Dreams

Join us at our second ***'Out 'n About'*** event! Our Out 'n' About events are all about supporting creatives in our community. **When someone is doing something awesome, we want to be there.** We want to bring regular and new faces along for the ride meaning we don't just get to experience wonderful creations but make new creative friends along the way. This Saturday, Jessiphora is hosting a listening party to showcase her own electronic music and other fabulous Melbourne artists who have also attended & supported Creative Hustle events...and so we are heading along to support them! Jessiphora is a Melbourne electronic artist and DJ and will be sharing her music alongside Alexis Naylor, Coco Benny, Dan On The Decks and Johnny Be Bad at Norla Dome in Docklands. Expect a high energy night of listening and sharing amongst artists whilst also making a bunch of new creative friends. **What is the Creative Hustle Network?** The Creative Hustle Network is a social events group for creative professionals in the Melbourne arts industries. Whilst professional partnerhsips and collaborations form from our events, our focus is friendship, connection, support and inspiration. We run networking events every month, and also like to do fun social things...like head out on a Saturday and support a listening party! We can't wait to see you there. **You must have a ticket to attend this event. For more info and tickets please follow this link:** https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/norla-dome-listening-party-tickets-1979106624189?aff=oddtdtcreator

**This event has been rescheduled from 12:00pm to 10:00 due to possible rainy weather** Join me for a chill sketch session at Kere Kere Gardens. We’ll be meeting beside Cook’s Cottage at **10:00am** before finding a suitable place to sit on the lawn. What to bring: \- Art materials\. \- Weather appropriate gear\. \- A picnic rug/towel to sit on\. See you then :)

This is a relaxed, social meetup for anyone interested in practicing Korean or English — no teachers, no lessons, no pressure! We’ll just hang out, chat, and get to know each other while switching between Korean and English as much (or as little) as you like. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just learning “안녕,” you’re welcome here. Bring good vibes, maybe a drink or snack, and let’s have some fun conversations together! Last attendees must arrive by 8:30pm!

After some great discussions using these cards, we just had to continue! "It isn't easy to get into a good conversation. Many of our best ones seem to have happened by chance. Far from it - we believe a great conversation always starts with someone asking a great question.” The School of Life cards contain questions designed to get a group of people into entertaining and meaningful conversations. This is a casual, social and fun event where we share our thoughts and experiences with a group. We can cover topics like: Personality & Emotions, Work & Money, Family & Friendship, Travel, Culture & Taste, depending on the questions that end up being asked on the day. Please arrive hungry/thirsty for us to keep up a good relationship with the venue that allows us to host our events. \*\*\* Meaningful Discussions events take place in 11 countries and this will be our 147th event in Melbourne! :) Please be try to arrive on time if you can. This event will allow a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion. So if you're looking for open-minded, friendly and intelligent people, you've come to the right place!

❌THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED❌ QV is hosting a free outdoor cinema, Lets go watch some movies! 😄🍿 Tonight’s movie is - Barbie 💖 What to bring? - a picnic blanket or camp chair - your sketchbook if you feel like sketching - snacks! ⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick ⚠️

\*\*\*\*\*THIS IS A PAID TICKETED EVENT; you can only attend by buying you ticket through the Eventbrite link here: [get your tickets here](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-633255352807?aff=oddtdtcreator)[!](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-relating-games-night-tickets-1383610449099?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Also, please read all details, in this page and eventbrite page Hello everyone, The first monthly AR evening for 2026 is Sunday Jan 4th. You are warmly invited to this immersive evening of Authentic Relating. This evening will involve fun and interactive exercises based around exploring the theme, "What is like to be in connection with myself and others?" This is a space for exploring feelings, sensations, boundaries, and self-expression through immersive exercises. This is about empathic collaboration and learning the art of expressing what is present in the moment. These beautiful practices really encourage an experience of increased depth and awareness, in a way that is sometimes not available in our everyday lives. The exercises work by creating a framework to explore communication in a non-scripted, in the moment way, which edges away from habitual patterns of relating and welcomes in more life, more breath, and more empathy. One of the benefits of practices, is that it helps with learning to become more aware of ourselves and others and how do we inter-relate. \*\*\*NOTE: It is recommended that participants have some experience introspection and shadow work, through participating in counselling, sharing circles, meditation, contemplation, yoga, or any modality that is designed to bring people into contact with their unconscious. This is stated as a duty of care, as the practices in authentic relating revolve around meeting ourselves deeply and coming into contact with how we are occurring the world. This process can be beautifully enlivening, and at times confronting, but the space is guided in such a way that it brings as much holding, and gentleness to the process as to make those courageous steps to share deeply, easier. If you are new to Authentic Relating or "AR" (as people in the community refer to it) and you have any questions or curiosities, please feel free to contact me via messenger for a chat. Also, there is a plenty of YouTube results for Authentic Relating practices. \*\*\* \*If you are experiencing financial hardship and wish to attend, please reach out and we can arrange something. \*\*please read Eventbrite details to. \*\*you cannot attend without pre-purchasing a ticket through the Eventbrite link. \*\*The doors for the event close 15 minuets after the start time, meaning, no entry is allowed once we have set the container, and spoken about the agreements, so please make the appropriate arrangements to arrive on time. About me. I've had a long history of interest in understanding my mind through various means of enquiry from Meditation, Yoga, Transpersonal Counselling, Sound Healing and Neurofeedback. In the last 8 years I have been deeply involved in the Authentic Relating movement immersing myself in practices and deriving tremendous insight into myself a growth within my own personal relationships as a result of this work. I have been facilitating groups to journey deeply into this work for the last 4 years and I am continually on a journey of getting to know myself deeper and bring artistry and humility to facilitating. The event will finish at 10PM with a 10-minuet buffer at the end in case we go over, there will be spare time to hang around and chat after. There will also be a 15-minute break in the middle of the event, with some small snacks provided.

If you’d enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon wandering through beautiful spaces, sharing thoughtful conversation, and ending the day over a lovely dinner — you’re warmly invited to join us. This is a women-only gathering designed to make connection feel **easy, unforced, and nourishing**, with art, movement, and shared experience doing the heavy lifting. ### Meet time & place **4:00pm – Meet inside the NGV, Great Hall** Please enter the **NGV (180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne)** and walk through **Federation Court**. We’ll meet in the **Great Hall**. (This meeting spot is easy to find once inside — see map/photo in the event images.) ### Gallery wander + conversation **4:00pm – 5:00pm** We’ll spend the afternoon **wandering a limited area of the NGV together**, moving at an easy pace and allowing conversations to unfold naturally as we explore. This is a relaxed, unstructured wander — there’s no rush and no expectation to see everything. The gallery provides a beautiful backdrop for: * Gentle conversation * Reflections sparked by art and design * Easy connections without small talk pressure As with other **Good Conversations Club** events, you’re welcome to arrive exactly as you are. I’ll have **conversation prompts available** that you’re welcome to use if you’d like — or not at all. They’re simply there to support ease, connection, and meaningful conversation if you want them. ### Walk to dinner The NGV closes at **5:00pm**, so we’ll meet out front, then take a **short walk (approx. 10 minutes)** together towards Flinders Street Station. ### Dinner **5:30pm – 7:00pm** **Chocolate Buddha** (very close to Flinders Street Station) Dinner is a chance to sit, slow down, and continue conversations over (shared?) food. You’re welcome to join for the gallery wander only, or both — dinner is optional but encouraged. ### Who this event is for This is a **women-only** event for those who are: * Young at heart and open-minded * Interested in art, culture, and meaningful conversation * Comfortable in mixed-age groups * Looking for connection without pressure or performance There’s no strict age range — you’ll likely meet women across different life stages who value presence, curiosity, and good conversation. (In general, ages of people attending our events have been around 25-50 years) ### Important notes * Entry to the NGV is free * Dinner is pay-your-own * Please arrive on time so we can begin together * Comfortable shoes recommended for walking This event is about **shared experience first**, followed by **nourishing conversation** — in beautiful surroundings, with ease.

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

Seekers of timeless truths and spiritual meaning often turn to the records and whisperings of ancient times. But there is a more personal and direct way to learn about ourselves as divine, immortal Soul – and it can be explored here and now. This study can help you understand your true nature as a child of the Divine, identify your strongest spiritual gifts, and tap your limitless creativity of Soul. Using these practices, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life for yourself now as you prepare for an eternity of spiritual unfoldment and service to Creation. Are you ready to take your next spiritual step using the God knowledge that is already within your heart? You’re welcome to join us on February 8th as we discuss: • How the Voice of God speaks to us today. • Understanding your profound experiences. • Experiencing your true beingness of Soul, an infinite spiritual being. All attendees will receive a free copy of “Ancient Wisdom for Today” while supplies last. We really look forward to seeing you there! 3 A flyer for this event is available for you at: https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Poster-for-February-8th-2026 Eckankar-AWFT-Topic-Rev-2.pdf

Calling all Loudoun County and Northern VA Real Estate Investors, Agents and Professionals! Join the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US! The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is nationwide but was founded right here in your back yard! **This is a 12 part education series with new topics every month. This event is session 2 of 12!** **This event is free but has very limited seating and we are limited to the first 100 to RSVP! Join us and become a founding member of this amazing community!** *(it is ok to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Each session has stand alone topics. You can also attend other near by locations to get caught up on sessions that you have missed.)* **Very limited seating. In-person only.** **Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot.** **When: February 10, 2026 @ 5:45pm-9pm EST** **Where: 20116 Ashbrook Place Suite 200 Ashburn, VA 20147** The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is NOT just a meet up. It’s the most unique Real Estate Investor Community of Mentors, Coaches & Masterminds. A community of growth oriented, abundance mindset, go-giver individuals with a BARE MINIMUM commitment to become financially free through real estate investing. We focus on providing education and building networks to help every member solve their cash-flow freedom equation, so they can have the time-freedom needed to follow their passions, make a lasting impact and even change the world! The unique format of this event, which consists of high-level education, gamified networking, mastermind breakout sessions, case studies, group deal analysis, market deep dives, and peer-to-peer coaching facilitation makes this the most impactful local real estate investor group a real estate investor can be a part of. The foundation of the group is built around the belief that everyone in the room has the potential to change the world… however most of us never have the time, energy or financial situation to even dare to dream big enough. Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom. Once that happens it is usually much easier for us to think bigger, dream bigger, be bigger. · 🤯 Learn more about the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/) · 🥇 Get in the VIP List to be notified about the next event in your area [HERE](https://the.cashflowbreakfastclub.com/VIP) · 🤙🏼 Learn more about Launching your own Cash-Flow Breakfast Club Location [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/launch-your-own-club/) · 🤝🏼 Learn more about becoming an Affiliate-Sponsor at one of our club locations [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/affiliate-sponsors/) · 📷 View photos and videos of some of our recent events [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/about-the-cash-flow-breakfast-club/) · 😎 Looking to represent? Browse Cash-Flow Breakfast Club apparel and fly swag [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/shop/)

### **BIG Dreams ✨** **Soundscape Journey & Heart-Opening Cacao Ceremony** *An invitation to honor the call of your heart* 🐎 🗓 **Thursday, February 19th** ⏰ **7:00–8:45 PM** 📍 **Mind Body Paloma**, Oakton, VA (Full address shared after registration) Join us for a nourishing evening designed to support clarity, intention, and heart-centered connection during the Year of the Horse—a symbol of momentum, inner power, and aligned forward movement. We’ll begin with a **soundscape journey**, using calming sounds and vibrations to help the body relax, the mind settle, and awareness turn inward. This creates a receptive space where intentions can be felt and grounded, allowing your dreams to be gently anchored in the body. Following the soundscape, we’ll gather for a **heart-opening cacao ceremony** led by **Kristine Kelly**, a longevity chef and holistic nutrition coach with experience studying cacao and earth-based healing practices in wellness communities around the world. Participants will enjoy ceremonial-grade cacao prepared with intention, followed by guided reflection, journaling, and gentle conversation. This portion focuses on clarifying what you are choosing to nourish in your life and what you’re ready to release, so your dreams can unfold with greater alignment and ease. **This experience is ideal if you’re seeking:** • Heart-centered connection • A supportive space for reflection • Meaningful community • Intentions set without pressure • A calming, restorative evening 💫 **Cost:** $80 ✨ **Space is limited. Advance registration required.** 👉 **Register here:** https://events.humanitix.com/big-dreams-a-cacao-and-soundscape-event Learn more: 🌐 [www.mindbodypaloma.com](http://www.mindbodypaloma.com) 📸 Instagram: @mindbodypaloma

Attention Attendees!!! Due to the upcoming winter storm, we need to **cancel the CFBC Fairfax meetup scheduled for Monday, January 26** to ensure everyone’s safety. 📅 **Our next CFBC Fairfax meetup will take place on February 23**, and we look forward to seeing you then. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe and warm. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Fairfax County VA Real Estate Investors, Agents and Professionals! We just launched a Cash-Flow Breakfast Club for your area! This is the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US! **Join us for our official launch event for Fairfax County VA** **on February 23.** **This is a 12 part education series with new topics every month. This event is session 11 of 12!** *(it is ok to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Each session has stand alone topics. You can also attend other near by locations to get caught up on sessions that you have missed.)* **This event is free but has very limited seating and we are limited to the first 50 to RSVP! Join us and become a founding member of this amazing community!** **Very limited seating. In-person only.** **Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot.** **When: February 23, 2026 @ 5:45PM – 9:00PM EST** **Where: 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Ste. 120** **Fairfax, Virginia, 22033** The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is NOT just a meet up. It’s the most unique Real Estate Investor Community of Mentors, Coaches & Masterminds. A community of growth oriented, abundance mindset, go-giver individuals with a BARE MINIMUM commitment to become financially free through real estate investing. We focus on providing education and building networks to help every member solve their cash-flow freedom equation, so they can have the time-freedom needed to follow their passions, make a lasting impact and even change the world! The unique format of this event, which consists of high-level education, gamified networking, mastermind breakout sessions, case studies, group deal analysis, market deep dives, and peer-to-peer coaching facilitation makes this the most impactful local real estate investor group a real estate investor can be a part of. The foundation of the group is built around the belief that everyone in the room has the potential to change the world… however most of us never have the time, energy or financial situation to even dare to dream big enough. Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom. Once that happens it is usually much easier for us to think bigger, dream bigger, be bigger. · 🤯 Learn more about the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/) · 🥇 Get in the VIP List to be notified about the next event in your area [HERE](https://the.cashflowbreakfastclub.com/VIP) · 🤙🏼 Learn more about Launching your own Cash-Flow Breakfast Club Location [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/launch-your-own-club/) · 🤝🏼 Learn more about becoming an Affiliate-Sponsor at one of our club locations [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/affiliate-sponsors/) · 📷 View photos and videos of some of our recent events [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/about-the-cash-flow-breakfast-club/) · 😎 Looking to represent? Browse Cash-Flow Breakfast Club apparel and fly swag [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/shop/)

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

(2024) by Christof Koch, 288 pages [Psychology] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=613100 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "A wonderful book."―Sam Harris, Making Sense with Sam Harris “a fun introduction to a number of debates… Mr. Koch’s book provokes questions… and counterarguments, but that’s what gives it life.” ―The Wall Street Journal “Easily the most current, thorough, and helpful exploration of consciousness available. Koch’s light, simple, yet authoritative writing style will appeal to general audiences as well as scientists and researchers. An essential, highly recommended purchase.”―Library Journal “magisterial… charming, sometimes beautiful, and almost always illuminating” ―Science Magazine “an impressive and sometimes exuberant work, showcasing decades of [Koch’s] research”―New Scientist “Koch’s adept use of analogies and entertaining anecdotes — complete with his own near-death experience and psychedelic drug trips — make the book a compelling and surprisingly light read.” ―Science News “undeniably compelling… a smoothly written must-read for anyone interested in a detailed introduction to the relationship between the brain, consciousness, and transformative experiences” ―Ars Technica “Expertly weaving in personal experience with science that few, if any, can speak more authoritatively about, Koch leads us on an amazing journey of consciousness—from birth to death. Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety “Koch’s latest book brilliantly navigates the intricate landscape of our mind and our brain, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of conscious experiences, both ordinary as well as extraordinary ones.”―Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google’s quantum AI lab “Then I Am Myself the World is the new record of note for the scientific understanding of consciousness. This is an elegant tableau, a travelogue of subjective experience grounded in the latest neuroscience and philosophy traversing religion, science, and a life dedicated to the biggest questions. Filled with crystalline prose, lucid explanation, and revelatory honesty, this book will continue to be read centuries from now.”―Patrick House, author of Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness “What would happen if a hardcore neuroscientist, with encyclopedic knowledge and four decades of experience in his field, were personally confronted with transformative mystical experiences carrying inevitable metaphysical implications? What would happen if the neuroscientist in question were open-minded, humble, but remained rigorously grounded in reason, evidence, and his hard-earned understanding of how consciousness relates to brain structures and function? What would he, the most preeminent professional of his generation, make of his extraordinary experiences? And what if, in addition, the neuroscientist was a modern renaissance man versed in physics, philosophy, the arts, the classics, and could pluck irresistibly evocative metaphors from the Western literary and artistic canon as if leisurely picking apples in early fall? This is what you will find in this treasured book, a whirlwind ride of insight after insight—so many they can’t possibly be all documented in footnotes—that will surprise and delight you from the get-go. ‘Primacy goes to consciousness, not to the objective world,’ he boldly states already on page two, in a prelude of things to come. ‘Everything else follows from there, including the realist assumption of the existence of objects, out ‘there,’ independent of my experiencing them.’ The book embodies the ever-evolving wisdom of a man whose intellectual prowess is only matched by his intellectual honesty. And this man, in the seventh decade of his scintillatingly productive life, has a lifetime of learning to share with you.”―Bernardo Kastrup, executive director, Essentia Foundation “Koch’s first book was entitled The Quest for Consciousness. And such has been Koch’s life, an adventurer’s pursuit of a distant goal, undeterred by the prevailing winds. The reader will learn where this quest has led and, like the author, will be enriched by it. Koch, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, a mind singularly open to learning and changing, here opens his soul, revealing his vast, scintillating appreciation of nature in all its forms. It is a touching, profound book. Which is as it should be, since consciousness touches everything and is everything we touch.”―Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin-Madison ### About the Author Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles, Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, February 14th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉