Coming out of our closets

Although the popular concept of a ‘closet’ is often associated with LGBTQ individuals who have yet to ‘come out’ to family and friends, the principle of a ‘closet’ is one familiar to us all: a scary, dark place, marked by felt isolation, shame, or judgment. Whether it be keeping silence about the unhappiness of an abusive marriage or wallowing in disappointment at the end of a relationship, the feeling of being in a closet is known to humans everywhere. In many ways, the image of the closet is a fitting metaphor for a universal truth in human experience, marked by the transmutation of shadow to light.

In this compelling talk, Noor will paint the picture of a closet, describe how it feels inside and out of one (based on experience), how to identify your inner closets, the emotional benefits of ‘coming out’, and the larger alchemical transformation involved in this process. The aim of the talk is to educate us about the burden of carrying shame and judgment, productive ways we can heal this, and to invite audience members to consider their own closets. Time for a new wardrobe, or just the light of day? Come to this talk to find out.

Noor Najafi is a Motivational Speaker, Writer, and Past Visiting Scholar and Researcher at the University of Florida. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, and a B.A. with a concentration in Psychology from Emory University in Atlanta. Currently, he is completing his Master’s degree in Social Anthropology at University of Cambridge. Noor has been committed to a study of the human condition, and in particular, has had a long and engaged interest in human psychology, integral health, healing, counseling, and spirituality. In the past, he has led a clinical group, “Dyad Practice” at CIIS for over a year, and has offered consultations in lifestyle coaching and family mediation for individuals, couples, and families for years. He brings his unique background, wisdom, and informed insights to the table to help us think out of the closet and leave feeling inspired.

This Meetup is free - a voluntary donation of £5 is welcome.