Conservation

**Time: 19:30-21:15** **Venue**: **Oscailt**, **8 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4**. See map and directions [here](https://oscailt.com/contact/). The schedule consists of meditation (first 15 minutes guided, then 25 minutes non-guided), recorded Dhamma talk (30 minutes) and a discussion based on the Dhamma talk. This session is for the sake of cultivating spiritual friendship amongst practitioners and supporting each other on the Path. There is **no registration** \- this event operates on a drop\-in basis\. There is **no charge**, donations are welcome to cover the place. Please bring a bottle of water along as there will be no tea/snack breaks to allow more time for practice. You may wish to bring a blanket if it is cold. Meditation cushions/chairs will be provided. Please let us know if you have any queries by email at **info@irishsanghatrust.ie** Looking forward to seeing you! The IST Team

Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. To get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-enchanted-winter-forest-tickets-1975118479541?aff=oddtdtcreator Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes🎨 Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint)👩‍🎨 * Themed Painting 🖼️ * Prizes 🏆 * Music🎵 * UV Lights💡 **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74 **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **DO YOU DO KIDS EVENTS?** Nope, all events are 18+. We are very strict on ID. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM?** Yes find our page [here](https://www.instagram.com/dublinartbar/ "https://www.instagram.com/dublinartbar/")

These events are suitable for those who already have a regular meditation practice and want to continue to do so in a supportive environment with other meditators. There is no requirement to book in advance, just turn up, or log in. For online sits, please click the link below a few minutes before each sit. Join the [morning meditations](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84133106671?pwd=WFZmQUlHcWN6bHAxdmp4UnVOV1VaZz09) each day using Zoom (password if required is *dropinmed* ). On a [donation basis](https://dublinbuddhistcentre.org/donate). No need to book, just drop in if you know how to meditate.

Centro Cultural Capoeira Água de Beber (CECAB) – Capoeira Água de Beber Cultural Centre – is a non-profit organization, founded officially in January 2002. Its pivot activity is Capoeira (classes, rodas, workshops, public presentations, cultural events, performances), however it aggregates other cultural manifestations as: samba de roda, maculelê, frevo, ciranda, dança do coco, dança afro, puxada de rede, craftworks workshops of making and playing music instruments, video projections, movies, lectures about relevant cultural topics and matters related to enforcement of citizenship. All the activities realized through CECAB are designated to execution of social responsibility projects, further on the sportive, cultural and artistic activities through the realization of the shows, presentations and events related to Capoeira and Brazilian culture.

Centro Cultural Capoeira Água de Beber (CECAB) – Capoeira Água de Beber Cultural Centre – is a non-profit organization, founded officially in January 2002. Its pivot activity is Capoeira (classes, rodas, workshops, public presentations, cultural events, performances), however it aggregates other cultural manifestations as: samba de roda, maculelê, frevo, ciranda, dança do coco, dança afro, puxada de rede, craftworks workshops of making and playing music instruments, video projections, movies, lectures about relevant cultural topics and matters related to enforcement of citizenship. All the activities realized through CECAB are designated to execution of social responsibility projects, further on the sportive, cultural and artistic activities through the realization of the shows, presentations and events related to Capoeira and Brazilian culture.

*I have found that it can be difficult to find male-only spaces where I can openly experience and express my emotions and vulnerability in a group setting, which can lead to feelings of loneliness that I have experienced. This facilitated male-only walk in nature aims to address that. Please note, there is no pressure to share during the walk—attendees can choose to share as little or as much as they wish.* I may run more mixed (male and female) walks in the future. *Thanks for your interest.* ‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realise that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty) ‘Nature, calling us out of our biographies into the fluvial marvel of now.’ (John Moriarty) 'The freedom in walking lies in not being anyone; for the walking body has no history, it is just an eddy in the stream of immemorial life.' (Frédéric Gros) “In the age of the world’s night, someone returns to be beginning, becomes so inwardly empty as to be available to the beginning.” (John Moriarty) 'There was something in the darkness and cold that comforted me in my pain. There was something in feeling the rain. There was something if I stayed long enough.' 'I asked myself what it would be like to enter into the dark and emerge into the light. What would I discover about myself and others? What would I find in this space that could help me?' \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, periods of silence mixed with gentle sharing, storytelling, encounters with nature, and free-roaming/solitary exploration. Contemplation and reflection practices will also be featured, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate individual, pair, and group activities. **Example format of a walk (please note this format can change slightly from walk to walk, depending on different factors - see note 1):** * Welcome, Introductions, Icebreaker Activity, and Group Guidelines * Walk for 15-20 mins as a group * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Walk for another 15-20 mins as a group with someone leading * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Stillness activity and/or free exploration/wandering for 15-20 mins * Final gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 mins * Invitation to share feedback, thank you, and farewell/goodbyes I will aim to provide a supportive and safe space during the walk where people can freely open up about their lives and experiences as much or as little as they choose to. Anything you share is confidential and shall not be disclosed outside the space. * **TIME:** Sunrise starts around 7/7.30am, approximately, so we will meet at 6.00am and start walking around 6.05am/6.10am. Please be on time to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 6.10am at the latest. * **MEETING POINT:** The meeting point is at the Parkgate Street Entrance to Phoenix Park, where the bike rental is located. * **IMPORTANT:** Please read notes 1-16 below to prepare yourself for the walk. **Note 1 - Walk Format** Please note that the format can slightly change from walk to walk as I like to check in with participants and the group regularly during the event to try and understand what they need as the walk unfolds and try to be flexible given the needs that can arise or just how the group is feeling as a whole. Other factors, such as weather, location, time, the introduction of new practices, and participant sharing, can also influence the structure and flow of the event. **Note 2 - Silence** I would like to explore being with silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence if they want to and feel comfortable. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk, there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing if people feel like it. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to stimulate conversation, but primarily, I would prefer to use the group's collective wisdom and shared insights to guide the dialogue. If people prefer or need to talk at times, that's fine, but please be aware of and respect the silence in the space by being mindful of your proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if necessary. **Note 3 - Walking Pace** People will be encouraged to walk at their own pace, which they are comfortable with, and at the pace they feel in the moment. For some parts of the walk, I want people to explore their being, and that will bring them to different places than others. For example, someone may want to sit on a bench and breathe, someone else may want to stretch using the kerb, and another person may be drawn to walk towards or around a tree. We will regroup at different intervals before coming back together. If people prefer to talk to someone and walk in pairs or groups, that is fine. **Note 4 - Focuses/Topics** Listening, Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Being, Pain/Suffering, Grief/Loss, Gentleness, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Respect, Curiosity, Non-judgment, Peace, Innocence, Play, Letting Go, Ease, Rest, Movement, Senses, Feeling, Depth, Simplicity, Choices, Story, Calm, Safety, Interconnectedness, Contemplation, Grace. **Note 5 - Weather/Clothing** Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. I will still walk if there is rain/bad weather unless it is very, very bad. **Note 6 - Footwear** There is a chance we could walk through long, wet grass and/or leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet or dirty while you stay comfortable would be advised. **Note 7 - Phones** Please put your phone on silent mode for the duration of the walk so we can create a space with fewer distractions. If you need to take a call, please put some distance between yourself and the group before doing so to respect the quiet space we create together. **Note 8 - Thoughts On Discomfort** Speaking for myself, it will involve some discomfort to get out of bed early for a walk, as it is not something I do often. I hope to try and accept and work through this feeling of discomfort during the experience and perhaps open up to something beyond it. People may approach or experience this differently, and I hope to hear and open up to their ways of experience, too. **Note 9 - Donations** Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. I suggest a donation of €3 if you wish to donate. Donations can be made using Revolut, PayPal, or cash. If using cash, please have exact change as I don't normally have change on me. Pay by Revolut - [https://revolut.me/davidtbt5](https://revolut.me/davidtbt5) **Note 10 - Toilet Facilities** As far as I know, there are no official toilet facilities open at this time in Phoenix Park. Please be mindful of this before joining this event. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section. **Note 11 - Bike Parking Facilities** There are plenty of places to park bikes at the Parkgate Street entrance to Phoenix Park. **Note 12 - Car Parking Facilities** Parking a car to get to the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park requires some forward thinking and planning. There is a large car park at the back of Heuston Station, but it is a 10-15 minute walk from where we meet. As it is early in the morning, you may be able to find a spot to park your car in the park, or else there may be on-street parking on Parkgate Street or around the courts. If I can think of any other options, I will post them here. **Note 13 - RSVPs** Please only RSVP if you intend to come and change your RSVP to 'No' if you are not going to be able to attend. **Note 14 - Disclaimer** Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every possible way at your own risk. **Note 15 - Questions/Feedback** If you have any questions or feedback, please do let me know. **Note 16 - Quotes** SOME MORE QUOTES THAT HAVE INSPIRED THIS EVENT: ‘If there's going to be any chance for us, we're going to have to stop and wait for our souls to catch up.’ (John Moriarty) 'I was experiencing an unnegotiable need to walk the earth with a barefoot heart and a barefoot mind.' (John Moriarty) 'Walking is to return to be guided by our own hearts...' (Unknown) “When there is really nothing left to do or believe, except to remember, walking helps retrieve the absolute simplicity of presence, beyond all hope, before any expectation.” (Frédéric Gros) “Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints…” (Frédéric Gros)

Another December swim? Why not! Let’s meet for a swim this Saturday December 20th at Seapoint at 12.30.

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

Chant and Joy .. contribution €10 ..... Contribute at door or Viva revolute or PayPal 0871791012... We would love you to join us for a Chanting session (Kiirtan) Spiritual singing. We ask a Donation of €10 to cover hall rental ECT as we are a non profit group. We bring a call and response singing to all who attend . Where through the music and the singing/chanting we bring joy into each others hearts and souls.. Seating is provided but if you wish may sit on the floor or dance if you feel you'd like to .. Our aim is to open the heart through music and singing.. Lock forward to seeing you all.. Children always welcome 🤗

Join us at Sharon Woods Metropark this December 28th from 9-10:30 am for some lovely winter birding. [Register here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOAdQlIaKro1dFCgfp26IcwsaxQjzbYMZVQ7mLg3dViQDrsQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) for details closer to the event.

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).