Altruism

Cuban salsa classes every Tuesday. Join us, improve your skills, save lives and make friends! **Classes:** 19:00 - Improvers 2 (New routine starting every month) **Price: (Card payment only)** 1 class - 7€ 10 class pass - 49€ or 42€ reduced* (To use within 11 weeks. Valid for all our classes. It can only be used by one person per class. No refund possible) * Reduced price for students, Schüler, Azubis, H4-Empfänger, and pensioners/retired folks. A valid proof is needed. **Why should you learn Salsa, and why with us?** - It's great fun! - You get to know loads of new people. - No fix starting date - you can start any week. - No dress code - come in whatever you feel comfortable in. Note:No outside shoes in the room: socks or a pair of clean shoes will be required - No partner needed - we change regularly during the classes (bring all your friends though!) - You can help us make a difference! **What is Salsa4Water?** Simple! We teach Salsa and donate all our profits to the NGO Welthungerhilfe, which uses these funds for their local projects in Malawi. Welthungerhilfe fights for equal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in nearly 40 countries world wide. This gives you the chance to save lives while dancing!

Du möchtest Deine Meditationspraxis beginnen, beleben oder vertiefen? An diesem Abend werden aufeinander aufbauende Meditationsmethoden angeleitet, und Du bekommst ein tieferes Verständnis davon was Meditation sein kann, jenseits der Methoden. Denn: Jede/r kann Meditieren! Heike oder eine andere erfahrene Meditierende leiten die einzelnen Meditations-Sitzungen so an, dass Du Einblicke in das vielfältige Spektrums der Meditation bekommst, ebenso wie eine tiefere Erfahrung davon, was Meditation für Dich sein kann. Der Praxisabend ist bereichernd für Fortgeschrittene, ist aber auch sehr gut geeignet für Anfänger*innen. Eine Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich. Bist Du neu, komme auch online 5 Min vorher. Du kannst in das verkehrsgünstig gelegene Meditations-Zentrum Nähe Charlottenburg kommen, Dharma Mati – Buddhistisches Zentrum Soorstraße 85 · Berlin oder Du kannst das Event online per Zoom besuchen. Um an dem Online-Event teilzunehmen bitte auf den folgenden Link klicken: https://zoom.us/j/91141867415 (Meeting-ID: 911-4186-7415) Das Programm Zoom wird dann automatisch heruntergeladen und du kannst direkt an dem Event teilnehmen. Alternativ: https://zoom.us/download

**Bitte nur verbindliche Zusagen. Teilnahmegebühr vor Ort: 5 EUR (in bar)** **Echte Männerfreundschaften bringen Dich im Leben voran:** Freunde, Tiefe, Ehrlichkeit & Deine Ziele erreichen. Auch im Beruf, auch mit Frauen & Beziehungen. . Menschen sind keine Einzelkämpfer. Menschen funktionieren zusammen. In einem Raum nur mit Männern kannst Du ganz Du sein. . Ich biete einen solchen Raum. . **Das kannst Du erwarten:** * Du lernst andere Männer kennen, die auch Lust auf diesen Austausch haben * Wir reden über Freundschaft, Mann-Sein, das Leben, Probleme, Ziele & Frauen * Ihr verabredet Euch für Unternehmungen & zum Chillen . . Wir werden bis zu 8 Männer sein. Mehr nicht. Es gibt dann eine Telegram-Gruppe für alle Männer, die bei dieser Art Treffen dabei waren. . . Drei Regeln für das Treffen: 1. **Wenn Du zusagst, kommst Du.** 2. **Sei pünktlich.** 3. **Was wir besprechen, bleibt unter uns.** . Falls Du noch Absagen musst, tu das bis mittags 12 Uhr mit einer kurzen Nachricht an mich. So wie Freunde das machen würden. . Bring Dir gern ein **alkoholfreies** Getränk & Snack für den Abend mit. Gern auch etwas, was Du mit den anderen teilen kannst. . . **👱🏼‍♂️ Über mich:** * Betreiber der Seite [www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de](www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de) * Ausgebildeter NLP-Trainer ([DVNLP](https://www.dvnlp.de/)) & Coach * Jahrelang selbstständiger Unternehmensberater * Eigene Vita: Von schüchternen Jungen zum fitten Mann * Großer Artikel über: [Freunde finden](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * Mehr über mich: [LinkedIn - Georg Preller](https://www.linkedin.com/in/georg-preller/) . **👋🏽 Get in touch & stay in touch:** **✈ Telegram-Gruppe für Männer: Nur auf dem Treffen.** **✈ Telegram-Kanal Freundschaft: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Events, Workshops & Neuste Erkenntnisse aus der Freundschaftsforschung (Überschriften) **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Im Newsletter gibt es alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung. **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften" beschreibt, was eine gute Freundschaft wirklich ausmacht. Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos mit dem Newsletter: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter)

**Acroyoga: Building Connection and Trust** with ***Jens Dube*** for **GBTQ men\*** **[BOOK A TICKET!](https://wearevillage.org/en/calendar/)** **Member: 10 €** **Regular: 15 €** Join our acroyoga workshop designed for GBTQ men. This practice combines yoga and acrobatics, offering partner and group exercises to help build trust and support among men. It's an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with others, and explore new physical experiences. Whether you're seeking healing, connection, or just a new challenge, this workshop provides a supportive space. **General Information** • Wear comfortable clothes. • We’ll speak English and/or German, depending on the needs of the group. • This event is one of two free events included each month in the membership programme. 🔵 **Acroyoga: Verbindung und Vertrauen aufbauen** Mach mit bei unserem Acroyoga-Workshop, der speziell für GBTQ-Männer gestaltet ist. Diese Praxis kombiniert Yoga und Akrobatik und bietet Partner- und Gruppenübungen, um Vertrauen und Unterstützung unter Männern aufzubauen. Es ist eine Gelegenheit, Dich selbst herauszufordern, mit anderen in Kontakt zu treten und neue körperliche Erfahrungen zu machen. Egal, ob Du Heilung, Verbindung oder einfach nur eine neue Herausforderung suchst, dieser Workshop bietet einen unterstützenden Raum. **Hinweise** **•** Trage bequeme Kleidungen **•** Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen. **•** This event is one of two free events included each month in the membership programme.

Ministry to God and others, and God ministering to us.

This is an [in-person communication lab](https://www.presentation-school.com/berlin-presentation-lab) that helps professionals speak clearly and confidently under pressure using proven methods. Most people don’t struggle because they don’t practice enough. They struggle because they practice without the right principles. This session focuses on deliberate, guided practice informed by performance psychology, neuroscience, and modern communication training. **What You Will Do** * Learn one science-based communication principle that improves real-world performance. * Train that principle in structured speaking exercises designed for skill development. * Receive clear, professional feedback you can apply immediately. Practice and feedback are guided by experienced communication professionals who work with executives and senior professionals. This is not peer-to-peer feedback or open discussion. **Who Should Attend?** * Non-native English speakers * Professionals who present, lead meetings, or speak up at work * Anyone who overthinks, freezes, or loses clarity under pressure * People who want structured improvement, not just repetition No prior experience is required. **What This is NOT** * A lecture. * A motivational talk. * A public performance. * Unstructured open practice. * Peer-led feedback or opinion-based critique. **Before The Session** Before the session, participants complete a short preparation form to clarify their goals and common communication challenges. This helps ensure the practice and feedback during the lab are as relevant and effective as possible. **Optional:** Participants may submit a short video (1–2 minutes) or written questions. This is optional and used to personalise focus areas and examples during the session. No individual coaching is provided. **After the Session** Participants receive a short follow-up pack with key takeaways, practical drills, a reflection question, and guidance on next steps. **Practical Information** Language: English Duration: 2 hours Format: In-person, structured group lab Address: Chausseestraße 86, 10115 Berlin Healthy snacks and water provided. Price: €25 per session If you are looking for a professional, practical way to improve how you communicate and want to train using principles that actually lead to results, this lab is a good place to start.

**Unlock Your Potential with Pranic Healing! In German and English** Join us for a **Try out experience** every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm close to Treptower Park Train Station. Experience the transformative benefits of this powerful cleansing and energizing technique in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re curious about energy medicine or looking to enhance your well-being, this is the perfect chance to try it out. No prior experience is needed—just come as you are! Discover the power of Pranic Healing—your journey to wellness starts here! ❌ RSVP through the Meetup website **doesn't guarantee your spot** Please do contact- carolineargent@pranaheilungberlin.de to confirm your interest in attending. We look forward to meeting you. Remember to check your **Spam/Junk folder** for the ✉️ e-mail

Hi, I am Zoe, a software engineer by profession. I have been running this support group since a year 😇 What to expect in the circle: \- The first 45 minutes we can spend to get coffee and settle down \- On a volunteer basis\, each of the attendee will then get some time to share things that they are dealing with\, perhaps for 2\-5 minutes \- You can skip sharing even if you are in a circle\, there's no force \(and there will never be\) on you to share\, staying silent and listening is completely ok \- Attendees can recommend books or reading material if they like ///// ….. /////// Code of conduct: 📓 Please arrive on time. There are no requirements or expectations of any kind. Speaking is encouraged but not compulsory. All issues are legitimate and deserve attention. Everyone is entitled to share their experience, including yourself. Speak honestly and respectfully. Try not to downplay or invalid other people's feelings, or your own. Pay attention to physical and emotional boundaries. Avoid raising your voice, interrupting or talking over anyone else. Be aware of how much you’re participating so everyone gets a chance to speak. Refrain from giving unsolicited advice; what works for you may not for others. Respect privacy during this dialogue and beyond. What is said during the Meetup is not meant to be repeated outside. Notify the facilitator if you feel distressed or upset, or if you find someone's behavior inappropriate. Feel free to step out if you need to. Last but not least, have respect for everyone’s religious / cultural / nationality / race / gender / sexual / diverse backgrounds. ☀️

**A practical approach to understanding, creating and maintaining balance across 6 dimensions of sustainability.** A talk and workshop by Scott Bolden, co-founder of Baumhaus Berlin. What does it mean to live a sustainable life while contributing to creating a sustainable society and world? What are some practical and effective ways in our daily life to achieve these objectives in the short and long term? **PEACES is an acronym** describing six integrated areas of sustainability (**Personal, Ecologic, Aesthetic, Cultural, Economic & Social**) where we as individuals as well as organizations can have direct and positive impact on ourselves each other and the world right now. During this short workshop, Scott will explain the framework and give practical examples in the context of how the framework applies to what happens in everyday life. Participants of all levels of experience are invited to join in the conversation and also identify some practical steps that they can start taking on their path towards living a sustainable life. • Please arrive early enough to have time to explore and settle in so we can get the most out of our time together • Bring a notebook and an open mind... Workshop places are limited, please confirm participation with a short email to info@baumhausberlin.de with the subject: PEACES Donate-as-you-feel after the workshop (includes coffee, tea & snacks) We ask participants to consider: • their personal budget • the value of their experiences during the workshop in the Baumhaus • the value of supporting the Baumhaus so that we can continue facilitating these and various other types of experiences \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- support Baumhaus crowdfunding campaign ( https://www.goodcrowd.org/saving-das-baumhaus ) Baumhaus Berlin Gerichtstr. 23 VH Eg 13347 Berlin

Life gets heavy sometimes — and we believe no one should carry that weight alone. This discussion circle is a supportive space where we gather to speak openly about our struggles, mental health journeys, and personal challenges — without fear of judgment. Whether you’re facing anxiety, burnout, grief, or just feeling lost, this is a time for real talk, real people, and real healing. 
We’re not therapists or professionals — we’re humans navigating life, just like you. What we offer is empathy and understanding. 
What to expect:
• Respectful conversations
• Listening without pressure to fix
• Optional prompts to get things flowing
• A calm, welcoming environment 
Come as you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out. 
The event takes place every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and is donation based :) Paypal (Friends&Family): mhps.berlin@gmail.com

At night you can go to a night club. During the day it's time for Day Club! Stop by Baumhaus between 13:00 and 20:00 to enjoy Day Club, a resonant way to spend time in a unique and inspiring atmosphere! The main room is an Open Greeting Zone where you can feel free to introduce yourself to anyone around and expect the same in return. Get to know interesting people, get some work done or have a meeting in the quiet space, dance in the main room, prepare group meals in the kitchen, enjoy healthy drinks and snacks or feel free to bring your own. No need to get drunk or hang out in a smokey room late at night to get your social fix or have some fun connecting with yourself and others. We will have great playlists and even some dj's, beat makers and other live artists from time to time. There will also be free and donation based workshops for Day Clubbers. Feel free to suggest program and topics. Entry - 10€ - 20€ pay for the value of your experience, not material stuff!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of delicious vegan food, warm conversation, and community connection. Bring a dish, meet new people, and help keep the group thriving. **🗓 When & where** Sunday, 22 February 2026 • 12:00–16:00 📍 ProVeg Berlin **🥗What to bring** Please bring only a fully plant-based dish (homemade or store-bought) to share with the group. ➤ Label your dish clearly with the name and any common allergens (e.g. gluten, nuts, soy). Plates, cutlery, and cups will be provided—but feel free to bring your own if you prefer! **💶 €1 event fee (non-refundable)** This small fee helps cover Meetup and small event costs. Any extra funds will be donated to animal rights NGOs. To confirm your RSVP: * Send €1 via PayPal (details in the comments) within 48 hours of RSVPing * Add a note: "Your Name + potluck" * No PayPal? Message me for IBAN details * If payment isn’t received within 48 hours, your RSVP will be cancelled 💡Those who contribute regularly to the group don’t need to send this fee again. Your support is appreciated.

Im Jungfernheideweg 77, 13629 Berlin treffen wir uns zwischen 16.30 Uhr und 22.30 Uhr wieder um gemeinsam Brett- und Gesellschaftsspiele zu daddeln. Das Angebot richtet sich an alle Interessierten. Kinder bitte erst ab 12 Jahre. Eine Vielzahl toller Brettspiele sind vor Ort, es können aber auch gerne eigene mitgebracht werden. PS: Es wäre sehr hilfreich wenn die Leute, die sich anmelden und dann doch nicht können, sich auch wieder abmelden vorher. danke schön

Cuban salsa classes every Wednesday . Join us, learn how to dance, save lives and make friends! **Classes**: 19:00 - Absolute Beginners (For Free) 20:00 - Beginners 2 21.00 - Improvers 1 **Price: (Card payment only)** 1 class - 7€ 10 class pass - 49€ or 42€ reduced* (To use within 11 weeks. Valid for all our classes. It can only be used by one person per class. No refund possible) * Reduced price for students, Schüler, Azubis, H4-Empfänger, and pensioners/retired folks. A valid proof is needed. **Why should you learn Salsa, and why with us?** - It's great fun! - You don't need any prior dancing experience. - You get to know loads of new people. - No registration, just swing by. - No fix starting date - you can start any week. - No dress code - come in whatever you feel comfortable in. Note:No outside shoes in the room: socks or a pair of clean shoes will be required - No partner needed - we change regularly during the classes (bring all your friends though!) - You can help us make a difference! **What is Salsa4Water**? Simple! We teach Salsa and donate all our profits to the NGO Welthungerhilfe, which uses these funds for their local projects in Malawi. Welthungerhilfe fights for equal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in nearly 40 countries world wide. This gives you the chance to save lives while dancing!

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

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

Is doing good really its own reward? To look around the world and see wrongdoing, injustice, and seemingly-gotten-away-with crime, people have often wondered whether or not it is "worth it" to do the right thing. These are not new questions--going back at least 3,000 years, human beings have wrestled with such questions, and the Psalmist, ca. 1,000 BC, sought such answers as well. He came to the conclusion that there was, indeed, an answer, and one that brought hope: God sees, God knows, and God will not allow evil to triumph, nor will He allow the wicked to escape justice. In addition to God's justice, He also promises mercy and blessing to those who humble themselves and follow Him. Psalm 1 and 2 address the underlying concerns of both of these questions--will wrong one day be righted, and is it worth it to do right, in spite of so much evil--with a resounding, "Yes, indeed!" Doing rightly is always good and *will* be blessed. Doing wrongly is always wrong, and those who think they have "gotten away with it" will one day understand the truth: God will not be mocked, and justice *will* prevail. Come join us, **6:30 pm, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center**, and be encouraged by ancient truth that is still vitally essential today! Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbus-a-study-in-psalms-psalm-1-and-2-tickets-1982202015588)! Connect with us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1409497500869578)!