Ecology

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

**Experience Deep Relaxation & Mental Clarity with Access Bars®** ​Imagine letting go of stress, overthinking, and emotional blocks—effortlessly. Access Bars® is a gentle, hands-on technique that activates 32 points on your head, helping to release stored thoughts, beliefs, and tension, leaving you feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease. ​ ​Your Session ​🕰️ Duration: 30min or 60min in total ​📍 In-Person Only – Feel the full benefits in a calm and welcoming space. ​ ​💰 Investment in Your Well-being: ​30-min session: 25 EUR or 2 Common Hub Tokens (2 CHT) ​60-min session: 50 EUR or 4 Common Hub Tokens (4 CHT) ​ ​Book your session now and give yourself the gift of relaxation, clarity, and renewed energy! ✨ Booking: [https://koalendar.com/e/access-bars-CHB](https://koalendar.com/e/access-bars-CHB) **About Your Host:** ​​​This experience is guided by Mara [Regina](https://linktr.ee/reginadgaia) D'Gaia, an alchemist, holistic therapist and access bars practitioner. ​​​📧 Contact: [integractiveconnections@gmail.com](http://integractiveconnections@gmail.com) ​​​📸 Follow on Instagram: [@reginadgaia](http://www.instagram.com/reginadgaia)

We will journey with the sound and vibration of the shamanic drum into higher states. With the new moon under the archetype of Capricorn, we are invited to connect to our purpose and energize for 2026. ​Come as you are, and allow the sound journey to awaken inspiration, widen perspective, and spark the horizons waiting to be explored. Shamanic drumming promotes deep relaxation, helping to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress by shifting brainwaves into a meditative theta state. This rhythmic practice can also support emotional release, inner clarity, and a sense of connection to self and nature. ​​**Event Details** We start sharp at 19h30! ​​​**What to Expect:** ​​​✨ A safe and welcoming space for self-expression ​​​✨ Guided drum meditation to deepen your connection with your intentions ​​​✨ Yoga mats and/or chairs, pillows, water, and tea provided ​​​✨ Warm and friendly hosts to support your experience ​​​​✨Before the drum guided meditation, we will have breathing and/or stretching exercises ​​​🔹 Tip: Eat light before the event to enhance your comfort and focus. ​​​ ​​​**What to Bring:** ​​​✔ Comfortable and warm clothing. Dress in layers. Warm socks! ​​​✔ A large scarf or light blanket for extra coziness. ​​​**Energy exchange:** ​Pay directly to the host in cash, payconiq or bank transfer 🎩 ​​​Standard: 20 EUR Commons Hub members: 12 EUR If you have financial constraints, contact the host in advance for an alternative type of energy exchange! ​​​ ​​​**About Your Host:** ​​​This experience is guided by Mara [Regina D’Gaia](https://linktr.ee/reginadgaia), an alchemist, healer, and holistic therapist. Mara Regina specializes in drum meditations, creating transformative spaces for inner exploration and renewal. ​​​📧 Contact: [integractiveconnections@gmail.com](http://integractiveconnections@gmail.com) ​​​📸 Follow on Instagram: [@reginadgaia](http://www.instagram.com/reginadgaia) ​​​Come and tune into the rhythms of your soul—align, manifest, and step into your journey! 🌿🌀

Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Want to get in shape and learn self-defence while having fun at the same time? Come and try our classes for **FREE**! Confirm your attendance by e-mail: **bxl.kravmaga@gmail.com** For more details, check out our website: **https://kravmagabrussels.be/** We recommend wearing sports outfits, including indoor sports shoes, and bringing a towel and water to drink, as we will be active!

Join us bowling and drinks at Crosly Bowling. We'll kick off the night with a few rounds of bowling on one of their 25 lanes, offering both classic and disco-themed experiences. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, it's all about fun and making friends. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and take an evening drink with other people. **Additional Information:** - Crosly Bowling is located just 500 meters from Brussels Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. - Feel free to invite friends or colleagues; the more, the merrier! We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, relaxation, and spectacular views!

**Vous souhaitez améliorer votre prise de parole en public et développer vos compétences en communication et en leadership ?** 🎤✨ Le **Club des Orateurs**, club officiel de Toastmasters International à **Bruxelles**, vous invite à une soirée d’apprentissage dans une ambiance conviviale et bienveillante. **Prochaine réunion** : 📅 **4ème jeudi du mois** 🕢 **19h15 – 21h30** 📍 **Villa François Gay (salle au 1er étage)** 📍 **326 Rue François Gay, 1150 Bruxelles** 🏡 Le bâtiment est situé dans un petit parc. 🚀 **Pourquoi participer ?** ✔️ **Améliorez votre aisance à l’oral** grâce à des discours préparés et des interventions improvisées. ✔️ **Développez votre leadership** en prenant des rôles lors des réunions. ✔️ **Rejoignez une communauté dynamique** qui vous aidera à progresser à votre rythme. ✔️ **Une expérience immersive** avec des retours bienveillants pour évoluer rapidement. 🔹 **Déroulement d’une réunion Toastmasters** : Nos réunions incluent des discours préparés, des exercices d’improvisation et des évaluations constructives pour vous aider à progresser. 👥 **Qui peut participer ?** Tout le monde est bienvenu, que vous soyez débutant ou expérimenté ! **L’entrée est gratuite pour les invités.** 📩 **Intéressé•e ?** Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant sur Meetup et rejoignez-nous pour une soirée enrichissante !

For this hike we will stay around Brussels and discover a part of the ***Tervuren Arboretum (The Nord-West Americain, the Asian and the mediteranian part)*** before leaving the forest and walking through the fields passing by the villages Duisburg and Vossem before returning to Tervuren After the hike we will continue our good habit of **taking a nice beer/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Tervuren** (Chalet Vert) before we return to Brussels. **Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)** We will walk at **an average speed of 5km/h**. We will **walk both on paved and unpaved roads**. ***I’ve never walked this road before***, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **●●meeting point:** We meet at ***12h30 at the tram*** **stop “QUATRE BRAS/VIER ARMEN”** in Tervuren (Tram Line 44 from Montgomery). The tram 44 from “Montgomery” to “Tervuren Station” goes every 15 min. ***more info:*** [www.stib-mivb.be/horaires-dienstregeling2.html?l=en&_line=44&_directioncode=V](http://www.stib-mivb.be/horaires-dienstregeling2.html?l=en&_line=44&_directioncode=V) ●● **specifics** distance: \~ 18 km elevation gain: \~ 234 m net walking time ***(breaks are not included here)*** \~ 4h00 level: **easy – open to everyone** ***In the unlikely case of too bad weather we may cancel a hike even few hours before the event. If this must happen we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup website and/or your emails.*** ***●● What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water or warm drinks and food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forcast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/) ) \- a flashlight and a yellow/orange safety vest for when it gets dark ***\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)*** ***●● Basic rules*** Please RSVP only ***if you really intend to come***. And if your plans change update your RSVP ***latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel last day or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. “yes RSVP”, but not “wait listed”). ***●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** ***By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.***

🎨🎻 Think classical music is boring? This workshop might change your mind. ## 🎶 From Sound to Color - An immersive classical music and painting workshop **A 2-Hour Immersive Listening & Painting Workshop** What if classical music wasn’t about rules, but about **stories, emotions, colors, and imagination**? This unique workshop invites you to experience classical music in a completely different way — through **guided listening, storytelling, and painting**. No musical or artistic background is needed. Led by **Flor**, violinist, violist, and educator at **Pacson Music School**, this workshop blends music appreciation and visual creativity in a relaxed, playful environment. *** ### ✨ What we’ll explore * How classical music tells stories without words * How music evolved across **Baroque → Classical → Romantic** eras * How different orchestra sections create distinct emotional “colors” * How *you* personally perceive music — through sound and painting *** ### 🧠 How the workshop works **Part 1 – Listening, Story & Painting (A Journey Through Eras)** * Short introduction & warm-up * Guided listening to selected pieces in **historical order** * For each era: * Group reflection: *What did you feel? Did you imagine a story?* * 15 minutes of **intuitive painting** inspired by the music **Musical eras explored:** * **Baroque** – movement, contrast, ornamentation * **Classical** – balance, clarity, structure * **Romantic** – emotion, drama, personal expression 🕒 *Short break* **Part 2 – Inside the Orchestra & Toward Modern Sound** * Discover orchestra sections: **strings, woodwinds, brass** * How each section contributes to color, texture, and intensity * Final listening to a **larger orchestral work closer.** * 15–20 minutes to bring everything together through painting **Closing reflection** * Group sharing * How perception, imagination, and music connect *** ### 🎁 What you’ll walk away with * A **new way of listening** to classical music * Simple tools to understand orchestras without technical language * A deeper emotional and imaginative connection to sound * A **completed painting** inspired by music * Fresh perspective on creativity and storytelling *** ### 🌟 About the facilitator **Flor** is an internationally trained violinist and violist with a career spanning **Europe, North & South America, and the Middle East**. She began violin at age three through the Suzuki Method and earned full scholarships to study music performance at the **University of Southern Mississippi** and the **Royal Conservatoire of Scotland**, graduating with honors. Now based in Brussels, Flor performs internationally and teaches violin and viola at **Pacson Music School**. She is also a visual artist, having contributed artwork to festivals and album covers — making this workshop a natural fusion of her artistic worlds. *** ### 👥 Who this workshop is for * Adults and teenagers **16+** * Curious beginners & non-musicians * Creatives and music lovers * Anyone who thinks classical music “isn’t for them” *** ### 🕒 Practical info * **Duration:** 2 hours * **Group size:** Min. 5 / Max. 10–12 participants * **Price :** 65 euros ---> [Pay here](https://buy.stripe.com/fZuaEY2OY9Xt0mb8dE9fW0r) * **Language:** English * **Location:** Pacson Music School, Brussels * **Materials:** 🎨 All materials are provided *** ### ☕ What’s included We’ll take care of everything — **materials, snacks, tea, coffee, and water** are all provided, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. *** ### 💶 Pricing **€65 per participant ---> [Pay here](https://buy.stripe.com/fZuaEY2OY9Xt0mb8dE9fW0r)** ✔ Includes **all materials**, studio use, and refreshments 📸 **Media Notice** Photos and short videos may be taken during this event for communication and promotional purposes by Pacson Music School. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let us know before or during the event. ***

**Beginner-friendly workshop (in English)** In this cozy 2-hour creative session, you’ll paint a beautiful ceramic plate or cup with your own unique design using special ceramic underglazes. No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and creativity! ✨ 🎨 **Workshop highlights:** – Choose your plate or cup – Learn how to use ceramic underglazes – Paint your design using brushes, sponges, and other fun tools – After the workshop, your piece will be covered with a clear glossy glaze and fired in a professional kiln, making it food-safe and long-lasting **The price is 65 euro.** Please sign up and pay for the session at the following link: https://luma.com/dqod3td7 **Price includes:** one ceramic item, glazing, and kiln firings. The session also includes a 30-minute tea and coffee break for chatting and connecting with others. This workshop is perfect for beginners, friends, couples, or anyone looking to relax and create something beautiful, for adults and kids aged 11 and up. Your creation will be ready for pickup in about 4 weeks for your next homemade meal or as a thoughtful handmade gift 🎁 This is a relaxing and joyful way to try ceramic painting without working with raw clay. ✨ Want to create your own piece from scratch? Check out our **Fall in Love with Clay** workshops ✨ The schedule: [https://luma.com/malinamore.studio?tag=fall%20in%20love%20with%20clay](https://luma.com/malinamore.studio?tag=fall%20in%20love%20with%20clay) 💌 Looking for a thoughtful present? You can also purchase a **gift certificate** here: [https://malinamore.studio/](https://malinamore.studio/) Join us for a warm and inspiring creative moment at **Malina More Studio** 🌷

Dear Hiking Friends, The good, the bad and the hiking have been active in organizing hikes for some time now via whatsapp groups. This will be our second hike via meet-up :-) **Hike:** 21 km, with 440 meters of elevation gain during the hike. **Starting point and starting time of the hike:** \* Brisy 11, 6673 Gouvy (Eglise Ste-lucie de Brisy) \* Departure time 10.15 The starting point is about 2 hours drive from Brussels (one way) carpooling will be needed to get to the starting point. (pls write in the comment/message section if you can provide a carpool, if you need a carpool) After the hike we will drive to Houffalize (10 min) for a drink and some food if you like. (of course this isn't obligated) In case of very bad weather this hike could be postponed (fingers crossed for no rain on saturday) **Disclamer:** *Be aware neither the owners of this meet-up group nore the organizers of this hike can be held responsible for any problems, accidents, injuries, etc that can occur during the hike or on the way to the hike. By signing up for this hike you specifically wave all claims towards the above mentioned.*

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. This session we'll share our thoughts on Audre Lorde's essays collected in The Master's tools will never dismantle the Master's house from Penguin Modern. The book includes the iconic essay that gave it its title and 4 other essays: Poetry is not a luxury, Learning from the 1960s, Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power, Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism.📖 Let’s connect, chat, and get excited for some meaningful reads together. 🌈 ⚠️ Sign up only if you are sure that you will attend and please cancel in time if you can't make it. Thanks! See you soon, Janai

📚 **Book Club Invitation: *Don’t Think of an Elephant!* by George Lakoff** Hello critical thinkers, language lovers, and curious minds, This January, we turn our attention to George Lakoff’s *Don’t Think of an Elephant!* — a short but powerful book about how language shapes thought, politics, and public debate in ways we often don’t notice. Lakoff shows that facts alone rarely change minds. What really matters are *frames*: the mental structures that shape how we see the world. Once you notice them, you start seeing them everywhere — in politics, media, education, and everyday conversations. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering: * “Why do some arguments feel persuasive even when the facts are weak?” * “How does language quietly steer public opinion?” * “Can we talk across divides if we don’t share the same frames?” …then this book will give you plenty to think (and talk) about. 📅 **Date:** Saturday, 24 January ⏰ **Time:** 11:30 📍 **Venue:** Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect a lively and accessible discussion about language, power, political storytelling, and how ideas spread — all in a relaxed setting with good coffee and thoughtful company. As usual, those who wish can stay on for lunch afterward and continue the conversation informally. 📞 **Questions:** 0474.60.83.70 🏡 **Book Club Home Rules** 1️⃣ You are welcome whether you read every page or only the key ideas. 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win. 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness are essential — especially when ideas challenge us.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

*Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration requested at* [The Disappearance and Persistence of Bees (Virtual) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/persistent-native-bees/) The demise and disappearance of bees is well documented, yet bees still persist. Wildlife biologist Sam Droege shares a more nuanced look at the current state of native bees based on his research. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. *Registration requested (https://loudounwildlife.org/event/amphibian-monitoring-kickoff/).*

Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Limit 16.* ***Registration required.*** Registration for Searching for Birds of Prey Field Trip **https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birds-of-prey-field-trip/** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*, if **registration is full,** ask to be added to the waitlist by emailing . Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. My car can fit 3 additional people & I have spare binoculars. Or we can go separately. ###

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

***Colvin Run 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance.*** **We invite you to join us for our Social Ballroom dance to kick off the Month of Love! Our Dance Hall is beautifully decorated and ready to welcome our dancers to enjoy the warm, festive spirit and ambiance.** 7:30-8:30 pm: Rumba Dance Lesson by **TBD** 8:30-10:30 pm: Ballroom dance to **DJ music by TBD** Dress is "ballroom casual." Please, no jeans, cut-offs or T shirts. Dress to Impress! $15 (cash or check) for the full evening includes lesson, dance, cold water, and scrumptious snacks No partner, experience or reservations needed. Don't have a partner? Come to Colvin Run Dance Hall where you will find friendly partners HAPPY to meet you and dance with you!! 1,850 sq. ft. beautiful oak dance floor. Plenty of free, safe parking. ## Questions? Find Colvin Run at [http://www.colvinrun.org](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=a653d4304d&e=dc73d9bfad) or visit [https:](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=b3877963d5&e=dc73d9bfad)[//www.meetup.com/colvinrun-org/events](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=eda6408288&e=dc73d9bfad) or contact [Conrad.Heer@ColvinRun.org](mailto:Kathy.Milks@colvinrun.org)