Expeditions

On Wednesday 13th May at 6:30pm, we will be having a Midweek Coffee Evening! It's a chance to meet and chat with others in the group in a relaxed setting over a hot drink. On the day, come up to the cafe on the 5th floor, grab a drink and come and join us. The cafe closes at 8:00pm and the bookshop closes at 9:00pm. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Simple morning mindfulness meditation class at the School of Meditation, in Holland Park. No experience is required, and session is available to everyone...Simply RSVP or just turn up 5 minutes before the start of session to 158 Holland Park Avenue W11 4UH. Discover a deep, inner rest - an enduring part of the mind, beyond our normal cares and worries.

**Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the [Met Walkers website](https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk/how-to-join/)** Meeting outside Mile End Station, we shall wind our way to Hackney Wick by way of green spaces, towpaths and the occasional bit of road. Before ending at a pub, which should have street food available as well as a mind boggling selection of beers from around the world. **Easy \| 4\.2 miles / 6\.8 km \| Ascent: 4m / 14ft** **Start: Meet outside Mile End Underground Station (District, Hammersmith & City, Circle, and Central Line Zone 1) @ 07:00 pm** Postcode: E3 4SS **End: Hackney Wick Station (Mildmay Line Zone 2)** Postcode: E9 5TS

We will begin with a talk giving some background to the School of Sufi Teaching and our meditation practices. We will then sit together in meditation. Following this there will be an opportunity ask questions arising from your experience during the meditation. Please arrive at 7.00pm so as to benefit from the short introductory talk. Meditation will commence at 7.30pm . The session should be completed by 9.00 pm. The meditation will start promptly at 7.30 pm when the front door will be closed so as to ensure an undisturbed period of solitude. Location of Meeting **Entry is via the side door which is located in the side road between our building and the pub.** **Follow the plant containers.** 253 Globe Road London E2 0JD https://goo.gl/maps/6Ng5rhHKsLXe16jz6 Nearest Underground Station is Bethnal Green For individuals interested in learning more about Sufism, our practices and their transformational role on the individual we recommend reading **Click here** [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463) **Turning Toward the Heart: - Awakening to the Sufi Way** **Forty Questions and Answers**

See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cycling-group-tickets-433505435427 Booking required via organiser. Attempted bookings via Hubbub will not be processed.

Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Max, Vaishali & team which take place at: Putney Library, 5-7 Disraeli Rd, Putney, SW15 2DR on Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm until 7.00pm No need to Book - just pop along - More info: 07766 600 803 With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we normally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and no special clothing required. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight, within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might well help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise, it isn't your typical Meditations 'R Us type class. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your own way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A Sahaja Yoga Meditation class is a great way to start. A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. Sahaja Yoga is more than a temporary solution or quick relief — it is a journey, rather than a destination. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral. You can never have too much of it. The best part? All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, bring your self — all are welcome. We have a web site here in London too which you can visit for more info about weekly meetings: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk (http://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/London.Free.Meditation) The first experience of Sahaja Yoga meditation is called Self Realisation. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve Yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. As such no Asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing ## What is Meditation? Meditation is a state of mental silence or rest, where our attention is aware, but not engrossed in thinking. It is known as ‘thoughtless awareness’. It is achieved when the indwelling Kundalini energy awakens and carries the individual attention beyond the level of the 6th chakra, into the seventh chakra, known as Sahasrara. ## Yoga! It is here we achieve Yoga! As the mind finds rest and silence, we become able to feel our inner Self (Spirit). This can be tangibly felt, it actually manifests, as a cool wind, breath or breeze, often experienced on the palms of the hands or at the top (crown) of the head. It is a spontaneous, effortless natural happening. Each week many people experience this actualisation at one of the many free meditation classes on offer ## How to get into balance? The secret of the Sahaja Yoga method resides within us, at the base of the spinal chord, in a triangular bone called the “sacrum bone”. Since our birth in our sacrum bone dwells an inner energy called in Sanskrit Kundalini; it is characterised as a feminine energy and once activated, this energy rises along our spine until it reaches the top of the head and finally connects with the universal energy. This union is called “yoga” in Sanskrit. ## Kundalini As our indwelling Kundalini rises through the central channel, this benevolent feminine energy activates the chakras, removing all the impurities from them and nourishing the entire inner system. It is through this happening that we are elevated into ‘thoughtless awareness’, the mental silence of true meditation www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk Free Meditation & Yoga Classes in London Want to experience it now – Experience Self Realisation now – Guided Meditation ([https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/ "https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/")) ###

Join us for our weekly Fems and Thems Climbing Social, a welcoming space for women and non-binary climbers to connect, climb, and have fun! Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this social is all about building a supportive community and celebrating our shared love for the sport. This is a relaxed, no-pressure environment designed to help you enjoy climbing while meeting like-minded people. Open to all women and non-binary folks aged 18 and over. Cost: £16 regular peak time entry at Bethwall Climbing centre (£2 registration fee might apply) + £4 rental shoes (chalk is provided Come solo or bring a friend – everyone is welcome! Let’s climb, chat, and share some good vibes. We can’t wait to see you there! For any questions or accessibility inquiries, feel free to contact us in advance.

Get ready for an epic adventure in [Morocco](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/morocco)! We're inviting you to conquer **[Mount Toubkal](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/mount-toubkal)**, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 meters. Four days filled with hiking, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences await you. You won't want to miss this! **ITINERARY** * Day 1: [Marrakech](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/marrakech) to [Imlil](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/imlil) (1,740m) * Day 2: Hike to Refuge de [Toubkal](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/mount-toubkal) (3,207m) * Day 3: [Summit Toubkal](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/mount-toubkal) (4,167m) and come down * Day 4: Free day in [Marrakech](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/marrakech) and return home **FULL PRICE** (includes [guide](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/about-us/leadership-team.html) and accommodation): £420 (including deposit) **RESERVE**: Secure your place by paying a deposit, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the event. ### **Toubkal Summit Gear Guide** **Essential checklist for your summit to the top of North Africa:** [Toubkal Summit Guide](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/toubkal-summit-gear-guide "Toubkal Summit Guide") ***  Now, you can pay in installments. Make your adventure affordable: **Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, thanks to **Klarna**!

Free On-going 10 Week Sahaja Yoga Mediation Course - Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Manohar, Sat , Cristina, Tim, Larissa, Matthew - Learn to Meditate - Join us for weekly meditation sessions in Wanstead Community Hall on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.00pm - Wanstead Community Hall, 21 The Green, Wanstead, London, E11 2NT **Thursday evenings from 7.30 pm until 9.00 pm** \- Please come in good time as doors close at 8 pm and might be difficult to get in\. Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that will enable you to connect with your deeper self, establishing a higher awareness within you resulting in a deep feeling of peace, calmness, balance, and joy. It is a tangible practical experience: Sahaja Yoga is “Subtle, Simple and Real”. It was founded by HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ( 1923-2011) and has at its core the process of Self Realisation: connecting with your real Self through the awakening of the dormant energy in our sacrum bone called Kundalini who takes us into the deep peaceful state of thoughtless awareness. In the class, we will go through the process of Self Realisation and learn how to achieve the state of meditation effortlessly. Also, we will learn about balancing our subtle system, how to diagnose and solve our problems, and how to meditate at home. Sahaja Yoga helps all aspects of our life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, it is an extraordinary method, unique from any other types of meditations as it uses our own energy Kundalini who can correct our chakras, balance us, and take us to a much higher and deeper state of awareness. We do not need mats, we sit on chairs, it is easy and simple, Sahaja means spontaneous in Sanskrit, it is for all cultures, ages, religions, and backgrounds. There are free meetings all over London and the UK and also in more than 100 countries. If you are looking for well-being, harmony, and solving your problems, you want to get out of confusion, and mental health problems you are looking for answers then you are in the right place. Come along and try, no need to sign up, beginners are welcome anytime. **“Sahaja Yoga is a method by which our Pure Desire is fulfilled“ (from the founder Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi)**

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **DESCRIPTION** This hike is both for beginners and advanced as there is an option. We will all walk from Arundel to Amberley village together past the castle markets through Amberley castle to the roof top lounge in Amberley for lunch (about 9km) Option 1: Some can stay on the roof top and relax for the afternoon. Option 2: From the rooftop some of us can do the afternoon circular hike, another 10km. Option 3: another option If you like, you could just join us for the afternoon circular hike from the rooftop. This picturesque hike takes you through the heart of the South Downs National Park. The trail offers a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and stunning vistas, making it a rewarding experience for walkers of all levels, passing along the Arun river. In this glorious hike we will aim for a late lunch and mooch around the Amberley village **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **10km - 20km** Ascent: c.**192 metres** Estimated Duration (approx): **3-6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. \*\*Assembly Time: 08:30 Move to the departure platform at 08:45 The train departs at: 09:05 The train arrives at 10:32 at Arundel station We'll aim for train back from Amberley station at 16:48 to arrive Victoria for 18:15 **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime.\* **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs (unless you selected that payment option) * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit. **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

The Venue is a room in Lauderdale house set on the entrance of the magnificent Waterlow park in Highgate (nearest tube is Archway, on the northern line. Waterlow park is less then 10min walk up highgate hill) A very beautiful location to be after such a energizing and emotionally cleansing experience! Doors open 0830am Instructions 0900am Meditation -915am-1015am (no admission after 915am) There is a cafe downstairs for you to drink, eat and connect together afterwards or you may feel drawn to wander alone into the majestic park, soaking up the beauty of the trees, lakes and landscape...whatever is right for you! Active meditations were designed by Osho with us westerners in mind. It can be challenging with our hectic lifestyles, full of stimulus to just sit down and switch off into silence. How many times have you heard people say' I just can't meditate, my mind is too busy, my body cannot be still etc...' Active meditations were designed by Osho to use the body and breath first, enabling us to 'empty our vessel ' through physical movement. By doing this we release pent up emotions and tension in the body so that we are more able to reach inner stillness, silence and meditation. We will commence with the dynamic meditation for a series of weeks then rotate to try other active meditations designed by Osho. What is the dynamic meditation? A complete work out for mind, body and soul; It is the mother of all emotional cleansers!! More detailed instructions for new comers given at 845am(optional attendance if you know this meditation well). Meditation starts 9am sharp. Doors will have to close then. This technique is in 5 stages that flow together beautifully to make up the complete meditation. It is done with the eyes closed so no need to feel self conscious; no one is looking at you! Stage 1)chaotic breathing. Completely takes you out of the mind, energizes, detoxifies and oxygenates the body in preparation for the next stage Stage 2)Catharsis-emptying your vessel! How often will you get the the opportunity to release on such a spectacular level. Your endorphins will be flying as you act out, scream, cry, shout, play madness as best you can. Doing this regular will release stress and tension on all levels; It could keep you sane:) Stage 3)''Hoo'' phase. Grounding the energy Stage 4)Silence...drop inside and really experience the witnessing self. Meditation will come easily now. Stage 5)Dance. Celebrate your experience like a new born you Meditations will start at 9am (running for one hour )on Saturday mornings. New comers please arrive at 845am if you want to go over the instructions... Cost is on a sliding scale depending on your wage or situation- £20/15 (please pay by cash, paypal or eventbrite. Correct money if paying cash please) https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate?locale.x=en_GB https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/osho-dynamic-meditation-tickets-164956387997 If money is a problem please speak to Tara, all are welcome This meditation can be done alone but the more the merrier for a real energy blast. I know it's early but get up and JOIN IN!!! Trust me you will feel amazing afterwards.... Ideally this is best done on an empty stomach(certainly not a full one). As I said there is a cafe downstairs so you won't go hungry or you can always picnic in the park! Come alone or come with friends. Bring a bottle of water and an open mind! FREE PARKING ON HIGHGATE HILL SATURDAYS :0 Additional info:- Lauderdale House Waterlow Park Highgate Hill London N6 5HG Lauderdale House is a white house behind the gates to Waterlow Park on Highgate Hill. It's on the left hand side heading north up from Archway tube, ( just past St Joseph’s Church on the corner of Dartmouth Park Hill). It faces Highgate Hill and is easily visible from the pavement, backing onto Waterlow Park.

**SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 27.5km (17 miles) **Ascent:** 426m **Duration**: 7-8 hours walking (4km/hr) **Grade**: Energetic **HIGHLIGHTS** * Circular from Haddenham & Thame Parkway over rolling hills of western Aylesbury Vale * A delightful mix of woodlands, arable fields * Slow ascents and descents linking 4 hilltop villages on remote paths * Great views over 5 counties from hilltop village of Brill * Thatched roofs and quaint pubs along the way. This is a beautiful part of the Aylesbury Vale in Bucklnghamshire, with fantastic views, quaint villages, rolling hills, white cows and stallion horses. The morning will be filled with meandering over open fields and a bracing for a slow uphill hike to the top of the hill at Brill for a great views and a pub stop – bring sandwiches as we are stopping for refreshments only. In the afternoon, we will continue to another two villages of Ashendon and Nether Winchendon before we make our way back to Haddenham. At 27.5km, it will be a long and energetic day out – and you will discover countryside which is very different to the normal meetup hikes and rewarded with quaint pubs with thatched roofs - and of course, there is a pub in Haddenham for post hike drinks! *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history and have time for taking photos* **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 8.30 Meet for a group save ticket **Meet:** 8:45 for those who buy their own tickets & walk to train **Finish:** 6pm in Haddenham for an optional pub visit. **Recommended morning train from London** **Dep**: 09:02 London Marylebone **Arr:** 09:41 Haddenham and Thame Parkway **Return** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London from 18.06 (arrives at 18.45) or 18.17 (arrives 19.10), 19.06 (arrives 19.45) **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Petersfield · **£22.60 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: Buy a yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** Marylebone Station - In front of timetable noticeboards **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

**The creative practice of writing thought experiments gives you the opportunity to:** * investigate ideas (old and new) * work your imagination * write creatively and playfully * produce compelling conversation starters that you can share with friends and strangers to provoke great discussions Over the past 3 years, I've written over 200 thought experiments and learned a lot along the way. [Here's a bit more about why I enjoy the practice.](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/p/writing-thought-experiments) **In this workshop,** I'll share my process and together we'll create new thought experiments by: * Identifying areas of interest * Gathering ingredients for thought experiments * Imagining scenarios * Constructing narratives * Generating relevant, thought provoking questions * Participating in a round of small group discussions - you can volunteer your new thought experiment, or if you'd rather, you can pick one out of the hat. **By the end of the evening** **we'll have** * had some thought provoking conversations * become familiar with a new method for creative thinking * written our own original material for future group discussions :-) Although we’ll be learning a new technique we'll also be aiming to have **an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun**. This will be less like school and more like a fun TEiP night out with an additional creative twist. **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts, it is about thinking creatively together and learning new ways to develop and communicate ideas. **Tickets** Space is limited (15-20) people and tickets are £15. I'd like to make this event accessible, so if cost is a barrier, please send me a DM. **Where we'll meet:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. We'll be upstairs in the Private Dining Room. Looking forward to meeting & talking with you! Bonny **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) -** newsletter and further reflections on these events **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** & **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- see what we look like **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else #philosophyinpubs #inclusivity #openmindedness #creativewriting #community #newskills

Peru: Coast to Clouds – Sea Lions, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Trails. **1 spot left** Would you like to go on unforgettable journey through Peru? where ancient legends, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures collide. This unique itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical heights of the Andes, offering a rare blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and bucket-list experiences. ✅What’s Included: Shared accommodation (SEPARATE BED) Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain 4xBreakfast Buffet lunch 1x **Date: 16-24 May 2026** Arrival Airport: Lima Airport Meet up: at the accommodation [Click here ](https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/trips/peru-discovery-adventure-machu-picchu-rainbow-mountain-sea-lions-Ufws)for more details or [DM me on WhatsApp here ](https://wa.me/393755267768)or Instagram [@windyrann_](https://www.instagram.com/windyrann_), if you are interested in joining!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! **AND TODAY IS OUR THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY!!!** So be ready for a celebration of everything that's made Improv Meetup wonderful: you, the amazing performers! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.