Happiness

It is a bit too early for a midsummer night party, but on the weekend the weather forecast predicts thunderstorms. On Friday evening, we will celebrate midsummer night with a hike through Königswald and a picnic, including swimming, at Sacrower Lake. We’ll meet at the Wannsee ferry terminal (near Wannsee S-Bahn station) at 17:55 and take the ferry to Alt-Kladow at 6 pm. The ferry ride is covered by a standard BVG ticket (Zone B). (The next ferry leaves an hour later, so please allow about 5 minutes to walk from the S-Bahn station to the terminal.) From Alt-Kladow, we’ll follow freely this Komoot route: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1585149981 . I aim at a hike duration of 2 1/2 hours. After 12 km, we want to arrive at Sacrower Lake. Bring swimwear, food and drinks and, if you like, champagne to celebrate the best time of the year. At around 22:30 we leave the lake and head for the bus station in Alt-Kladow. For communication during the hike, I will send a Signal group link to all participants via private message a couple of hours before the hike. This timing is intended to prevent non-participants from misusing the link for unwanted advertising, which has happened in the past. Signal allows us to share our locations during the hike without involuntarily forwarding this information to the intelligence services of authoritarian or non-authoritarian states, but unfortunately the location sharing function does not include tracking, i.e. no continuous updates. For all other purposes, especially socialising and posting photos, please use the Telegram subgroup 'Event Chat & Photos': https://t.me/addlist/KAOk2PA4BDE0ZTY8 . The hike will take place if at least 6 people sign up. As long as there are more than 6 people, you can sign up and cancel as many times as you like. If there are 6 or less people, please avoid cancelling, as this might make the other participants feel insecure about whether the hike will take place (or whether there is something wrong with the hike and they should cancel as well --> Matthew effect - Wikipedia). If there are less than 6 participants, the hike will also take place unless the majority of the participants are in favor of canceling the hike.

Book a ticket [HERE](https://www.epiccomedyberlin.com/weekly-shows?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dark-thoughts-meetup-berlin-sales&utm_content=listing-main-v1&target=weekly-shows&show=dark-thoughts&city=berlin) A Berlin comedy show where Berlin's top stand up comedians take your suggestions and generate hilarious sets on the spot! ★★★★★ DOORS 10:45 PM SHOW STARTS 11 PM ★★★★★ ★★★★★ENGLISH-SPEAKING★★★★★ Finally, something Netflix can't match! The Darkest Thoughts Comedy Berlin show offers you the audience a chance to get immediate comedy based on any topic you can think of. This interactive comedy show opens with a short and funny conversation with the host about what themes interest you today. Then there is a short break where you get another drink and write down whatever you want us to improvise about in the second part related to the themes we discussed. Then a lineup of the best Berlin comedians will come in and improvise standup comedy on the spot with your notes! It's gonna be funny, interesting comedy show generated straight from your thoughts! This is a donation-based show (Recommended donation 10-15 Euro) so entry is free but we recommend you reserve your seat as seating is limited (reservations valid until 15 minutes before the show starts.) So reserve now and let the Darkest Thoughts Comedy show pluck some funny directly from your mind!

Liebe Schrägen, habt ihr Lust Basketball um Obama zu zelebrieren zu spielen? Wir treffen uns um 16 Uhr in der Nähe von Firlstraße / An der Wuhlheide. Wir setzen uns für eine halbe Stunde, bis wir alle da sind, dann spielen wir. Selbst bin ich Anfänger und gar nicht in Top Form. Die Regeln: Erst nach Zehn! Wir stehen üngefähr drei bis fünf Meter vor dem Korb. Wir werfen den Ball in den Korb. Wenn man erfolgreich den Ball in den Korb geworfen hat geht man weiter und wirft nochmal, doch diesmal mit der anderen Hand. Jedoch, wenn der Ball nicht in den Korb geht, dann ist der nächste Spieler an der Reihe. Erst nach Zehn. Eventuell wird es auch etwas Musik mit der JBL sein. Naturlich sind Zuschauer die gesellig sein wollen auch willkommen. Es gibt Sitzplätze am Rande des Platzes. Später könnten Wir eventuell Eis holen. Kommunikation bitte durch Signal Gruppe. Link im Kommentar. Auf den Basketball!!!

**Open Reflection Circle** is a small and intimate women’s gathering in Berlin, where we come together in a cozy café to share, reflect, and connect with one another. In this circle, a small group of around **8–10 women** gathers to spend time in meaningful conversation and reflection. We begin by introducing ourselves and gently creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. Through guided reflection prompts, we explore our journeys, our emotions, and the experiences that shape our lives. These prompts are designed to help you open up and reflect more deeply on your thoughts, your dreams, and the challenges you may be navigating. We also include a few light and playful exercises to break the ice and help everyone feel relaxed and connected. The intention is not to create pressure to share, but to create an environment where sharing feels natural and safe. The heart behind the **Open Reflection Circle** is simple: to bring together women who can hold space for each other and remind one another that we are not alone in our journeys. This is a space where we can talk honestly about our lives — our visions, our goals, what we are building, and what sometimes holds us back from taking action. We reflect together on questions such as: Where do we want to go in life? What are we dreaming of creating? What challenges are we facing in our emotional wellbeing or personal growth? By listening to one another’s stories and perspectives, we often discover insights that we might not have seen on our own. You are encouraged to bring a **notebook and pen**, as many women like to take notes from reflections, ideas, and inspiration that arise during the conversation. Toward the end of the gathering, we close with a small and meaningful practice: exchanging short **love letters of gratitude** with each other. These simple messages help us acknowledge the presence of the women in the circle and leave the space with a feeling of appreciation, connection, and warmth. The intention of this circle is not advice or fixing each other’s problems. It is simply to **listen, reflect, learn from one another, and hold space for the beautiful complexity of each woman’s journey.**

**Summer Play Ritual** *Sensual Touch Lab Series* Mit ***Markus Kaufmann*** Für **GBTQ Männer\*** **[ANMELDUNG](https://wearevillage.org/shop/sensual-touch/w25-2026)** Mitglieder **15 €** Nicht-Mitglieder **30 €** In dieser Session richten wir den Fokus nach innen und erforschen, wie das Zusammenspiel von Erregung und Entspannung unser körperlich-sinnliches Erleben beeinflussen kann. Gleich einem Aufheizen und Abkühlen zwischen Tag und Nacht im Sommer lädt dieses Ritual zu einem spielerischen Ansatz ein, der alle Sinne einbezieht und körperliche Entfaltung ermöglicht, während zugleich das Nervensystem reguliert werden kann. So wie sich die Natur im Sommer vollständig entfaltet, dürfen auch wir uns öffnen und neue sinnliche Erfahrungen entdecken. Das Ritual begleitet die Teilnehmenden auf einer Reise der Selbsterforschung, intimer Eins-zu-eins-Begegnungen und gemeinsamer Gruppenerfahrungen. Die Erfahrung entfaltet sich in zwei Teilen: Zunächst führt ein\*e Facilitator durch angeleitete Übungen, die Vertrauen und Neugier fördern. Darauf folgt eine freiere und intuitivere Phase, die auf dem im ersten Teil entstandenen sinnlichen Bewusstsein aufbaut. Während der gesamten Erfahrung ist Kleidung optional und persönliche Grenzen werden jederzeit respektiert. **Vorteile** • Schafft wertvolle, gemeinsame Erfahrungen unter GBTQ Männer\* durch Nähe, Empathie und Verbundenheit. • Bekämpft Gefühle der Isolation und Einsamkeit. • Fördert Selbstliebe und Akzeptanz des eigenen Körpers und der Identität. • Bietet einen sicheren, urteilsfreien Raum zur Erforschung persönlicher Grenzen. • Trägt zum allgemeinen Wohlbefinden bei und unterstützt die Fähigkeit, dauerhafte Beziehungen aufzubauen. • Kann als gesunder Bewältigungsmechanismus dienen und das Risiko von Substanzmissbrauch reduzieren. **Hinweise** • Dieses Format ist für alle queeren Männer\*/Männlichkeiten, die Berührung in einer einvernehmlichen, unterstützenden Atmosphäre erfahren möchten. • Bitte lege Wert auf persönliche Hygiene. • Bringe zum Abdecken von Kissen, Matten oder Massageliegen ein Laken und ein Handtuch mit. • Dieser Workshop wird auf Englisch durchgeführt. • Dieses Event ist auch zu einem ermäßigten Mitgliederpreis erhältlich – aber kein Bestandteil der zwei kostenlosen monatlichen Mitgliederveranstaltungen. • Ermäßigter Zugang ist auf schriftliche Anfrage an: **[events@wearevillage.org](mailto:events@wearevillage.org)** 🔵 **Sensual Play Ritual** *Sensual Touch Lab Series* With ***Markus Kaufmann*** For **GBTQ men\*** **[BOOK YOUR TICKET!](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/sensual-touch/w25-2026/)** Members **15 €** Regular **30 €** In this session, we turn our attention inward and explore how the interplay between arousal and relaxation can shape our embodied and sensual experience. Inspired by the rhythm of heating up and cooling down — like hot summer days followed by cool nights — this ritual invites a playful approach that engages all the senses and encourages full-bodied exploration, while supporting nervous system regulation. Just as nature unfolds in the summer, we too are invited to open ourselves fully and discover new sensory experiences. This ritual guides participants through a journey of self-exploration, intimate one-to-one encounters, and shared group experiences. The experience unfolds in two parts: it begins with a facilitator-led exploration designed to cultivate trust and curiosity, followed by a more intuitive and open phase that builds on the sensual awareness developed in the first part. Throughout the experience, clothing is optional and personal boundaries are respected at all times. **What is Sensual Touch Lab Series for GBTQ Men\*?** Sensual Touch Lab Series for GBTQ Men\* is a monthly workshop where we aim to create a space for sensual closeness and playful encounters. Embodied, somatic experiences that appreciate our full-bodied nature. Using sensuality as an approach to explore new ways of dealing with our own fears or patterns related to nudity, intimacy, and touch. We invite you to explore, communicate, and possibly expand your personal boundaries within a framework of mutual respect and consent. This opens up the opportunity to experience the power of touch, sensation, and non-verbal interpersonal connection. Each event will be a guided process, which will have a special touch depending on the theme and background of the facilitator\*, whether it be bodywork and touch, somatics and intimacy, or something else. These short workshops may include nudity, partner exercises or close physical interactions. **Benefits** Creates meaningful connections within the GBTQ+ community through collective experiences. Combats feelings of isolation and loneliness. Promotes self-love and acceptance of one’s body and identity. Provides a safe, judgement-free space to explore personal boundaries. Contributes to overall well-being and supports the ability to build lasting relationships. Can serve as a healthy coping mechanism and reduce the risk of substance abuse. **General Information** This format is for all queer men\* / queer masculinities interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting. Please pay attention to personal hygiene. Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables. This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the two-free-monthly-events benefit. Concession tickets upon written request to events@wearevillage.org

Tauche ein in die wohltuende Welt des *Heilsamen Singens*! In der Singgruppe erleben wir gemeinsam, wie einfache, wiederholende Lieder mit positiven Texten Herz und Seele berühren. Du musst kein*e geübte*r Sänger\*in sein – beim heilsamen Singen geht es nicht um Leistung, sondern um Verbindung, Freude und Entspannung. Teils sanfte, teils kraftvolle Klänge und Melodien laden dich ein, den Alltagsstress hinter dir zu lassen, bei dir selbst anzukommen und neue Lebensfreude zu spüren. Beim gemeinsamen Singen entsteht innere Ruhe, dein Immunsystem wird gestärkt – und auf liebevolle Weise entsteht Verbindung untereinander. Komm, wie du bist – mit deiner Stimme, deinem Atem, deinem Herzen. Lass dich tragen vom Klang und entdecke die heilende Kraft des Singens. Wir freuen uns auf dich! Wo: Offenes Wohnzimmer Moabit Wann: jeden 3. Freitag im Monat 19:00 Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis Um die Planung zu erleichtern, melde Dich gerne an unter: [kontakt@heilsames-singen-berlin.de](mailto:kontakt@heilsames-singen-berlin.de) (Wer spontan kommen kann, ist natürlich ebenso willkommen!) Hei, ich bin Gesa, Sängerin, Gesangspädagogin und zertifizierte Singleiterin für Heilsames Singen. Nach über 20 Jahren als Opern- und Konzertsängerin liegt mein Fokus heute auf dem „Heilsamen Singen“. Mir liegt am Herzen, das Singen wieder in unseren Alltag zu holen. Weil es uns mit unserem innersten Menschsein verbindet, weil es Herz und Seele berührt – und weil es ein kleiner, aber kraftvoller Beitrag zu mehr Freude, Wärme und Menschlichkeit in unserer Welt ist.

**✨ Hello Desi Girls! ✨** **You bring:** **• 🍷 One bottle of your favourite wine** **• Your best cosy outfit** **We bring:** **• 🧀 Cheese board & grapes** **• 🕯️ Fairy lights & soft music** **• 🎤 A speaker with something worth hearing** **• 👯‍♀️ 30+ Desi women you’ll want to stay late with** **————** **Join this meetup and become part of biggest desi girl community in berlin with 150 active members as of now.** **(IMP- community event for only south asian girls)** **Our Story- I started this group to create a welcoming space for desi girls to find real friendship.** **We are within the avg age of 25-35ish. We plan brunches, movie nights and you can find people likw you to explore Berlin!** **Who are we?** **We host free community events for Desi women in Berlin (Desi = people from South Asia).** **And the group is very active, not commercial at all.** **To keep this a safe and comfortable space, I personally add members to the WhatsApp group after meeting them.** **If you’re interested in joining us, I encourage you to come to one of our meetup. To keep it safe, you can be part of the group only by attending the meetup.**

\*\*\* Class is mostly in German language, but if need I offer translations \*\*\* Everyone is welcome! • My Vinyasa Yoga Class is a mix of powerful movements combined with meditation elements. Warm up, mobilise, stretch & release your muscles. And your brain. Be chilled, be focused, be mindful. I support the members individually, so this class is suitable for all levels: You will find new ways to refine your personal practice. • My class is 75 Min. and takes place every tuesday 6:15PM. Mats, blankets, showers & tea is ready for you! • The balance recommended: Donation-Drop-In 15€ USC Members Welcome: USC M (4x), L (8x), XL (8x) Studiocard Price: https://www.yogaatlobeblock.de/preise • LOCATION Böttgerstraße 16, 13357 Berlin 1st floor, RIGHT ELEVATOR • HOW TO GET THERE 5 Min. walk from Gesundbrunnencenter near Magic Mountain Kletterhalle U8 Gesundbrunnen S42/41 & S1 BUS N7, 247, RE5 GOOGLE MAPS: https://tinyurl.com/yal3wf2x • CONTACT Christina Metzler yoga@makesmehappy.de https://www.facebook.com/YOGAmmh

Meet up and join other people at the biggest meetup event in Berlin this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just traveling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a **safe and welcoming** environment at one of Berlins fantastic locations. You can **pick up pizza at the venue** and/or stay with and party on the dance floors all night long! **IMPORTANT: AFTER 21:00 Birgit turns into club, so there is a charge of €15 to enter the venue or you may be refused entry by the people on the door, BUT if you arrive before then you can stay the whole night for FREE!!!** **ONLY CARDS** **FIND US BY LOOKING OUT FOR THE SIGNS ON THE TABLES!!** We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** Looking forward to seeing you there! **Follow us on Insta:** https://www.instagram.com/siphappens.berlin/ **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

Relief stress through laughing, clapping and breathing Alivie el estrés riendo, aplaudiendo y respirando English, espanol, German, international Come and join for some Laughteryoga Sessions. It is free tip-based.

**Welcome to Sober Berlin – Sober Dance Party, Ecstatic Movement & Soundhealing** Join our **Telegram** or **WhatsApp** group to stay updated on all artists: * Telegram: [https://t.me/+hd1BG5kuh1A4NDgy](https://t.me/+hd1BG5kuh1A4NDgy) * WhatsApp: [https://shorturl.at/YWnCr](https://shorturl.at/YWnCr) A **sober, heart-centered space** for movement, music, and genuine connection. Sober Berlin hosts **alcohol-free events** where you can dance, express yourself, and connect – fully present and substance-free. Perfect for the sober, sober-curious, in recovery, or anyone seeking mindful nightlife. ✨ **What We Offer:** * Ecstatic Dance sessions with live DJs * Cacao Ceremonies and or guided warm-ups * Safe, inclusive space – no alcohol, no drugs * Tea, snacks, and a cozy community corner No dance experience needed – just bring your body, breath, and presence. 💖 **Giving Back:** 10% of earnings go to women-centered and child-focused NGOs. 🕊️ Join **Sober Berlin** and rediscover connection – with yourself and others.

✌︎ HELLO WEEKEND — HELLO SELF-CARE Beginne deine Wochenende genau so, wie es sein soll! • YOGA This yoga practice is suitable for all levels. With individual support, adjustment/alignment of your asana practice. Flowing sequences of asanas will energise your body, release tension and activate the whole system to wake up and start your weekend in a positive way. • HOW CAN YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS …if you don't have one with yourself? We must revolutionise the rules of society that have us believe self care is selfish. In your practice we create more room for yourself to stay whole, healthy and happy. • LIMITED to 12 SPOTS • • The balance recommended: Donation-Drop-In 15€ 5 x Donation-Card 70€ 10 x Donation-Card 140€ 20 x Donation-Card 240 € Hugs (0€ pro Klasse)Free USC (M, L, XL) • USC Members Welcome: M, L, XL • 90 Min. Class • LOCATION YOGA at Lobe Block Böttgerstraße 16, 13357 Berlin right elevator, ring bell • HOW TO GET THERE 5 Min. walk from Gesundbrunnencenter near Magic Mountain Kletterhalle U8 Gesundbrunnen S42/41 & S1 BUS N7, 247, RE5 GOOGLE MAPS: https://tinyurl.com/yal3wf2x How can you have relationships with others, if you don't have one with yourself?

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/oz1a88ms](https://luma.com/oz1a88ms) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

fff- fit frei froh und gesund ebenso durch und mit Lachyoga Wir lachen auch bei Regen!!! Lachyoga ist Wellness, Fitness, Resilienz- und Gesundheitstraining zugleich! Deshalb entwickelte der indische Arzt, Dr. Madan Kataria 1995 diese fröhliche spielerische Yoga-Methode: Lachen ohne Grund. Lachend, spielend, tanzend, singend und bewusst tief atmend - auch bei Frost und Schnee - stärkst Du gleichzeitig Deine körperliche und mentale Gesundheit und Fitness sowie Dein Immunsystem! So beugst Du Krankheiten vor. Dafür gibt es auch eine spezielle Übung: das vorbeugende Lachen. Du verbindest Dich lachend mit den anderen Teilnehmer\*innen. Du aktivierst eine Menge Glückshormone. So stärkst Du Deine Resilienz und kannst gelassener, fröhlicher und unbeschwerter in die neue Woche gehen. Und bei Kälte lachst Du Dich warm!!! Wichtig: warme Füße!!! Also entsprechende Schuhe sind wichtig!!! Übrigens: "Lachen ist der Tanz des Atems" sagt ein indisches Sprichwort. Es ist also Atemtherapie pur. Wo kannst du besser Sauerstoff aufnehmen als an frischer Luft? Auf dem Tempelhofer Feld lachen wir seit 2010 bei jedem Wetter, außer bei einer Unwetterwarnung. Lachyoga kennt keine Altersgrenze, im Gegenteil, es hält jung und verbindet "jung und alt" super miteinander!!! Neugierig geworden? Einfach kommen und mitlachen! offene Gruppe: jede/r ist herzlich eingeladen, mitzulachen, ohne Voranmeldung und ohne Vorkenntnisse bitte mitbringen: Lust, was Neues auszuprobieren; was zu trinken, denn Lachen macht durstig. Teilnahme: auf wertschätzender Spendenbasis Teilnehmer\*innen spenden im Durchschnitt 3-10 Euro. von: [Lachsonne](https://www.gratis-in-berlin.de/component/uddeim/?task=new&recip=8199 "::Nachricht an User schreiben") Mehr Infos im Internet: * [https://www.kreativitaet-und-lachen.de](https://www.kreativitaet-und-lachen.de/offene-ly-gruppen.html)

A cookie covered in creamy frosting can brighten anyone’s day! National Frosted Cookie Day is all about that simple joy. **DETAILS:** We'll celebrate the occasion by visiting Cheryl's Cookies headqtrs. cookie shop, trying to decide which seasonal treats to choose! **NEXT:** we'll head west on Polaris Pkwy to Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour eats n drinks. We can share our sweet finds for dessert... *In a busy world, National Frosted Cookie Day offers a little sweetness that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.*

Happy Hour on the Green ⛳ Join Black Love & Friends for a laid-back evening at Topgolf as we celebrate the fathers, father figures, brothers, uncles, mentors, friends, and positive male role models who enrich our lives and communities. This isn't a golf tournament—it's a social gathering designed to bring great people together for conversation, connection, laughter, food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. Whether you're a father, celebrating a father, bringing your brother, cousin, friend, or simply looking for a fun Saturday evening, you're welcome to join us. No golf experience is necessary. Come for the happy hour, stay for the company. Expect: • Topgolf games for all skill levels • Food and drinks available for purchase • Networking and socializing • Great music and positive vibes • A welcoming atmosphere for singles, couples, and friends Bring someone special or come solo and meet new people. Let's raise a glass to the men who lead, support, inspire, and show up for the people they love.

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.

We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family! * **Step-off:** 10:30AM * **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking. You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp! Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207 If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436

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

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.