Gnosis and Gnosticism

**Instinct \#20 \| Panel Discussion** with ***Joshua Amissah, Antke Antek Engel, Jan Großer, Mati Klitgård***, and ***Eric Le Rouge,*** moderated by ***Neo Seefried***. for **LGBTQIA+** Free event Our **panel discussion** explores why conflict can be so difficult to navigate within queer spaces—and how the desire for harmony, practices of care, and political expectations shape these dynamics. For this conversation we invite Joshua Amissah, writer and curator focusing on Black queer perspectives; Antke Antek Engel, philosopher and director of the Institute for Queer Theory in Berlin; Jan  Großer, psychiatrist and psychotherapist; Mati Klitgård, facilitator and founder of the Gay Consent.Lab; and Eric Le Rouge, director of Instinct Art and co-founder of we are village. The discussion will be moderated by Neo Seefried, facilitator of the workshop series *Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection* and co‑curator of *Instinct Art*. Between the need for safety and the demand for visibility, we ask what queer identity means today: lived experience, political project—or both at once? **About Instinct** Instinct.berlin is an arts organization that presents exhibitions with queer artists twice a year at the Village, a community center for queer people in Berlin. These exhibitions, along with performances and talks, encourage interaction between artists and the local community. The residency program allows artists to engage intensively with the vibrant atmosphere of the Village and build a bridge between their work and the wider queer community. This collaboration enriches the cultural dialog and supports the development of queer art projects, benefiting both the artists and the community at large. Visit **[www.instinct.berlin](https://www.instinct.berlin/)** for a list of artists, program details, and opening times. 🔵 **Instinct \#20 \| Podiumsdiskussion** Mit ***Joshua Amissah, Antke Antek Engel****, **Jan Großer**, **Mati Klitgård*** und ***Eric Le Rouge****,* Moderation: ***Neo Seefried*.** Fur **LGBTQIA+** Kostenloss Unsere Podiumsdiskussion untersucht, warum Konflikte in queeren Räumen oft so schwer auszutragen sind – und wie das Bedürfnis nach Harmonie, Praktiken der Fürsorge und politische Erwartungen diese Dynamiken prägen. Für dieses Gespräch laden wir Joshua Amissah, Autor und Kurator mit Fokus auf Black Queer Perspectives; Antke Antek Engel, Philosoph\*in und Gründer\*in des *Institute for Queer Theory* in Berlin; Jan Großer, Psychiater und Psychotherapeut; Mati Klitgård, Facilitator und Gründer\*in des *Gay Consent.Lab*; sowie Eric Le Rouge, Leiter von Instinct Art sowie Mitbegründer von we are village, ein. Moderiert wird die Diskussion von Neo Seefried, Facilitator der Workshop‑Reihe *Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection* und Co‑Kurator\*in von *Instinct Art*. Zwischen dem Bedürfnis nach Sicherheit und der Forderung nach Sichtbarkeit stellen wir die Frage, was queere Identität heute bedeutet: gelebte Erfahrung, politisches Projekt – oder beides zugleich? **Über Instinct** Instinct.berlin ist eine Kunstorganisation, die zweimal jährlich Ausstellungen mit queeren Künstler:innen im Village, einem Community Center für queere Menschen in Berlin, präsentiert. Diese Ausstellungen, zusammen mit Performances und Gesprächen, fördern die Interaktion zwischen Künstler:innen und der lokalen Community. Das Residenzprogramm ermöglicht es den Künstler:innen, sich intensiv mit der lebendigen Atmosphäre des Village auseinanderzusetzen und eine Brücke zwischen ihrer Arbeit und der breiteren queeren Community zu schlagen. Diese Zusammenarbeit bereichert den kulturellen Dialog und unterstützt die Entwicklung queerer Kunstprojekte, was sowohl den Künstlerinnen als auch der Gemeinschaft insgesamt zugutekommt. Schau auf **[www.instinct.berlin](https://www.instinct.berlin/)** vorbei, um die Künstler, Programmdetails und Öffnungszeiten zu finden.

**DEEP TALKS - Reality, Humanity, and the Universe in Conversation** *\*\*\* english below \*\*\** Eine inspirierende Gesprächsrunde für Menschen, die sich gerne über Themen wie z.B. Sinn, Hoffnung, Wahrheit und unsere Verbindung zum Universum austauschen. Ein offener Gesprächsraum für Menschen, die ihre Lebenserfahrungen im spirituellen Kontext miteinander teilen möchten. Wir bleiben nah am eigenen Erleben und sprechen über das, was uns im Leben bewegt – Erlebnisse, Erfahrungen, Zweifel, Erkenntnisse, Wandlungsprozesse. In einer offenen, akzeptierenden und respektvollen Atmosphäre nehmen wir uns Zeit zum Zuhören, Nachdenken und Teilen von Gedanken. **Was dich erwartet:** – Eine herzliche und offene Gesprächsrunde – Raum für Austausch – Neue Perspektiven und interessante Begegnungen – ***Ein Thema zum gemeinsamen Reflektieren:*** *\* Verbundenheit - Einsamkeit \** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* A relaxed and inspiring conversation space for people who enjoy exploring topics like meaning, hope, truth, and our connection to the universe. This is an open space for sharing life experiences from a more reflective or spiritual perspective. We keep things close to our own lived experience and talk about what truly moves us — moments, challenges, doubts, insights, and personal transformations. In an open, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere, we take time to listen, reflect, and share our thoughts. ### What to expect: – A warm and open group conversation – Space for meaningful exchange – New perspectives and interesting encounters – **A theme to reflect on together:** *\* Connectedness - Loneliness \** **WhatsApp Group** Diese Gruppe ist freiwillig und richtet sich vor allem an diejenigen, die auch zwischen den Veranstaltungen in Kontakt bleiben möchten. This group is optional and mainly for for those, who would like to stay connected between the events. https://chat.whatsapp.com/JlatR9pCOiQCFSZ4mma5Lv?mode=gi_t

**Wir treffen uns am 10.04. um 19:00 im kleinen Café des Paul-Schneider-Hauses für einen gemütlichen Brettspiele-Abend! Getränke können dort gekauft oder selbst mitgebracht werden. Was mitzubringen ist: Snacks (wenn benötigt) und eure Lieblingsspiele! Es sind dort keine Spiele vorrätig, deshalb sind wir auf unsere eigenen Spiele angewiesen. Wenn jemand aber nichts mitbringen kann, ist das auch kein Problem. Ich freue mich auf euch :)** Wir möchten eine Gemeinschaft gründen, in der Menschen sich treffen, austauschen und gemeinsam neue Erfahrungen machen. Unser Ziel ist es, eine offene und fröhliche Atmosphäre zu schaffen, in der neue Bekanntschaften entstehen und interessante Gespräche geführt werden können. Bist du neu in Spandau und hast noch nicht richtig Anschluss gefunden? Lebst du schon länger in Spandau und möchtest nicht immer nach Mitte fahren, um Neues zu erleben? Wenn du Lust hast, Teil dieser Gemeinschaft zu werden und gemeinsam schöne Momente zu erleben, bist du herzlich eingeladen, dich uns anzuschließen! Wir freuen uns auf dich! :) \-\-\- **EN** \-\-\- **We are meeting on the 10th of April at 7 pm for a relaxed Boardgames Evening at the small café of the Paul-Schneider-Haus! You can either buy drinks there or bring your own if you prefer. Important to bring: snacks (if needed) and your favourite boardgames! There are no games there, so we rely on what we bring. But also don't worry, if you have nothing to bring. Can't wait to see you there :)** We want to create a community where people can meet, exchange ideas and share new experiences. Our aim is to create an open and friendly atmosphere where you can find new friends and have interesting conversations. Are you new to Spandau and haven't really found your place yet? Have you been living in Spandau for a while and don't always want to travel to Mitte to experience something new? If you would like to become part of this community and experience some great moments together, you are welcome to join us! We are happy to see you soon! :)

A small NEXUS gathering built around movement and natural conversation. **Important!** We’re moving our full event schedule to our website. 👉 For all upcoming events and details, visit: [https://nexuswerkstatt.com](https://nexuswerkstatt.com)

\#\#\# Was ist Breathwork? Conscious Breathwork bedeutet bewusstes atmen. Und das ist es letztendlich auch, was wir etwa 70 Minuten lang machen werden. In einer Breathwork Session geht es vor allem darum, dass Du loslassen, Dich entspannen und mit Dir selbst und Deinem Unterbewusstsein verbinden kannst. Das geht am besten, in dem Du gar nichts erwartest und nicht so viel dadrüber nachdenkst. ✨ \#\#\# Das erwartet Dich Nach einem kurzen Check-In beginnen wir mit der Session. Die Atmung kann im Liegen oder Sitzen statt finden, ganz nach Deiner Wahl. Du wirst durch ein bewegendes Musikset geführt, wodurch Du in eine Trance-Atemmeditation gelangst. Hier kannst Du unter anderem diese Erfahrungen machen: Stress abbauen, herausfinden, was da noch in Dir steckt, Dein Potential entfalten, innere Anspannungen lösen oder unterdrückte Emotionen freilassen, in Dich hinein horchen und Lösungen finden, Kreative Ideen und Visionen erhalten oder einfach eine berührende Zeit haben. \#\#\# Über Nina Seit 2015 bin ich [Anusara® Elements™](https://www.anusarayoga.com/) Yogalehrerin. Es folgten viele Weiterbildungen in den Bereichen Chakren, Meditation, Yoga und Trauma. 2018 habe ich mich zudem auf die Heldenreise begeben. Seit 2023 bin ich Atemtherapeutin Conscious Breathwork nach der [Lichtatmung®](https://naou.de/lichtatmung/) und freue mich sehr, Dich bei Deiner Reise begleiten zu dürfen. In meine Sessions fließen meine unterschiedlichen Erfahrungen ein. Was mich jedoch am meisten bewegt: Mich begeistert alles, was Dich mehr bei Dir selbst ankommen lässt, Dich mit Deiner Lebendigkeit und vor allem Deinem Herzen verbindet! \#\#\# Bitte mitbringen: – Yogamatte oder andere Unterlage (z.B Isomatte), damit Du es schön gemütlich hast – Lockere, angenehme Kleidung – Alles andere, was Dich noch wohlfühlen lässt. Decken, Wasser und Snacks gibt es vor Ort! \#\#\# Deine Investition & Buchung Der Standard Preis beträgt 25 €. Das Ticket 1+1 Bring a Friend kostet 45€ und ist gültig für zwei. Du kannst die Tickets hier kaufen und mit mit allen gängigen Zahlungsmethoden schnell & einfach bezahlen. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breathe-free-conscious-breathwork-session-tickets-1980182899357 \#\#\# Bitte beachte\, dass der Platz auf 5 Teilnehmer:innen begrenzt ist\, sichere Dir rechtzeitig Deinen Platz\. \#\#\# Die Veranstaltung findet in Berlin\-Prenzlauer Berg statt\. Wenn Du Fragen hast oder weitere Informationen benötigst, melde Dich gerne bei mir: info@ninahrkalovic.com Weitere Infos zu mir und meinen Events: [www.ninahrkalovic.com](www.ninahrkalovic.com) ###Kanäle für Tickets, Aktuelles und nächste Events: Instagram: [www.instagram.com/conscious_breathwork_berlin](www.instagram.com/conscious_breathwork_berlin) Telegram: [t.me/consciousbreathwork](t.me/consciousbreathwork)

**Show Me the Easter Funny – Music & Comedy with the Bastards of the Basement & Guests** Fri Apr 10 @ 19:30 - 20:00 For more info & reservations :[https://tinyurl.com/bastards1](https://tinyurl.com/bastards1) ***AND … WE’RE BACK!*** *WITH OUR POTENT BLEND OF TWISTED COMEDY, IMPROVISED MUSIC, & UNHAPPY ENDINGS. EXPECT DISTURBING CHARACTERS AND A RADIO-STYLE PLAY CONJURED AND PERFORMED IN DARKNESS.* **AFTER THE SHOW, THE PARTY WILL CONTINUE! MORE THAN JUST A SHOW, THE PARTY WILL LIKELY GO ON TO THE EARLY HOURS AND ATTRACTS CREATIVE FOLK FROM THE WORLD OF ART, MUSIC, IMPROV, COMEDY & THEATRE. JOIN US FOR DEVILRY & REVELRY.** *YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN BEER, OR BUY FROM THE BAR: ENJOY THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!* **LOCATED IN A SEMI-PRIVATE SPACE IN THE CRACK CENTRE OF KREUZBERG, WE’LL ALSO BE HOSTING OUR HAND PICKED, HIGH-VOLTAGE GUESTS, FIDI & HEZRON CHETTY.** Hezron Chetty is a Berlin-based musician creating a cross-cultural sound shaped by European, African, and Asian influences. Their performance combines New Age, Folk, World, Jazz, Blues, and Cinematic atmospheres, enhanced by expressive vocal textures and theatrics. [www.hezronchetty.com/epk](http://www.hezronchetty.com/epk) *Singer-songwriter Fidi is angry. And eternally sad. All of her walls are written on, but the word to song pipeline is getting shorter. When shame dissolves in humour and unexpected things happen, life is good. Yes, harmonic juice, singing, and some serious interventions will happen, thank you for the question. **@frodobusiness*** This is a contribution-based event. We recommend something in the region of 5-10 euros. **You can:** Pay in advance and reserve a ticket via PayPal at \*[editor.silvercript@outlook.com*](http://editor.silvercript@outlook.com*) Or drop some cash in the Bastard Bucket near the bar. We won’t be counting. But we’ll be counting on you! For more info & reservations: [https://tinyurl.com/bastards1](https://tinyurl.com/bastards1) **DOORS:** *7.30PM* / **SHOW:** *8pm* / **PARTY:** *10pm*

**The (spiritual) world is constantly sending us signs, yet in our everyday consciousness we are often completely oblivious to them. How can we become more aware of these signs and interpret them for ourselves?** Perhaps you have heard of someone who has lost a loved one and asked for **a sign from the afterlife**. There are countless accounts of such signs appearing shortly afterwards. But we can also ask our spirit guides, or the universe in general, for signs to guide us on matters where we currently lack clarity (like a tarot reading). On this afternoon, we will focus on this very topic. * To begin with, we will meet in a safe space and **embark on shamanic journeys** – without any substances, guided by the rhythm of the shamanic drum. You can ask the spiritual world specific questions and seek impulses or guidance. * **Afterwards, we will go outside together.** On a mindful walk, we will turn our gaze outwards and begin to discover signs in our surroundings, connecting them with our inner impressions. A peaceful, inspiring afternoon bridging the inner and outer worlds. **For anyone wishing to deepen their perception and discover new ways to access their own intuition.** The event is led by Isabel, a shamanic practitioner. She herself has taken out a subscription to playing cards as a sign from her spirit guides and finds cards on the street approximately every two weeks (readable like tarot cards). **💌 RSVP on Meetup does not secure your seat!** **Please register via Whatsapp/Telegram: +49 (0) 1573 72 48 15 7** or Email: [wildandsilent.berlin@gmail.com](http://wildandsilent.berlin@gmail.com%2A%2A/) **📍 Location: Samariter Kiez (you will receive the address after registration)** **💫 Energy Exchange: €30** **⏰ Doors open 1:45 PM. We will start in time.**

International Meetup for those who still like to follow the Peaceful teachings of Christ. We are free and curious humans, try to practice patience, kindness, humanity, etc, and have the freedom to read any book of the world, including the Gospels. Let's support each-other, upbuild faith, and find some like-minded friends in our community. (If you are a new believer, you are also welcome only if you have been practicing Christianity regularly for at least since last 3 years. )

This is a 4 phase event. You can join at any time. 1.) 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: Gathering at the meeting spot. 2.) 12:30 - 01:30 p.m: Using public transport together to Gärten der Welt. 3.) 01:30 - 05:00 p.m: Exploring Gärten der Welt. 4.) 06:30 - 09:00 p.m: Dinner at Kan'Koa (optional). This is the 18th cherry blossom festival and 23rd anniversary at Gärten der Welt. **Highlights:** cosplay event, music and dance performances, food stalls and much more! 💡\*\*Please buy the normal ticket (9 €) in advance to avoid the long queue at the main entrance. If you buy the the ticket on the day of the event the price will be raised to 12 €!\*\*💡 **How to buy the correct ticket:** [https://gruen-berlin.ticketfritz.de/en/Shop/Index/tageskarten-gaerten-der-welt-sommer/44086](https://gruen-berlin.ticketfritz.de/en/Shop/Index/tageskarten-gaerten-der-welt-sommer/44086) **More info and full programm here:** [https://www.gaertenderwelt.de/events/veranstaltungen/detail/2026-04-11_1000/kirschbluetenfest-2026/](https://www.gaertenderwelt.de/events/veranstaltungen/detail/2026-04-11_1000/kirschbluetenfest-2026/) **1.) How to the find the FOODFACTORY Cube Berlin (Effe&Gold):** Washingtonpl. 3, 10557 Berlin https://g.page/foodfactorycubeberlin?share Our meeting spot is inside right next to Effe&Gold. Frome there we go to the Gärten der Welt. **2.) Going to Gärten der Welt:** We'll use public transport to get to this place. If you live in the east, you can join us directly in the garden. **3.) Exploring Gärten der Welt:** The Hanami will be held near the Japanese and Korean garden. We will watch some of dance performances such as traditional chinese dragon dance. **4.) How to the find the Kan'Koa restaurant:** Oranienburger Str. 17, 10178 Berlin https://maps.app.goo.gl/DL5ifV3XzDSkJeAq6 This Asian restaurant has a cozy atmosphere which gives the opportunity to have meaningful conversations. They offer a good mix of Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. I would recommend this to vegetarians as well as vegans. *Who is this meetup for:* 1\. Asians who want to practice German and/or English\. 2\. German speaking individuals who are studying \(preferably\) Japanese\, Korean\, Mandarin or Cantonese\. 3\. Anyone who is interested in cultural exchange and wants to socialize\. *What you can expect:* 1\. A professionally organized meetup that can adapt to any changes given the current situation\. 2\. A Walk & Talk to break the ice\. 3\. A collaborating venue where you can further socialize with other members\. *** Whenever you attend a meetup, the most common as well as first question you get is: "Where are you from?" You probably heard this question a million times. Well, at least I did. From my own experience of attending over 200 international meetups in various countries such as Germany, Japan, Australia and Thailand, I can tell you that asking for the name is a better approach. “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” - Dale Carnegie If you really want to connect with like-minded people you should remember their name, but you don't have to remember every persons name you've talked you. Be picky about that, don't be me who can somehow remember everyones name easily. Don't tell yourself sth. like "I'm bad at remembering names." It's all about developing the habit of asking for a name and keep the conversation going on. Furthermore, you want to learn German or any other language. Learning the local language is crucial to connect with the locals and developing a true friendship. This can be accomplished with immersion. My goal is to inspire you to go out of your comfort zone and improve yourself each time you join this meetup.

There’s a peace and relaxation possible for everyone, that can occur with total ease, with a simple body process, called Access Bars ® Access Bar is like hitting the delete button on your computer’s hard drive. Negative thought patterns and mental chatter can be released and a space for peace, ease and new possibilities opens up. Best, everyone can learn this body process in a one day class. You can give the Bars® to your family and friends and to your clients. And of course you can let the Bars run also on yourself. Access Bars ® and Bodyprocess classes in English take place once a month, classes in German twice a month. Just ask for your desired date. Would this class be a contribution to your body, to your life, your business? Then I would like to have you in a one-day Access Bars. Consider this your invitation to a totally different paradigm for healing, change and transformation in all aspects of your life. The Access Bars class fee is 380 Euro, Practitioner License, Manual, Charts, food and drinks included. PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION IS ONLY POSSIBLE BY PHONE. For more information please visit my website: https://www.i-feel-so-good.de/home-en.html What happens in the brain during a Bars Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgGbFRjqQPk If you have any question or you want to book a session, do not hesitate to contact me. Once a week we have an Access Bars ® evening that gives you the opportunity to exchange the Bars® and to meet other practitioners. ®

**Shamanic Conscious Connected Breathwork by** [STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/) This group is dedicated to **Conscious Connected Breathwork**, a powerful somatic practice for deep emotional release (nervous system release). Intense states of awareness are possible. Through **conscious, connected breathing**, rhythmic music, and guided facilitation, participants are invited to access deeper layers of awareness, release stored stress and emotions, and reconnect with their inner resources. There are **no substances involved**. The work is grounded, body-based, and trauma-aware. Price is only for the room. ### This group is for you if you want to: * release stress, tension, and emotional blockages * explore non-ordinary states of consciousness through breath * experience clarity, emotional relief, and deep relaxation ### Each session typically includes: * introduction and intention setting * guided conscious connected breathwork * music-supported journey * integration and grounding ### Contraindications This practice is **not suitable** for people with any of the following conditions: * pregnancy * epilepsy or history of seizures * severe cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure not medically controlled * recent surgery or acute physical injury * glaucoma or detached retina * severe asthma * antidrepressiva * diagnosed psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe psychiatric conditions If you are unsure whether this practice is appropriate for you, please **consult your healthcare provider** or contact the facilitator in advance. **No prior experience is required.** Beginners are welcome. Sessions are guided with care, structure, and clear boundaries. This is a **safe, respectful space** for self-exploration, presence, and embodied awareness. Sessions are held in English & German. German participants are very welcome.[ABOUT US STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)

**A 3-part embodied dance journey for women** Part 1: 11.01.2026 Part 2: 08.03.2026 Part 3: 12.04.2026 **WORKSHOP 3 – HEART (Heart Opening – Soft Strength & Presence)** Donation based \| Only for women \| 12\.04\.2026 \| 14:30 – 17:00 \| MahaYoga Zentrum Building on the essence of **Devadasi – The Sacred Art of Temple Dance**, this series invites you into a deeper, guided exploration of your feminine body. Over three workshops, we journey through **hips, spine, and heart** – key gateways of feminine energy, sensuality, emotional flow, and presence. Each session stands on its own and together they form a coherent path of embodiment, soft activation, and inner awakening. This series is for women who long to: * feel more alive and at home in their bodies * reconnect with sensuality and softness * move beyond the mind and into felt experience * explore feminine energy in a grounded, respectful way * time to meet and share in a circle of women This is a **safe, welcoming space** for all women – all ages, all body types. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and feel beautiful. Come as you are, leave feeling **soft, alive, and deeply connected** to your feminine essence. **About Workshop 3** The heart space connects us to openness, trust, and authentic expression. In this final workshop of the series, we gently open the chest and shoulders through expansive, soft movements that invite breath, warmth, and emotional presence. This session supports you in: * releasing tension held in chest and shoulders * cultivating openness without pressure * reconnecting with tenderness and inner strength Through slow, expressive movement and deep relaxation, we create space for integration – allowing hips and spine to meet the heart. We conclude with a **Full Yogic Relaxation**, allowing the nervous system to settle and the experience to integrate deeply. This workshop completes the **Feminine Body Awakening journey**, inviting you to stand open, grounded, and embodied in who you are. **Address** Deutsche Akademie für traditionelles Yoga e. V. MahaYoga Zentrum Brunnenstr. 147 10115 Berlin (Directly at underground station U Bernauer Str. U8 [elevator exit])

Whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice, this weekend immersion offers **practical tools to cultivate presence, subtle perception, and inner stillness** without dogma or belief systems. You’ll learn how to **activate and work with the third eye** through guided practices, subtle energy awareness, and **grounding techniques.** It’s an experiential **path toward clarity**, deeper seeing, and connecting with what’s real beneath the surface of everyday life. No prior experience necessary. More information is available at: [https://clairvision.org/](https://clairvision.org/) **For questions and registration, please email: berlin-events@protonmail.com** Early bird price: €230 (until February 28, 2026), after this date €280 ### **What will you learn?** * A daily third eye meditation practice to cultivate inner stillness. * A method for deep relaxation and rapid regeneration. * How to perceive your energy centers and protect your energy * Techniques for relieving headaches, preventing burnout, and increasing your vitality * How to move through your day with clear & focused awareness. * And you will start developing spiritual vision and inner clarity. You are warmly welcome!

This will be our second (and possibly last) meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read chapters 4 and 6. (You can skim chapter 5, which is particularly confusing). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) This book is not always an easy read. You may want to make use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. You can ask it questions like: "What does Matthew Stewart say about happiness in his book Nature's God?" OR: What does Matthew Stewart say about Spinoza? This may be our last meeting on this book. If you want to have a third meeting later, on the last two chapters, let me know. I hope to see you there! Fred

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

**One God, Many Paths (Free Event)** **Is it possible that all the world’s great spiritual and religious traditions originated from the same source, even if we refer to or understand that Source in many different ways?** **Throughout history, religion and religious differences have often been identified as a point of division amongst the world’s peoples, as a source of strife and contention – and even of bloodshed. But is that the whole story? Is it possible that when you look more closely at what the various religions of the world actually teach, that there is in fact much more overlap and agreement than one might initially be led to believe? Looking beyond the teachings of daily practice, are there deeper truths that unite the world’s religions? How many people actually investigate the seeming differences, or similarities, for themselves? Is it possible that they share a common thread or even originate from one common, divine source?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the fundamental oneness of religion. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the purpose and role of religion in promoting true unity and the progress of us all.** **"...for all religion is founded upon the love of humanity." – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

***What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way - Part 2*** **In this in-person workshop, tap your own answers to deal with rapid change in the environment and know you are not your troubles.** Ø **Break through confusion to step into your true self with crystal clear inner identity.** Ø **Turn doubt and negativity into purposeful clarity with an understanding of your soul’s path.** Ø **Transform your energy into joy, abundance and fulfillment with simple, powerful energy mastery tools.** Ø **Partner with your spiritual guides for daily insight and success.** Ø **Eliminate stress and stay centered with techniques that keep your energy clear and your inner peace strong.** Ø **Activate the healing light you really are.** **Visit [https://inspiringbelief.net/events](https://inspiringbelief.net/events) for more information and to register or contact Mara Spencer** **via email at [[Mara@InspiringBelief.net](mailto:Mara@InspiringBelief.net)]. You can attend Part 2 without experiencing Part 1.**

Have you ever had a moment where everything suddenly *clicked*? An unexpected realization… a quiet inner knowing… a simple insight that changed how you see yourself or your life. These are epiphanies—powerful “wake-up calls” that reveal our gifts, illuminate new possibilities, and gently uncover what may be holding us back. Join us this Sunday with **Rev. Sandra Butler** as we explore the transformative power of epiphany moments. Through a Unity lens, we’ll reflect on how these flashes of insight can guide us toward greater clarity, purpose, and spiritual growth. You may even begin to recognize (or rediscover) your own epiphany story. Whether you’re on a spiritual path or simply curious about personal growth, you are warmly welcome. Join us in person, or watch our livestream at unityoffairfax.org