Ken Wilber

March's Book: Doughnut Economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist by Kate Raworth. Economics is broken. It has failed to predict, let alone prevent, financial crises that have shaken the foundations of our societies. Its outdated theories have permitted a world in which extreme poverty persists while the wealth of the super-rich grows year on year. And its blind spots have led to policies that are degrading the living world on a scale that threatens all of our futures. Can it be fixed? In Doughnut Economics, Oxford academic Kate Raworth identifies seven critical ways in which mainstream economics has led us astray, and sets out a roadmap for bringing humanity into a sweet spot that meets the needs of all within the means of the planet. En route, she deconstructs the character of ‘rational economic man’ and explains what really makes us tick. She reveals how an obsession with equilibrium has left economists helpless when facing the boom and bust of the real-world economy. She highlights the dangers of ignoring the role of energy and nature’s resources – and the far-reaching implications for economic growth when we take them into account. And in the process, she creates a new, cutting-edge economic model that is fit for the 21st century – one in which a doughnut-shaped compass points the way to human progress. Ambitious, radical and rigorously argued, Doughnut Economics promises to reframe and redraw the future of economics for a new generation. The meeting starts at 7:30. Shortly after 7.30, we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! If you prefer, you can [pay online, by clicking here](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCNRJ25BDL96). We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

**Treat yourself to a vibrant social Thursday evening** **with unparalleled views from the 25th floor in this exclusive, iconic rooftop! BOOK VIA THESE LINKS: [https://fatso.ma/3kFZ](https://fatso.ma/3kFZ) or [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iconic-rooftop-social-live-music-piano-mix-mingle-panoramic-views-tickets-1985406643717?aff=oddtdtcreator ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iconic-rooftop-social-live-music-piano-mix-mingle-panoramic-views-tickets-1985406643717?aff=oddtdtcreator)*KINDLY RSVP TOO - CASH PAYMENTS & WALK INS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS OCCASION*** if any issues with the links at all, promptly contact ELENI please. We are privileged to have ensured a private booking to the newest addition in London's 5\* cocktail bar and fine dining on the 25th floor of the most iconic building in Shoreditch, L'Art Hotel. **Socialise in style in this impressive rooftop with a panoramic background. Mix, mingle, and make connections as the amazing** **modern pianist creates a musical experience transforming timeless melodies while honouring the pulse of hip-hop, R&B and jazz** **and uplifts our mood!** *Seize the opportunity to enrich your social life and why not, trust in perfect synchronicities of the right people at the right time and place getting together.* **Make new friends, enjoy interesting conversations, perhaps meet that someone special that can make your heart sing or simply go out & about London, indulging in masterpiece handcrafted cocktails and mocktails with a truly photogenic background.** *Catch up with who you may have met in previous events and interact with all attendees.* **Present yourself with the best smile on your face, set the vibe, see it reflected back to you!** *This is a hosted event where you can get FRIENDLY and SOCIAL, get introduced to like minded people of various backgrounds and see what happens next!* **HOW TO FIND :** **-Come to L'art Hotel Shoreditch and ask to be shown to the lift to the 25th floor, to SOLAYA LONDON BAR.** **-Once you reach the host upstairs, PLEASE ASK FOR ELENI'S BOOKING!** ***-Please arrive from 18:30 or so as we have a specific time slot for this event and you can be in the flow of the introductions.*** **ELENI is hosting this meet-up arrangement, making sure all guests are welcomed, introduced to each other and included throughout the evening, in our semi-private, with access to the terrace.** London's most photogenic Rooftop bar, a well kept secret, with stunning views, amazing handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, delicious food and ultra chic decoration for an evening to remember. ***Dress code: Office attire - smart for a 5\* venue. Sportswear is not permitted.*** ***The venue reserves the right of admission. In case you are declined because of dress code or any other reason as per the venue's guidelines, this ticket is non refundable.*** Refunds only in case of the event being cancelled

'HOW TO FIND YOUR BASIC PURPOSE' A Life Improvement free workshop with Maria Bennett. In this a live in-venue workshop: \- Do you know your basic purpose? \- What makes a person's basic purpose? \- Practical drills to help you define your own basic purpose\. Pen and paper provided,so - let's get stuck in!! Using information taken from the book '*Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health*' by L. Ron Hubbard. *Testimonial:* *"Great seminar. I liked how you took us through step by step and we found our own basic purposes. It is a common basic purpose for all, I believe. I realised that the spiritual is more important to me than anything else. My purpose is to help others and the webinar validated things I do. I liked how the participants feel free to communicate their situations. My win was that I can use your method to help others find their basic purpose too. Thanks!" - VR* Maria: I have worked at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre helping and coaching others for over 20 years. I enjoy this a lot! I have access to tools that anyone can put to use in their life to make the positive improvements that they may be looking for. I look forward to meeting you. What can you do after the workshop? We have various other free services that you could do - such as the free personality test. We also have a lot of Life Improvement Courses. These focus on specific areas of life to help 'unblock' them, put your actual abilities to use!

Have you ever felt like someone could sense what’s happening inside you — even before you say a word? That’s often how people describe sessions with me. I offer **trauma-aware Reiki energy healing** that combines energy work, somatic awareness, and intuitive perception to support emotional processing, nervous system regulation, and deeper clarity. Each session adapts to **what your system is ready to process**. Some sessions bring deep relaxation and regulation, while others create emotional release or insight. ### Reiki Energy Session — €40 A full Reiki energy healing session focused purely on **the energy work itself**. We begin with a short conversation about how you’re feeling or what you’d like to focus on. Then you relax while I channel Reiki energy. This option focuses primarily on **energetic healing and regulation**, without extended intuitive guidance or deeper analysis during the session. Duration: \~1 hour ### Reiki Energy Healing + Guidance — €60 This session includes the **same Reiki energy healing**, with additional intuitive insights and reflections about emotional patterns, blockages, or themes that may arise during the session. In addition to the energy work, I may share: • intuitive observations about patterns or emotional dynamics • somatic impressions that appear during the session • reflections that help bring clarity to recurring situations This option is ideal if you're looking for **both healing and deeper understanding of what is surfacing internally**. Duration: \~1 hour # What Reiki Can Support Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy practice that supports balance in the body’s energy system. Sessions may help with: • emotional regulation • stress or burnout • releasing stored tension • feeling more grounded and present • gaining clarity around recurring patterns • reconnecting with your intuition You don’t need to believe in anything for Reiki to work — the energy simply supports your system in restoring balance. *** # Session Format Sessions are held **online via Zoom (recommended) or WhatsApp video call**. Languages available: English • Polish • Italian # Booking To book a session, send me a message on Meetup or email: 📩 withawakenedrose@gmail.com I’ll confirm availability and provide payment details (Revolut). # Disclaimer Reiki is a complementary energy practice and does not replace medical or psychological treatment. By booking a session, you take responsibility for your own physical and emotional wellbeing.

Tickets are available from the following site from $28, So far. we are seated in the Upper Circle E13-14. [Harold Fry](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-unlikely-pilgrimage-of-harold-fry) ## About The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry *The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry* transfers to the West End after a smashing, sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Funny and deeply uplifting, this new musical is adapted for the stage by Rachel Joyce from her bestselling 2012 novel, with music and lyrics by chart-topping artist Passenger. Book *The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry* tickets on London Theatre. Harold Fry was not a ‘hero’ in any traditional sense. He was just a typical man living a mundane life when he received a letter from his long-lost friend, Queenie Hennessy, who was in the process of dying in hospice care. Harold sets out to respond, but instead, without any preparation, he just keeps walking. Leaving everything behind, including his wife, Maureen, Harold embarks on an extraordinary journey on foot, convinced that as long as he continues to walk, Queenie will live on. Along his path, many strangers become friends, and small acts of kindness begin to influence Harold’s understanding of the world. His journey becomes a great pilgrimage of love and sacrifice. Back home, Maureen sets on a journey of her own as she confronts the grief and distances that have shaped their marriage. This incredibly moving West End debut invites audiences to journey alongside Harold, rediscovering the power of compassion and human connection. *The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry* is a musical directed by Katy Rudd (*The Ocean at the End of the Lane*), starring Mark Addy (*The Full Monty, Game of Thrones*) as Harold and Jenna Russell (*Sunday in the Park with George, Hello, Dolly!*) as Maureen. With a warm score and storytelling full of humanity, *The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry* in London is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start again, and that sometimes even the smallest steps forward can lead to great change.

Your survival depends on knowing who you can rely on. But how can you tell who your real friends are? How can you determine if a person will help make a joint venture successful? Is there a way to predict behavior? Yes. There are fundamental elements to human behavior. When you know them you have insight into your fellow man, and just by observing how people act, you will know *everything* about them. #### On this lecture you will learn: * The important role of trust in human relationships. * The Hubbard Chart of Human Evaluation—the tool to know true character and predict what people will do. * How to evaluate others accurately and guarantee a more certain future for yourself and those you care about. With the knowledge you learn on this course, you will have tools to know who you can trust and who you can depend on. *“Trustworthiness is a highly esteemed commodity. When one has it, one is considered valuable. When one has lost it, one may be considered worthless.”* *—L. Ron Hubbard*

CHERRY BLOSSOM, BLACKHEATH VILLAGE, PARKLAND, LAKE, followed by SOCIALISING with CHEAP FOOD and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmosphere. **WALK START POINT: LEWISHAM Station** (DLR and National Rail). Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the station. The fastest way to get to Lewisham is to use British Rail from/via London Bridge (8 mins). WALK ROUTE: Blackheath to Greenwich Park (Cherry Blossom). WALK DISTANCE: Approx 4.5 miles. WALK END POINT: Cutty Sark Station. WALK STOP OUT POINT: We cross several London bus routes. BREATHE FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and improve your overall fitness levels on a green walk. Explore and enjoy London's abundant and sometimes secret green spaces, forest areas and surprising surrounding countryside. Meet new people and make some new friends. Walking is a great social activity. Visit parts of London, unknown to most people, that you would not otherwise have a reason to see. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* COST: Free for members (who show their Ken's Events Membership card). For others there is a £5 fee for this event. Scroll down to bottom of page to see disclaimer and notice of risks. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) For weekday and evening walks join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the day of the event around 3 hours before the start for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

In every society there will come a time when the conditions of life are no longer acceptable for people to tolerate. Maybe your government hasn't listened to the people's requests year after year, and small problems have become big ones. Maybe your government is corrupt, selling its people out for any bribe it can get. Maybe the streets are unsafe, the food is scarce, and the future looks darker than the present. At what point does revolution become necessary? When should we rise up and start a revolution? Can a government ever be so bad that any alternative is better? Should revolution be a last resort? and how do we know when we have reached the last resort? Can violence ever be justified in the pursuit of a better society? \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: tank man tiananmen Square 1989 by Jeff Widener at Associated Press

A GREEN WALK through some of North London's open green spaces and waterways including a ZOO, SEVERAL PARKS and GARDENS, SEVERAL LAKES, WETLANDS and a clear STREAM. All this plus socialising afterwards with CHEAP FOOD and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmosphere with friendly people. Come and enjoy the whole experience!! **WALK START:** **Angel Underground Station (Northern Line**). WALK ROUTE: A green walk along an early stretch of the New River through the often overlooked Clissold Park with its zoo. Then we head through the Woodberry Wetlands an unexpected gem so close to the city. The vast open space of Finsbury Park, Arsenal Football Stadium and Highbury Fields round off this walk WALK FINISH: Pub close to Highbury and Islington Station. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6.5/7 miles. STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes during some parts of the walk. We also pass Manor House and Finsbury Park Underground Stations **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. WE ALWAYS END THE WALK AT A PUB WHERE THE SOCIALISING CAN CONTINUE. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events Flag or Badge outside the station. RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going!

**Londoners! Join us Sunday, March 29th at noon as we stare futility in the face and laugh: we're joining tens of thousands of proud dorks nationwide who love their communities and want them to be more beautiful. We refuse to accept that life under capitalism means swimming in the unwanted filth of our plastic-addicted civilisation.** **Sturdy gloves, bags and picking tools will be provided, so just bring good shoes, durable clothing and a fearless determination. Joining us will be residents of the local area who need our help to bring some pride back to their neighbourhoods.** **We'll meet at noon at Abbey Wood station on the end of the Elizabeth Line, about 20 mins from central London. Our community partners will lead us onwards from around 12:30.** **The intrepid picker who picks the most will win a £10 Co-op gift card!** Why is LCC doing litter-picking? Read on for our analysis of why this form of mutual aid is both necessary and weirdly fun. \-\-\-\- Have you noticed that lately, the filth seems to be spreading? Living in a great megalopolis like London, it's easy to gaslight ourselves into believing that it's always been like this, that "cities are just dirty"; and anyway if there's a problem, the council should solve it! What else do we pay taxes for? But no, it's not your imagination. Halfway through the 2020s and we really are living through an [unprecedented explosion](https://wastedirect.co.uk/guides/fly-tipping-statistics/) in fly-tipping and general filth. It's true that, [across the country,](https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/economic-growth/regional-development/2024/01/council-bankruptcy-tracker-local-government-authorities-finances) many of the local governments whose job it is to collect trash are going bankrupt or getting close. In Birmingham, which went bankrupt in 2023, this financial situation has provided cover for a refusal to pay sanitation workers a fair wage, leading to one of the [longest all-out strikes](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crleyz0d557o) in modern British history and sky-high rubbish piles - even as the council says it's [no longer](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crleyz0d557o) bankrupt. None of this really explains what's going on in London, where local authorities are still mostly solvent and sanitation workers not on strike, at least after Tower Hamlets [settled its dispute](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66917779) a few years ago. This despite the fact that London has some of the [highest fly-tipping rates](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fly-tipping-uk-map-ranked-worst-b2705154.html) in the country. To our historical-materialist minds here at LCC HQ, there are bigger forces than councils at work, namely: the exhaustion of the global supply chain in recycling and waste on the one hand, and on the other, the ongoing colonisation of our spectacularly corrupt political economy by organised crime. These days there's simply too much trash for councils to deal with, at any price - which is where fly-tipping comes in. Without most of us being aware, China - once the [leading importer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%27s_waste_import_ban) of the world's waste - quietly [stopped accepting westerners' trash in 2018 as part of National Sword](https://e360.yale.edu/features/piling-up-how-chinas-ban-on-importing-waste-has-stalled-global-recycling). Having allowed the [recycling and waste-processing infrastructure](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/09/britain-2bn-recycling-industry-export-plastic-waste) necessary to deal with it ourselves to collapse along with the rest of our industry, since foisting it on the Global South is more to our liking, we are now swimming in an ocean of garbage with no idea what to do with it. A paltry 600,000 tons of waste, including valuable recyclables, is now being dumped abroad annually - and with Indonesia [having just joined China in banning waste imports,](https://seasia.co/2025/09/06/indonesia-ends-plastic-waste-imports-amid-growing-environmental-concerns) it's no wonder that things are really starting to get bad here. Perhaps this explains why over the past couple years, [criminal gangs have been porting millions of tonnes of our junk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/organised-crime-fly-tipping-police-environment-agency-b2853238.html) away from the cities, mostly to illegal "mega-tip" sites in the countryside. We've already [buried ancient woodlands and bluebell fields in Kent](https://news.sky.com/story/ancient-bluebell-woodland-smothered-in-illegal-waste-as-campaigners-tell-authorities-to-do-the-right-thing-13125165) under hundreds of tonnes of rubbish; we all saw the news about [Kidlington's 150m long, 15m wide, 10m high super-tip.](https://news.sky.com/story/kidlington-fly-tipping-two-men-arrested-over-rubbish-dumped-in-oxfordshire-field-13500924) Now that these sites have become too large to ignore, suddenly laws are being enforced out there. As of writing, it seems that the chickens have come home to the cities to roost: fly-tipping gangs are now simply leaving our alleys, parks and road by-passes strewn with a distributed, ever-growing network of waste piles. A situation now exists where the reality of waste has become impossible to ignore in the traditional way, that of putting it in the bin and forgetting its existence: the streets are proof that, in the age of plastics, nothing can ever really be "thrown away". In fact, there is no *away.* Alongside the proliferation of chemical waste, human shit and other effluvia now coursing through our rivers and water tables, we can add the trash crisis to Britain's overall *sanitation crisis.* So what? Like so much about life under modern capitalism, from the Epstein revelations to skyrocketing food insecurity, the mind looks for an escape route when confronted with the scale of the problem. British leftists raised on a steady diet of *Novara Media*-style social-democratic welfarism will protest: working-class people work hard enough without having to clean their own streets! The government needs to fund waste collection properly, rebuild our recycling plants and crack down on the fly-tippers! All that may be true. But Britain doesn't have a government, it has an occupying army of capitalist parasites wearing a liberal-democratic skin suit. They're not going to help us and they never will, because there is no sanitation crisis inside their gated communities. What's a proletarian supposed to do? Live with the indignity? Get used to living like an unloved animal, just because conditions outside are like a pigsty? You can definitely write your councillor, petition Parliament, and generally campaign for a state-led clean-up. But if we've seen much evidence of anything in politics in the last twenty years, it's that this kind of activism is niche. Too niche to make much of a difference. This won't change from the "top down", with one more big push by activist groups to get everyone involved in their letter-writing campaign. People, largely, lack the confidence to get involved in anything political. To rebuild that confidence, we need to work from the bottom up. Many hands make light work, as the saying goes - workers together can really transform an area in the space of an afternoon, if enough of them rally to the task. In this case, we're working from the *very* bottom: picking up trash may not represent even a small-scale political "victory", but having a more beautiful local street or park does make for a marginally more enjoyable daily life. Meeting and building solidarity with other people who love their community and aren't afraid to put some work in to make it better is also a powerful reason to get out there. Not quite "another world is possible", but maybe this - especially for those who are looking for a community of like-minded people - could be a step towards achieving that consciousness. Litter-picking groups have [grown in popularity across Britain](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgnne5mmz7o), but not so much London as of yet. Why? Maybe we think we're too cool for something so profoundly dorky, thankless and Sisyphean. Isn't the trash just going to come back? Maybe - but one must imagine Sisyphus happy. So pull on those work gloves and join us for a bit of litter-picking! https://www.tcv.org.uk/media_hub/litter-picking-a-beginners-guide/

SCENIC WALK IN CANADA WATER, then THAMESPATH WALK to GREENWICH and LEWISHAM. **WALK START:Canada Water Station** (Jubilee Line and London Overground - Travel Zone 2) WALK ROUTE: From Canada Water Station we walk through dockland pools and along the Thamespath to Greenwich and then along the Waterlink Walk to Lewisham. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles. WALK FINISH: At Lewisham Station (Travel Zone 2 - National Rail and Docklands Railway.) STOPOUT POINT: Our walk crosses many London bus routes **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility.** **This walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. RISKS:Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, and tracks through woodland and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, trousers are recommended, and take care as surfaces may be uneven, and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists. Be wary of portruding tree roots and low overhanging branches. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station. WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? - Light rain is not a problem, only very heavy rain will lead to a postponement.

⚠️ **Please read any of the books voted below** 🙏🏽, and avoid last minute AI summaries. This is a **book club** after all! 😊 **How Emotions Are Made** by Lisa Feldman Barrett **The Better Angels of Our Nature** by Steven Pinker Join us for Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking non-fiction books that challenge perspectives, inspire growth, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you're an avid reader or just curious about exploring new ideas, this is a space to reflect, share, and gain new insights into the world around us. 🌍💡 **How does it work?** * The above books have already been voted on for reading * We will split into groups based on the book you've read 💬 * Everyone shares summary / thoughts 🧠 * Focused Discussion on a specific chapter or topic / theme from the book for 30 minutes 📚 * Open Q&A regarding the book and any related topics ❓ **What to Expect?** 🔍 **Deep Discussions**: We’ll explore key themes, insights, and arguments from this month’s two books 💬📚 💡 **Critical Thinking & Reflection**: Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level takeaways. Challenge perspectives, question assumptions, and discover new ways of thinking. 🤔✨ 🌿 **Personal & Collective Growth**: Non-fiction books have the power to transform our understanding of society, relationships, and ourselves 🧠🚀 **How to get the most out of this event?** 📝 **Read the Book:** While reading the full book is ideal, even if complete significant amount can help you engage in the discussion. 📖✨ 🗣 **Respect & Openness:** Every perspective matters. This is a space for discussion, not debate. Stay curious, listen actively, and engage with an open mind. 🙏🌱 🤝 **Be Ready to Share & Learn:** What resonated with you? What challenged you? Personal reflections make the discussion richer and more meaningful. 💡🌍 📌 **Why a Non-Fiction Book Club?** 📖 **Expand Your Perspective:** Learn from diverse ideas, and real-world experiences. 🌏✨ 🧠 **Foster Growth:** Engage in stimulating conversations that challenge and refine your thinking. 💭🔄 💬 **Deepen Connections:** Connect with like-minded individuals who value insightful discussions and continuous learning. 🤝📚 **Who is this event for?** * You love exploring ideas that shape the world. 🌎 * You enjoy thought-provoking discussions. 🗣 * You want to engage in meaningful conversations beyond small talk. 💡 * You’re open to challenging your assumptions and learning from others. 🔄 **What's in it for you?** * 💡 **A Space for Reflection:** Step back and think critically about important ideas. * 📚 **New Perspectives:** Gain insights from both the book and fellow participants. * 🤝 **Deep Connections:** Meet others who share a love for learning and growth. **Ready to dive into big ideas?** 🌊 Join us for an evening of engaging, insightful discussions on a book that **challenges**, **inspires**, and **expands** the way we think. 🌟 We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Do toxic people weigh you down? Affect your happiness? How can having toxic relationships affect your Health? And moreover, how can you spot them before it’s too late? Attend this in-person meeting to find out how to spot these people and remove their negative emotions from your life. This event is hosted by The Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center in Central Ohio.

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*