Meaningful Conversations at Gazella's in Ballard

SPECIAL NOTE: Gazella is graciously hosting us at her home in Ballard this week! It's about a mile away from where we've been meeting recently (Stoup)

Meaningful Conversations is back, now on Sunday afternoons (at Stoup Brewery / or in the Ballard area) for fall and winter! If you're driving to Gazella's, parking is street residential. When you get there, go up the stairs to the right of the driveway, and then it's the first door up another small set of stairs. If you aren't sure you're at the right place, message one of the hosts.

About This Event: If the words in the title led you this far, you are probably interested in having (1) meaningful conversations, (2) in Ballard, (3) at Stoup Brewing (not this week though). Welcome!

Join a group of connectors, seekers, questioners, thinkers, and imaginers as we connect and explore topics related to philosophy, spirituality, current trends, and everyday life. Come for the laughs and insights, and stay for the community and friends. We try to post the "meaningful conversation topic" in a comment a day or two before the event.

In the types of conversations we have, here are some of the ways you might experience "meaning":

• You may be stirred emotionally. Someone could ask or say something that triggers awe, nostalgia, or unexpected discomfort.
• You might come away knowing something different or having a new perspective about yourself, others, or the world.
• You may see or share more of yourself than usual, and be met with understanding instead of judgement.
• You may feel that you are seeking the same thing as those around you - connection, truth, perspective, laughter, or whatever the goal. The shared goal can give the conversation weight.

We aim to meet every other week at the same time and place (Ballard area/Stoup Brewery from 4-6:30pm), with some familiar faces, and some new. Most weeks, we will start with an icebreaker question or activity to give people a chance to get to know one another or refresh their memories. After that, the host or co-host will introduce a topic for consideration, and then we may choose to mingle or talk as one group. It’s “conversational jazz” so the format is evolving. Regular members join a WhatsApp group to chat and arrange other community events and parties.

Participation: You are encouraged to share from your personal lives while respecting your personal boundaries and the boundaries of others. You will not be coerced to do or share anything you don’t wish to do. We encourage respectful dialogue and curiosity/asking questions over heated “debates”, where little learning is likely to take place.

Legal/Disclaimer Stuff: As far as this event system goes, participation is voluntary, and you attend at your own risk. While difficult topics may be discussed at these events, this event is focused on community building and education/training. It is not group therapy, nor is your host/facilitator a licensed, clinical practitioner of counseling or psychiatry. Organizers are indemnified.