Parenting Advice

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**HIKE OVERVIEW:** **The Castlemaine to Maldon Rail Trail is a 16.7km, moderate hike which runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Railway. It passes through bushland, farmland and some gold-era historical sites.** **We will start and meet at Castlemaine Train Station and walk towards Maldon. Our route will take us via Muckleford Train Station.** **We will return back to Castlemaine aboard the steam train operated by the Victorian Goldfields Railway. This historic railway served rural Victoria from 1880 through to the 1970’s and has been restored to its former glory.** **Excursion class one way tickets are $37 ($32 concession) and once you have confirmed your attendance, I will advise here in comments when to book your one-way ticket from Maldon. Please wait for the go-ahead to book your tickets as the event may be suspended if we don’t attract enough interest.** ***when advised*** **you can book your tickets at the following link:** [Book train ticket](https://secure.vgr.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/) **USEFUL LINKS:** **For more details on the route including the gradient involved please see the links below.** [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo) [https://www.vgr.com.au/](https://www.vgr.com.au/) **Lunch** **Lunch: In Maldon we will stop for lunch at the Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St.** [Maldon Hotel](https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&hs=mGY&sca_esv=b3ca9c57de57aa89&channel=41&biw=393&bih=641&sxsrf=ANbL-n5zcNoRt1nlnk20vEuCOQZJ3tv4UQ%3A1778719407548&kgmid=%2Fg%2F1tdfyvxv&q=Maldon%20Hotel&shem=rimspwouoe&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3) **BEING PREPARED:** 1. **Arrange your transport** 1. **Check the weather forecast** 1. **Suitable footwear / clothing** 1. **Plenty of water / food / snacks** **RSVP’s / START TIME:** **Plans change, but please keep your RSVP up to date to allow others the chance to attend. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time and message if you are running late. Remember that phone reception won't always be available so contact me as soon as possible if required.** **NOTIFICATIONS:** **All notifications will come via the Meetup app. Ensure you have enabled alerts & check the app in the lead up to an event. Notifications may include; comments, instructions & cancellations.** **QUESTIONS:** **Please feel free to post any questions.**

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → YARRA Ranges** 🌲🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 17 MAY, DAY TRIP ☀️** * 🍃 Where forest whispers meet gentle adventure \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Yarra Ranges Escape — A Refined Nature Experience** Step beyond the city into the quiet elegance of the Yarra Ranges — where forest air is crisp, the pace is unhurried, and every moment feels considered. Hidden among the forest stands the old chimney — a subtle reminder of Victoria’s early timber days — alongside a peaceful water wheel turning slowly beside the stream. This is a place to slow down. We **hike** gently through lush forest trails, listening to birds and flowing water, with time to pause, take in the surroundings, and maybe spot a **koala** resting high in the trees. We then gather for a **European satay meal,** thoughtfully prepared and fully included, enjoyed outdoors in a calm natural setting — simple, refined, and shared. A **guided meditation** invites stillness and clarity, before we ease into a serene **kayaking** experience on a quiet lake, surrounded by soft reflections and open space. ✨ Small group. Premium comfort. Seamless experience. A day designed to feel effortless, balanced, and quietly memorable. 🌿This is more than just a trip. *\* It’s a day of simple pleasures — nature, movement, and good food, all taken slowly. 🌿* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌟 **What’s Included** ✅ Guided 9 km **forest hike** (easy) 🥾 ✅ **Kayaking** on a calm lake (all equipment included) 🛶 ✅ Guided **meditation** in nature 🍃 ✅ **European satay meal (included in the program)** 🍽️ ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee** & tea ☕ ✅ Premium round-trip transport **MERCEDES** minivan 🚐 ✅ Small-group atmosphere & meaningful connections 👥 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Your Itinerary: A Day in the Yarra Ranges** 🕢 **7:30 AM** — Pickup at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street 🚐 **8:00 AM** — Short stop for **break** & refresh ☕ **9:15 AM** — Arrival + **morning coffee,** tea & snacks (included) 🌿 **9:30 AM** — Forest **Hike** begins (9 km, easy, \~160m elevation) 🍽️ **12:30 PM — European satay meal (included) + Snacks/drinks (inc.)** 🧘 **1:30 PM** — **Meditation** & grounding in nature 🛶 **2:30 PM** — **Kayaking** session (easy & **beginner**-friendly) ☕ **3:30 PM** — Relax by the lake / tea break 🚐 **4:30 PM** — Depart back to Melbourne 🌆 **6:00 PM** — Return to **city,** calm and refreshed 📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** YR 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share](https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share) Instagram: [nogeography.hike.kayak](http://nogeography.hike.kayak/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

**Brighton to Point Ormond – Elwood Beach** ***As it is Mothers Day next Sunday, our next walk will be the following Sunday, 17th May.*** This popular walk along the Elwood foreshore is the perfect outing for an autumn Sunday morning. Join the thousands of Melburnians who regularly walk, jog and ride this wide, well-formed path along the shores of the Bay. Our coffee stop this morning will be at Northpoint Cafe, after we’ve walked from Brighton Beach to Point Ormond and return. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail as far as Point Ormond Lookout and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 6.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2 hours for the walk, including coffee at the end. **Difficulty:** Easy **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** The café at Northpoint Cafe, or other venue (selected on the day) **Cost:** Free

Fellas, Come along, grab a coffee, and connect with other dads who understand life after separation. Chat if you feel like it, and enjoy a good coffee. I’ll be sitting with my push bike helmet on the table — just come up, say hello, and grab a seat. Cheers, Paul

Neurodivergent brains come with their own operating manuals — but most of us were never handed ours. Some of us run hot on sensory input, others stall out on transitions, some need movement to think, others need silence to function. The tricky part is that our needs are often invisible, even to ourselves, until something tips us over. This month at Neurospicy Bayside, we're slowing down to look at two questions: * What support do I actually need to feel okay and do my best work? * What might the people around me need that I've never thought to ask about? We'll talk about the kinds of accommodations that exist (formal and informal — at work, at home, in social spaces), share what's worked and what hasn't, and gently map out where each of us tends to struggle. The goal isn't to fix anyone. It's to build a richer vocabulary for our own needs and a more compassionate lens for the people in our lives who might be quietly white-knuckling things we'd never guess. Bring yourself as you are. Stim, doodle, pace, listen, share as much or as little as feels right. Fidgets and ear defenders welcome. There's no expectation to disclose anything you don't want to. Looking forward to seeing 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!

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!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**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! 🌿

# 🌟 *Breat Procrastination and Staring at The Crowd When at Social Events with Taking a Minimum Viable Step!* Do you want to feel confident stepping into group conversations, knowing exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to build momentum naturally? Do you want a clear structure that makes socialising feel *doable*, while still allowing real, organic, human connection? This session blends **structure with spontaneity**, so you can practise social confidence in a way that actually works for your brain. *** # 💬 **WHAT THIS SESSION IS ABOUT** This is a **guided practice lab** for group interaction. Instead of guessing what to say, you will work with: • specific topics chosen by the group on the day • simple, powerful questions to guide conversation • structured rounds that make it easier to start and continue interactions You are not performing or “being social” on command, you are learning a **repeatable process** that helps you enter conversations naturally and build depth from there. The structure gives you clarity. Your responses stay *real, personal, and fully your own.* *** # 🧠 **WHY THIS WORKS** ## *Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)* Starting conversations is often the hardest part. So instead of forcing yourself to “be social”, we focus on: ### ***Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)*** Small, achievable actions like: • approaching a group • listening for context • asking one simple question • sharing one small response These steps reduce overwhelm and help you build momentum naturally. You are not powering through, you are **following a chain of small wins** that lead into flow. *** # 🔄 **HOW THE SESSION RUNS** This session is structured into **timed rounds (approx. 8 minutes each)**. Each round gives you a clear, simple objective. ## 🔹 *Structured Group Rounds* • You will begin in small groups with a defined topic • Each round includes suggested questions to guide interaction • You are free to respond in your own way, nothing scripted ## 🔹 *Rotations* At the end of each round: • two people rotate out of each group • each joins a different group This creates: • clarity on where to go next • repeated practice starting new conversations • exposure to different dynamics and people *No guessing. No awkward hovering. Just clear next steps.* *** # 💡 **TOPICS & QUESTIONS** At the start of the session, we will: • gather topics participants are genuinely interested in • write them down and use them throughout the rounds Each round will include **simple, open questions** related to the topic, designed to: • spark conversation easily • create direction without rigidity • allow natural sharing and depth You follow the structure, but what you share is always your own. *** # 🌱 **WHAT YOU WILL PRACTISE** • starting conversations decisively (again and again) • entering groups with clarity instead of hesitation • listening before contributing • asking simple questions that open conversation • building flow through small, manageable steps • rotating between groups with confidence • staying present without overwhelm Over time, this becomes **automatic**. *** # 📝 **BEFORE & AFTER** At the beginning: • you will complete a short reflection on meaningful connection in your life At the end: • you will share what worked, what did not, and what could be improved This helps shape future sessions based on what actually supports you. *** # 👋 **A NOTE FROM THE FACILITATOR** This is not about being the most confident person in the room. It is about learning a structure that helps you: • take action • reduce overwhelm • build real connection step by step You do not need to get it perfect. ## ***You just need to take the next small step.***