Future of Journalism

PLEASE NOTE: this session will exceptionally begin at 14h and end at 17h What comes to mind when we hear the word "dream"? 1) Experiences we undergo while sleeping? 2) Hopes, desires and goals we cherish for the future? 3) Daydreaming? 4) Imagining, thought-experimenting, inventing? 5) ...? How are all these various forms of dreaming connected to our waking, here-and-now lives? What life experiences have you had that noticeably influenced your dreams? What dreams have you had that especially affected, possibly changing or even transforming, your life? How can we maximize the value of our dreams? How can we maximize the value our waking/here-and-now experiences have on our dreams? What can dreams teach us about consciousness? [Jef, might you want to add Jung and Freud to the BINGO cards? 😉😅] How do dreaming and non-dreaming affect self-identity, and vice-versa? Should we categorically aim to avoid all nightmares (or not)? Does free will exist in dreams? Do all dreams carry messages? (What) can we learn (something) from the "logic" of dreams? Can dreams predict the future? (How) can we know whether we are dreaming or not dreaming? If our waking consciousness would turn out to be all a dream after all, how might "waking consciousness lucid dreaming" manifest itself to us? "Life, as I experience it, is an ongoing quest to search for, collect and process "dream material": scenes, sounds and events during waking life that will inevitably return later (sometimes much later) during dream sleep, (dis)guised in all various forms and permutations ... only to resurface, rematerialize and recur in new configurations and in new contexts during future waking life. Like the ongoing cycle of breathing, a continual exchange of "dream material" is constantly occurring, oscillating back and forth between waking and sleeping, between consciousness and the unconscious, between past and future." — Alnata Karuna This session will be an opportunity to talk about and to share our dreams - in whatever forms or contents - and to explore together their possible roles and significance in our lives. [https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams) [https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming](https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming) [https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f](https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f) [https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f](https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f) [https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt](https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt)

FOREST PLAY (11h-13h) The Forest Play - sessions are inclusive, nurturing and natural reconnecting events, focussing on restoring or replenishing energy, the sense of joy and personal perspective by interacting (and playing) with nature's healing elements. Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to get in touch with our inner-child and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again, bringing back the joy and vitality we all carry deeply within, but often believed to have been lost. Our hearts gradually open and start reconnecting again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore general holistic balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake to it, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do play gently with our personal comfort zones, sliding in and out, at times challenging our personal beliefs, convictions and limitations. These edges are where the real learning takes place, so take note. The sessions have powerful therapeutic value. They are developed, customised and guided by specialised trauma therapist Ken Christiaens. All exercises, while feeling light and fun, have a foundation in trauma and tension-releasing therapies, with elements of inner child work, constellations, reiki, NLP, somatic work, role/game play and meditation. Nature's increased healing potential (forest bathing) is fully being harnessed here. For more info on the therapeutic practice of Ken, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be PRACTICAL The Forest Play-session starts at 11h sharp and ends at 13h. It costs 18e to participate. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 8-10, Oud-Heverlee (please read location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky). You actually might get a bit dirty and sweaty at some point, please prepare for outdoor nature workout: sporty shoes with ribs, sporty clothes, maybe a small towel (feet might get dirty or wet) or anything you feel comfortable with. Regarding the payment: You will be asked to transfer 18e to Ken's account beforehand or bring it on the day itself. Your participation is only confirmed if you have confirmed the payment as well. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there!

**DATES:** 18th and 19th of April 2026 **TIME**: 11:00 am until 4:00 pm (both days) **FEE:** €230 for individuals (2 days) €230 excl. VAT for companies **DISCOUNT:** 15% for students and participants of previous workshops **BRUNCH & REFRESHMENTS:** Included **LOCATION: BRUSSELS, CHATELAIN AREA** \- exact address upon registration This workshop takes place in a **small group (max. 8 participants)** to ensure an **individual approach**, personal feedback, and real progress for everyone. It’s ideal for communication professionals, project managers, EU staff, artists, NGOs, and anyone who wants to elevate their video presence on social media. You’ll learn by doing: through **hands-on technical and creative exercises**, we will film together using your phone, professional **tripods and sound equipment (provided)**, and edit step-by-step in **CapCut**. The focus is on practical skills you can immediately reuse — from framing and light to sound and storytelling. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with their own **finished short video** created from the material we produce together — plus the confidence to continue filming independently. **Here’s What You’ll Learn:** **DAY 1: Foundations: Story, Technique & Interviews** **•** **Planning & Structuring a Short Video** Learn how to shape a clear, engaging story before you start filming — whether for interviews, events, institutional communication, or social media. We focus on simple methods that make your message stronger and your filming more efficient. • **Creating a Simple Shot List** Discover how to translate your idea into visuals. You’ll learn how to plan key shots in advance so your video feels coherent, dynamic, and professional — not random or improvised. **• Filming Professional Interviews with Your Phone** Master practical techniques for framing, positioning your subject, working with available light, and capturing clean, usable sound. Small details that make a big difference in perceived quality. **• Getting the Best Out of Your Mobile Phone** Understand essential settings, filming apps, and accessories. You’ll work with tripods, microphones (provided) to dramatically improve stability, sound, and image quality. **DAY 2: Practice, Filming & Editing** **• Practical Outdoor Filming** Put everything into action in real-life situations. You’ll film footage outside, learning how to adapt to changing light, sound, and spontaneous moments. **• Introduction to CapCut & Editing Your Video** A clear, step-by-step introduction to editing on your phone. Learn how to select the best shots, structure your story, add sound, titles, and polish your video using CapCut. **• Hands-On Practice with Personal Feedback** Most of the day is dedicated to filming, experimenting, solving real problems, and receiving direct guidance. The small group format allows for individual support and concrete improvement. **By the end of the workshop, you will have filmed and edited your own short video using the material created during the sessions — and gained practical skills you can immediately apply in your work.** **MOBILE VIDEO WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS – DETAILS** • **Dates**: 18th and 19th of April 2026 • **Time:** 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM • **Workshop Fee:** €230 for individuals (2 days) €230 excl. VAT for companies 15% discount for students and participants of previous workshops **• Brunch & Refreshments:** Included **• Materials Provided:** 20 pages of printed workshop notes filled with practical tips and techniques to support your video-making journey after the workshop • **What to Bring:** A fully charged mobile phone and your charger. Tripods and microphones will be provided for practice during the workshop. Please also bring headphones compatible with your phone. **We work only in small groups – a maximum 8 participants!** **Why This Workshop?** This workshop is designed so that every participant gains real, hands-on experience — not just theory. You will actively film, experiment, and learn throughout the process, and leave with a **finished short video** created from the material we produce together. Unlike large trainings with limited interaction, this is an **intensive small-group format (max. 8 participants)**, allowing the trainer to work closely with each person. You’ll receive individual attention across both technical and creative aspects, tailored to your goals and level. The aim is to create a focused yet relaxed environment where learning is practical, personal, and enjoyable — combining serious skill development with curiosity, experimentation, and plenty of fun along the way. **TRAINER – ANJA STRELEC** Anja is a **documentary filmmaker, audiovisual director, photographer, and experienced visual storyteller**, working across formats from **short social media videos to feature-length documentary films**. She has collaborated with **various TV channels, the European Commission, NGOs, UNICEF, and Special Olympics among others** and her films have been **screened and awarded at international festivals**. Alongside her filmmaking work, she leads **hands-on workshops** that help participants develop their visual voice and storytelling skills. Her teaching style is **individual-oriented and practical** – so by the end of the workshop, you already know how to confidently use your new skills.

**International House Leuven** organizes a coffee morning for those of you who like to chat and meet some friendly (new) faces. It's also a good place to ask questions, get answers and find out about what’s happening in Leuven. Our coffee morning is what you make it. So pop in and out whenever you like, see who is there, and say hi! Other than meeting on Friday mornings every two weeks at the IHL house, for this edition we will meet on a **Saturday every two weeks**, so that those who work during the week have a chance to come! Who's "we"? Well it varies a bit, but this time it will be volunteers from the IH, Zeba and/or Georgi! ​ The practicalities: \- the coffee morning goes for 2 hours\, for the exact time check the event details\. Feel free to pop in and out at any point\, no need to stay the entire time if that doesn't suit your own timing\. \- The location is stated in the event details\. Any changes will be communicated via MeetUp and the WhatsApp group on the day of\.\.\.\. \- ask the event volunteer at the event to be added to the Whatsapp group for future updates \- We will **limit the group size** because the cafe has limited seating, so please register so we know how many people are coming (and please respect your reservation, AKA cancel if you can no longer come :) ) Be aware that we cannot make a group reservation, so we may have to split up between a few tables. Hope to see you at this special coffee morning weekend edition!

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

Come to our beaded jewel making workshop and prepare a jewellery for your loved one! :) Materials: fishing wire, different beads, faux leather, finishes and chains Method: we are going to prepare pieces of winter collections. Feel free to select the piece you would like to prepare from the webshop: https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/ Number of participants: maximum 7 persons Place : in our cosy atelier (1 Rue Pierre Theunis, sonette 81, 1030 Schaerbeek). Please note: we have a cat in the atelier. Registration: Click attend or email to tulipanedesign@gmail.com until 16 April 17h More info via phone: 0484329477 Price: 25 € TTC per person that includes the material, snacks and vouchers About the moderator Edit, founder of Tulipane Design. ‘Raised in the Hungarian countryside, I learned sewing, crochet and traditional bead weaving. Jewellery being my main interest, I especially liked bead weaving. This passion has always been with me. Since I have been living in Belgium, the African style fascinates me as much as the Hungarian folk style. With my work, which manifests itself under the brand name Tulipane Design, I would like to offer a delicate mixture of Eastern Europe and Africa. The designs are created and woven bead by bead. It is a work of patience and a kind of meditation: the beads take time to be woven. Through my childhood trauma with an abusive father, I realised that creating is a crucial activity to find my balance and well-being and I think I am not alone with this. That's why my goal is not only to share my creations with other women but also to contribute to a social impact. Tulipane Design contributes with 1€/jewel sold to the Domestic Violence Centre in Belgium.’ More information about Tulipane Design: Instagram or Facebook @tulipanedesign or at https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/

Story Night is back with a new group of talented storytellers will share their stories to make you think, laugh and cry! **Story Night Brussels: an evening of connection and community through personal stories** Looking for a different kind of Saturday night? Join us for the one and only Story Night of Storytelling Brussels! Storytelling Brussels aims to create a space where we pause, connect, and experience our shared humanity through the power of stories. A space where everyday experiences become well-crafted narratives with meaning and impact. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, feel. Come with an open mind and leave with a full heart. **Event Details:** * Each storyteller has prepared a short (around 8 minutes) personal story. * **Venue**: the Bridge Theatre Studio; Chau. de Forest 83, St. Gilles * **Doors open 19:30.** Show starts at 20:00 (sharp!). More than just a show, we want to create a community around storytelling, so **we encourage you to come early**, socialize, and maybe meet new people! There will be music and drinks available at the bar. We are starting again at 8 pm to allow for more storytellers and not end too late! Please note that the **front door of the venue might be closed once the show starts**, as it’s a private space, so you might not be able to enter if you are too late! * Attention! We will be collecting **donations upon check-in at the door.** We recommend a donation of **10€/person**, but if you can't pay this at the moment, feel free to make a donation of your choice. All the earnings will go to compensate the performers (some of whom will be traveling long distances for this event) and organise more of these in the future. **Please bring cash**. * All stories will be told in **English** * We kindly ask you to be present and listen actively to the stories. But don't fear, we will also have time to have fun and chat in between, and some breaks to enjoy the bar! **Reservations**: it helps us a lot if you [RSVP through here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-night-connecting-through-personal-stories-tickets-1986118609225?lid=mhwkwiitinr1&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=ebml&utm_campaign=clpo_ceex_lcm_fad_mec_mc_mum_0_0_eventpublished&utm_term=Main_EventPublishedSubFree_HeroSummary_other%20feature%20usage&utm_content=e412e73b-f3c5-463c-af88-9aa6b8e94267__69c7948f688bf81f67b04ace587e740e__2cc6065c-8d9a-424d-a326-56cd04fcd4b9). Space is limited, so secure your spot by booking today! If in the end you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation so someone else might take your spot. Please note that if you haven’t arrived by the time the show starts, your spot might be given to someone else. **What is storytelling?** Sharing stories in front of an audience may well be the oldest form of art. This ancient oral tradition is experiencing a modern revival through organizations like The Moth in New York, the Mezrab in Amsterdam, or The Bear in Berlin. Now, it is Brussels’ turn! Though deeply connected to many other disciplines, storytelling is an artform on its own. It might make you laugh, but it's not stand-up comedy. It might make you think, but it's not a TED talk. It make help you heal, but it's not therapy. Ultimately, it's about connecting with each other, sharing and celebrating life. **Want to tell a story?** We believe everyone has a story to tell, and we welcome everyone who wants to dare! Previous performance experience is a plus, but **not necessarily required.** We simply ask you to fill up the form below and commit to respect the format (you will have priority if you have come to our shows before). Depending on the volume of applications we will contact you only when we find a spot for you, thank you for your understanding! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEI9BtS4uNOWhBtvV2nEtbjy8Y6POs2PWPbYvFX5cTGy7n8A/viewform?usp=dialog **Want to be updated about our events?** If you don't want to miss our next shows and keep up to date with our activities, **find us** **on Instagram @storytellingbrussels** Tired of social media? Sign up to our mailing list here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHgK8mRpp_3GiXO4l6bIugqGqe6l7bHGnjLJXEHyEEjYvOTw/viewform?usp=preview We kindly ask you to not take videos of the performers. Please note however that photos and videos may be taken by the organisation at the event to be used in promotion materials. If you do not wish to be included in photographs, please let us know on the day itself.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Spirit Walks are unique nature hikes meant to lift up anyone's spirit, in a friendly, meaningful and even partially therapeutic way. It's usually a lot of fun, since we value authentic connection, share a healthy lunch, keep a positive/dynamic mindset, while maintaining safe, vulnerable space for whatever wants to come in the moment. We value an adventurous spirit, creativity, deep connection and authenticity. In a spontaneous way, it could happen that we stop and learn about a medicinal plant, do a somatic (stretch) exercise, do a silent meditation, an authentic relating game or a creative expression, all with the goal of coming back to ourselves, reconnect with others and get absorbed by the wonderful and powerful healing aspects of our surrounding nature. As a experienced trauma- and burn-out therapist, Ken knows very well how to create a feel-good, nurturing and healing atmosphere in a natural, unassuming way. It can bring back joy and energy in someone's life. You'll never feel alone. For this particular hike, we will experience the wonderful nature reserve the 'Doode Beemde' and its beautiful surroundings, starting and coming back at Oud-Heverlee station. It's nto a very difficult hike, nothing to stress about, it's around 13km. There's a few communication guidelines to keep in the back of your minds during our hikes: This is supposed to be inclusive, fun & a bit adventurous. We love some deep talks, but try to avoid any polarizing topics, gossip and complaining. Be respectful to each others' viewpoints and try not to judge too openly. We should be able to get back at the station around 16h45h approx. I'm personally going by car, if others of you have space in their car, please propose your free seats in the comment section of this hike. You're responsible for your own safety and well-being down the road. In case something happens (you get lost, you can't proceed,...), we will do our common best to find a solution, but don't expect the whole group to become dependent. Take care and see you soon! Ken

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Château Moderne**, on Saturday, is 18 April 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. **Château Moderne will be changing its name to Radio Moderne!** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the first three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Château Moderne Mont des Arts 1 1000 Bruxelles

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. Since we have been reading some quite heavy books lately, we decided to do a round of something lighter for the spring. Our April read will be the famous bestseller, *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.

Glad to organise a film meetup for this tender astonishing heart breaking yet at peace documentary by the Belgian director Caroline Guimbal. An extract from her description: « My mother Nathalie will die in two years. My son will be born in nine months. From the past remains a spiral of violence and precarity we still have to decipher. But also the strength of my mother, and the poetry in her way of being in the world. By filming her, I learn to see through her eyes. » This is in French with English subtitles. Let’s meet in front of the ticket office, inside though I recommend you buy the tickets online. Afterwards, let’s go for a drink to recover from the film :)

Last movie from the famous director Gus Van Sant with Bill Skarsgard, Drake Montgomery, Al Pacino. VO English with FR/NL subtitles STORY: In 1977, former real estate developer Tony Kiritsis puts a dead man's switch on himself and the mortgage banker who did him wrong, demanding $5 million and a personal apology. Rotten tomatoes: 92%

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

**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

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

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!

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

A WiA Collective Wisdom Exchange At the start of this year, we gathered to look back, set intentions, and imagine the next chapter. This is the follow-up. Not a check-in. Not a progress report. A small, facilitated circle to reconnect with what you said mattered — and honestly explore what’s actually happening now. Together, we’ll explore: • What you intended at the start of this year - and what that looks like three months in • What’s surprised you, supported you, or shifted • What the next chapter needs now that you know what you know If you were at our January gathering, bring whatever you made or wrote — your word, your artifact, your intention. We’ll look at it with fresh eyes. If this is your first time, you belong here too. You’ll start where we all started: with what’s true right now. Optional art materials will be available for anyone who wants to reflect creatively alongside conversation. If you brought something home from January, you’re warmly invited to bring it back. The intention is the same as always: everyone leaves feeling more clear, more connected, and a little lighter. Space is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate. What to Expect • A small, welcoming circle (not a large meetup) • Structured conversation so everyone has space to speak • Reflection, listening, and lived experience — not advice-giving • Optional creative reflection alongside conversation • A calm, supportive environment Who This Is For Women and underrepresented folks working in or around agile, product, technology, leadership, or organizational change — especially those looking for honest conversation and community beyond frameworks and buzzwords. Good to Know • No preparation required • If you attended in January, we invite you to bring anything you created or wrote (or something that represents your intention at the start of the year) - it’s optional but invited • Participation is invitational; listening is always welcome • Creative activities are optional