LGBT Spirituality

An ashram retreat day is a day to nourish the body, calm the mind and get in touch with your true self. The day comprises of spiritual practices from the Yogic path, a combination of gentle Hatha Yoga and various types of meditation and reflection, under guidance. Everyone is welcome and no experience necessary. The yogic path offers us practical ways of growing in spiritual awareness in a chaotic world, to open oneself to union with the Divine, with people and with the natural world. A day retreat at Anam Ashram aims to help participants in the practice of the asanas (Hatha Yoga), contemplation in action (karma yoga), bhakti yoga (union through devotion) and jnana yoga (union through knowledge e.g. wisdom teachings from the mystics or scriptures). It is a deeply nourishing experience. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary. For further details please contact Jane at mellettj@gmail.com Cost? Suggested donation of 50 euros. Light vegetarian lunch included. Facilitators: Jane Mellett is a qualified yoga and meditation teacher. She has worked in pastoral ministry for many years and is also a qualified Spiritual Director. Since 2016 Jane has lived at Anam Ashram in Tallaght, Dublin and is interested in the integration of Eastern spiritual practices within Christianity and sharing these practices with others. Members of the Anam Ashram Community will also join in running this retreat.

Join us for Zazen Meditation. please arrive at 6pm. newcomers please arrive at 5.45 for an introduction to Zazen meditation.

Hi all, Our *‘Before’* Triology continues on **Sunday April 19th at 4pm** with the screening of **Before Sunset.** Before Sunrise ended with a promise that its sequel reveals was not kept. Nine years after Vienna, Jesse, married with a son, is giving a reading in a Paris bookshop of the novel he wrote inspired by his encounter with Céline when she appears. Their time once again limited by Jesse’s travel arrangements, the two walk the streets, resuming their conversation, acknowledging the changes in their lives while recognising the profound effect their one night together had on their lives and relationships. Screening is taking place in screen 1 and early booking is advised. I’ll be in the foyer from 3.30pm with my purple baseball hat. See you all there, Martin

The meaning of the word zen is meditation, zazen means sitting meditation. In zazen practice we begin to know ourselves, and to go beyond the limits of our personal ego. Within our tradition zazen is referred to as shikantaza, not doing, letting go of thoughts, dropping off body and mind. This sitting meditation is the focus of our practice. Language limits our ability to communicate the true nature of zen; it is something that is better understood through practice. We are open to everyone interested in learning about zen. Intro workshop for newcomers is available at 5.30pm each Sunday. The dojo is a sacred place and it is important to be considerate of everyone. We have many people that travel to practise together once a week or once a month. So for that reason it is really essential that we all know the structure of the sitting practise (when to sit, how to do Kinhin, the different bell sounds and their meaning etc), to ensure a silent, safe and meaningful meditation. And it's also great to meet everyone before the sitting practise. And answer any questions you may have. We have zafus and zabutons (mats and cushions) for all to sit on. Chairs are available too. Comfortable clothing for sitting, black or neutral tones best. We greatly appreciate a donation of €5 to cover costs if it's possible for you. Please arrive 10min before start so 6ish (if you're not doing the intro workshop). You are very welcome to our dojo!

This Sunday morning session comprises a short sit and a Puja (Buddhist devotional ritual). No need to book, just turn up a few minutes beforehand. On a donation basis. If you’re coming online, join [via Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86127244172?pwd=MjJobkgybVFncjlmczROSmZ3MExEUT09) (password if required is *sundaypuja*) a few minutes before 11am.

### 🌸 What is Heartfulness Meditation? Heartfulness Meditation is a simple and natural way to relax the mind, reduce stress, and connect with your inner self by bringing awareness to the heart ❤️. No prior experience is needed—just sit comfortably, close your eyes, and tune in to the calm within. *** ### 🌟 Why join us? 🧘‍♀️ Let go of stress & tension 🎯 Improve focus & inner balance 🌿 Experience peace and clarity 💛 Connect with like-minded people ☕ Enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks after the session 📍 **Venue:** Wisdom Centre 🕊 Sophia Housing Street, 25 Cork Street, Dublin 8 **Eircode:** D08 YD91 📅 **When:** Sundays, ⏰ 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM *** ### 🕰️ Schedule: 🔸 **9:45 AM** – Arrive & settle in silence 🔸 **10:00 AM** – Guided relaxation & Heartfulness meditation 🧘‍♂️ 🔸 **10:35 AM** – Reflection & sharing 💬 🔸 **10:50 AM** – Tea, coffee & light breakfast 🍵🥐 🔸 **11:30 AM** – Close *** ### 🌱 New to meditation? Everyone is welcome—whether you’re completely new or already practice meditation. 😊 Feel free to reach out to **Akarsh** at 📧 **ie.secretary@heartfulness.org** or drop us a message on Meetup if you’d like to let us know you’re coming. We’d love to have you join us! 💛

**Hands in the Soil: Community Growing, Learning & Craic** This first gathering will be a relaxed mix of **hands-on garden work, shared learning, and good conversation**. It’s about getting together in a real space, doing something practical, and seeing what ideas and connections might grow from there. On the day, we’ll: * Get our **hands dirty** with some light garden work and soil prep * Do some **seed sowing** and talk about what grows well locally * **Make kombucha together** and chat about fermentation, food, and simple home practices * Share knowledge, questions, and experiences around growing food * Enjoy some **fellowship, chats, and a bit of craic** along the way.Alongside the practical side, we’ll also have an open, informal discussion about a bigger idea: * The possibility of **small community “park farms” or gardens** in underused green spaces around Dublin * What that might look like, what’s realistic, and whether others feel drawn to exploring it further There’s no pressure, no expertise required, and no expectation beyond showing up with curiosity and a willingness to pitch in. Whether you’re experienced with gardening or completely new, you’re very welcome. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and if you have them, gloves. Everything else will be very low-key. This is just a **first step** — a chance to meet, work, talk, and see if there’s a shared appetite to keep growing something together.

Crafternoon: Snip and Sip. Meet people and make flowers, creatures, and wearables. Drop in, sip, create! Crafternoon – Snip & Sip with Rosie Hop 🎨✨ Settle into a relaxed crafternoon with Rosie Hop, centred on playful pipe cleaner creations. Twist and shape flowers, creatures, and wearable art, with guidance and fun. This is a drop-in session, so arrive, craft, chat, and sip at your own pace. Expect light prompts, a collaborative piece, and the occasional mystery challenge. Materials, music, and tea are provided—just bring curiosity and a willingness to make something small, strange, or beautiful before leaving with your creations. 📅 Date: Sunday, 19th April 2025 🕕 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Location: The Hendrick, Smithfield, Dublin 7. 💰 Tickets: 🎟️ €13 General \| 2 for €19 \(online only\!\) 🚪 €15 at the door \| €23 for 2 🎟 RSVP now to secure your place! [TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/crafternoon-snip-and-sip-with-rosie-hop-pipe-cleaner-creations-tickets-1987192056936?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)!

Zodiac shifts, moon phases & mood boards—set intentions for the month ahead. Step into the Oracle Lounge for *Seasons of the Zodiac: Mood Boards*. As the Sun shifts signs, we gather to explore the astrology of the month ahead—new and full moons, planetary movements, and the subtle energies shaping our days. Through guided insight and intuitive prompts, you’ll create a personalised mood board to anchor intentions, clarify direction, and visualise what’s next. No experience needed—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to play with possibility. Part reflection, part creation, part quiet magic. 📅 Date: Sunday, 19th April 2025 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Location: Wild Duck, Temple Bar, D1 💰 Tickets: 🎟️ €13 General \| 2 for €19 \(online only\!\) 🚪 €15 at the door \| €23 for 2 🎟 [RSVP now to secure your place!](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/oracle-lounge-seasons-of-the-zodiac-mood-board-workshop-with-rosie-hop-tickets-1987192801162?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)

Join us every Sunday and tell a story as a group by playing a beginner-friendly roleplaying game. Every week we have 2-3 different games - you will choose which game you play on the day. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. 🎭 **This week's facilitators:** * 🧙 **Dave** with *[Ars Magica](https://www.atlas-games.com/arsmagica/)*, a game about magi in a mythic version of medieval Europe shaped by hidden magic, ancient traditions, and rival powers. In the wild frontiers of the Slavic lands, a child has vanished into the forest. Branded a witch by some, sought as a prodigy by others, he is now hunted from all sides. You’ll follow his trail through shifting woods and uneasy villages, caught between rival factions, a ruthless magus seeking an apprentice, and armed bands closing in. The forest itself resists you: spirits mislead, paths twist, and nothing is quite what it seems. Expect investigation, tense roleplay, moral choices, and possible combat. Who do you trust? And when the hunters arrive, what will you do with the boy? * 🐍 **Adam** with *[Agon](http://www.agon-rpg.com/)*, where you play mythic Bronze Age heroes cast adrift by the gods and sailing from island to island, searching for home and competing for glory. On the island of Nimos, the funeral of the king's son is underway, alongside ceremonial games of hand-to-hand combat in his honour. But the fighters are twisted into savagery by strange elixirs, and the land itself appears poisoned. Will you discover the source and true nature of this dangerous alchemy? * **🏘️ Filip** with *[The Quiet Year](https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year)*, a GM-less, dice-less game of narrative and worldbuilding. Who... who's there at the horizon? Is that fairies? Orcs? Fairy-orcs? Demons?! Surely not demons... Whoever they are (or will be) - they need a quiet year. You play as a medium-sized community of - well, whatever we collectively decide, to tell their story over a year in a new place entirely. *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

HOWTH HIKING

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B 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. All backgrounds are welcome.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

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