Philosophy of Mind

Description: Embark on a captivating journey into the depths of the human mind with our enlightening lecture, designed to unravel the mysteries of cognition, perception, and consciousness. In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the intricacies of how the mind works, exploring the fascinating realm of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This lecture aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape our cognitive processes and shape our experiences of the world. During this engaging session, we will cover the following topics: 1. The Foundations of the Mind: What is the mind and what are the different parts of the mind. 2. Perception and Attention: Our perception of the world is a dynamic process influenced by a multitude of factors. We will examine the mechanisms behind perception. 3. Memory and Learning: Memory forms the basis of our knowledge and experiences. We will delve into the intricate workings of memory formation, storage, and retrieval. 4. Emotions and Motivation: Emotions and motivation play a vital role in shaping our behavior and decision-making processes. 5. The Reactive Mind: The single source of stress, unhappiness, insecurity and self doubt and what can be done about it. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, and interactive demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex workings of the mind. They will leave the lecture with new insights into their own cognitive processes and a heightened appreciation for the wonders of the human mind. Note: This lecture is designed for individuals with a general interest in understanding the inner workings of the mind. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply curious about the mysteries of cognition, this lecture will provide valuable insights and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human thought. Join us to unravel the enigma and gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works.

*Since 2009, 15‑40 men meet in a warm, inclusive space near Leicester Square to meditate, relax and make friends. No experience needed – we guide you step‑by‑step, and seasoned meditators are welcome.* **Why gay‑men choose this space** * **Safety & belonging** – a private, affirming environment where you can be yourself without judgment, the core need identified by LGBTQ‑focused mindfulness programmes . * **Minority‑stress relief** – mindfulness reduces the chronic stress that many gay, bi and queer men face, boosting self‑acceptance and emotional regulation . * **Community‑driven growth** – connecting with others who share similar experiences lowers isolation and fosters resilience. [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. **What you’ll get** * **Breath‑work & gratitude tools** – instant stress relief and mood lift. * **Guided meditations** that develop emotional intelligence, self‑compassion and resilience. * **Trauma‑informed compassion practices** – self‑compassion exercises and body‑scan work to ease reactivity and promote safety. * **A supportive peer community** – improve social skills and build lasting friendships. **Evening flow (7 pm‑9 pm)** 1️⃣ Grounding movement & body‑scan 2️⃣ First guided meditation (focused attention or self‑compassion) 3️⃣ 20‑minute tea break for informal chat 4️⃣ The second meditation changes week by week and follows a rotating weekly theme (loving‑kindness, self‑compassion, gratitude, etc.) **Practical details** * **When:** Every Monday (doors 6:45 pm, meditation 7 pm) – we run the session even if there are no Meetup RSVP. No booking required - just turn up. * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square/Charing Cross) * **Seating:** Chairs provided; mats & cushions available for floor sitting. **Teacher** Nick – 30 years of practice and 7 years as a Buddhist monk, teaching from a non‑reactive, freedom‑focused perspective. **Fees** * **First‑timer:** £10 * **Regular:** £16 per session * **Concessions:** £13 (students, low‑income, refugees, disability support – ask on arrival) **Join us** [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. “The connection here is transformative – stress‑free, supportive, genuinely inclusive.” – member testimonial.

This group is for individuals aged 18-40 who struggle with OCD and intrusive thoughts. The aim of the group is to provide a confidential and non-judgemental space for people to share their experiences with OCD, and to share information about OCD treatment (particularly if this is something that is not accessible to you) as well as support each other on our recovery journey! A formal diagnosis is not required. The meet up will have this general structure: 1. Introductions and catching up on how the last two weeks have been 2. Group discussion - either on a pre-planned question or a topic of choice by the group members Soft drinks will be provided. **Group rules** * Please arrive on time! * Confidentiality - what is said in the group is not spoken about outside the group * No talking over others * Please only click attending if you are definitely planning on attending so that we have an idea of numbers - MUST have a ticket to come (new space rules) The group will take place at Hope in the community located on the first floor of the Gordon Hospital. Closest station Pimlico on the Victoria line. Bloomburg St, London SW1V 2RH

*Since 2009, 15‑40 men meet in a warm, inclusive space near Leicester Square to meditate, relax and make friends. No experience needed – we guide you step‑by‑step, and seasoned meditators are welcome.* **Why gay‑men choose this space** * **Safety & belonging** – a private, affirming environment where you can be yourself without judgment, the core need identified by LGBTQ‑focused mindfulness programmes . * **Minority‑stress relief** – mindfulness reduces the chronic stress that many gay, bi and queer men face, boosting self‑acceptance and emotional regulation . * **Community‑driven growth** – connecting with others who share similar experiences lowers isolation and fosters resilience. [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. **What you’ll get** * **Breath‑work & gratitude tools** – instant stress relief and mood lift. * **Guided meditations** that develop emotional intelligence, self‑compassion and resilience. * **Trauma‑informed compassion practices** – self‑compassion exercises and body‑scan work to ease reactivity and promote safety. * **A supportive peer community** – improve social skills and build lasting friendships. **Evening flow (7 pm‑9 pm)** 1️⃣ Grounding movement & body‑scan 2️⃣ First guided meditation (focused attention or self‑compassion) 3️⃣ 20‑minute tea break for informal chat 4️⃣ The second meditation changes week by week and follows a rotating weekly theme (loving‑kindness, self‑compassion, gratitude, etc.) **Practical details** * **When:** Every Monday (doors 6:45 pm, meditation 7 pm) – we run the session even if there are no Meetup RSVP. No booking required - just turn up. * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square/Charing Cross) * **Seating:** Chairs provided; mats & cushions available for floor sitting. **Teacher** Nick – 30 years of practice and 7 years as a Buddhist monk, teaching from a non‑reactive, freedom‑focused perspective. **Fees** * **First‑timer:** £10 * **Regular:** £16 per session * **Concessions:** £13 (students, low‑income, refugees, disability support – ask on arrival) **Join us** [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. “The connection here is transformative – stress‑free, supportive, genuinely inclusive.” – member testimonial.

*With the continuing success of Conundrum Corner in London, we're now expanding to Kingston!!* **✨ Welcome to Conundrum Corner at Druid's Head, Kingston-upon-Thames - (we'll be at the back of the pub on the right, tables 15, 16 and 17)! ✨** Step inside and join a gathering *of* open minds and kind hearts. Whether you bring a conundrum of your own that you are experiencing or simply your listening ear, you’ll find a welcoming space to share, reflect, and explore life’s tricky questions together. 🌿 **What to expect:** *You’re invited to share a conundrum, dilemma or question that you yourself are experiencing. - We’ll vote on three intriguing ones to explore more deeply. *With a few extra details in hand, we’ll break into small groups for thoughtful discussion. - Then, we’ll come together as one big group to share insights, perspectives, and perhaps even some fresh solutions. The atmosphere is **analytical yet empathetic, thoughtful yet light-hearted**, and always non-judgmental. Whether your conundrum is personal, professional, or just a head-scratcher, we’re here to help unravel it together. 🍷 Please support the pub, who provide the space free, by buying yourself a drink at the bar (and food’s available if you fancy a bite). 💡 **What’s a conundrum, you ask?** A conundrum is any dilemma, crossroads, or confusion in your life—big or small. It could be a **"chicken and egg"** situation, a **"catch-22"**, or a **"have your cake and eat it"** kind of puzzle. Sometimes, life just throws us complex, messy questions—and that’s what we’re here to navigate together. Once our deep discussions wind down, we’ll slip into **pub mode**—a chance to relax, connect, and continue chatting with newfound friends. **🛡️ Code of Conduct - *please note*** Conundrum Corner is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Any abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour towards other attendees, whether during the event or in any contact related to the event afterwards, will result in permanent removal from the Meetup group and exclusion from future events. Come along for an evening of intriguing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a touch of serendipity. Looking forward to seeing you there! Helena x

Description: Embark on a captivating journey into the depths of the human mind with our enlightening lecture, designed to unravel the mysteries of cognition, perception, and consciousness. In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the intricacies of how the mind works, exploring the fascinating realm of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This lecture aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape our cognitive processes and shape our experiences of the world. During this engaging session, we will cover the following topics: 1. The Foundations of the Mind: What is the mind and what are the different parts of the mind. 2. Perception and Attention: Our perception of the world is a dynamic process influenced by a multitude of factors. We will examine the mechanisms behind perception. 3. Memory and Learning: Memory forms the basis of our knowledge and experiences. We will delve into the intricate workings of memory formation, storage, and retrieval. 4. Emotions and Motivation: Emotions and motivation play a vital role in shaping our behavior and decision-making processes. 5. The Reactive Mind: The single source of stress, unhappiness, insecurity and self doubt and what can be done about it. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, and interactive demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex workings of the mind. They will leave the lecture with new insights into their own cognitive processes and a heightened appreciation for the wonders of the human mind. Note: This lecture is designed for individuals with a general interest in understanding the inner workings of the mind. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply curious about the mysteries of cognition, this lecture will provide valuable insights and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human thought. Join us to unravel the enigma and gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works.

Description: Embark on a captivating journey into the depths of the human mind with our enlightening lecture, designed to unravel the mysteries of cognition, perception, and consciousness. In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the intricacies of how the mind works, exploring the fascinating realm of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This lecture aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape our cognitive processes and shape our experiences of the world. During this engaging session, we will cover the following topics: 1. The Foundations of the Mind: What is the mind and what are the different parts of the mind. 2. Perception and Attention: Our perception of the world is a dynamic process influenced by a multitude of factors. We will examine the mechanisms behind perception. 3. Memory and Learning: Memory forms the basis of our knowledge and experiences. We will delve into the intricate workings of memory formation, storage, and retrieval. 4. Emotions and Motivation: Emotions and motivation play a vital role in shaping our behavior and decision-making processes. 5. The Reactive Mind: The single source of stress, unhappiness, insecurity and self doubt and what can be done about it. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, and interactive demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex workings of the mind. They will leave the lecture with new insights into their own cognitive processes and a heightened appreciation for the wonders of the human mind. Note: This lecture is designed for individuals with a general interest in understanding the inner workings of the mind. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply curious about the mysteries of cognition, this lecture will provide valuable insights and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human thought. Join us to unravel the enigma and gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works.

Description: Embark on a captivating journey into the depths of the human mind with our enlightening lecture, designed to unravel the mysteries of cognition, perception, and consciousness. In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the intricacies of how the mind works, exploring the fascinating realm of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This lecture aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape our cognitive processes and shape our experiences of the world. During this engaging session, we will cover the following topics: 1. The Foundations of the Mind: What is the mind and what are the different parts of the mind. 2. Perception and Attention: Our perception of the world is a dynamic process influenced by a multitude of factors. We will examine the mechanisms behind perception. 3. Memory and Learning: Memory forms the basis of our knowledge and experiences. We will delve into the intricate workings of memory formation, storage, and retrieval. 4. Emotions and Motivation: Emotions and motivation play a vital role in shaping our behavior and decision-making processes. 5. The Reactive Mind: The single source of stress, unhappiness, insecurity and self doubt and what can be done about it. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, and interactive demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex workings of the mind. They will leave the lecture with new insights into their own cognitive processes and a heightened appreciation for the wonders of the human mind. Note: This lecture is designed for individuals with a general interest in understanding the inner workings of the mind. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply curious about the mysteries of cognition, this lecture will provide valuable insights and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human thought. Join us to unravel the enigma and gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works.

### An Exquisite Cultural Afternoon Tea Journey at The Fan Museum, London The Fan Museum is the UK's only Museum devoted to the history of Fans. Her Majesty The Queen is the royal patron since 2008! Please book your tickets through our website below or book on Meetup page and pay in person at the reception of The Fan Museum: https://www.amitabha-garden.com/fan-museum-tea-ceremony This exquisite 2.5-hour cultural experience is thoughtfully curated to nourish both mind and spirit through two timeless elegant arts: * Traditional Chinese Tea Culture * Fan Culture (Asian Fans & British Royal Fans) Date: Saturday 16th May 2026 Time: 1:00pm - 3:30pm Ticket price: £68 Group size: Max 15. **What's included:** 1\. Guided Fan Talk \(30 minutes\) \- Asian Fans 2\. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony \(1\.5 hours\) Following the museum talk, transition into a serene tea experience led by tea experts from Amitabha Garden. This guided session includes: * Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony * Taste three carefully selected premium Chinese loose leaf teas (Jasmine Dragon Well, 2020 Aged White Tea, selected minimum 5 years aged dark tea) * Taste handmade Traditional Chinese pastries (Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies) * Introduction to Gongfu brewing techniques * Mindful appreciation of aroma, flavour, and tea philosophy, history and story This session is designed to help guests slow down, restore inner calm, and engage fully with the present moment. 3\. Guided Museum Exhibition Tour Complete your experience with a guided tour through the beautiful Georgian setting of The Fan Museum for the latest exhibition - The Royal Fans! Learn more about the history and stories of royal Fans.

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 13:45-14:00 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 14:00-14:05 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 14:05-14:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 14:45 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet outside St Giles Cripplegate. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/).** **N.B. this meeting will be held in person in the Prince of Wales pub near Covent Garden. There is also an online session held on Thursday if you are not in London or are not able to attend in-person.** **Important** \- The unabridged translations of this book are over 2\,000 pages\, so we're not recommending you read the unabridged version \- although\, if you want to\, please go ahead\! There are two very popular abridged translations \- Julia Lovell's Monkey King and Arthur Waley's Monkey \- so we'd recommend either of those\. This month, we continue with our fantastical quests and discuss one of the most beloved classics of Chinese literature. We'll explore redemption, virtue, vice and the search for enlightenment in the company of four legendary characters - a monk, a pig, a monster and, of course, Monkey himself. The meeting starts at 7pm with drink breaks at 8 and 9. The discussion will end around 10pm, but leave whenever you need to. Here's the blurb from goodreads.com: A shape-shifting trickster on a kung-fu quest for eternal life, Monkey King is one of the most memorable superheroes in world literature. High-spirited and omni-talented, he can transform himself into whatever he chooses and turn each of his body's 84,000 hairs into an army of clones. But his penchant for mischief repeatedly gets him into trouble, and when he raids Heaven's Orchard of Immortal Peaches, the Buddha pins him beneath a mountain. Five hundred years later, Monkey King is finally given a chance to redeem he must protect the pious monk Tripitaka on his journey in search of precious Buddhist sutras that will bring enlightenment to the Chinese empire. Joined by two other fallen immortals - Pigsy, a rice-loving flying pig, and Sandy, a depressive river-sand monster - Monkey King does battle with Red Boy, Princess Jade-Face, the Monstress Dowager, and all manner of dragons, ogres, wizards and femmes fatales; navigates the perils of Fire-Cloud Cave, the River of Flowing Sand and the Water-Crystal Palace; and is serially captured, lacquered, sautéed, steamed and liquefied - but always hatches an ingenious plan to get himself and his fellow pilgrims out of their latest jam. **Our confirmed 2026 books are:** * January - The Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin * February - The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway * March - The Bell, Iris Murdoch * April - Haroun and Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie * May - Journey to the West/Monkey - Weng Cheng-En * June - The Odyssey, Homer