Cosmopolitan Stoic Justice: The 6km Parramatta River Loop

Join us to apply Cosmopolitan Justice at this Stoicism in Practice event. We will be combining a 6km loop along the Parramatta River with a purposeful community clean-up.

​The word Cosmopolitan was coined by the ancient Greeks, because Are Citizens of the World. While most in the ancient world identified only with their specific city-state, the Stoics argued that we are all part of one single community.

​In Stoicism, Justice is the virtue of social duty. This event is about taking responsibility for our shared space, and training our character through service.

​The Agenda

• ​Debrif, Coffee & Contemplation (2pm):
  We’ll meet at the Old Dairy. Please grab a takeaway coffee from a nearby cafe on your way in. We will sit together to discuss the Stoic plan.

• ​The Clean-up Walk (2.30pm):
  We set off on the 6km River Walk loop. As we collect litter, we practice Prosoche (mindfulness), paying attention to the environment and our internal reactions to the task.

• ​Final Sweep & Disposal:
  We return to the Little Coogee area to dispose of our collections in the designated bins.

• ​Closing Reflection:
  A quick group debrief at the Old Dairy to discuss what we learned about our own resilience and social duty before we head home.

​Important Notes

• ​Distance: 6km loop on flat, paved terrain.
• ​What to Bring: Heavy-duty gloves, a few rubbish bags, tongs/pickers (if you have them), and a reusable water bottle.
• Attire: Wear warm layers and clothes you don't mind getting a little dusty or dirty.

​Disclaimer: Every participant is responsible for their own safety and physical wellbeing. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the winter weather.

Stoic Principles in Action ​

• Voluntary Discomfort: We might get a bit dirty or cold. This is an opportunity to practice remaining unbothered by external physical states while focusing on internal virtue
• Social Duty: Realising that picking up trash isn't "cleaning up after others," but "maintaining our shared city." ​
• The Dichotomy of Control: We can't control the fact that the park is littered, but we can control our choice to improve it.

Event fee (optional) is $2, this goes to admin costs of running the group, please consider I am from Wollongong and wanted to keep this group when original organiser stepped down. I have significant travel expenses and am generally organising creative events that take resources. A gratuity would be a wonderful way to make me feel appreciated.

Pay on the day, payID 0416147804, PayPal: paypal.me/jonnikaren or private message for direct deposit details. In lieu of event fee, you can buy me a coffee :)