Atheist

Join Stephen Fiyalko, President of the Melbourne Theosophical Society for meditation, self attunement, study and discussion on the Laws of the Universe. We welcome all to join at 5:30pm for a 30 min Meditation and will begin the discussion group at 6:00pm. For those who prefer to just attend the discussion group you're welcome to arrive at 6pm. An understanding of and action within the Laws through our choices give practical tools for facing, managing and surmounting with confidence the many challenges we face in our daily lives, in society and the world itself. Ignorance of the Laws can leave us adrift to be buffeted and feel overwhelmed by stormy seas. Each week will look at one of the twelve Laws which are principles, not rules, seeking a deeper understanding of that Law, our and their inter-relationship with the other Laws. Discussion will involve sharing stories from our lives which contribute to a growing understanding and confidence in our lives. Each session is free, but donations are welcome.

Whether you're a Christian or not, this is the place for you! Every Friday night we get together for fun, games, free food and great discussions🙌 Messages for exact address! Come along to see what the Bible says about 'Dating, Friendship, Money, Fear and much more'. Most don't RSVP so we usually have about 10 - 15 attend. Contact for more details! Sean: 0490 696 844 Teigan: 0490 703 387

\*\*\*\*\*THIS IS A PAID TICKETED EVENT; you can only attend by buying you ticket through the Eventbrite link here: [get your tickets here](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-633255352807?aff=oddtdtcreator)[!](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-1383610449099?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Also, please read all details, in this page and eventbrite page Hello everyone! You are warmly invited to this immersive evening of Authentic Relating. This event will involve fun and interactive exercises based around exploring the theme, "What is like to be in connection with myself and others?" This is a space for exploring feelings, sensations, boundaries, and self-expression through immersive exercises. This is about empathic collaboration and learning the art of expressing what is present in the moment. These beautiful practices really encourage an experience of increased depth and awareness, in a way that is sometimes not available in our everyday lives. The exercises work by creating a framework to explore communication in a non-scripted, in the moment way, which edges away from habitual patterns of relating and welcomes in more life, more breath, and more empathy. One of the benefits of practices, is that it helps with learning to become more aware of ourselves and others and how do we inter-relate. \*\*\*NOTE: It is recommended that participants have some experience introspection and shadow work, through participating in counselling, sharing circles, meditation, contemplation, yoga, or any modality that is designed to bring people into contact with their unconscious. This is stated as a duty of care, as the practices in authentic relating revolve around meeting ourselves deeply and coming into contact with how we are occurring the world. This process can be beautifully enlivening, and at times confronting, but the space is guided in such a way that it brings as much holding, and gentleness to the process as to make those courageous steps to share deeply, easier. If you are new to Authentic Relating or "AR" (as people in the community refer to it) and you have any questions or curiosities, please feel free to contact me via messenger for a chat. Also, there is a plenty of YouTube results for Authentic Relating practices. \*\*\* \*If you are experiencing financial hardship and wish to attend, please reach out and we can arrange something. \*\*please read Eventbrite details to. \*\*you cannot attend without pre-purchasing a ticket through the Eventbrite link. \*\*The doors for the event close 15 minuets after the start time, meaning, no entry is allowed once we have set the container, and spoken about the agreements, so please make the appropriate arrangements to arrive on time. About me. I've had a long history of interest in understanding my mind through various means of enquiry from Meditation, Yoga, Transpersonal Counselling, Sound Healing and Neurofeedback. In the last 8 years I have been deeply involved in the Authentic Relating movement immersing myself in practices and deriving tremendous insight into myself a growth within my own personal relationships as a result of this work. I have been facilitating groups to journey deeply into this work for the last 4 years and I am continually on a journey of getting to know myself deeper and bring artistry and humility to facilitating. The event will most likely finish on time, with a 10-minuet buffer at the end in case we go over, there will be spare time to hang around and chat after. There will also be a 15-minute break in the middle of the event, with some small snacks provided.

Saturday morning Bible study with young adults aged 25-40. We have other classes available for other ages. Followed by church service at 11AM for those wishing to stay. Our current topic is the Sanctuary. Questions? Contact Francis 0448735726 or message City Ministry Melbourne

Beloved Friends , You are warmly invited to join **Osho Dynamic Meditation** — a powerful space to release stress, let go of built-up tension, and breathe freely again. Through movement, breath, and silence, allow the mind to unwind and the body to relax. No experience is needed — just come as you are and reconnect with your true nature, with awareness, aliveness, and inner peace. We would love to share this meditative journey with you. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/e/0/600_453663808.jpeg When : Every Saturday , 7:30am to 8:30am Where : Elwood Angling Club, Foreshore, Elwood Contribution : $15 "Just to be is such a great celebration if you know how to take the conditioning off. This 'taking off' you will learn through Dynamic Meditation. it will not be caused; it will come to you uncaused. Meditation will create a situation in which you will come to the unknown; by and by you will be pushed from your habitual , mechanical, robot-like personality. be courageous: practise Dynamic Meditation vigorously and all else will follow. it will not be you doing, it will be a happening" OSHO - Meditation the art of ecstasy With Love and Hugs, Bodhiprem * If you are coming along for the first time, please arrive 10 minutes early for instructions, Please see below a link for the Dynamic Meditation Instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxr9MySioc&feature=youtu.be

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month to learn about Theosophical principles and how we may apply them to our lives. From its inception in 1875, the Theosophical Society encouraged study of the Ageless Wisdom to discover enduring religious Truth and to make Brotherhood a living reality in the world. *“For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth.”* HP Blavatsky, Our Cycle and The Next, 1889. *The mission of the Theosophical Society is to serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realization of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation and the Unity of all life.* Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924. According to these principles, a theosophic life is not just theoretical, but must also be practical, indeed must be a life of service. Amid the noise and conflict of the modern world, what might be our role, as individuals and as a Theosophical Society? Through a range of books and Theosophical pamphlets, we will look to both exoteric, widespread social principles and to more esoteric, spiritual principles for discussion and guidance.

**SoulTime Nillumbik** is back! And we’re very excited to introduce...***SoulTime Kids!*** After a short hiatus over the past few months, we’re really looking forward to gathering again and reconnecting as a community. SoulTime offers a welcoming space for **reflection, meaningful conversation and connection** in a peaceful setting overlooking nature. Sessions include gentle music, short readings from diverse cultures and perspectives, and open discussion around uplifting themes relevant to everyday life. This month, we'll be exploring **Happiness - what contributes to happiness within us, and around us.** To help make SoulTime more accessible for families, we’re now also offering ***SoulTime Kids*** — a parallel session for primary-aged children while adults attend the main gathering. Children will enjoy creative, reflective and values-based activities facilitated by a qualified primary school teacher (with Working With Children Check). SoulTime remains open to everyone, regardless of background, beliefs or life stage. Light refreshments will be served following the group discussion. We hope you can join us! 🌿

Hey girls 💛 Join us on a Sunday for a relaxed afternoon at the Hotel Esplanade. Think ocean views, good chats, and a few drinks to wind down the weekend ✨ 🕒 Time: Sunday, 17th May at 2pm 📍 Location: The Espy, St Kilda Come along for a casual catch-up, meet some new faces, and ease into the week ahead 💫 See you there! xx

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

**Music Soothes the Savage Beast** How do we measure the affect of a person and their work on people? How did Mozart affect his generation and future generations? What is Elvis’ affect? Why is Taylor Swift so popular? **1\. Music and affect** Read part of the article by Reimer. “When I was sixteen, a junior in high school in Brooklyn, I auditioned for the City High School Band of New York and was placed as first chair clarinet. First rehearsal, a piece we played (I don't remember what it was except that it was new to me) had a long, melodic clarinet solo, with accompaniment. When we finished playing it the director stopped the band and said, "Very nice, first clarinet. Let's do it again, this time with more feeling." Reimer, B. (2004). Once More with Feeling: Reconciling Discrepant Accounts of Musical Affect. In Source: *Philosophy of Music Education Review* (Vol. 12, Issue 1). [https://about.jstor.org/terms](https://about.jstor.org/terms) 1. What does it mean to “Play with Feeling”? 2. Which music has moved you? Was it how it was played, the person playing it or the music itself? 3. What sort of emotion did you feel when moved by music, can you label the emotion? **2\. Mozart and Affect** Clip from Amadeus Film [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKRened1Fik](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKRened1Fik) 0:00- 3:00 - 7:20- end 1. What were your impressions of the person of Mozart versus the music of Mozart? 2. What emotions were present in the room? 3. What context did knowing that Salieri was the court composer and the king himself playing the music have on the affect/feeling in the room? **3\. Theories of The “Mozart Effect” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLASrOujkGw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLASrOujkGw)** a) Why do you think people thought Mozart made people smarter? b) Has music ever contributed to better study or cognitive effects for you? c) Why do we feel that classical music is more “virtuous” than pop or rock music? **4\. Elvis \- clip from a Ed Sullivan** Video 1: Ed Sullivan Performance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYWl13IWhY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYWl13IWhY) Video 2: Cultural impact of Elvis’ performance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLISRukZc10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLISRukZc10) 1. What is the initial response to Elvis’ presence and performance? 2. What is the audience response to his introduction to the song? 3. What moral and cultural rules did Elvis break? **5.a Cardigan Music video** **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-a8s8OLBSE ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-a8s8OLBSE)** **5.b Article** “We’re in a log cabin replete with open fire, the kind of warm Romantic environment where one imagines Thoreau writing into the evening. On the wall hangs a faded portrait beside an oil painting of a rustic country cottage. It’s early in the morning, or late at night, and a singer, wearing what appears to be an antebellum nightdress, is serenading us on a battered old piano, before suddenly she opens the top of the instrument and climbs in, all the time enveloped in an enchanted golden powder. She reappears in a mythic forest imbued with vivid green hues and vibrant, saturated moss. We’re watching the music video for Taylor Swift’s first single “cardigan,” from her 2020 album folklore.1 Like Lewis Carrol’s Alice or the children in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia, Swift opens the piano lid and enters another world (Figure 1). The fantastical folkloric quality of this setting in the Arcadian woods, what Vernallis would call the “implied geography of the video” (258), is rein­forced by emotive lighting and majestic waterfalls (Figure 2). Next, the piano stool acts as a portal, transporting Swift to sea, the instrument itself acting as life raft in a scene not unlike one from James Cameron’s Titanic (1997), before finally taking her home. The drenched protagonist comforts herself with the eponymous cardigan upon her return, in a significant teleological moment of audio-visual synchronization (Figure 3). What is being mediated here? Why this turn to folklore and indie-folk esthetics in Swift’s work? I suggest that this single and, indeed, the album folklore provide a peak example of a societal search for foundations during the pandemic”. McGrath, J. (2023). The Return to Craft: Taylor Swift, Nostalgia, and Covid-19. *Popular Music and Society*, 46(1), 70–84. [https://doi.org/10.1080/03007766.2022.2156761](https://doi.org/10.1080/03007766.2022.2156761) 1. What is Swift evoking in her video? Do you agree with McGrath that she's evoking a sense of a more magical world? 2. Why do you think this song had such an impact during the pandemic? 3. Does Swift remind you of other artists or evoke another time that's nostalgic to you? **Afterparty** What is your favourite music? Do you use music to soothe yourself or psyche yourself up to anything? Think of powerful songs that have stayed with you for a long time. Why do you think they have stayed with you?

*‘Universally, trees have long been perceived as doors or gateways to other levels of consciousness, and humans have always honoured trees for their gifts and their wisdom.’* Fred Hageneder Under the auspicious influence of a New Moon in Taurus, join transpersonal art therapist and tarot reader Rachael Wildman as she turns our attention to the spirit of the Earth by focusing on trees; reminding us how we human beings have searched for Truth through the ages beneath their leafy boughs, providing insights into how we resemble these arboreal beings, and then looking at the symbolism of trees as they appear in the Tarot. The talk will then branch out into a description of the process she took in creating her own Tree of Growth tarot spread; detailing what instigated its creation, the inspirations that fertilized its growth and how the spread is read along with the self-transformative benefits that can be found in seeking its counsel. After the talk, time shall be given to explore the Tree of Growth spread as a collective process wherein everyone shall be granted the opportunity to participate, to divine a card through a simple ritual and then share insights into the reading of the spread for the benefit of a flourishing spiritual community. There is no need to bring along a tarot deck as one shall be supplied, nor is it necessary to be a seasoned theosophist or tarot reader; an open-hearted curiosity, a love of nature’s spirit and our own unique wisdom-seeking nature is all that is required. *‘Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.’* Rabindranath Tagore **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. * However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Please join us this Sunday to discuss discomfort, growth and personal development. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5-10 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs (food & drinks for table), etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Socrates Cafe group. Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below: * What does it mean to “improve” oneself? Are we trying to become our true selves, or create better versions of ourselves? * Does growth require discomfort? * Can unnecessary suffering be mistaken for productive discomfort? * Can suffering produce wisdom when it is reflected on properly? * Is courage the willingness to remain present inside discomfort? * Can comfort become a prison and lead to a shallow life? * Is personal growth possible without some form of sacrifice? * Is there a danger in constantly treating oneself as a project? * Should personal development aim at happiness, virtue, freedom, usefulness, wholeness or holiness? * Make makes a strong family? * What duties do children owe their parents, and what duties do parents owe their children? * What have religions and spiritual traditions said on the above questions? Hope to see you there!

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!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

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.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)