaften** In diesem Workshop lädt Gast Maximilian Popp zu einem praxisnahen Mix aus Kurz‑Input und Übung ein. Gemeinsam erkunden wir, was Konflikte in nahen Beziehungen sichtbar machen können – und wie queere Erfahrungen unsere Muster in Nähe, Streit und Rückzug prägen. Ergänzt wird das durch alltagstaugliche Tools, die dabei unterstützen, in schwierigen Momenten regulierter, klarer und in Kontakt zu bleiben. Zum Abschluss gibt es Raum, eigene Strategien bewusster zu verstehen und neue Möglichkeiten für mehr Verbindung zu erproben. **Über Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** knüpft an **Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection** (2025) an und entwickelt das Format weiter: vom gemeinsamen Erzählen hin zum gemeinsamen Üben. Die Workshop-Reihe stärkt queeres Miteinander in seiner Vielfalt und fragt: Wie können wir verbunden bleiben, gerade wenn es schwierig wird? Gehostet von **Neo Seefried**, verbindet die Reihe kollektives Storytelling mit somatischen, kommunikativen und kreativen Tools, um in queeren Kontexten mit Konflikten, Emotionen und Differenzen handlungsfähig zu bleiben – ohne zu vermeiden oder zu eskalieren, sondern mit mehr Klarheit, Fürsorge und Beziehungskompetenz. Jede Session hat einen eigenen thematischen Fokus (u.a. Trauer & Tod, Beziehungen, Migration, HIV/Aids, Clubkultur & Substanzen, trans/inter/nicht-binär) und wird durch einen Gast ergänzt, der das jeweilige Thema vertieft. Im Zentrum steht der Resonance Circle: ein Raum für geteilte Geschichten, bewusstes Zuhören und Resonanz – Empathie als Praxis, die wir gemeinsam trainieren und in den Alltag mitnehmen.

A small NEXUS gathering built around movement and natural conversation. **Important!** We’re moving our full event schedule to our website. 👉 For all upcoming events and details, visit: [https://nexuswerkstatt.com](https://nexuswerkstatt.com)

**Kissing dojo** with ***Noam Raz*** for **GBTQ+ men\*** **[Book a ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/sensual-touch/w16-2026)** Member: **15€** Non-member: **30€** A kiss can be gentle, intense, shy, or hungry. It can open doors, create longing, or reveal boundaries. In this Dojo, we will take time to explore kissing in a delicate and detailed way, paying close attention to the physical, emotional, and relational nuances inside this exciting act. The exploration will be slow, gradual, and methodical. We will give a great deal of importance to digestion (verbal and non-verbal), as it happens, moving back and forth between stimulation and regulation. This creates a space that supports noticing how much of a weight a kiss could actually carry, how intimate it is to come into such contact with another, and what is a good and aligned way for me to do it with this person now. **What to expect:** This Dojo is for anyone curious about exploring lip-to-lip contact in a systematic and attentive way. The emphasis is on cultivating the ability to listen — to each other and to oneself. Making space for all sensations, emotions and parts of ourselves that may arise. We begin with a solo somatic warm up (Feldenkrais inspired), to get into dialogue with the body. Spending some time with sensations and impulses, without the relational element. From there we move into partner work, gently introducing contact and consent. Participants are encouraged to say no, or check and then say no (or yes), and to follow their own pace throughout. Roughly half of the workshop is devoted to preparation before lip-to-lip contact, using forms of touch and interaction that most people find comfortable with anyone. 🔵 **Kissing dojo** Sensual Touch Lab Series mit Noam Raz Ein Kuss kann sanft, intensiv, schüchtern oder hungrig sein. Er kann Türen öffnen, Sehnsucht wecken oder Grenzen sichtbar machen. In diesem Dojo nehmen wir uns Zeit, das Küssen auf eine feine und detaillierte Weise zu erforschen und schenken den körperlichen, emotionalen und zwischenmenschlichen Nuancen dieses aufregenden Aktes besondere Aufmerksamkeit. Die Erforschung geschieht langsam, schrittweise und methodisch. Der Verdauung – verbal wie nonverbal – geben wir viel Raum, während sie geschieht, und bewegen uns dabei zwischen Stimulation und Regulation hin und her. So entsteht ein Rahmen, der uns unterstützt wahrzunehmen, welches Gewicht ein Kuss tatsächlich tragen kann, wie intim es ist, in einen solchen Kontakt zu treten, und was in diesem Moment mit dieser Person für mich stimmig und passend ist. Was dich erwartet: Dieses Dojo richtet sich an alle, die neugierig sind, Lippe-auf-Lippe-Kontakt auf systematische und achtsame Weise zu erkunden. Der Schwerpunkt liegt darauf, die Fähigkeit des Zuhörens zu kultivieren – dem Gegenüber und sich selbst gegenüber. Es entsteht Raum für alle Empfindungen, Emotionen und inneren Anteile, die auftauchen möchten. Wir beginnen mit einem somatischen Solo-Warm-up (inspiriert von Feldenkrais), um in einen Dialog mit dem eigenen Körper zu kommen. Wir verweilen bei Empfindungen und Impulsen – zunächst ohne den relationalen Aspekt. Von dort aus gehen wir in die Partnerarbeit über und führen Kontakt und Konsens behutsam ein. Die Teilnehmenden sind ausdrücklich eingeladen, Nein zu sagen – oder zu prüfen und dann Nein (oder Ja) zu sagen – und während des gesamten Workshops ihrem eigenen Tempo zu folgen. Etwa die Hälfte des Workshops ist der Vorbereitung gewidmet, bevor es zu Lippe-auf-Lippe-Kontakt kommt. Dabei nutzen wir Formen von Berührung und Interaktion, mit denen sich die meisten Menschen auch mit weniger vertrauten Personen wohlfühlen.

Finding a partner in Berlin is like looking for a flat: all the nice ones are taken, and the rest are outside the ring! There is only one thing to do: **laugh about it!** Our Love Doctors shall provide Jokes, Scandalous Stories and Relationship Advice with the help of the audience. We're here to show You that even though You may be alone, You are never alone! **Box Office**: donation based for DNA. Members\* / Regular (Daily Membership\*\*) **Suggested donation:** * General: 10€-15€ * Students & unemployed 5€-7€ ***Note:*** *This is not a free show. We don't work for free, and neither should you. It's Pay What You Want. You just decide the amount You want to pay AFTER the show.*

ComedyShorts Berlin is fast-paced competitive improv comedy-match played like a sporting event. Two teams go head-to-head in a playful, highly interactive battle-of-wits where the audience yells out suggestions all night and votes for which team brings on the ‘funny.’ ComedyShorts returns to the 800a for another night of wild lively fun between the teams and the audience. This show is also the 62nd Birthday Celebration for Brian Kapell, the founder of CS, and a founding-father of 'short-form improv,' going strong after 41 years of playing these games. Come and make some noise with Brian and the team. The group performs in English, has been putting on shows since 2005 and has featured many of Berlin’s top improv talent over the years. Tickets are only 12 eu sold through YesTicket, at 14 eu at the door. Ticket link: https://www.yesticket.org/e/4g3TBFLppg

**😶‍🌫️ Working with Pain, challenging emotions & thoughts 🫣** *"Karma, or destiny, is an expression of a beneficial law: the universal trend towards balance, harmony and unity. At every moment, whatever happens now, is for the best. It may appear painful and ugly, a suffering bitter and meaningless, yet considering the past and the future it is for the best, as the only way out of a disastrous situation*." (Nisargadatta Maharaj) **"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" is a popular phrase. Most people on the spiritual path face at least at some point pain, challenging emotions and other potential obstacles. On the flip side, there are fascinating practices that focus on working with pain, other 'unpleasant' appearances as well as thoughts and regard them as highly valuable objects to develop insight and other qualities.** **Let’s share for an afternoon about Pain, thoughts, challenging emotions and potential obstacles, what they means for us and what their role may be on the spiritual journey.** *“If we give in to our habits of avoiding discomfort, we transform conscious pain (mostly emotional and psychological) into unconscious cramps. [...] We instinctively contract away from acute pain, but that ironically ensures chronic suffering. [...] Suffering is an inappropriate relationship to pain. And by reversing that relationship, we can relieve our suffering.”* (Andrew Holecek) 💫 **What this event offers for you:** - Guided Meditations for arriving, calming the mind and tuning into your intuition - Meeting people interested in spirituality (all levels) - Safe Space for sharing - non-hierarchical and non-judgemental - Opportunity to ask just about any question **👀 You may watch one or few of the following Videos for inspiration:** - Mingyur Rinpoche on Meditation with pain ([Youtube](https://youtu.be/f7NEiKkdwq8?is=jcVU-h5Mp1TpA_H7)) - Shinzen Young on Meditation with Pain ([Youtube](https://youtu.be/5IU6UbRbJvQ?is=OBEhyU-QVGon1uWl)) - Testimonial of a Student of Shinzen Young on an experience of meditating with pain ([Youtube](https://youtu.be/MBI3CRqiSAo?is=tvfB9NUtU8xh9jmu)) - Andrew Holoczek on Reverse Meditation on the Sounds True Podcast ([Youtube](https://youtu.be/_WPP5GL-3-0?is=O4xOxLUnnrf4EDuE)) **About the Organizer** Martin is a certified Mindfulness Teacher, Systemic Coach, Yogi and Altruist by heart who teaches Meditation and Martial Arts in different formats. However, in this meetup Martin focuses on the altruistic intention to open a space for people to share while offering as much facilitation as needed in the moment. "*A personal problem cannot be solved on its own level. The very desire to live is the messenger of death, as the longing to be happy is the outline of sorrow. The world is an ocean of pain and fear, of anxiety and despair. Pleasures are like the fishes, few and swift, rarely come, quickly* *gone. A man of low intelligence believes, against all evidence, that he is an exception and that the world owes him happiness. But the world cannot give what it does not have; unreal to the core, it is of no use for real happiness. It cannot be otherwise. We seek the real because we are unhappy with the unreal. Happiness is our real nature and we shall never rest until we find it. But rarely we know where to seek it. Once you have understood that the world is but a mistaken view of reality, and is not what it appears* *to be, you are free of its obsessions. Only what is compatible with your real being can make you happy and the world, as you perceive it, is its outright denial. Keep very quiet and watch what comes to the surface of the mind. Reject the known, welcome the so far unknown and reject it in its turn."* (Nisargadatta Maharaj)

Join this **free 1-hour in-person workshop in Berlin** and **discover how to move, sit, and stand in a way your body is designed for.** Learn what “good posture” really means and how it can help you become free from back pain. With simple yet powerful adjustments to the way you **stand, sleep, bend, and sit**, you’ll address the root cause of back pain, rather than just managing symptoms. **This workshop is for you if you:** ✅ Struggle to sleep, sit, or stand comfortably ✅ Have been told back pain is “normal” for your age, body type, or lifestyle ✅ Haven’t found lasting relief from massage, chiropractic care, or other therapies ✅ Want a natural solution that doesn’t rely on surgery or medication Please register here: https://gokhalemethod.com/civicrm/event/info?id=13814 Location is **Shumei Berlin Center**, Kaiserdamm 113 (3rd floor), 14057 Berlin-Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Germany I look forward to welcoming you!

Hello HSPs. Let's meet in Tiergarten (in the Platz near Amazone zu Pferde) to talk and hang out in the park. We will have three different discussion groups lead by HSP Meet-Up Members which will run from 12:10 to 13:00. Then we will find a place on the grass next to Platz for more unstructured socialising. Feel free to join for all or part of the event. If you would like to lead a discussion group please give us a sign. If the weather is predicting rain, we will meet in front of KERB at Sony Center. Hope to see you there! Location information: Google Maps: search for 'Amazone zu Pferde', we will meet near the bear sculpture on the south-south-west side of the circle. A what3words address to help you find this specific location. Tap to see exactly what it is: ///settle.haven.together https://w3w.co/settle.haven.together

Körpertherapeutisches Seminar (Monatliche offene Gruppe) Beschreibung: 1\. Du möchtest besser verstehen\, wie Körper\, Geist und Seele zusammenwirken? 2\. Du spürst\, dass Emotionen festhängen und eigentlich in Bewegung kommen wollen? 3\. Du wünschst dir mehr Kraft\, Lebendigkeit und ein tieferes Vertrauen in dich selbst? 4\. Oder du möchtest eine neue Perspektive auf deine psychosomatische Beschwerden gewinnen? 5\. Vielleicht bist du auch einfach neugierig auf Körperpsychotherapie und willst sie ganz praktisch erleben\. In dieser offenen Gruppe vermittle ich die Grundlagen der energetischen Körperpsychotherapie. Und zwar im direkten Erleben, "am eigenen Leib" sozusagen. Denn der Verstand weiß schon so viel, aber eine gesunde Verbindung zum Körper ist in unserer Kultur verloren gegangen und wird erst in jüngerer Zeit wiederentdeckt. Die Gruppe findet einmal im Monat statt, die Termine sind unabhängig voneinander buchbar und auf Spendenbasis. Du kannst also genau dann kommen, wenn es für dich passt – ohne Verpflichtung, ohne Vorkenntnisse. Jedes Seminar steht für sich und öffnet einen Raum, in dem du dich selbst besser wahrnehmen, regulieren und ausdrücken kannst. Ich bin Max, Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie, und begleite Menschen körperpsychotherapeutisch im Einzelsetting. Seit vier Jahren leite ich regelmäßig Gruppen-Seminare. Ich selbst war vor ein paar Jahren ständig erkältet, hatte einen Blumenstrauß an psychosomatischen Beschwerden und depressive Phasen. Durch die Körperpsychotherapie habe ich gelernt, meinen Körper wieder als Verbündeten zu erleben. Heute spüre ich früher, wenn etwas aus dem Gleichgewicht gerät – und kenne Wege zurück in die innere Balance. Natürlich kann ich dir keine Wunderheilung versprechen. Was ich anbiete, ist ein klarer, sicherer und strukturierter Rahmen: für dich, für deine Empfindungen, für das, was gehört, gespürt oder bewegt werden will. Vielleicht gehst du nach einem Seminar etwas lebendiger, etwas klarer, etwas verbundener mit dir selbst nach Hause. Bitte schreib mir eine kurze E-Mail an [hallo@maximilianwolf.org](mailto:hallo@maximilianwolf.org) an welchem Termin und mit welcher Motivation du teilnehmen möchtest, damit ich vorab ein Gefühl für die Gruppe bekomme.

[please register here for the seats as it helps us alot](http://adhdcomedyberlin.eventbrite.com/) Step into the whimsical world of "**ADHD: Absurdly Dysfunctional Horribly Direct**"–a sensational English language standup comedy show that will tickle your funny bone and leave you in stitches. **Every 2nd Sunday of the month at Valentin Stüberl,** the perfect setting for this uproarious event, with its intimate atmosphere and cozy ambiance. ⏰ 7 pm to 9 pm . Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7 Prepare to be entertained by a **handpicked lineup of the finest comedians from Berlin**. These comedic maestros will take the stage one by one, delivering their side-splitting material with impeccable timing and a dash of audacity. Some comics may have an official **ADHD** diagnosis, some may believe they are on the spectrum, but all of them are crazy,dysfunctional and outrightly funny. At the heart of this laughter-filled extravaganza is **Ayush Kulshrestha**, the host of the evening. Having been **diagnosed with ADHD as a child**, Ayush has turned his personal struggles, anger, and misfortunes into a source of inspiration for his comedic genius. With his unique perspective, Ayush not only delivers a set that is sure to have you rolling in the aisles but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and inclusion. Through his stories and humor, Ayush creates a common bond ,comradrie and a safe environment where people, especially those who are **neurodivergent** like himself, can connect, share experiences, and feel understood. We believe laughter should be accessible to all, which is why we run the show as a donation-based pay what you can show. it not a free show You can reserve your seats now and afte 2 hours of rib tickling comedy and comradery we **suggest a contribution of €10-15€ per person .** Your contribution helps in paying the therapy bills and the ADHD tax . Since we always sell out and the seats are limited you can also pre-**book tickets and reserve your seats [here](https://app.tickettailor.com/events/desidemocracy/919363) at discounted rates.** So gather your friends, loosen up your funny bones, and join us for a Sunday evening filled with laughter and merriment. Get ready to experience a comedy show like no other, where wit, absurdity, and directness collide to promises laughter, camaraderie, and a celebration of turning life's challenges into comedic triumphs.

**Berlin’s Only Comedy Show That Fixes Your Problems (Kind Of)!** Stand-up comedy meets hilarious, unqualified life advice! Comedians tackle your anonymously submitted problems live on stage—roasting, dissecting, and turning them into comedy gold. **Where?** The hidden Mitte gem —**Art.City.People** in **Heckmann-Höfe!** **When?** Doors: **8:00 PM** \| Show: **8:30 PM** Come for the stand-up, stay for the therapy—just bring your problems (or a friend with worse ones). Every show is a fresh mix of **four experienced comedians and new audience problems**—so you never know what to expect! Hosted by **Lena Stolby** — she’s Russian, so she *really* knows about problems! **&** We are a free entry pay-what-you-want show, and **have been running solely thanks to the support of the audience**, so to help us keep making this world a drama free place we **suggest a contribution of €12-15!** **Seats are limited, so book now!** The room gets very busy, so, to make sure you get a seat please book a seat via Eventbrite here (it’s free): https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/comedy-therapy-events-1626059

**English Comedy Special where 4 professional comedians from all over the world explore their family histories, traumas and cultures.** PLEASE BOOK [eastwestcomedy.com ](eastwestcomedy.com)in addition to RSVP here to guarantee seating! **Line-up: TBA** ! ! Our weekend shows have been SOLD OUT almost every time, so PLEASE book online and don't take chances ;) !! **Neukölln’s favorite (by popular vote) comedy club East-West Comedy presents the brand new, topical show about diverse and hilarious family experiences!** **We all know the real F-word, don’t we? We get F-d up early in life, and deal with it for pretty much the rest of the damn thing. F stands for "Family", obviously: what else can be as frustrating, ridiculous, yet daringly important as our family stories and histories? Join 4 headliner\* level comedians from all over the world in their (and yours) hilarious quests for meaning: why do we keep repeating the same patterns? Why do we crave approval? And how many Grandma’s pies (turkeys? naan? hummus? borscht?) can we eat at a family dinner before having a heart attack?** **\*headliner-level comedians are professional comedians who regularly headline different comedy clubs with 20-30 minute performance, and often go on tour their own 60-90 minute solo shows.** Google rating (130+ reviews): 5.0 / 5.0 ★★★★★ “Laughed a lot, will come again for sure” Oliver, UK ★★★★★ “A cozy place with high quality live comedy!” Joanna, Hong Kong ★★★★★ “Great comedy show, talented comics and very nice atmosphere” Mariia, Ukraine ★★★★★ “Comedians were good, beer was good, ambiance was super nice!” Gaelle, Lebanon ★★★★★ “The humour hit us right on the spot!” Eve, China ★★★★★ “Perfect evening of laughter” Igor, Croatia ★★★★★ “Cozy stand-up venue with hilarious international artists and audience!” Elvira, Russia ★★★★★ “Great new shows at one of Berlin’s coolest venues!” James, USA Doors: 7:30 PM Show: 8:00-10:00 PM Entry: Pay What You Want\* (seat reservation required): you reserve your seat for free, and Pay What You Want at the end of the show, depending on how much you think the show is worth (recommended fee: €10-15). Reservations expire 10 minutes before the start of the show. \*It is not within our principles to promote a show as "Free Entry" and ask for a "not-so-voluntary" donation at the end. This show is paid - we just let you decide the price ;)

**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.

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831