Compassion

Come for a delicious Italian pizza or pasta dinner and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Finding Happiness & Joy". We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

Join me for a Thursday Night Cardio Blast. This 1 hour Dance Mixx class features the best routines to get you moving. Cardio dance routines for 30 mins followed by Strength and resistance training. $10 trial available, with the option of 2 months unlimited classes for just $99. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Meditation practicing

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

**ATHEIST SOCIETY** \- Melbourne\, Australia\. ***"Artificial Intelligence".*** **Dr. Ian Storey** will present the topic and lead the discussion. **Venue**: Unitarian Hall, 110 Grey Street East Melbourne. (Adjacent to the Epworth Freemasons Hospital). **Zoom** Meeting ID: 852 9852 4260 Passcode: 249550 All are welcome. Come early to socialise before (and after) the meeting. These hybrid meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Convenor: John Perkins - Tel: 0411 143 744 - **[jlperkins@tpg.com.au](http://jlperkins@tpg.com.au/)** Atheist Society: **[Website](https://reason101.tech/Atheist/Society.htm) \- \- \- [Meetups](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/)**

We invite you to come and practise your English with people from all over the world in a friendly environment. We are open to all levels from beginner to advanced. We have classes in small groups and you will be placed in one of these groups according to your level of English. Our free conversational English classes are every Thursday evening (except term breaks). If you are coming for the first time, please come on time for registration. Please note: English Corner is for non-native speakers. Our team of facilitators is really looking forward to having a wonderful time speaking English with you! **Please scan the QR code upon arrival to register your attendance.** If this is your first time, we recommend arriving a bit earlier to complete your initial registration. In case you aren't able to join us face to face we have an Online Alternate English Conversation Thursday class option too! Sign up for this on Meetup.

A gentle exploration of how the nervous system responds to stress, and how it can become easily overwhelmed when life feels full and fast, Together, we'll explore how creating moments of inner space can support the nervous system in softening. settling, and returning to balance. Join us as we explore how cultivating inner space can be an ingredient to sustainable long-term wellbeing. Our Community Conversations are designed to build a warm and inclusive space, facilitating meaningful discussions and sparking positive initiatives in our neighbourhood. Each session involves a short presentation, followed by open and shared conversations, socialising, and light refreshments. Everyone's voice is welcome in this uplifting discussion. Come share your thoughts and help us celebrate the beauty of our shared humanity! This is a free event and all are invited to attend.

E is for Exhibition, and what better exhibition than ROME: Empire, Power, People. After pondering the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, we continue our Italian adventure by exploring the delicious flavours of Italy conveniently located nearby in Carlton: think pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, perhaps a nice espresso or a glass of vino... **ITINERARY** 11am: Meet at the foyer of Melbourne Museum for meet and greet and to purchase your ticket if you haven't done so. Here's the link to purchase your Rome exhibition ticket (includes museum entry): https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/rome-empire-power-people/ We will enter as a group but feel free to meander at your own pace as you explore the exhibits. If you only want to visit the museum but not the Rome exhibition, general admission is $18. https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/ 12.30pm - Meet back at the foyer to proceed to lunch together. 12.30-2pm - Lunch and coffee in Carlton (exact venue TBC). 2pm - End of event. **NOTE** There is an organizer fee of $10 for this event. Feel free to PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low) or bring cash on the day. **GETTING THERE** The closest train station is Parliament.

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

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 Philosophy Circle 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!

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!

**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! 🌿

Modern life moves fast. Work, screens, notifications, constant thinking. It’s easy to feel stressed, tired, or disconnected. This Sunday, slow down with Kirtan - a powerful live music meditation experience. Come for: ✨ Singing, dancing, and uplifting energy ✨ A calm mind and open heart ✨ A real sense of belonging No singing skills needed! Just calmness & connection. 🗓️Sunday \| 6\-8pm 🍴Incl Dinner 📍South Melbourne

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! 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. For this event, 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 10:20am 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 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing 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 try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With 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. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

In the midst of life’s storms—whether in relationships, work, or within ourselves—it can be difficult to find clarity and calm. The “I” Of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace, based on the work of Dr. Gary Simmons, invites you to discover the steady center within—the part of you that remains grounded even when everything around you is in motion. Led by Brian Drafton-Griffin, this engaging workshop offers practical tools and meaningful insights to help you navigate conflict with greater awareness, compassion, and confidence. Through guided discussion and reflection, you’ll learn how to shift from reaction to response and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! **AND TODAY IS OUR THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY!!!** So be ready for a celebration of everything that's made Improv Meetup wonderful: you, the amazing performers! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

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