Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Start your day with calm, clarity, and connection. This is a **gentle walk** through Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens — ideal if you’ve been feeling stressed, disconnected, or just need a fresh start. We’ll move at a slow, mindful pace, take in nature, chat if we feel like it, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Route: https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3847 This isn’t a workout or a photography tour — though you’re welcome to take photos. It’s simply a **reset** — a way to feel human again, without pressure. **☕ Optional:** Coffee after the walk **🎒 Bring:** Comfy shoes, water, optional camera or journal **🧠 Mood:** Gentle, quiet, open to connection but no pressure to talk

Hi all Fortnightly dinner and movie at Pentridge Palace cinema in Coburg. Generally get dinner at Jacky Jones then see a fick around 7-7.30pm screening slot. Hope you can make it

Meet new people, get into the outdoors, enjoy a conversation, grab a hot drink and let’s go for a walk around Coburg Lake! Wonderful way to start a Saturday morning 😊 We will firstly meet at 9:30am at The Boot Factory cafe. There will be time to order a hot drink, meet and greet then will head to nearby Coburg Lake for walk. We’ve discovered some lovely community gardens in our recent walks. Walk should go for 45-60 mins. Feel free to walk as much or as little as you like. Will make our way back to Boot Factory. Please RSVP if you’d like to join in. This is a FREE event.

This is a 7.7km loop starting and ending at Ashburton station carpark on the west side of train lines. entrance via Kelvin Grove and Aitchison Ave. This lovely loop walk is on paved and gravel paths through Ferndale Park , Gardiner's Creek and along Anniversary trail. Meet at 5.45pm for a 6pm start. Dinner/Drinks after hike at Fordhams Milk Bar. licenced and good choice of meals available Fordham’s Milk Bar https://share.google/JYcEP7HtEG3YnLoMm

* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink. * * We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**" * * We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment. * * Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level! * * **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other. * * **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)** * * Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺 * * Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. * * **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Hi Radiant Ladies, After our Saturday walk, join us at Windchimes Café for coffee, friendly vibes, and a relaxed catch-up. 🅿️ 2-hour parking out front. See you there! Lyn 😀

Turn Anxiety and Depression into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, depression, apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

Turn Anxiety into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, suppression, and apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

With 2026 upon us, it’s the perfect timing for another Neurosparkles picnic & barbecue at Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy! Come down, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed 🤞!), meet new people and have some great food. ***BYO sausages, meats, vegan/vegetarian options and bread or a dish to share (encouraged but optional!). There is not much seating at Edinburgh Gardens so please bring your own picnic blankets or camping chairs.*** Pets are allowed if they're well-behaved ;) Though children are not as this is a Meetup group for adults. **When:** Saturday 17th January **Time:** 12:30pm to 4:30pm **(come and go anytime)** **Where:** Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent, North Fitzroy (we will be at the **northern end** of the park, closest to the North Fitzroy Library) If you have issues finding us feel free to comment below or message an event host via Meetup or post in our WhatsApp community. Location is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8hFEh22CP6keWmqZ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8hFEh22CP6keWmqZ7) What to bring (optional): * Picnic mats, foldable chairs, or blankets * **Sausages, meats, vegan/vegetarian options and bread** * A dish, snacks, or non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy or share * Games or cards if you’d like to keep things lively * Bug zapper to keep the pests away! Remember to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent. In case of poor weather or extreme heat, we will reschedule the event. Nearest transport: * Route 11 tram (Stop 21 - Alfred Crescent) then 3 minute walk * Route 504 bus ***If at any point you have concerns or are made to feel uncomfortable by about group member, please notify one of the organisers.*** Disclaimer & Safety Notice By attending this Meetup, you agree: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • Organisers are community volunteers, not medical or professional providers. • You are responsible for your own safety, choices, and belongings. • Organisers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage at any time. • If you have health or access needs, please make your own arrangements. • In an emergency, call 000 immediately. By joining, you accept full responsibility for your actions and well-being.

Welcome to our first movie event for 2026, hosted by our new co-organizer for movies, Harris. We're watching RENTAL FAMILY starring Brendan Fraser. **Itinerary:** Meet at Kino Cinema at 4.15 for the 4.30pm screening. Get your ticket here: https://buy.palacecinemas.com.au/?cinema=300&session=265759 About the movie: https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/rental-family We can sit together or separately (to be introvert-friendly). After the movie, there's an option to go out to dinner together if you'd like - and if your social battery can manage. **Getting There:** Kino Cinemas is at Collins Place, 45 Collins Street. Closest train station is Parliament. P.S. There is no organizer fee for this event. You just need to pay for your own ticket and any food and drinks you choose to purchase.

Starting from Federation Square in the city we will walk along the main yarra trail to Burnley Gardens and loop back across MacRobertson Bridge - Grange Road to the opposite side of the Yarra trail returning to Federation Square. This is an easy walk that provides great city and park views as well as allowing us to take in all the river activity. Even at the busiest times it is peaceful along the river bank once we get away from the city. In total we will cover approximately 10.5 kms in approximately 2.5 hours. For anyone interested afterwards we will meet for a coffee, chat and lunch in Fed Square for anyone hungry. We look forward to catching up.

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

Join us for a Friday evening of creative practice\* and cozy conversation! Please visit the group page for details on event structure and what to expect: https://www.meetup.com/the-evening-art-society/?eventOrigin=your_groups Guests are welcome, though we request that you please let us know how many to account for. We don't want to run out of snacks! Kids are also welcome, with the understanding that this is a shared space intended to be comfortable for all and conducive to creative work. Reach out if you have any questions. We can't wait to see you! \*Because we ultimately just want to provide a safe, warm space for our community to enjoy on a weekly basis, our definition of this is pretty broad. Want to curl up with a good book? Working on the next great American novel? Looking for a café-like hum as the backing track to doing your taxes? You're also welcome here!

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

NOTE: This is a Saturday event! We hope to see you at the next open community meetup for the MoCo Psychedelic Society, on Saturday, Jan 31st at 2 pm. All are welcome at this event: no prior psychedelic experience is necessary, and you need not have been to one of our prior events to attend. The location will be Meeting Room 1 in the Bethesda Public Library, at 7400 Arlington Road. Parking is available in the lot outside the north door to the building, and the meeting room is the first room on your left as you pass through that door. If travelling by Metro, a red line stop [is a short walk away.](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=red+line+stop+bethesda&atb=v417-1&iaxm=directions&end=what%3AConnie%2520Morella%2520Library%2Cwhere%3A7400%2520Arlington%2520Rd%252C%2520Bethesda%252C%2520MD%2520%252020814%252C%2520United%2520States&transport=walking&start=what%3ABethesda%2520Station%2Cwhere%3ABethesda%2520Station%252C%2520Bethesda%252C%2520MD%252C%2520United%2520States) This meeting will feature a fascinating talk by a local local neuroscientist, Bradley Cooke, PhD: **How Psychedelics Affect the Mind: A Neuroscientist's Perspective**. We'll provide tea and light snacks, and there will be ample time after the talk for questions and general psychedelic discussions.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-gilberts-corner-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. *Limit 14. **Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*.