Concentration

Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you're invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.

Free English lessons in London taught by our trainee teachers! **[Register Here](https://www.dcteachertraining.com/london-free-english-lessons)** Location: St Giles London Central, 154 Southampton Row, WC1B 5JX (Nearest Tube: Russell Square) Evening classes * Tuesdays and Thursdays (each weekday) * 6:30pm to 8:30pm Levels available: Pre-Intermediate (A2) / Intermediate (B1) / Upper Intermediate (B2) (Lessons for adults only - 18 years+) We can't wait to welcome you to the English lessons!

Ever grappled with a loop of endless thoughts? You’re not alone. Struggling to switch off your thoughts? This talk might help. Join us on Thursday 11 June, 6:30pm – 8:00pm at the Savoy Place in London for insights on how to find calm in a busy mind, and move from overthinking to a clearer way of thinking. Overcoming Overthinking will be led by Sister Jayanti, a global speaker and one of the most respected meditators, with 60 years of practice. Known for her warmth and clarity, she is a sought-after voice on leadership and wellbeing. This event is part of a 9 Cities UK tour - all events are free of charge. **This event is now FULLY BOOKED.** **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Free English lessons in London taught by our trainee teachers! **[Register Here](https://www.dcteachertraining.com/london-free-english-lessons)** Location: St Giles London Central, 154 Southampton Row, WC1B 5JX (Nearest Tube: Russell Square) Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June - A2 / Pre-intermediate Monday 8th June to Friday 12th June - A2 / Pre-intermediate Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June - B2 / Upper Intermediate Monday 22nd June to Friday 26th June - B2 / Upper Intermediate All lessons 13:50 - 16:00 (Lessons for adults only - 18 years+) We can't wait to welcome you to the English lessons!

**WELCOME** **This is a supportive, growing community for writers — a quiet space to return to yourself, your words, and the simple rhythm of creating alongside others. I organise and gently hold the space, and it’s been beautiful watching this become a regular place to focus, write, and connect.** **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Simply arrive, order your food or drink at the counter, then settle into your writing persona. Together, we’ll share 90 minutes of quiet focused writing — a calm co-working space for writers of all levels.** **No critiques. No pressure. No one reads your work.** **Just the quiet companionship of people showing up for their creativity.** **Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay, unwind, and socialise with fellow members until closing time.** **TIME & DATE** **Focused writing time:** **Every Thursday, 7pm–8:30pm** **The venue closes at 10pm.** **VENUE** **I’m holding this space at the warm, beautiful, and intimate British Patagonia café, opposite Islington Town Hall on Upper Street.** **TRANSPORT** **The venue is situated between Angel Tube Station and Highbury & Islington Station.** **Closest bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43.** **There’s also free street parking after 6:30pm (please check signs).** **ABOUT ME** **I create from lived experience — rooted in care, healing, and meaningful connection. I hope to meet you all in time, but if we don’t get the chance to speak, please know you are warmly welcome here.** **See you soon,** **Sara x**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-38/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-38/) ⋆⋆⋆ **KEY PROJECT: TRADITIONALLY STITCHED AND SEWN EDGED FOOTSTOOL** *All of our upholstery classes are for absolute beginners. It doesn’t matter which one you choose to take first. Each technique that is offered is part of all the processes that every upholsterer has to learn.* 6-week workshop. Thursday nights. 6:30pm – 9pm. A perfect course for a beginner. Jumpstart your knowledge of traditional upholstery skills and methods. Over six Thursday evenings, experienced upholsterers will guide you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. You can leave your project at the centre in between classes. Before the advent of foam in the middle of the twentieth century, the only way to make wooden seats more comfortable was to build up layers using available materials. Our small fabric footstool (above) is built from layers of woven webbing, hessian, vegetable fibre, animal hair and calico and is sewn with specialist needles and stitches. Although this method is more labour-intensive than the modern method of using foam, it is much longer lasting and preferred in more expensive pieces of furniture. This is the method used in many traditional chair seats, so once learned, you can apply this method to your own projects. We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own. You will need about a metre of fabric and you will not need it until the final class. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of specialist upholstery tools and all the materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home. Beginners welcome. This course is run on a Thursday evening over 6 consecutive weeks. 6:30pm – 9:00pm

An open-eyed technique, Raja Yoga meditation, can help you to learn how to relax, develop concentration and or even start the journey to personal enlightenment. We share the philosophy behind meditation as well as the skill of meditation. Like any skill, meditation requires practice. By doing a little every day, it soon becomes a natural and easy habit. Explore how to: * Relax your mind and create moments of calm * Find inner peace and other qualities within yourself * Take charge of your thoughts, emotions and responses * Recharge your energy by connecting to a higher source This course runs **once a week for 4 weeks on Fridays**. Each lesson is **60 minutes** long and must be **attended on a consecutive basis**. **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

**Early arrivals** 11am, this gives you the time to settle in and chat with the other writers **Start of the session** 11.30am the timer will start of no-talking and focused witing time. **End of the session** 12.30pm the no-talking time is over and you are welcome to stay and keep writing or stay and chat. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com).

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-step-up-low-wood-stool-2-sundays-12/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-step-up-low-wood-stool-2-sundays-12/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** Make a Step Up Stool **About:** Learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool. This course is another charming project from our a cherished Edwardian instructional woodwork manual, ‘Carpentry for Beginners’. The projects in the book are perfect for learning basic woodwork skills and we have refined the instructions to incorporate a modern craft construction. This classic ‘child’s stool’ is a handy ‘hop up’ you can use if you have shelves you can’t reach at home and small ones can reach the sink by standing on it. It measures 40cm x 22cm x 26cm high. We use a redwood pine wood that releases a heady and uplifting scent when cut, chiseled and planed. Even if you have never used any tools, a professional cabinet maker will teach you the processes you will need to take home a future heirloom along with a very special sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting by hand. You will learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool. By the time you have finished your useful step up stool, you will have become familiar with many of the basic woodworking hand tools and increased your confidence to go on and do more general woodwork at home.

**Marking Loneliness Awareness Week** So many of us struggle with feelings of loneliness. It’s a global epidemic that really affects our wellbeing. Well, no matter how many people we’re surrounded by and connected to, we can still feel emotionally isolated and disconnected. This seminar will help you understand how to: * manage your feelings of loneliness and get better at being alone * build meaningful connections and feel more seen, heard and valued **This is a free 60-minute in-person seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 11.45 - everyone will be quiet and writing. If there's no spare places then there's sofas on the sales floors below as well as one cafe at the back of the ground floor and another in the basement. The hosts won't have any other alternatives to offer you. Please feel free to join us for the break and afterwards. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura and Anna

Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday: We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table. \*(Please see full access info, further down.) ...... * We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference. This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people. Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small. i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by. Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many. ........ **6:00pm - 6:30pm** * Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink. * We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new. * (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to). **6.30pm - 7.30pm** * No talking. One hour. * You can leave the table at any point. * Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at! **7.30pm** Once 'Shut Up' time is over: * You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around. * You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish. * Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have. The time is for you, to get the most benefit. . **FACILITIES / ACCESS** Mobility access is limited: There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry. Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies. (The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.) Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending. **FOOD** There is food served all evening / including vegan options. You're welcome to eat whilst writing. **WI-FI** There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it! 'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo **DOG-FRIENDLY** Dogs also welcome. . If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly. . **A note about the format** We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do). Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details. You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide. No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed. Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead! This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space. **Respect** Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct) ...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably. Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us. For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

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.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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

Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day! The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown. (The featured painting is by Columbus Art Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)