Esoteric Philosophy

**Join us at this popular rooftop bar at Imperial Bourke Street!** Come along to chat, socialise and enjoy the view from this rooftop. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

**\* CLOSED - NO CLASSES** **THE BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA** **& BACHATA DANCE CLASSES** are currently **CLOSED** for the **CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK** **\* THE 2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA & BACHATA CLASSES** **start back date will be confirmed in the new year.**

Excited to announce our new ADVANCED openplay session during the week at KCARC! Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: [https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained](https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained) **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $21 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 6:30 PM-9:30 PM weekly, every Thursday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

We've heard you loud and clear, and we're excited to present the first sapphic session of Queen of Hearts Speed Dating! Hosted by the bisexual icon Ruby Slippers who will help you with icebreakers and conversation starters, and even perform a fabulous burlesque show as the finale. [(Link to booking)](https://www.trybooking.com/DALHR) Doors open 6pm with speed dating running 6:30 - 8:30pm. Each ticket is $10 entry only or $20 including a free cocktail of your choice. Book online or pay at the door (bookings preferred). Note: This event is intended for the FLINTA\* community who identify as sapphic/WLW/lesbian. We would love to hear if there is interest in holding these events for other genders and sexualities, please let us know! \*female, lesbian, inter, non-binary, trans and agender people Pride of our Footscray is located up a flight of stairs and unfortunately does not have an elevator. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.

Hi all, Welcome to our January book club for our Australian Author focused book club! We are a friendly group of avid readers that enjoy a variety of books and great conversation, over a meal. New members are welcome, but note that spaces are limited. The books for Thursday 15 January 2026 are: **Science Fiction** On the Beach by Neil Shute [On the Beach by Nevil Shute | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38180.On_the_Beach) **Fantasy** The Etched City by K J Bishop [The Etched City by K.J. Bishop | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/944555.The_Etched_City) **Urban Fantasy** Ghost Electricity by Sean Cunningham [Ghost Electricity (Hawthorn House, #1) by Sean Cunningham | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45717303-ghost-electricity) You don't have to read all the books. However, the more you read, the more robust the conversation will be with multiple people discussing each book. Don't forget to bring along some Sci-fi, Fantasy and Urban Fantasy suggestions for the following meet-up! If you would like to see all the books (excluding bonus books) that we have read before, click [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K96OI_w3AIBzkDVWXenQNc6mYbZ2cMvfRnzVehkp9Bo/edit#gid=0) to have a look. Since there are so many authors out there, we try not to repeat authors, however, I am relaxing this slightly moving forward. If you are new(ish) to the group, check out the back catalogue for some inspiration if you are stuck for something to read. Numbers are limited. If you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to a NO as a courtesy to the organiser and to let any wait-listed people into the meet-up. If you have time, stay back for a social catch up with your fellow book club members. Of course, you can go as soon as the book club finishes, but if you have time, then this is a great opportunity to find out all the news and what books people have been reading over the last couple of months. Happy Reading!!! 🤓😊

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Weather looks reasonable good on Sunday. Participants are invited to join us for a walk and talk about science, philosophy and technology. We will also have time for coffee & a bite to eat afterwards at The Abbotsford Convent. ## Details **Schedule** **10 am** – Meet at or near the Rotunda at the [Studley Park Boathouse Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Studley+Park+Boathouse+and+Picnic+Area/@-37.8010746,145.0099524,19.5z/data=!3m1!5s0x6ad647468a8e6d4b:0x8bec09a48fc2782d!4m22!1m16!4m15!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad64390ba3131a7:0xf0456760531db00!2sFairfield+Park+Boathouse+%26+Tea+Gardens,+Fairfield+Park+Dr,+Fairfield+VIC+3078!2m2!1d145.0137071!2d-37.78518!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad6430738fab4cd:0xdb76f953991f8b47!2sAbbotsford+Convent,+1+St+Heliers+St,+Abbotsford+VIC+3067!2m2!1d145.0028144!2d-37.80269!3e2!3m4!1s0x0:0xc5b4e7f2ffed7da1!8m2!3d-37.8007946!4d145.0093501) near the boathouse **10.30 am –** Saunter across [Kanes Bridge](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kanes+Bridge/@-37.8001395,145.0095086,19.5z/data=!3m1!5s0x6ad647468a8e6d4b:0x8bec09a48fc2782d!4m22!1m16!4m15!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad64390ba3131a7:0xf0456760531db00!2sFairfield+Park+Boathouse+%26+Tea+Gardens,+Fairfield+Park+Dr,+Fairfield+VIC+3078!2m2!1d145.0137071!2d-37.78518!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad6430738fab4cd:0xdb76f953991f8b47!2sAbbotsford+Convent,+1+St+Heliers+St,+Abbotsford+VIC+3067!2m2!1d145.0028144!2d-37.80269!3e2!3m4!1s0x6ad643a61948cd11:0xa29da82fe9e81dcb!8m2!3d-37.8000822!4d145.0096953) towards [the convent](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Abbotsford+Convent/@-37.8026857,145.0006257,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x6ad647468a8e6d4b:0x8bec09a48fc2782d!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad6430738fab4cd:0xdb76f953991f8b47!8m2!3d-37.80269!4d145.0028144) via [Dights Falls loop trail](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dights+Falls+Loop+Trail/@-37.8002318,145.0089975,18.17z/data=!3m1!5s0x6ad647468a8e6d4b:0x8bec09a48fc2782d!4m22!1m16!4m15!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad64390ba3131a7:0xf0456760531db00!2sFairfield+Park+Boathouse+%26+Tea+Gardens,+Fairfield+Park+Dr,+Fairfield+VIC+3078!2m2!1d145.0137071!2d-37.78518!1m6!1m2!1s0x6ad6430738fab4cd:0xdb76f953991f8b47!2sAbbotsford+Convent,+1+St+Heliers+St,+Abbotsford+VIC+3067!2m2!1d145.0028144!2d-37.80269!3e2!3m4!1s0x6ad643b6fb99244d:0x4653bb18d09f4f95!8m2!3d-37.7984944!4d145.0074445), observing stunning views of Yarra river (including Dights Falls, urban graffiti, inner suburb farms and more) **12.30** – Hang out at the convent for coffee and a bite to eat. **Topics can include:** – How epistemics (inc science) makes progress – Health, wellness and how to live a good life – Metaethics / ethics – Moral progress and indirect normativity – Latest trends in AI – Economic impacts of AGI, automation, unbounded inequality – UBI - Basic income and universal wealth redistribution – Likelihood of future doom or utopia – Human augmentation, hacking human potential – AI interpretability – ChatGPT, Gemini, ClaudeAI – Automated persuasion, AI dark arts – Future directions in AI – Plato’s cave – Fun theory, value theory Nietzsche: "**All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.** From the process of creative self-discovery one emerges an artist. More often than not, our internal spiritual restoration is accompanied by a physical transformation." Plenty of parking. [Here is an example of how to get there via public transport](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Flinders+Street+Railway+Station,+Flinders+Street,+Melbourne+VIC/1+Boathouse+Rd,+Kew+VIC+3101/@-37.8078241,144.9758788,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m19!4m18!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad642b6af832249:0xe39e415e49a7c44e!2m2!1d144.9670618!2d-37.8182711!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad643a898057765:0xc5b4e7f2ffed7da1!2m2!1d145.0093501!2d-37.8007946!2m3!6e1!7e2!8j1676109600!3e3!5i1). Sometimes philosophy discussions feel quite sedentary – hence our experiment to cross pollinate exercise and engaging discussions on philosophy. Exertion of both the mind and body at the same time may lead to a fascinating dynamic. A sedentary lifestyle (and by association, philosophy) has been linked to mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Ease the anxieties of the armchair philosopher engaging in mental gymnastics with minimal muscle movement – join our raggle-taggle crew of aspiring philosophers walking the talk! Healthy body, healthy mind! Note, bring elemental protection (umbrellas, sunscreen etc)

Beloved Friends , You are warmly invited to join **Osho Dynamic Meditation** — a powerful space to release stress, let go of built-up tension, and breathe freely again. Through movement, breath, and silence, allow the mind to unwind and the body to relax. No experience is needed — just come as you are and reconnect with your true nature, with awareness, aliveness, and inner peace. We would love to share this meditative journey with you. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/e/0/600_453663808.jpeg When : Every Saturday , 7:30am to 8:30am Where : Elwood Angling Club, Foreshore, Elwood Contribution : $15 "Just to be is such a great celebration if you know how to take the conditioning off. This 'taking off' you will learn through Dynamic Meditation. it will not be caused; it will come to you uncaused. Meditation will create a situation in which you will come to the unknown; by and by you will be pushed from your habitual , mechanical, robot-like personality. be courageous: practise Dynamic Meditation vigorously and all else will follow. it will not be you doing, it will be a happening" OSHO - Meditation the art of ecstasy With Love and Hugs, Bodhiprem * If you are coming along for the first time, please arrive 10 minutes early for instructions, Please see below a link for the Dynamic Meditation Instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxr9MySioc&feature=youtu.be

**Event posted in other places so number shown below doesn't represent how many people will actually come.** **Saturday 17th January** Come along ANYTIME between 10.30am and 5.30pm. **Only $20**, pay on the day - BUT PLEASE DON'T COME IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LIVE WITH FEELS SICK with COVID or FLU! You know? We know how it is … You've read the books and looked up stuff online … and you’re bursting with ideas and questions and you want to talk about it with someone … but … your family won’t understand, your friends won’t take you seriously … and don’t even think about your workmates … That’s why, many years ago, we started Magic Saturdays to provide a safe, comfortable and very pagan space where you can immerse yourself in Witchcraft, Paganism, Magic, Spells, Rituals … everything … nothing is off-limits and there are no stupid questions. Each Saturday, apart from the obvious conversations, we try to do some magic just so you can get a feel for it. The people that come along range from complete beginners to those that have been living the pagan life for some time. It doesn’t matter. Everyone has something to contribute or some just want to soak up the atmosphere. Either way, whether you come for half an hour or the whole day you’ll feel refreshed, empowered and validated … and you may have even met some of our nature spirits. Our shop is also open (it doesn’t cost anything if you just want to come and look at the shop), so remember to top up on your magical supplies while you’re here. We now also have a selection of potted herbs for sale including such magical herbs as Mugwort, Rue and Squill. Tarot readings are also available. When: Saturday, 17th January … Time: … anytime between 10.30am & 6.00pm Where: 130 Boronia Rd., Vermont, Melbourne, 3133 Cost: $20 03 9873 3736 (please note this event is also posted on our website and facebook pages, so the number of people attending shown here does not reflect the number of people that will turn up) **Email:** esoteric666@optusnet.com.au **Website:** [https://esotericbookshop.org](https://esotericbookshop.org/) **How to find us :** https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/

Where does your body end and your emotions begin? Are we ruled by our rational brains or our irrational emotions? Is it a bit of both, or something even more subtle? Affect theory explores human responses to life. * **[Introduction to Affect Theory: Brian Massumi & Eve Sedgwick (0-5.27 seconds)](youtube.com/watch?si=b0ekwCyHL23BmHEV&v=SeMS8QEYIQU&feature=youtu.be)** 1. What do you think “The affective turn” means ( mid-1990’s evolution of thought) 2. Do you think affect theory helps us understand the urges that humans have that they can’t explain? 3. Focussing on subjective feelings and responses is a contrast to trying to quantify and understand facts about events, how do you feel about that? 4. What do you think about the idea of your body being something that “moves” and “feels”? * **[Spinoza’s Affect and Emotion “affect is a non-conscious experience of intensity” (Shouse, 2005)](youtube.com/watch?si=VohTy1V6AvPLhdm0&v=5bX-H7dYoP0&feature=youtu.be)** 1\. What do you think about Spinoza’s thought? 2\. What do you think about understanding the world through “emotion” instead of with our intellectual analysis? 3\. What emotions/affects do you think are driving some of the big things in culture? 4\. Does the mind connect to the body? How does emotion affect the body? * **[The Rise and Fall of the Main Stream Media From 1:04:28 – 1:11 ish](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iwOTyv1gyY&list=PLl3m0F1lodbNKr-4yIGBBU-HmPdHJQ2QF)** 1\. How much do you think “affect” has a role in changing the way people engage with media? 2\. What other forces do you think are involved? 3\. Has the splintering of MSM and the proliferations of new voices and platforms triggered “affects” or the other way around? 4\. Is populism a type of affect? Is it still rising? In force\, or on the wane? **Affect Theory vs. Jordan Peterson’s Worldview** | **Aspect** | **Affect Theory** | **Jordan Peterson’s Worldview** | | ------ | ------------- | --------------------------- | | **Classification** | Post-structuralist; interdisciplinary (philosophy, cultural theory, anthropology) | Modernist; rooted in psychology, Judeo-Christian ethics, evolutionary principles | | **Core Idea** | Focus on pre-conscious intensities, bodily sensations, and affective forces shaping experience | Humans need order, responsibility, and meaning to thrive | | **Epistemology** | Relational; skeptical of universal truths; emphasizes flows and emergent phenomena | Values objective truth, universal principles, hierarchical structures | | **View of Order** | Non-hierarchical; dynamic networks of relations | Hierarchical order is natural and necessary for stability | | **Goal** | Understand how affects circulate in culture, shaping identity and politics | Help individuals orient morally and psychologically in a complex world | **Extra Reading:** Shouse, E. (2005). Feeling, Emotion, Affect. M/C Journal, 8(6). [https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2443](https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/2443)

How about we kick off the best day with a jog and coffee together? Trust me, you won't want to miss out! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Sunday 8:00~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 8:00 Gathering 8:10 Start 9:00 End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

✨ **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.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Optional topic for this meet up: Is life a dream? Dreams feel real while they last. Could life work the same way? How do we know we’re awake, and what follows if we can’t be sure? Let’s kick that around over a around of drinks: • What makes something feel real: continuity, shared evidence, or meaning? • How would you tell you’re awake (reality checks, memory, other people)? • If life is dreamlike, what becomes of free will and responsibility? • Is identity a story we keep telling—who’s the narrator? • Are we author, actor, or audience in our dreams and how would you tell? • Does art/film reveal reality or replace it? No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it’s fun.

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

**This is a paid program.** **Click <<[here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/bhuta-shuddhi-cityprogram-staybridge-suites-columbus-university-area-ohio-us-jan-16-2026)\>\> to register\.** ### **Bhuta Shuddhi means “purification of the five elements” (i.e. earth, water, fire, air and space) which gets to the root of imbalances in the body that lead to disease. This simple practice which you can do daily reorganizes your system on the elemental level.** **Benefits:** * **Keeps the system in harmony and balance** * **Prepares the system to handle powerful states of energy** * **Creates the basis to gain complete mastery over the human system** **For ages 14 and above, no prior knowledge of yoga is required.** **This program is conducted by a Hatha Yoga teacher trained by Sadhguru.**

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia