Zen Buddhism

This month for English Party, April 18th, we are continuing the trend of trying something different. Since February’s outdoor game afternoon and March’s potluck were such successes, we are including some aspects from each of those days: We’ll have a craft afternoon (or “Crafternoon”) in Inés de Suárez Park (I'll share our exact location in the free WhatsApp group), at 1pm. Everyone brings their own picnic blanket to sit on, a packed lunch/snack, and a craft they are working on, to do “companionable crafting” - meaning everyone works on their own project and we sit and talk together at the same time. You could bring a sketchbook to draw, watercolors, knitting/crocheting, even a hand-sewing project. Anything that is portable and not too complicated or messy. If you are not into crafts but want to come and hang out, you are more than welcome! I think that this will be a fun, relaxing change of pace from the games we usually play! But don’t be surprised if we end up playing a game anyway! ;) We’ll hang out talking and crafting until around 3:30pm! Thanks and can't wait to see you there! Join our free WhatsApp group for exclusive updates, where you can also RSVP before the general public! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CC7wzkxlnukBzmwaK3ovkM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CC7wzkxlnukBzmwaK3ovkM) For those who feel moved to contribute to English Party, the completely optional suggested donation for this event is $3 USD. If you would like to make a donation, here is Shannon's PayPal link: PayPal (USD): https://paypal.me/ShannonMcEvoy?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Friends are welcome (if possible please have them RSVP too, or add them as your guest) Can't wait to see you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to English Party! The purpose of our group is to encourage fluency in English while having FUN and making friends! Our main activities rotate between arts and crafts, game nights, and music (YES - singalongs and karaoke!). * Do you know some English, but freeze up in embarrassment when talking with native English speakers? * Are you bored with learning English in a traditional classroom setting? * Do you crave the challenge of communicating in English in real-life? * Are you a fan of learning by doing? * Are you an English-speaking traveler or expat looking to connect with locals? * Do you enjoy Arts and Crafts? Boardgames? Singing? All of the above? If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, chances are you'd have a blast with us in our group! We host both in-person (in Santiago, Chile) and online experiences. We would love to have you join us! Follow us on Instagram at @englishparty.cl https://www.instagram.com/englishparty.cl/ Questions? Contact Shannon: via DM on Instagram, @englishparty.cl on WhatsApp - wa.me/56982143632 +569 8214 3632 Want to host a private English Party event for your company or team? Check out the possibilities at: www.englishparty.cl Like what we do? Show us some love on Google! https://maps.app.goo.gl/ge9vCyFJyAthCYL3A

This month for English Party, April 18th, we are continuing the trend of trying something different. Since February’s outdoor game afternoon and March’s potluck were such successes, we are including some aspects from each of those days: We’ll have a craft afternoon (or “Crafternoon”) in Inés de Suárez Park (I'll share our exact location in the free WhatsApp group), at 1pm. Everyone brings their own picnic blanket to sit on, a packed lunch/snack, and a craft they are working on, to do “companionable crafting” - meaning everyone works on their own project and we sit and talk together at the same time. You could bring a sketchbook to draw, watercolors, knitting/crocheting, even a hand-sewing project. Anything that is portable and not too complicated or messy. If you are not into crafts but want to come and hang out, you are more than welcome! I think that this will be a fun, relaxing change of pace from the games we usually play! But don’t be surprised if we end up playing a game anyway! ;) We’ll hang out talking and crafting until around 3:30pm! Thanks and can't wait to see you there! Join our free WhatsApp group for exclusive updates, where you can also RSVP before the general public! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CC7wzkxlnukBzmwaK3ovkM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CC7wzkxlnukBzmwaK3ovkM) For those who feel moved to contribute to English Party, the completely optional suggested donation for this event is $3 USD. If you would like to make a donation, here is Shannon's PayPal link: PayPal (USD): https://paypal.me/ShannonMcEvoy?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Friends are welcome (if possible please have them RSVP too, or add them as your guest) Can't wait to see you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to English Party! The purpose of our group is to encourage fluency in English while having FUN and making friends! Our main activities rotate between arts and crafts, game nights, and music (YES - singalongs and karaoke!). * Do you know some English, but freeze up in embarrassment when talking with native English speakers? * Are you bored with learning English in a traditional classroom setting? * Do you crave the challenge of communicating in English in real-life? * Are you a fan of learning by doing? * Are you an English-speaking traveler or expat looking to connect with locals? * Do you enjoy Arts and Crafts? Boardgames? Singing? All of the above? If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, chances are you'd have a blast with us in our group! We host both in-person (in Santiago, Chile) and online experiences. We would love to have you join us! Follow us on Instagram at @englishparty.cl https://www.instagram.com/englishparty.cl/ Questions? Contact Shannon: via DM on Instagram, @englishparty.cl on WhatsApp - wa.me/56982143632 +569 8214 3632 Want to host a private English Party event for your company or team? Check out the possibilities at: www.englishparty.cl Like what we do? Show us some love on Google! https://maps.app.goo.gl/ge9vCyFJyAthCYL3A

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!

Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

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.

Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!