Free Thinker

Come along and enjoy, with humour, an actual experience of conflict resolution that has no need for anyone to compromise, even if the other person is acting in way that upsets you. Jenny Pearce recently spoke at the Dowsing Society of Victoria in November last year. Her alternative journey started 33 years ago, and it was a horse that set Jenny on the path as a Holistic Alternative Therapist.

Our next meetup event will focus on the topic of Highly Sensitive People. Before our meeting please watch this podcast on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhrDqtxjvLg Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Roughly 1 in 5 people have the HSP trait, and in this meeting we will explore what it really means to be highly sensitive. Take the official Highly Sensitive Person quiz, share personal stories, and break down the science behind sensory processing sensitivity. Learn how emotional overwhelm, sensory overload, and even trauma can intensify sensitivity and why being an HSP is often misunderstood. Discover the best careers for highly sensitive people, how to navigate relationships as an HSP, and the powerful connection between high sensitivity, introversion, and neurodivergence. Whether you identify as a highly sensitive person or love someone who does, you’ll find practical tools, coping strategies, and surprising insights to help you thrive in a loud world.

Come Trek to the incredible nerd heaven that is Fortress Melbourne! Eat, drink, and Trek out with us in this incredible venue. Amazing pub snacks, full meals and drinks of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety are available at the bar at pub prices. Come for all or some of the social event. FINDING US : Easiest way is to enter the Emporium shopping mall from any entrance and head to the basement level. Just walk right in to the tavern side of Fortress (there is no entry fee). We'll be at a table somewhere near the bar! Look for Starfleet uniforms. OPTIONAL : If you can, please make a small donation on the day to help cover the Meetup platform fees!

Join Edward Sinclair as we read, explore, reflect and study together some fascinating Theosophical texts. This session we will be reading from a theosophical text titled: **Theosophy: An Introductory Study Course** by John Algeo *‘Have you ever wondered about the “big” questions of* *life?* *Who am I really?* *Why is the world the way it is?* *Where did I come from?* *What am I doing here?* *What comes next?* *When will I find out all these things?’* This book covers many fascinating topics such as karma, reincarnation, life after death, and the purpose of life to name a few. This is an introductory book but is a fascinating exploration for all. Open to TS members and non-members - all are welcome. For persons wishing to find out about membership of the The Melbourne Theosophical Society, we invite you to attend this study group, after the session there will be an opportunity to ask questions concerning membership. Non Members $5 Entry, T.S. Members Complimentary.

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

I spent 23 years chasing enlightenment and fell into numerous spiritual traps which kept me running in circles for years. If you're walking the path, you'll meet these traps too. The ego can subtly hijack the desire for spiritual awakening. It masks itself as progress to maintain control. In this session we will go deeper into the 4 most dangerous traps you will encounter which can keep you stuck for years. When these traps are seen, not discussed but actually seen, you can finally encounter the truth you have been longing for. **Schedule** * Talk by Rajiv followed by open Q&A * Guided Meditation * Spiritual networking. Make friends with others on the spiritual path **About Rajiv** Rajiv dedicated years of his life seeking enlightenment. His pursuit for truth, reality, emptiness and self-discovery took him through the profound depths of mysticism. He meditated 14 hours a day, stayed with monks, lived in the Himalayan caves, learned from wise sages and researched every major spiritual system, including Zen, Non-Duality, Yoga, Buddhism etc. Then one momentous morning in 2005, he experienced his first shift into higher states of consciousness, an inner spiritual awakening. This was followed by days of infinite ecstasy and bliss. Finally, the years of seeking culminated and he realised his own true nature. He now shares his deep insights to help seekers progress on the path of awakening & meditation. His approach is secular, based on personal experience. You can read about his spiritual journey here — [https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/](https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/) **Venue** Kathleen Syme Library 251 Faraday Street, Carlton, VIC We will be in Multipurpose Room 1. We may take some photos to capture the moment. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the organiser know at any time. This event is free and open to all adult seekers (18+). For inquiries please email Manpreet — mysteriousmk@yahoo.com

Ready to add some rhythm to your week? Join us for a **FREE Salsa class** right in the heart of Melbourne! No partner or experience needed — just bring your energy, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll learn the basic steps, meet amazing people, and have a ton of fun while moving to Latin beats. ✨ **What to expect:** * Easy, step-by-step instruction — perfect for first-timers * A fun and welcoming community * Great music, great vibes, and maybe a new obsession! 📍 **Location:** 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD (The Salsa Foundation Studio) 🕕 **When:** Multiple sessions weekly — book your spot now! 🎟️ **Cost:** 100% Free — bookings are essential due to limited space

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You'll gain insights into: * The true definition of the subconscious * How it generates unwanted emotions * Its real purpose and function * What determines the pressure it exerts on you But this isn't just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It's interactive and engaging - you can ask questions at any time. FREE ADMISSION Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.

Please join us this Sunday as we discuss how do we know what is true. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** If the Queensberry is shut, we will still meet there and move to a nearby pub or the park at about 2:20pm. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Philosophy Circle group. Find below some questions or topics to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion: * What is true belief? Does it require a good method? * Truth vs justification * Sources of belief - empiricism, reason, testimony, intuition * Gettier problems * Bias and distortion - confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, social identity effects * Do people using good methods converge on the truth? * Good principles for forming beliefs in real life. Hope to see you there!

**Dying Consciously** \- it's not something most of us think about very much\. But some ancient teachings tell us that our state of consciousness at the time of death will determine the conditions of *our next destination*. And this idea is indeed supported by *some parapsychological evidence*. **In this unique interactive session,** Candace Ohanessian will walk us through the many considerations and questions one needs to align this most important life-event with our innermost values and wishes. **Candace will introduce us** to the key foundational concepts, parapsychological aspects of dying, and then the practical foundations of a preferred (conscious) death. She'll then cover in depth what conscious dying is all about, how to be in a supporting role with others who may be dying, and then finishing with some closing reflections and discussion. Certainly **a thought-provoking and eye-opening** discussion, and one you rarely get the opportunity to explore in a safe space with an experienced expert in the field. When we face up to our greatest fears, we become empowered. **About Candace:** * End-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and registered funeral provider * Believes that preparing for death is a most life-affirming achievement * 20+ years’ experience with people in transition - addiction recovery, end-of-life planning and care, and families in grief. * Helps people plan for and have their preferred death * Helps families embrace and support the dying person and each other, optimally * Cert IV in Doula Studies, BA in Human Development, MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology. * Member of [Dying With Dignity Victoria ](https://www.dwdv.org.au/)and [Palliative Care ](https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au/)Australia, * Committee member of [Natural Death Advocacy Network](http://ndan.com.au/) * Board of Directors for the end-of-life doula peak body “HELD” **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"