Gratitude

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

Nearly the weekend , so it’s an evening at Peaches Brasserie in Dublin, Here bold flavour meets real life. Everything at Peaches serve starts with fire, driven by the Josper grill at the heart of our kitchen. Smoke, heat and honest depth that lets great ingredients speak for themselves. Looking forward to meeting food fans Jeff

## **The Jam: Open Mic Night** 🎤 ### *Seafront Sessions \| All Are Welcome* 🌊 **The Jam Hits the Seafront** 🎡 The Jam is heading to the coast! Every second Thursday, we take over **The Promenade** for a high-energy, public Open Mic night. This is where our community meets the seafront for a night of live performance, creativity, and connection. 🌊🎸 Whether you’re a performer looking for a lively room to test your material or a music lover looking for a great night out, this is the place to be! 🤘✨ ### **The Vibe** 🍻 The Open Mic is a public celebration. It’s loud, it’s social, and it’s open to everyone! * **The Floor is Yours:** Step up and share your craft. We provide the space; you provide the soul. 🎤✨ * **All Genres, All Talents:** This is a multidisciplinary room. We are proudly open to **comedians, storytellers, poets, and musicians of all genres.** Whether you’re dropping a beat, a punchline, or a poem, there is a place for you here. 🎭🎷📖 * **Your 10 Minutes:** Each performer has a **strict maximum of 10 minutes**. There is zero pressure to fill the whole slot—whether you have one piece or a full ten-minute set, the floor is yours! ⏳ * **The Venue:** Since we are hosted in a local pub, there is a full bar service available at the venue to keep you hydrated! 🍺 ### **Equipment & House Rules** 🛠️ * **PA System:** Roland Street Cube EX. * **Microphones:** 2 mics and stands provided. * **Percussion:** Cajon, shakers, and a glockenspiel are available. * **Backing Tracks:** Cables provided to plug in phones/tablets. * **Accessories:** Music stand, stand light, extra guitar picks, and tuners available. * **Keyboard:** Available **on request only**. Message us in advance if you need it. 🎹 * **Instruments:** **We do not provide guitars.** You must bring your own instrument. 🎸🚫 * **Technical Setup:** To keep the night moving, the 10-minute limit is final. If you require help setting up or have specific technical requirements, you must let us know in advance. ⚠️ ### **2026 Season: Dates & Themes** 📅 * **April 30** \| The Jazz Fringe 🎷 *(Jazz Festival Special)* * **May 14** \| Electric Dreams ⚡️ * **May 28** \| High Tide 🌊 * **June 11** \| Neon Nights 🌃 * **June 25** \| Summer Solstice ☀️ * **July 9** \| Cover Your Tracks 🎸 * **July 23** \| Boardwalk Empire 🎡 * **August 6** \| Heatwave 🔥 * **August 20** \| Shipwrecked ⚓️ * **Sept 3** \| Back to School 🎒 * **Sept 17** \| The Big Screen 🍿 * **Oct 1** \| Harvest Fest 🍎 * **Oct 15** \| The Witching Hour 🕯️ * **Oct 29** \| Ghouls & Guitars 🎃 *(Halloween Special)* * **Nov 12** \| The Afterglow ✨ * **Nov 26** \| The Grand Finale 🏁 ### **The Details** 📍 * **Admission:** FREE ENTRY 🆓 * **Sign-up:** **8:00 PM Sharp**📝 * **First Act:** **8:15 PM** ⚡ * **Age:** Strictly **18+**. * **Location:** The Promenade, Bray (Seafront). **Come for the music. Stay for the shore.** 🌊🎶🤘 Check out our social media and full event list here: [https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE](https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE "https://linktr.ee/TheJam.HBE")

We have returned! We got busy, blinked, and then a year passed. We missed you! You missed us! What a time to be alive! Anyway... I'm excited to announce our return to our first home **Squarespace**, on **May 14th**, where they will be treating us to two new talks, and some Pizza! \- Deployment orchestration with Auto Rollbacks using Argo \- **Sean Ryan** \- Reliable On\-Demand Cloud Environments for Microservice Development \- **Ronan Watkins** To facilitate building security we will be closing signups on May 12th. Please sign up before then to avoid disappointment. We are always on the look out for more speakers! If you've an idea, please reach out! And now that I mention it, the CFP for SRECon just opened, we can be your gateway to the next stage! Check it here: [https://www.usenix.org/conference/srecon26emea/call-for-participation](https://www.usenix.org/conference/srecon26emea/call-for-participation) Finally you can find us on the the **Irish Tech Community Slack** in the channel #SRE. Sign up [here](https://irishtechcommunity.com/). See you there! T.

## Weekly Twin Hearts Meditation – Clondalkin **Location:** Pranic Healing Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin **Day & Time:** Every Thursday, **11:00am – 12:00pm** **Facilitator:** Hazel Keogh **Cost:** Donation based **RSVP:** 085 212 4080 ### A Midweek Space for Calm, Healing and Inner Peace You are warmly invited to join our weekly **Twin Hearts Meditation Group**, an uplifting and powerful meditation that is open to everyone. Twin Hearts Meditation is a beautiful guided practice designed to promote inner peace, emotional balance and a sense of connection with yourself and the world around you. It is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. No previous meditation experience is needed – just a willingness to relax and enjoy the moment. ### What to Expect Each Thursday morning session offers: * A calm, welcoming and supportive environment * Gentle guidance throughout the meditation * Time to relax, breathe and unwind * A chance to release stress and tension * A sense of inner stillness and wellbeing * Optional tea and chats afterwards Many people find this meditation leaves them feeling lighter, clearer and more positive for the rest of the day. ### Benefits of Twin Hearts Meditation Regular practice can help to: * Reduce stress and anxiety * Support emotional wellbeing * Increase feelings of calm and clarity * Improve focus and positivity * Promote compassion and inner balance * Create a greater sense of connection and peace ### Session Details * Arrive from **10:45am** * Meditation begins at **11:00am** * Session finishes at **12:00pm** * Relaxed community atmosphere ### Donations This group is **donation based**, making it accessible to all. Suggested contribution: **€10 – €20**, but any amount is gratefully accepted. All donations help support the running of the centre and community activities. ### Location **Pranic Healing Centre** Unit 1A Village Centre Clondalkin, Dublin ### RSVP To confirm your place, please contact: **Hazel Keogh – 085 212 4080**

Let’s team up for a chill Literati Dublin meetup at the International Literature Festival Dublin. We’ll hang out in Merrion Square Park, soak up the good weather, and enjoy a full day of talks, readings, and creative events together. No pressure, just good vibes, books, and interesting conversations. **Bring a blanket**, and get ready to spend a relaxed day in the park surrounded by stories and inspiring people ☀️ Perfect chance to connect, discover new authors, and enjoy Dublin at its best. **The area will have chairs to sit, bars, food trucks, bookshop and libraries.** The events are listed here :) https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/ See you there 💚

**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.

An informal training session to explore different methods of old style karate and traditional Japanese swordsmanship. We will practise kata (forms), both solo and paired drills along with more basic exercise to understand body mechanics We split the room rent, which will cost **€10 - 20 per person**, depending on the number of participants It is also a great opportunity for those who are interested in Japanese culture, as the arts are based on our traditional way of life. If you have previous experience, we can share thoughts about different training styles and exchange ideas & techniques This is a private training group that does not belong to any organisations.

**SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience** 🌿✨ Are you ready to step away from the noise? Join us for a unique experience of peace, connection, and great food! **ATTENTION: How to find us!** ⚠️ We want to make sure you find the group easily! Look out for our team waiting for you outside the Dún Laoghaire DART Station. We will be there holding a sign that says: 👉 ***"SILENT WALK"*** 👈 Don't be shy! Come to say hi and join the tribe! What to expect 🕊️ Kick off a peaceful journey with reflection and amazing company. The Silent Walk is designed to help you disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with your inner self. • 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Station. • 🪧 Look for: The "SILENT WALK" sign. • 🎧 ESSENTIAL: Please bring your own headphones/earphones for the guided reflection. • 🌊 The Route: A beautiful walk by the sea with guided moments. • 🍔 Social Lunch: After the walk, we are heading to Wetherspoon for an optional lunch together! It’s the perfect time to chat and meet everyone. **Schedule** 10:30- Meeting (DART Station) 10:40 - Walk 11:00 - Silent Walk 11:20 - Small group sharing 12:00 - Optional lunch

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

**Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands** * **You are cordially invited to join in the conversation to catch the positive vibe... a cup of coffee, or another of your favorite refreshment.** **At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS 8:30am-9:30am (3rd Saturdays, Monthly)** **Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878** **Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362** ===== **New Hope Workshop**: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles \- What are some helpful affirmations? 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation **"Star Points Meal Deal"** If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.

**Studio 151 Learning Lab: Photography Foundations Series — Lighting Basics** Photography starts with light—but understanding how to actually *use* it is where most people get stuck. This session is designed to simplify lighting in a way that makes sense for real-world shooting. Instead of a traditional lecture, we’ll learn through curated video content, pausing to break things down, ask questions, and connect it to real studio work. You’ll see how lighting works, talk through it as a group, and then have the chance to explore it hands-on. *** **What We’ll Cover** * Natural light vs. studio light (and when to use each) * Simple one-light setups that work * How light direction shapes your image * Creating clean, consistent results *** **What to Expect** * Guided video learning (watch + pause + discuss) * Real-time breakdown of concepts in plain language * Hands-on opportunities to experiment * Open networking with other photographers * Snacks will be available, bring a bagged lunch if you like! *** **You’ll Leave With** * A clearer understanding of how light works * Simple setups you can try immediately * More confidence in any shooting environment *** Free to attend (limited spots)

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**📸 Studio 151 Glamour Series: Featuring Pinky Ann!– Only $150** Date & Time: May 16, 10am-12noon (optional 1 on 1 opportunities after 12:30) Location: Sterling, VA (exact location provided upon registration) Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (All are welcome!) **🛠️ What You'll Learn** Join us for an immersive, hands-on photography workshop designed to elevate your skills! This session is perfect for hobbyists, aspiring photographers, and anyone who wants to build confidence behind the lens. We’ll cover: * Learn the fundamentals of [e.g., portrait lighting or composition]. * Practice techniques to [e.g., control exposure and use natural light]. * Get tips for [e.g., setting up creative shots & working with models]. You’ll walk away with actionable knowledge and beautiful images to show for it! ### **🧑‍🏫 What Makes This Workshop Special** * Hands-On Practice: Bring your camera – most of the time will be spent shooting! * Small Group Setting: Personalized feedback in an intimate group size (limited seats). * Professional Guidance: Led by an experienced photographer who knows the craft inside and out. ### **🎒 What to Bring** * Your camera (DSLR or mirrorless preferred, but all gear welcome) * Fully charged batteries and memory cards * Notebook (optional, but recommended) ### **💲 Pricing** Only $150 per person – reserve your seat today! Spots are limited, so book early to avoid missing out. ### **📢 Refund/Cancellation Policy** Refunds will be issued only if the class is canceled by the host. ### **📅 How to Reserve Your Spot** 1. Click the "Attend" button to register. 2. Complete your payment on Meetup to confirm your seat. 3. Get ready to learn, practice, and have fun! We can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions, please email us at info@studio151photo.com. Additionally, this amazingly versatile model has agreed to offer 1 on 1 sessions, afterwards for a discounted fee of $50 per half hour for fashion and $65 per half hour for tasteful nude. Take advantage of these rates and use our studio lights to create dramatic and stunning images (we will be there to assist with lighting setups)!!!! There will be a limited amount of 1 on 1's offered, so book early!!! 1 on 1's (email us and we will update this list with your requested time!) 12:30 - 1:00 - Abhi G. 1:00 - 1:30 - 1:30 - 2:00 - 2:00 - 2:30 - 2:30 - 3:00 - Andy W. 3:00 - 3:30 - Andy W. 3:30 - 4:00 - Samantha

Social Sips & Bites family, Memorial Day weekend is calling and we’re bringing everyone together for a fun, relaxed picnic celebration with the SSB crew. Expect great food, sunshine, music, laughter, and that amazing Social Sips & Bites energy we all love. Bring your favorite dish to share with the group and your favorite drinks, and get ready for an afternoon of mingling, new friendships, and good vibes all around. This is the perfect chance to kick off summer with our incredible community. Contribution: $5 to help cover park setup and supplies. Please send a Venmo or Zelle to Judy Cheung before the picnic- by May 22nd. Her Venmo and Zelle infornation is in the sign up link. Her Zelle last four digits is 3353. Come hungry. Come social. Come ready for one of those classic SSB days where strangers become friends and friends become family. There is plenty of parking available and restrooms are also available at the park. Everyone should plan to bring their own beverages, a chair and a blanket if you wish. Please sign up on the link below to contribute help, food, and games. Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BAAA628A7F8C34-62911568-social

**🪷 COST:** There is a fee for this event. Please [Register and Donate with this Link!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/already-enough-a-day-retreat-to-reconnect-through-gratitude) **🌿 Description:** ***Already Enough: A Day Retreat to Reconnect Through Gratitude*** In the pace of daily life, it’s easy to keep reaching for what’s next—solving, striving, or focusing on what feels missing. This day retreat is an invitation to pause and gently shift that pattern through the practice of gratitude. Together, we’ll explore gratitude not just as an idea, but as a lived practice—something we can return to daily to support presence, emotional balance, and a deeper appreciation for what is already here. At the heart of the retreat is a simple practice inspired by The Magic: a daily way of writing and feeling gratitude until it becomes real, not just words. Through guided exercises, journaling, sharing, meditation, and time in nature, we’ll create space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, our lives, and the people around us. This is not about forcing positivity. It’s about training our attention to notice what is already present—and learning how to live from that place more often, moment by moment and day by day. **This restorative day retreat includes:** 🌿 Guided gratitude-based practices inspired by *The Magic* 📓 Journaling and personal reflection 🤝🏻 One-on-one and small group sharing 🌲 Gentle nature-based experiences woven throughout the day 🥗 A shared potluck lunch and mindful pause 🧘 Closing meditation and integration **Preparation:** Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of *The Magic* by Rhonda Byrne, and to read it beforehand if possible. If this is a financial barrier, please reach out to **admin@imaginebeingwell.org** so we can assist. **🪷 COST:** There is a fee for this event. Please [Register and Donate with this Link!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/already-enough-a-day-retreat-to-reconnect-through-gratitude) **About your facilitator:** Nitin Dogra is a Project/Program Manager and meditation practitioner who integrates simple, repeatable practices into daily life. His work focuses on helping people build grounded awareness, emotional steadiness, and practical inner shifts through consistency rather than complexity. This retreat is rooted in both inspiration and lived experience. Through deep and consistent gratitude practice, Nitin experienced profound shifts in his own life—including changes in his physical and mental wellbeing, his closest relationships, and his sense of possibility. His approach is simple: less theory, more practice. **🌟 Credits & Inspiration:** This retreat is inspired by teachings and practices from Rhonda Byrne and Shukrana Gratitude Foundation India, along with personal practice and lived experience. **🌐 NEWSLETTER:** [Click Here to Sign Up](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) if you would like to receive Imagine Well Being's monthly newsletter highlighting events, retreats and outreach programs. **⭐️ LIABILITY RELEASE:** With my RSVP, I hereby stipulate that I am physically sound to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all events, gatherings and retreats are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. **I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine events, gatherings, and retreats.**

**Join us for Soul Coffee, an informal gathering where we can connect a bit deeper, check in on each other, and share some real soul conversation together - as always, across beliefs and traditions.** Soul Coffee is a gathering by BreadBreakers, a community for people of all stripes to build meaningful relationships and have curious conversations. **Our mission in BreadBreakers is to be a place of compassion and belonging in a time of division and isolation; to rebuild the town square, one table at a time.** Usually we do this by breaking bread and having facilitated conversations over dinner, but sometimes it's good to just meet over coffee and spend some unstructured time talking about the deep stuff. At each Soul Coffee, we'll keep it simple and talk about three questions: - How's your soul doing? - How have you experienced wonder lately? - What do you need right now? No matter your religion, or if you even are religious; no matter where you are spiritually; no matter if you even think souls exist - come to be seen and known, to just be humans together in a crazy world, to talk about those things of the spirit that are so central to the human experience but rarely get discussed. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of being in community with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by[ Restoration United Methodist Churc](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers)h in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community, a collaboration between the church and those of all different beliefs. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.