Self Exploration

This is an open Circle for anyone and open to constellate on any subject. It's a good way to get started if you've been wanting to see what Constellations is all about. We will start with some bodywork exercises and then there will be time for three Constellations on any topic. ​A Constellation is a means for accessing the timeless map you hold within, linking the past to the present and the present to the future. It's a tool to find the origin of the problems we face today such as repeated patterns, blockages, relationship difficulties or health concerns, to name a few, and has the power to reveal hidden dynamics not visible to the normal eye. Then a healing exchange takes place and steps are taken to free you from the past and put you on a road to freedom, understanding and authenticity for your future. ​There are two ways to participate, either as a participant or Space Holder in the Circle or to bring a topic to constellate as an Issue Holder, which is limited to three places. Although one person will bring a subject to constellate, everyone participates. A Constellation is a Healing Circle for all who attend. ​ Price for Space Holders: 50 Euros (12 spots) Price for Issue Holders: 165 Euros (3 spots) ​Date: Sunday, April 12th ​Time: 3:00 to 7:00 pm Location: Shanti Home: Rue Darwin 8, Brussels 1190 (Forest) ​\*There are three spots available for Constellations. You must have attended a Circle as a Space Holder before constellating an issue. \*Spots are limited for both roles to ensure enough space in the room, although the room is very spacious. *Modified price for students or if you are unemployed. Write me if this is your case.​* Payment must be made beforehand. You can register either to the following account or pay by credit card or PayPal by following the link to the website. Register here: https://www.gettotheorigin.com/brussels-events For bank transfer instead, email Meghan. ​Contact: Meghan +32 468 455 273 meghan@gettotheorigin.com www.gettotheorigin.com

Spring is here, and Brussels is turning pink 🌸 Join us for a relaxed and social walk through some of the city’s most beautiful cherry blossom streets, followed by a picnic together in a nice spot This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the season, meet new people, and spend a peaceful Sunday outdoors -- 🌿 **What to expect* • A relaxed walk through cherry blossom location • A friendly, social atmosphere (easy to connect with others • A picnic together after the walk (optional but recommended! -- 🧺 **What to bring (for the picnic)* • Something to eat & drin • A blanket if you have on • Good vibes ? -- 📍 **Meeting point & full details* All practical details (meeting point, timing, route, etc.) will be shared in the **WhatsApp group** after you sign up -- 💡 **Important – Membership required* This event is **free to join**, but participation is **reserved for Sunday Vacations members** 👉 Membership starts at **€5/year (Explorer)* 👉 You can join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) This helps us keep building and organizing quality events for the community -- ⚠️ **Good to know* • Please update your RSVP if your plans chang • By joining, you agree that Sunday Vacations is a community (not a tour operator)

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**Let us simply meet and spend some relaxed time together**. This is a very simple gathering: We meet, have a drink, visit the garden, chat, and get to know each other with other members of the **Happy Body community**.

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Wednesday – Easy Social Run 🕒 19:30 ### 🟣 Sunday – Long Run (Main Session) 🕒 16:00 - Distance increases every week *Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: - 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish *🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace - 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. ## 📊 Long Run Progression (Thursdays) We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 *lighter week before the race ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together ## 💡 What to expect - Friendly, international group 🌍 *No one left behind - Natural pace groups *Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** ## ⚠️ Practical info - Bring water *Wear proper running shoes - Join at your own responsibility *Beginners welcome ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Unwind & relax with an amazing combination of Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. **Yin Yoga** encourages flexibility and mobility and is suitable for ALL levels. It’s a passive but deep practice with long-held and gentle stretches of the connective tissue. Yin Yoga opens the body on a deeper level . It also prepares you for ultimate deep relaxation. **Yoga Nidra** means *yogic sleep*. This practice invites you to stay awake and alert while in Savasana. In this state we strengthen our intuition coming from the unconscious mind. As the mind becomes withdrawn and one-pointed, consciousness is maintained. The physical, mental and emotional relaxation creates space for insights and healing. The only thing you need to do is to listen to the instructions during the whole practice without falling asleep 😊. In the Raja Yoga Sutras (1:38), Rishi Patanjali states: *"SvapnaNidrajnanalambanam va”* meaning “The mind can be made steady by giving it knowledge of dream and sleep for support.” Each session will enhance a specific topic. Each session includes: · Yin Yoga practice 60min · Yoga Nidra practice 45min · Cozy moments with herbal tea, healthy vegan snack on the go 15min On the spot available: yoga mats, bolsters, blocks, lavender eye pillows, blankets.

April is the flower month of the year in Belgium! Apart from the Bluebells, it is also the time when the fruit trees are in full bloom, so let's go for a classic outing to Haspengouw where the largest fruit plantations are. We will take a loop from Sint-Truiden, walking towards the large lake of Het Vinne (where we will likely have our lunch picknick) and around the little town of Zoutleeuw with its impressive tower silhouette. Turning back towards Sint-Truiden we will find more flowering trees (pears are at their peak at the moment), and will take a well-deserved break in one of the pop-up bars amongst the flowers before getting back into town. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average moving speed of 5km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Komoot:** https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2875651883?share_token=aiX63dqM1og25WOi4gFg7CqFsYjdzplN3pMVX5Jo7XVpBHWrxW&ref=wtd **Wikiloc:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sint-truiden-loop-258527566 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.25 in Bruxelles Central train station in front of Starbucks. Our train (IC 1507 to Hasselt) leaves from platform 3 at 09.41. We'll arrive Sint Truiden at 10.41. ●● Train ticket: One way ticket is 10.20€ or 6.10€ with train+ ●● Trains back to Brussels: Direct trains from Sint Truiden to BXL are every hour at XX.18 ●● Specifics: Distance: ± 25 km Elevation gain: 90 m Net walking time: ± 6h Weather forecast: mostly cloudy, maybe some sunny patches. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Comfortable hiking shoes * water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for the drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Let's practice Mandarin while having a walk in the south of Brussels (Watermael-Boistfort) to see the cherry blossom and beautiful tulips. We will also visite the organic farm "Chant des Cailles". We will start from the "Demey" metro station. Please make sure to be on time. The meeting place is at the exit on the "Edmond Van Nieuwehuyse" street (see picture). https://www.stib-mivb.be/accueil/voyager/temps-reel/arrets?stop=90247 We will walk around 3km, to be back to the Demey station.

The blue bells of Bois de Hall being in full bloom currently, we will walk through the blue forest on Sunday and then have a drink/snack at the Deli traiteur. 🪻 Approximately 11 km. Some mud possible. Rachel will lead us, we are cooperating whilst joyfully expecting Rory’s return 🥰 See you on Sunday! Sandra 0497/243455

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human to journey into space. To celebrate this groundbreaking achievement, Malina More Studio invites you to a special ceramics workshop inspired by the wonders of space exploration. Join us to create unique, space-themed ceramic pieces and honor this remarkable milestone in human history. ​**Beginner-friendly lesson (In English).** In this 2.5 hour session, you will be given 600g of clay and Anna will teach you how to make the bowl of your dreams. The idea is to make a bowl and decorate it with stars ✨ **But if you want, you can also decorate the bowl to your taste.** ​**Lesson themes:** Hand-build ceramic dishes, learn to model clay, work with underglaze, paint your piece. ​The instructor will do final glazing and both kiln firings for you. Your creation will be ready for pickup within 5 weeks after the lesson. You will even be able to use it for your next breakfast! ​The price includes one bowl with two firings and glazing. If you want to make a second piece – the price will be increased by 5 euros. **Please sign up and pay for the session at the following link:** https://luma.com/heg3obgo 💫 The price is 70 euro. ​Lesson is followed by 30 min networking session with drinks included. ​**You can also buy a gift certificate:** [https://malinamore.studio/](https://malinamore.studio/?utm_source=luma) ✨ **✨** Follow the Malina More Studio on INSTAGRAM ☺️ [https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/](https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/) 🌷

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Main Library, Meeting Room 3B 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.

This is an in-person meeting. Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living. Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation. This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome: -Out-of-control unwanted emotions -Low self-esteem -Anxiety -Negativity -Stress -Irrational fears -Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents -Breakups -Betrayals -Feeling like you're not really yourself -Self-doubt... We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup! This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.