Free Thinker

Join us for a Free Ongoing Course - Learn to Meditate - Tuesdays in Covent Garden @ 7.30pm - Sahaja Yoga Meditation Please arrive early - join any week - all welcome Friends Meeting House, 8 Hop Gardens Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4EH To enter - please press the Bell marked - 'The Fry Room' Achieve Yoga & enter into a state of ‘thoughtless awareness’. In the heart of London, very close to Covent Garden, there is a weekly class in free meditation. **Achieve Yoga & Learn to Meditate in 2026 - 7:30- 9:00pm Tuesdays** 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/")) ###

Learn to Meditate - Tuesdays in Chelsea @ 7.30pm - Free Sahaja Yoga Class Venue: 1st Floor, Alpha Place, Flood Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5SY **Achieve Yoga & Learn to Meditate in 2025 - 7:30- 9:00pm Tuesdays** 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/")) ###

**New members of all ages always welcome!** From the author of When We Cease to Understand the World: a dazzling, kaleidoscopic book about the destructive chaos lurking in the history of computing and AI ‘Darkly intelligent and feverishly propulsive’ Observer ‘As engrossing as it is disturbing’ Financial Times In a scintillating mix of fact and fiction, The MANIAC tells of the dark foundations of our modern world and the nascent era of AI. At its core is John von Neumann, a titan of science who revolutionised fields from game theory to computer systems and helped develop the atomic bomb. As illness unmoored his mind, his work pushed further into areas beyond human comprehension and control. With dazzling mastery, Benjamín Labatut weaves von Neumann's story together with the crises in physics at the beginning of the twentieth century and humanity's showdown with artificial intelligence a hundred years later. Innovative and disquieting, this book plunges us into the most profound questions of humanity, where reason teeters on the brink of chaos. _____________ **‘Reads like physicist Carlo Rovelli crossed with the cosmic horror of HP Lovecraft’ - Sunday Times** **‘Labatut is fast emerging as the most significant South American writer since Borges... There is no one writing like him anywhere in the world**

17:15-18:00 Doors open / Registration 17:30-18:30 Free English Classes in small groups 18:30-19:15 Meal for £3.5 / Meet new people www.freeenglishclasses.org

**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating". We are anti-clickbate and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society.** We run an in-person and an online session every week, as follows: * In-person sessions are held on **Tuesdays at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 6pm-8pm** * Online sessions are held on **Wednesdays between 7pm-9pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **All our sessions are free for first timers. However, please note that you still need to book via the website (www.debait.co.uk) to secure your place on any given session. Use code FIRSTDEBAIT to claim your free spot.**

Perhaps you wonder: What actually happens at an estuary event? Glad you asked! An estuary event is a two-hour conversation, but not just any conversation. We especially welcome people from different ideological backgrounds, different religions, different political persuasions, different perspectives on current events, in other words, we appreciate intellectual diversity, and we really like intellectual honesty and free expression. Our goal is to listen and learn, and perhaps even learn to love. We use a protocol that encourages mutual respect and openness to new ideas. There is no pre-determined agenda. Nobody comes with a prepared lesson. In a rather unique democratic fashion, each participant puts a topic on the table, and then we decide together which topic(s) lend themselves best to having an interesting and productive conversation during that session. Therefore, each session is different, because each session begins with new topics, as shared by whoever is present for that session. So if you were to join us for any given event, you would be able to put your favorite topic on the table, alongside the topics of every other participant, and then we would decide together which topic seems most interesting to proceed with. It could be yours! Of course, no-one should feel pressured to contribute. You can always pass, and just observe what happens. We like to deal with what we call the big questions of life, like morality, justice, or any other difficult question in the news today, but, to be clear, no topic is off limits, whether it is about religion, or personal relationships, or how to make friends. In the past we have delved into topics like abortion, mental health, homelessness, and even psychedelic mushrooms! On rare occasions even God makes an appearance (as a topic)! Join us on the last saturday of every month.

Take a pause from your busy day and join us for a 20-minute guided meditation to breathe your stress away, decompress your body and mind, centre yourself and restore your wellbeing. Leave feeling refreshed, recharged and refocused, ready to tackle the rest of your day. No experience is necessary – this free in-person meditation is open to everyone. **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

If you’ve recently stepped into leadership, you’re probably facing decisions that feel heavier than expected. Not because they’re complicated. Because they involve trade-offs. You might be circling: * A hire you’re unsure about * A pricing change with ripple effects * A pivot that feels risky * A messy internal process * A trade-off with no clean answer This is a small, facilitated working session (max 3 participants). We take real decisions and think them through properly. Not networking. Not theory. Not pitching. Structured thinking. ### Format • 3 participants • Each brings one real decision • We clarify the actual problem • Separate facts from assumptions • Map options and consequences • Identify trade-offs • Define the next move

These fortnightly sessions are dedicated to the discussion and exploration of an idea that I, as the organiser, have planned. No prior reading or knowledge is required. For more information, please visit https://www.think-philosophy.group/about/

All levels are welcome and a great way to share knowledge, practice your Mandarin or English, socialise and make friends. Games that help to develop linguistic skills are very welcome, such as flash cards, cross words, puzzles, scrabble and bananagrams etc. More than 2 guests are welcome. Nearest Tube stations: • Goodge Street Station • Tottenham Court Road Free event (But you should buy a drink to keep the pub happy 😊) For more information please contact Alistair.

If you build digital products that incorporate AI and have concerns about the energy use and environmental impacts of the technology, then this talk is for you. Charles Humble is coming to talk about the carbon footprint of artificial intelligence as well as some practical tips on how to minimise this through the different phases of AI development. Check out the Green Software Brighton [website](https://greensoftwarebrighton.co.uk/) for links to previous talks. Arrive from 18:00 for pizza and drinks. Event will start at 18:30. We always head for a drink and a chat locally afterwards too. --- ***Thank you to Runway East for use of their space to host our events and to Silicon Brighton and the Green Software Foundation for supporting us.***

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**GRADE: Level 5/5 -** **STRENUOUS with several ups and downs.** \-\-\- Take on a **challenging 31 km** coastal adventure from Folkestone to Deal, following dramatic clifftop paths along the English Channel. This strenuous point-to-point hike passes the White Cliffs of Dover, historic landmarks, and sweeping sea views with France visible on a clear day. With a lunch stop in Dover, a break at South Foreland Lighthouse, and a well-earned pub finish near Deal station, this is a full day of distance, elevation, and iconic Kent coastline. \-\-\- **IMPORTANT** Please read the event details carefully before signing up. This hike is intended for experienced hikers and requires a good level of fitness. Make sure you come prepared with suitable hiking clothing and footwear. Proper hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip and ankle support are strongly recommended. Trainers are not advised. The group will aim to maintain the advertised pace. If you find you are unable to keep up, you may need to continue the hike independently. \-\-\- **OVERVIEW** Distance: \~31km (\~19miles) - Point-to-Point Walk Difficulty: Strenuous ⛰️ Approx. \~750m ascent and descent ⏱️ Walking time: approx. 7.5 hours Total time: approx. 9 hours (with various stops along the way) Pace: Steady and sustained with limited waiting. Moving average around 4.5 km/h (\~2.8 mph) on easier sections, slower on climbs and descents. \-\-\- **⚠️ TERRAIN** Exposed clifftop coastal paths across chalk grassland and gravel tracks, with sustained hills and uneven footing. Sections can become muddy and slippery in wet conditions, so proper waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential. \-\-\- **MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS** 📍 10:00 Meet at **[Folkestone Central Train Station](https://w3w.co/parade.guard.outbound)** ▶️ 10:10 Walk start from Folkestone Central Train Station 🏁 19:00-19:30 Walk ends at **[Deal Train Station](https://w3w.co/upgrading.hang.staple)** \-\-\- *Note: With a steady group pace, minimal stopping and waiting time, and good group dynamics, we could reach the end point around 18:00 to 18:30.* \-\-\- **LONDON GROUP TRAVEL (OPTIONAL)** Buy a return from **[London St Pancras International](https://w3w.co/hood.could.stones)** to Deal via Folkestone Central, £28.70 with network railcard discount. 08:30 Main ticket office London St Pancras International 08:45 Walk to platform board the High-Speed train 15 minutes before departure 09:07 Train departs 10:02 Arrive at Folkestone Central Train Station \-\-\- ↩️ **RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON** 19:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 20:54 20:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 21:54 Journey time 1hr 26 minutes \-\-\- **ABOUT:** Starting from Folkestone, a coastal town in Kent, this point-to-point hike offers scenic views of the English Channel along the way. There are public toilets on the way where we stop for lunch in Dover and a tea break at the South Foreland Lighthouse. We begin our hike at Folkestone Central Train Station and conclude at a pub near Deal Train Station. \-\-\- **DESCRIPTION:** The hike begins in the coastal town of Folkestone. This route offers stunning panoramic views of the English Channel. We stop for lunch in Dover, a major ferry port. After lunch, we continue our hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you may even spot the cliffs of France. We pause for a short break at the South Foreland Lighthouse, a National Trust site. The view from there is spectacular and provides a great photo opportunity. On route, we see several castles and historical monuments (see the highlights). After the lighthouse, we continue our hike towards St Margaret's Bay, passing a number of places such as Kingsdown and Walmer. We finish our walk at the Deal Train Station, where our walk concludes at a welcoming pub close to the station, and we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey. \-\-\- **HIGHLIGHTS:** * Folkestone Warren * Saxon Shore Way coastal section (Folkestone to Dover) * White Cliffs of Dover * Dover Castle views * South Foreland Lighthouse * St Margaret's Bay * Dover Patrol Memorial * Walmer Castle and Deal Castle * English Channel views with France visible on clear days \-\-\- **This hike's question for you:** **Question**: If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this? If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. Chocolate will be given to the first three people who come and give me the answer. \-\-\- **WHAT TO BRING:** \- Packed lunch\, snacks\, and sufficient water \- Proper hiking boots with grips\. **No trainers** \- Weather\-appropriate layers and proper waterproofs \- Fully charged phone \- Personal medication and basic first aid \- Trekking poles recommended for slippery ascents and descents \- Head torch \-\-\- **RSVP & ATTENDANCE** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. \-\-\- ✅ **WHO CAN JOIN** Adults aged 21 and over No children No pets \-\-\- **STAYING TOGETHER** Participants must choose events that match their fitness and keep up with the group lead, as the overall pace will not be adjusted for individuals. A dedicated back marker may not always be present, so stay within sight of others and keep an organiser in view where possible. If someone ahead is significantly slowing the pace, please move past them to stay with the main group. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may pause at key points to regroup. While we try not to leave anyone behind, it is not safe or practical for a large group to repeatedly stop for individuals unable to maintain the stated pace. Participants who cannot keep up may be asked to navigate independently at their own pace. Anyone who continues independently without informing an organiser will be assumed to be managing their own route and safety. \-\-\- ⬅️ **EXIT POINTS** 13 km : Union Street, 1.3km walk to Dover train station 20 km : St Margarets Bay, 4km walk to Matril Hill train station 26 km : Walmer Castle, 1.7km walk from Walmer train station \-\-\- **CONTACT:** Message the event host, **[Saeideh](https://www.meetup.com/members/330804796/)[,](https://www.meetup.com/members/389323675/)** directly via Meetup with any questions. Secondary contact **[AdrianB](https://www.meetup.com/members/287692462/)** via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663. \-\-\- ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety. Neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

This 1967 film is widely regarded as one of the best American movies ever made. Now remembered almost as much for its Simon and Garfunkel music as its deadpan comedy and being the role that established Dustin Hoffman as the hottest actor in Hollywood. It became a cultural icon for capturing the spirit of 60s angst of a young man on the make, while garnering a batch of Oscar nominations. After watching the movie on your own, join us to relive (or experience!) those feelings at our discussion.

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** 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 And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** 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. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation