Asatru

NOTE: the pub does not charge for our space on the understanding that we all purchase something from the bar. Please support them. I'll be there from around 7pm if anyone would like a social chat before we get started. **Please arrive in time for a prompt start at 7:30.** In some Christian circles there is an idea that in all of us there is a “God-shaped hole” - the idea that everyone needs God; those who seek Him find Him, but those who do not, vainly fill the “void” with other things. The origins of the idea appear to stem from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and Catholic writer. In his book *Pensées*, published posthumously in 1670, he suggests that we are all engaged in a futile search for a true happiness but that however much we have, we remain dissatisfied. This leads him to propose that “this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself”. In the 20th century Existentialist thought suggests that although the “hole” is real, it is not “God-shaped”. Instead, existentialists argue that the feeling of emptiness is the result of confronting the absurdity of a world devoid of inherent, preordained purpose. Rather than seeking to fill this void with a divine plug, existentialists believe in accepting the void and taking on the radical responsibility of creating one’s own meaning. American psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed his hierarchy of needs, the highest level being “self-actualisation”. Maslow describes this as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. In later work he extended this idea to suggest that transcending the self and having a broader sense of purpose and connection to others, is the peak of human experience. Perhaps this is his approach to filling the "hole". What are our own personal experiences? Do we find ourselves searching in vain for some deeper meaning or purpose? If so, why? If not, what makes us feel adequately fulfilled? What is it, exactly, that we are searching for? How would we recognise it if we had it? To what extent has the development of scientific understanding filled any “God-shaped hole”, in the 350 years since Pascal’s writing? In what ways might some notion of “God”, possibly combined with belonging to some form of religious community, fill the “infinite abyss” we may feel? Even if a “God-shaped” solution doesn’t work for us, can we understand why it has been, and remains, so important for human societies? Is there a different sort of hole that isn’t “God-shaped”? Some optional prior reading: [Where does the concept of a "God-shaped hole" originate?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate) [Pascal’s ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[Pensées](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[ (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es) [Existentialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism) [Maslow's hierarchy of needs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs) Café Philo discussions always try to be respectful of everyone’s point of view. This topic is potentially more controversial than some, so please be respectful of all points of view, even if you disagree. Hope to see you there.

Your survival depends on knowing who you can rely on. But how can you tell who your real friends are? How can you determine if a person will help make a joint venture successful? Is there a way to predict behavior? Yes. There are fundamental elements to human behavior. When you know them you have insight into your fellow man, and just by observing how people act, you will know *everything* about them. #### On this lecture you will learn: * The important role of trust in human relationships. * The Hubbard Chart of Human Evaluation—the tool to know true character and predict what people will do. * How to evaluate others accurately and guarantee a more certain future for yourself and those you care about. With the knowledge you learn on this course, you will have tools to know who you can trust and who you can depend on. *“Trustworthiness is a highly esteemed commodity. When one has it, one is considered valuable. When one has lost it, one may be considered worthless.”* *—L. Ron Hubbard*

**Horror Everything: 2016 – Forever** Dr Joe Ondrak The history of horror is also the history of media, and key in understanding how we use media to play with the boundaries of what is real and what isn’t. In this talk, I explore and explain how horror fiction traditions are useful to understand contemporary conspiracy culture, moving from false documents and found footage to creepypasta and QAnon. Taking a formalist and stylistic approach, I demonstrate how social media platforms shape meaning, blur the boundaries of fact and fiction, and create a shared cognitive environment ripe for conspiracy belief. Dr. Joe Ondrak is a leading expert in digital horror, both real and fictional. He has published extensively on extreme right-wing terror, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, as well as creepypasta and networked digital horror genres. He currently works as a subject matter expert in hate groups at Resolver and consults on digital extremist behaviours and activities. His chapter for the Routledge Companion to Horror Studies – The (New) Medium is the Monster: Networked Digital Horror – is forthcoming. **NB: This talk has been rescheduled to a different date and will take place on the third Monday instead of the usual second Monday.**

Season 35 of PlayOn Snooker Leagues at Hurricane Room in Kings Cross will be starting on Monday 18th May! Season 34 had 24 players across 4 Divisions (ranging from beginner / casual players to very good club players). If you are interested in joining, just contact me so I can find out a little more about your playing standard, and we'll take it from there! Its pretty straight forward and chilled :) Matches are first player to reach 4 frames (although first to 3 frames is permitted in some of the lower Divisions). Points are awarded for wins, whitewash victories, and high breaks (E.g. 25+ gets you a bonus point in Division 1… or 15+ in the lowest Division). There will be promotions and relegations for the top and bottom players in each Division. NOTE: By signing up to Season 35, you will need to commit to play once per week for the duration of the league (roughly 6 weeks). Of course if you can't make a week due to unforseen circumstances / holidays etc, then you must be willing to catch up your matches as soon as possible, or you may forfeit the points to your opponent. You can play your match on any day of the week that suits both you and your opponent (**there is no physical meet up on Monday 18th May**). The cost to enter is £25 (my fee for organising the leagues). This needs to be paid before you play your first match. Table fees need to be split between both players: £10 per hour (discounted league rate Sunday-Wednesday ALL DAY, or Thursday to Saturday before 6pm... otherwise £14 per hour) You must also be a member of Hurricane Room clubs to participate: (Students & Seniors - £17.50 per year... Adults - £35 per year) Please read the group description for more info, and message me if you have any questions! Cheers Pete 07968759281

Our Meetup is open to everyone and anyone interested in self knowledge, self awareness, relationship and discovering a totally new way of living. Here, together over supper, we talk about everyday life topics, in an atmosphere of attentive listening, sensitivity, kindness, openness and friendship. **WHAT TO EXPECT** * This group meets up TWICE MONTHLY to talk over and explore life topics together; such as Fear, Conditioning, Belief, Desire, Attachment etc... * The approach for our investigation is inspired by 20th Century (non religious/ non political) revolutionary thinker, J Krishnamurti. * The atmosphere for our dialogue is relaxed, openminded, serious, compassionate, fun and friendly. * We learn through direct observation, self discovery and careful listening to each other, rather than through already acquired experience or knowledge. **WHO'S IT FOR** * Those wishing to explore deeper issues of everyday life and relationship, in a non therapeutic, non religious but friendly atmosphere. * Those interested in the thinking of J. Krishnamurti, but this is NOT a prerequisite. * Those interested in meeting new like-minded friends. * Those feeling stuck, at a crossroads, or wishing to delve deeper. * All nationalities, cultures and backgrounds welcome. * All ages & diversity welcome. **WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETUP** * Our sessions won’t have any fixed theme; we will spontaneously raise a topic at the restaurant. Sometimes we may wish to investigate further into a topic: we can suggest a short K video that we can all view prior to the following weekly session together. * The mood is challenging but non-confrontational, investigative but non-intellectual, contemplative but non-religious and especially serious but also good fun! **NO FEES OR DUES** * We pay for our own meal at the restaurant * There is no charge for the organisation * You can [donate to OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com/donate/) if you appreciate this initiative. **ABOUT OUR GROUP** * This event is organised by [OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com) * OPEN DOOR is a non profit making organisation * Run by [Jackie McInley](https://open-door-worldwide.com/about/) **OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS** * [PLEASE VISIT HERE FOR MORE DIALOGUE & SELF-INQUIRY EVENTS](https://open-door-worldwide.com/events/) **ABOUT J. KRISHNAMURTI** * [VISIT HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KRISHNAMURTI](https://jkrishnamurti.org) * [KRISHNAMURTI THEMES EXPLORED](https://open-door-worldwide.com/themes/)

Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Shalini & Manitu which take place at the: Greenwich West Community & Arts Centre, 141 Greenwich High Rd, SE10 8JA, on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.00pm With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we normally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and no special clothing required. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight, within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might well help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems . You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise, it isn't your typical Meditations 'R Us type class. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your own way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A Sahaja Yoga Meditation class is a great way to start. A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. Sahaja Yoga is more than a temporary solution or quick relief — it is a journey, rather than a destination. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral. You can never have too much of it. The best part? All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, bring your self — all are welcome. We have a web site here in London too which you can visit for more info about weekly meetings: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk (http://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/London.Free.Meditation) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/SahajL)

You are lovingly invited to a free online gathering beneath the Alcyone Gateway. Alcyone is the Central Sun of the Pleiadian star system, and the Alcyone Gateway—held between the 19th and 21st of May—is a sacred alignment in which this Great Mother Sun aligns with our own Sun, allowing the heart and inner truth of humanity to become gently saturated with Pleiadian wisdom and light. For this gateway, the Beloved Star Mothers will channel through Kahreela An-Ra, offering a gentle teaching and activation on Field Manifestation. This is a soothing transmission on bringing more beauty into your orbit of manifestation by learning how to receive with love. The Alcyone Gateway is the second gateway within a trinity of May Gateways, and each of these sacred thresholds offers an opportunity to propel yourself into greater flow. The first gateway opens through healing. The second opens through dreaming. The third opens through enlightening. This year, these gates are opening through the body, which is why many people are experiencing intense physical sensations and purges. Spirit says this offering will help to ease the body out of healing and into dreaming, as the light of your field becomes fertile… This transmission will also include a reflection on the Legend of Alcyone and how this story can nurture our lives. This offering is gifted to you with love from Kahreela and the Star Mothers. SIGN UP: [https://www.starlight-temple.com/event-details/a-free-transmission-from-the-star-mothers](https://www.starlight-temple.com/event-details/a-free-transmission-from-the-star-mothers)

IN PERSON EVENT - POETRY EVENING WITH BARNABY TOBIAS AND IAIA CHIESA **Join us in the bookshop on the third Thursday of every month for the sharing of poems; either yours or another’s you admire. There will be some discussion around the poem and short tea break halfway through.** **Iaia is a poet and activist, who’s published several volumes of poetry.** **Barnaby is an actor and playwright, who’s worked for Netflix, RSC and written plays to critical acclaim.** **Drop in event with no need to book.** **Cash donations are welcome.** **More Information:** **rsh-bookshop@anth.org.uk** This group is run under the auspices of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain.

Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Stephen & Jake which take place at the: Creative Nature HQ, Unit TW-008, Harrington Way, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NR on Friday evenings from 6.00pm until 7.30pm Email: [stephenstockbridge@gmail.com](mailto:stephenstockbridge@gmail.com) Tel: 07951 772 566 With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we normally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and no special clothing required. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight, within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might well help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems . You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise, it isn't your typical Meditations 'R Us type class. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your own way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A Sahaja Yoga Meditation class is a great way to start. A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. Sahaja Yoga is more than a temporary solution or quick relief — it is a journey, rather than a destination. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral. You can never have too much of it. The best part? All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, bring your self — all are welcome. We have a web site here in London too which you can visit for more info about weekly meetings: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk (http://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/London.Free.Meditation) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/SahajL)

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

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.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2222 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫