Life Discussions

Hi and welcome to our next Socrates Café philosophy meetup! Do you have a hunger for a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you? Do you value deep, honest and respectful dialogue? If yes, then you will enjoy this event. We ask, answer and discuss questions and ideas to stimulate critical thinking and to widen our perspectives with new concepts and thoughts. The main purpose of these meetups is to enrich ourselves with the perspectives of others, not to convince others about our own perspectives. Our meetups are about our own philosophies of life and not necessarily what the great philosophers and academics have said or written. It is not a debating club or a platform for proselytizing. Instead, we place the emphasis on questioning, open mindedness and challenging our own assumptions while listening to and respecting the views shared by others. A Socrates Café meetup is considered a success when participants leave a discussion with many more questions than they had at the beginning. WHAT TOPICS ARE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETUP? Participants suggest topics at the beginning of each meeting. We then vote and choose that event's most popular topic for discussion. No academic training in philosophy necessary; just enthusiasm for exchanging ideas and points of view. Some examples of subjects chosen on previous meetups: * What ideals are worth dying for? * Why are we never satisfied? * Why is it that human beings know that the society is going wrong, leaders are well informed about it and things continue as is? * Is identity necessary? * How can it be that people in democratic societies are so obsessed with power? (Desire to be different, better, stronger than others) * What is friendship? EVERYONE AND ANYONE IS WELCOME The inspiration for Socrates Cafe originates with the book of the same name, written by the philosopher Christopher Phillips. (Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, 2002). Phillips felt that the Socratic method of dialogue and discussion should be practiced not just in academic settings, but among everyday people interested in examining deep questions together. Hundreds of Socrates Cafe groups now exist around the world. To learn more, visit https://socratescafe.com.

¡Embárcate en este viaje hacia ti mismo! En este ciclo de crecimiento, basado en las constelaciones familiares, recorreremos diferentes dimensiones personales y relacionales para **tomar conciencia** sobre nosotros mismos, soltar cargas y abrirnos a nuevos caminos. Explora tu historia personal a través del cuerpo, la mente y el espíritu en un espacio transformador, donde podrás mirarte con compasión y **reconectar con tu vitalidad**. Un marco seguro y cuidado que facilita la apertura, la comprensión y la transformación personal donde abordaremos temas como la salud, la profesión o la abundancia. **Beneficios**: \- Recuperar fuerza\, equilibrio y presencia \- Soltar cargas y emociones que no te pertenecen \- Reconocer el origen de tus bloqueos \- Reconectar con el disfrute de la vida \- Abrir espacio a nuevas posibilidades **Facilita**: Begoña Moro, psicóloga especializada en Constelaciones Familiares y acompañamiento emocional. **Precio y duración**: Ciclo completo de 6 sesiones (confirmar fechas y precio en el enlace de reserva). **Enlace de reserva:** [https://ccnavas.inscripcionscc.com/MiramModular/buscador/buscador.jsp?g=1&c=4&a=9843](https://ccnavas.inscripcionscc.com/MiramModular/buscador/buscador.jsp?g=1&c=4&a=9843) Contáctame para cualquier duda que pueda surgir. Un cálido abrazo! ❤️

💸Free Entry • Small Group • Shared Growth 🍽️ **What makes you eat — hunger or habit?** 🥣 **What keeps you full — and what doesn’t?** ⏰ **When do you eat best — for your energy?** Most of us just never learned how energy, hunger, and modern food environments actually work. This next **Elevate AM – Health Circle**, **“Nutrition Basics for Real Life**” is a beginner-friendly workshop that cuts through diet noise and turns nutrition into something practical, calm, and doable — without counting calories or obsessing over macros. 🧠 **What We’ll Explore** Together, we’ll build a simple mental model of nutrition that helps you feel more stable — mentally and physically — in everyday life. You’ll explore: * **Energy basics without “calorie religion”** — and why more food doesn’t automatically mean more energy (sleep, stress, timing) * The difference between **hunger vs. appetite vs. habit** * **Macros as a simple map** (protein / carbs / fats) — and how they affect satiety, performance, and mood (no numbers required) * **Satiety & volume** — whole foods vs. ultra-processed, fiber/water/protein, and how to build a meal that actually keeps you full * **Blood sugar crashes & cravings** — common patterns + what stabilizes energy across the day * **Environment & behavior** — stress eating, phone eating, snack triggers (habit tools, not guilt) * **Meal timing & training basics** — breakfast yes/no depending on the person + simple pre/post workout principles 🧪 **The Experience** This isn’t a lecture — it’s a mindful Saturday morning to understand your own patterns. Expect short inputs, guided reflections, and simple exercises where you: * map your personal “energy + hunger” pattern, * spot your triggers, * and create one small upgrade you can test for 7 days. ☕ **Bring a notebook (optional), curiosity (required).** Grab a coffee or something healthy from the café, settle in, and build clarity — not rules. 💬 **Who It’s For** A small group of 15–20 curious people — students, professionals, freelancers, creatives — anyone who wants: more steady energy, less craving chaos, and a nutrition approach that fits real life. ⚡ **Why Join** Because nutrition shouldn’t feel like a test you keep failing. Because energy isn’t just food — it’s food **plus** sleep, stress, rhythm, and habits. And because one calm, practical framework can change your week. Come curious. Leave with clarity — and one simple plan you’ll actually follow through on. **💡 Details** Saturday\, 17 January 2026 \| 12:00–13:30 Casa do Açaí Brunch & Coffee Avinguda de Roma, 43 L’Eixample, 08029 Barcelona Small group (15–20 participants) Free participation (just pay what you order at the café) Disclaimer: *Elevate AM – Health Circles is a community gathering, not a professional or therapeutic event.* *The organizer (Jakob Sahlén) acts as a facilitator, not as a certified health or wellness professional.* *Participation is voluntary and at your own responsibility.* *The organizer is not liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage occurring during or after the event.* *By registering and attending, you confirm that you understand and accept these terms.*

Soy Sanyi Guilombo, Coach de vida & Master coach por la Universidad Barcelona, especialista en Coaching y transformación (Coaching-Co-activo) Soy experiencia de no tener propósito de vida, a vivir en pasión. Mi pasión por el coaching nace de tocar fondo, de comprender que de los momentos mas difíciles nacen los mejores guerreros, que el ganar la batalla no es sobrevivir si no renacer desde el ser! Hoy mi misión es acompañarte en tu transformación desde el amor, valentía y empatía! **Busco 10 personas que quieran conseguir objetivos o que experimenten:** -Desconexión consigo mismo -No tener propósito de vida -Sentirse atascado en cualquier área (vida) -Tener miedo de avanzar -No tener claridad -Sentirse en el lugar equivocado -No sentirse satisfecho con su vida -Vivir una vida prestada -No tener relaciones saludables -No experimentar valentia en la vida [Reserva de sesion](https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min): Presencial o en linea [https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min](https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min) Email: Sanyig40@gmail.com. WhatsApp: 621300962 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanyiguilombo/

Are you a fan of going to big events and chatting endless smalltalk with people and only finding out anything meaningful about any of them 3 years down the line after massive emotional and time investment? Then this possibly isn't the meetup for you. So what will this be? * A small hangout, 4-6 people max * Some structured questions and activities to break the ice and get things flowing * A general environment of getting deep, sharing openly, and getting to know each other, blemishes and all * No commitment, no nothing. If you want to spend more time with anyone else there then maybe you take their number, or maybe you come back another time * A safe space, judgement and prejudice free, where you might just have some fun, meet some great people and/or learn something Weather (and attendee preference) dependent we can either do this on my jungle terrace with the fire pit, or in a cosy bar, either way in Eixample. A little bit about the organiser, which will maybe give an idea of the intended dynamic: * Am from Scotland, in my 30s. Recently moved to Barcelona and I do strategy/operations/product things with startups. * Love people, highly empathetic, and love to chat about feelings and human behaviour. Loove it. * Don't believe in gods or star signs or multidimensional collective consciousnesses or similar. * Am into meditation (dzogchen, vipassana), food and wine, and trying new things. * Am easy to get on with. A generally pleasing human. Looking forward to finding out about you =)

**ESPAÑOL 🇪🇸** **🎭✨ ¿Te apetece algo diferente?** * Un espacio para jugar, reír, conocerte y conocer gente nueva 🌍💫 * No necesitas experiencia, solo ganas de explorar, crear y disfrutar 🤸‍♂️💃 En el taller de Clown & Impro de Reclownexion: 💥 Jugamos con la espontaneidad 💥 Abrazamos el fracaso 💥 Creamos juntos en el presente 🎈 Plazas limitadas — ¡Reserva la tuya aquí 👉[https://reclownexion.com/formulario](https://reclownexion.com/formulario) 🗓 Recibirás todos los detalles por email. **📍 Barcelona, El Clot** **📅 Sábado 17 de enero · 10h** **⏱️ 4h** **💶 38€** Si tienes alguna duda, ponte en contacto conmigo por Whatsapp: **+ 34 623 925 492** Jean-Baptiste *** **ENGLISH 🇬🇧** **🎭✨ Looking for something different?** * A space to play, laugh, connect and meet new people 🌍💫 * No experience needed, just a desire to explore, create and enjoy 🤸‍♂️💃 In Reclownexion’s Clown & Impro Workshop: 💥 We play with spontaneity 💥 We embrace failure 💥 We co-create in the present 🎈 Limited spots — Book yours 👉[https://reclownexion.com/formulario](https://reclownexion.com/formulario) 🗓 You'll receive all details by email If you have any doubt, please contact me by Whatsapp: + 34 623 925 492 Jean-Baptiste

**SPANISH** Disfruta de **dos horas** dibujando en un ambiente relajado, enfocado y acogedor. No se requiere experiencia previa — todos los niveles son bienvenidos. Este es un **espacio de práctica**, no una clase: ven **a dibujar, observar y compartir la sala con otros artistas.** Un modelo en vivo estará presente una vez alcanzado el mínimo de participantes confirmados. 🖊 El precio incluye: – Acceso al espacio – Materiales básicos de dibujo (lápices, goma, papel A3 y tablas de madera) – Pausa de 15 minutos con vino y snacks españoles – Una acogedora comunidad de artistas 💰 **Confirmado — 10€** *(confirma antes del día anterior, 19:00)* 💰 **Entrada libre — 15€** El modelo en vivo se realizará a partir de **4 participantes confirmados**. Si hay **menos de 4 confirmaciones, la sesión continúa como dibujo libre**, usando imágenes de referencia, imaginación o ejercicios auto-posados en el mismo espacio. **ENGLISH** Spend two hours drawing in a relaxed, focused, and welcoming environment. No previous experience is needed — all levels are welcome. **Beginner friendly.** This is a **practice space**, not a class: come **to draw, observe, and share the room with other artists.** A live model is present once the minimum number of confirmed participants is reached. 🖊 Price includes: – Access to the space – Basic drawing materials (pencils, eraser, A3 paper) – A 15-minute break with local Spanish wine and snacks – A friendly community of artists **💰 Confirmed — 10€ (confirm by the day before, 19:00)** **💰 Drop-in — 15€** A live model joins once **4 confirmed participants are reached**. If **fewer than 4 confirm, the session continues as open drawing** using reference images, imagination, or self-posed exercises in the same space. **Session format (2 hours)** • 5 × 3-minute poses • 5 × 5-minute poses • 2 × 10-minute poses — 15-minute break (wine & snacks) — • 5 × 3-minute poses • 2 × 15-minute poses

*Check models on IG: @lifedrawingbarcelona.com or www.lifedrawingbarcelona.com* Welcome to **Life drawing Barcelona.** We are an art studio based in Barcelona. **Absolutely no experience** is necessary to attend our sessions, just a desire to explore your creative side! We have been doing our "Drink and Draw Barcelona" sessions for 12 years now and we have the biggest art community in Barcelona. Come to draw and meet local artists as well as expats, and even some tourists. **Life drawing Barcelona** sessions cost 10€ per session but you get a discount if you buy 3 sessions, that is 30€ for 4 sessions (7,5€ per session) With the sessions you will get all the drawing material free, pencils, rubber, A3, boards and or easels Come to **life drawing Barcelona** and you will have a Blast! **COME AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY, YOU DRAW THE LIMITS!** Hoping to see you soon :) More info about the sessions and models: Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/es-ES/life-drawing-barcelona/?eventOrigin=event_home_page \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Modelos y más info IG: @lifedrawingbarcelona.com o www.lifedrawingbarcelona.com Bienvenidos a **Life drawing Barcelona.** Somos un estudio situado en Barcelona. No hace falta tener experiencia previa para atender a nuestras sesiones, solo **ganas de explorar tu lado más creativo!** Organizamos sesiones de Drink and Draw en Barcelona desde hace más de 12 años y tenemos la comunidad más grande de artistas de Barcelona. Ven a dibujar con nosotros y conoce artistas locales, artistas expats y a e veces algunos turistas de paso. Las sesiones de **Life drawing Barcelona** cuestan 10€ por persona, pero si compras 3 sesiones por 30€ tendrás una gratis y la sesión te saldrá por 7,5€. Nuestras sesiones vienen con todo el material de dibujo, lápices, gomas papel A3, paneles y caballetes. Ven a **life drawing Barcelona** y te lo pasaràs genial! **VEN Y DISFRUTA LA JORNADA, ¡TU DIBUJAS LOS LÍMITES!** Esperamos verte pronto :) Más info de las sesiones y modelos: Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/es-ES/life-drawing-barcelona/?eventOrigin=event_home_page \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Benvinguts a **Life drawing Barcelona.** Som un estudi situat a Barcelona. No es necessari tenir experiència prèvia per atendre les nostres sessions, només **ganes d'explorar el teu costat més creatiu!** Organitzem sessions de Drink and Draw a Barcelona des de fa més de 12 anys i tenim la comunitat d'artistes més gran de la ciutat. Vina a dibuixar amb nosaltres i coneix artistes locals, artistes expats i de tant en quant algún turista de pas. Les sessions de Life drawing Barcelona costen 10€ per persona, però si compres 3 sessions en tindràs una gratuïta. Las sesiones de **Life drawing Barcelona** cuestan 10€ por persona, pero si compras 3 sesiones por 30€ tendrás una gratis. Les nostres sessions venen amb tot el material de dibuix inclòs, llàpis, gomes, paper A3, panells i cavallets. Vine a Life drawing Barcelona i t'ho passaràs genial! **VINA I DISFRUTA LA JORNADA, ¡TU DIBUIXES ELS LÍMITS!** Esperamos verte pronto :) Més info de les sessions i els models: Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/es-ES/life-drawing-barcelona/?eventOrigin=event_home_page

**[Únete a nuestro grupo de whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cp2jyUS8Z9a0AsWJ1kbV0f)** ¿Quieres sentirte más conectado contigo mismo y con los demás? En este encuentro presencial exploraremos cómo fortalecer tus vínculos, disfrutar de relaciones auténticas y cultivar la sensación de compañía y bienestar. A través de dinámicas vivenciales, charlas guiadas y ejercicios prácticos, descubrirás: · Cómo disfrutar de tu propia compañía y sentirte pleno. · Estrategias para generar conexiones genuinas con personas que te entienden. · Herramientas para crear relaciones que nutran y alegren tu día a día. **Joan Rubio — Experto en Ciencias del Comportamiento** “Tras años analizando psicólogos en el Instituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos, ahora creo espacios donde las personas se ven y se conectan de verdad." **Coste:** 5€ para gastos de organización. Te esperamos! :)

Are you a conscious man who is dedicated to SELF-DEVELOPMENT and growth? Are you tired of surface-level CONVERSATIONS with other men? Are you into creating meaningful FRIENDSHIPS instead? Are you up for sharing LIFE-CHANGING stories, LEARNING from other men's experiences, and discussing important topics that are often taboo among male friends? If you have answered YES to most of my questions, you are at the right place. Let’s meet and have a REAL conversation! This might also be the beginning of life long friendships and the co-creation of a conscious community based on similar core values and the intention to make this world a better place together! WHO: Men who are interested in the topics of personal development, psychology, consciousness, healthy lifestyle, spirituality.. Bernadett (myself) who is guiding and supporting men as a life coach, circle facilitator and retreat organiser since 8 years. Building bridges between men with the help of "mother energy", unconditional love and a deep understanding of the male life journey. WHEN: 18th January 7-9pm. Please come **on time** to respect the process of the circle. We will be "closing doors" at 7:15. WHERE: We will meet next to the Park de la Ciutadella in a cafe, bar or library. You will receive the location 15 minutes before the start in a private message on Whatsapp, so please say hello after your registration +34664164955. WHAT: Agenda: 1\. Circle opening: Co\-creation of agreements for the group\. 2\. Self\-reflection and questions for getting to know each other\. 3\. Free space to talk about a topic brought by participants\, to share experiences or to ask for advice\. 4\. Circle closing: sharing insights\, gratefulness\, closing remarks\. (5. Optional: Networking, free (without facilitation) conversations, dinner together..) FEES: 15€ If this is your First Time joining or you are facing Financial Challenges. Early Bird price if you pay at least 2 days before the event. 20€ Normal price. 25€ Supporter price, if you want to contribute, to balance those who are not able to pay the normal fee. Payment via Bizum (+34664164955). If you don't have this option, please send me a Whatsapp message. ⚠️If you are facing challenges registering via this app or you have any questions, please contact me directly on Whatsapp (+34664164955), Facebook or LinkedIn. ⚠️ What to BRING: Open mindedness, curiosity and a smile. Maybe a question, topic or challenge that you would like to talk about. What "NOT TO": Please avoid consuming alcohol or any kind of drugs before and during our gathering, as we would like to connect with the sober, conscious you. I am looking forward to creating this safe space with you, Bernadett Nagy

Soy Sanyi Guilombo, Coach de vida & Master coach por la Universidad Barcelona, especialista en Coaching y transformación (Coaching-Co-activo) Soy experiencia de no tener propósito de vida, a vivir en pasión. Mi pasión por el coaching nace de tocar fondo, de comprender que de los momentos mas difíciles nacen los mejores guerreros, que el ganar la batalla no es sobrevivir si no renacer desde el ser! Hoy mi misión es acompañarte en tu transformación desde el amor, valentía y empatía! **Busco 10 personas que quieran conseguir objetivos o que experimenten:** -Desconexión consigo mismo -No tener propósito de vida -Sentirse atascado en cualquier área (vida) -Tener miedo de avanzar -No tener claridad -Sentirse en el lugar equivocado -No sentirse satisfecho con su vida -Vivir una vida prestada -No tener relaciones saludables -No experimentar valentia en la vida [Reserva de sesion](https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min): Presencial o en linea [https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min](https://calendly.com/sanyiguilombo/60min) Email: Sanyig40@gmail.com. WhatsApp: 621300962 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanyiguilombo/

**Dinámica del evento:** 1️⃣ **PRIMERA PARTE:** Introducción teórica. Explicación del juego. 2️⃣ **SEGUNDA PARTE:** Juegos en acción y risas aseguradas. **Descripción del evento:** La ciudad late al ritmo de sus calles, pero en este rincón de Barcelona, la calma es solo una ilusión. Tras el bullicio de un bar acogedor, se esconde un juego de ingenio, engaños y sospechas, donde nadie es quien parece ser. Entre brindis y carcajadas, personajes ocultos conviven con los demás, esperando el instante adecuado para actuar. Cada noche, el peligro acecha y cada día se abre un nuevo juicio: ¿quién está diciendo la verdad y quién disfraza su verdadera naturaleza? Las alianzas cambian, las dudas se multiplican y cada mirada puede ser la pista que salve… o la sentencia que condene. * Aquí, el suspense es constante: la estrategia, la intuición y la capacidad de persuadir lo son todo. No hay observadores pasivos, todos participan, todos arriesgan. * Más allá del juego, vivirás una experiencia que pone a prueba tu capacidad de deducción y lectura de las personas, mientras descubres cómo se transforman en cada rol. Un reto social único, divertido e intenso, en un ambiente que invita tanto a reír como a desconfiar. En pleno corazón de Barcelona, te espera una experiencia inmersiva para compartir, disfrutar y, sobre todo… sobrevivir. 👉 ¿Tendrás la astucia suficiente para desenmascarar a los impostores? ¿O terminarás cayendo en las trampas de la noche? Lugar: Passate la Gaiolà 6 (cerca de Sagrada Família)

Join our team as we take care of the Wisteria right outside 8-acre park and work on the other invasive vines on trees within the park. We had 12 people at our first event and had a blast! The cold weather just made the work easier. NOTE! There is no parking in that area. You have to park on Main Street or in the church lot at the corner of Chapel Street and Main. Please use this registration form to sign up and see more details. https://forms.gle/YE9KHVK8bcxXebqd9 We plan to do these events twice a month regularly.

Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities? When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress. *“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.*” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

**Finding Meaning in Life’s Difficulties (Free Event)** **Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities?** **When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress.** **“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

**Happiness is a Decision** Happiness does not come from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy, you'll be amazed by what it attracts into your life. Wed., Jan. 21st, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free event - Register at: [https://shorturl.at/9BR5y](https://shorturl.at/9BR5y)

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. \*\*\* 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147). Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \*\*\* **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • A mix of new faces in every rotation • A warm, friendly space — not surface-level, not heavy \*\*\* **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \*\*\* 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)