Literature

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "The eight mountains" by P. Cognetti. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

[This is a paid event and sign-up via the website is obligatory.](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/queer-on-the-page) What makes a character queer? And how do you create a queer character who feels alive, truthful, and real rather than stereotypical or tokenistic? In this workshop we’ll explore what queerness can mean on the page, and how it can shape character, desire, conflict, and point of view. ❓What: fiction writing 📅Date and time: Saturday 14 March; 15:00 to 17:30 📍Venue: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles 💰Price: €25 Eur (non-member) €20 Eur (member) You’ll leave with practical tools and increased confidence to write queer characters with depth and nuance, and to approach (queer) storytelling with greater care and creative freedom. We’ll combine discussion, short examples, and guided writing exercises that help you challenge assumptions, generate new material, and test ideas quickly on the page. No prior experience or specialist knowledge is needed. Open to (fiction) writers of all backgrounds and levels. You definitely don’t need to identify as queer to take part, but you do need to bring curiosity, openness, and respect. The workshop will be in English.

It is no secret that throughout the history of the (western) world, the individual has played more and more of a central role. When it comes to morality for example, we rarely talk about virtue, duty or the cosmic order, but mostly about pleasure, pain, human rights, … things that pertain to individual persons. During this meetup we'll discuss what came along for the ride: an idolization of authenticity. Why is “Be yourself” such an attractive slogan and what does it mean? Is being authentic always better or can it be dangerous? Are populists and extremists not the most authentic politicians? If we then consider the rise of synthetic materials, plastic surgery, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, is authenticity doomed? Is the popularity of "Reality TV" and online influencers not a sign that authenticity can be gamed? What is the difference between something/someone seeming authentic and actually being authentic? Or was authenticity an illusion all along? What (in)forms this self we need to be true to? How can we trust our own interpretation of ourselves? Come and join this philosophical conversation as you are - and try to arrive on time so you can get a drink before we start :) Cover photo: Echo and Narcissus by John William Waterhouse

## What should you bring to the potluck? * Yourself! (be aware that there are steps to get in the building) * A dish to share! Do you have a favorite dish or snack from your home country? Bring a few servings to share! (We have a refrigerator, small freezer, microwave and sink to wash dishes inside if needed. Please note that there is not a full kitchen.) * a plate and cutlery for you to try all the other dishes ## What will the IHL provide? \- We provide the space for wonderful conversations and lots of laughs \- We will have soft drinks\, beer and wine at the honesty bar\. \(all IHL drinks are 2€ \- card or exact cash accepted\) Everyone is welcome to join, whether you are international or not! We look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time at the IHL!

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

**Cinema Galeries : En Construcción** 14/03 @ 18h45 PORTRAITS Work in Progress (En Construcción) is a portrait of people and of a neighbourhood. The film’s characters are builders working on a new building in the Raval, and the residents of this symbolic historical neighbourhood of Barcelona. Throughout the film, Guerin focuses on their faces and gestures, on how they speak and on how they occupy spaces. The composition of the shots is fundamental to his portrayal of the characters. The streets and spaces of the Raval, a popular working classneighbourhood in the city centre undergoing gentrification, are the other characters of the film. CONVERSATION AND THE POWER OF WORDS Through words, people with very different life stories and origins truly get to know each other: they listen to each other and they talk to each other. During the building work they learn to understand each other, to work together, to pass on their skills and to forge friendship. This sequence takes place when both the construction work and the film are coming to an end, and the viewer feels that a community has been created which connects the workers, local residents and also the film crew. Words are also often the means by which characters often become memorable for us, allowing us as viewers to learn to know and love them. WORK This is a film about work. It is about the builders working on the building, but also the filmmaker, Guerin and his student film crew, working to create a film over the two years during which they filmed the construction of the building. In this image, the builders are involved in the manual work of building a window. In the same way, the filmmaker uses the camera to create another window, the frame, to compose each shot in a meaningful way. Thus the construction of the building, brick by brick, progresses in parallel to the film, shot by shot. When the building is completed, so is the film. THE WINDOW AND THE FRAME WITHIN A FRAME The windows connect the outdoors and the indoors, the homes and the neighbourhood. Through the windows, the new building is incorporated into and visually connected with the neighbourhood, so that the interiors (the private spaces of homes) are linked with the exterior (the city). While Guerin uses his shots to create frames or visual windows showing the architecture, the shots are also transparent windows for seeing and documenting the life and reality of the neighbourhood. It is a visual idea of pictorial tradition that is characteristic of many of the film’s shots: the frame within a frame. In this photogram it is expressed by means of the connection between the foreground, showing the builders inside the building, and another frame in the middle distance: the window showing the façade of the church of Sant Pau del Camp. PRESENT AND PAST Different layers of time and history are brought together in a single image: the new construction of the building still in progress, the church which is still standing after eleven centuries, and even further away, other buildings from the 20th century. This gives a glimpse of a neighborhood, in which many different eras, cultures and origins coexist. And one of the main themes of the film is highlighted: the passing of time, the contrast between the stable and the transitory, the tension between construction and destruction, and memory and loss. [Cinema Galeries](https://galeries.be/fr/lheure-dhiver-2026-en-construccion/) [CinEd - European Cinema Education for the Youth - En construcción - José Luis Guerín - SPAIN, 2001 - PEDAGOGICAL PACKAGE](https://cined.eu/back-office/uploads/english_5c353d35a8.pdf) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 14 March 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

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

Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **March** we will be discussing "Your Inner Fish: a Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body" by Neil Shubin. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1662160.Your_Inner_Fish How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

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

Weather being what it is, we will probably be sitting inside :) . After several walks and activities together, it felt like a good idea to simply **meet and spend some relaxed time together**. So this is a very simple gathering: we meet on the **terrace of the Maison du Prieur at Rouge-Cloître**, have a drink, talk, and get to know each other. No formal activity, no structure — just a moment to connect with other members of the **Happy Body community**. If the weather is nice, Rouge-Cloître is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Brussels, with forests, ponds and quiet paths. Feel free to come for **10 minutes or stay longer**.

**Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels Social & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée** As part of the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions celebrations, the city of Limerick on the Shannon river in the Midwest of Ireland is honoured with the presentation of the Limerick Shamrock Bowl to the City of Brussels during the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions. After the Parade there is Irish & Limerick evening at Les Halles Saint Géry with a Trad Irish & Folk session. Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels as part of this evening organise a social evening & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée from 6pm. Prior to this there is a lively Jazz Session from 5pm. Everyone Welcome, Admission Free. A Limerick is a humorous poem consisting of five lines with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. To write a Limerick, start with the first, second, and fifth lines rhyming with each other, while the third and fourth lines form a shorter rhyming pair. Typically, the syllable pattern is 8-8-5-5-8, which gives the poem its distinctive bouncy feel. Begin by thinking of a funny or unexpected topic, then craft your lines to fit the AABBA rhyme scheme. Use playful language, and don’t be afraid to be a bit silly—Limericks often feature clever wordplay and light-hearted content. Once you’ve drafted your poem, read it aloud to ensure the rhythm flows smoothly and the rhymes work together. If you cannot attend the event, you can submit your Limerick to Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels claddagh.toastmasters\*\*(at)\*\*gmail.com. It will then be read out a the Claddagh Event. No profanities, offensive language entries will not be accepted or read. You must state it is an original work and your own creation and or without human co—writers, You must state if if is AI Generated. Topics could be Brussels,living in Belgium or some current topic affair. Bar and self-service restaurant at venue. Some examples of Limericks below . In Brussels, the streets turn to green, Saint Patrick’s Day brings quite the scene. With flags waving high, The parade marches by, And laughter and joy fill the sheen. In Brussels, where Guinness flows fast, Claddagh Toastmasters stand unsurpassed. With Irish charm they speak, Public speaking at its peak, The best club in town—unsurpassed! There once was a grand Irish parade, Where nations and regions displayed, In Brussels they danced, With flags all entranced, Saint Patrick’s green proudly portrayed. Claddagh Toastmasters helps you to develop your skills in public speaking, planning, leadership training, and managing your time. They aim is to provide a fun and social environment in which to practice your skills. You are invited to Claddagh Toastmasters, guests are most welcome and bring a friend if you wish. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. Admission Free. You need also to register by email, as seats are limited. See email registration details below. Welcome coffee at 6.45 pm. Meeting starts at 7pm sharp. You ring the Claddagh designated bell to gain entry. We meet on the ground floor. Please note our venue: The Mug Co-working & Meeting Rooms Centre, Rue Charles Martel 8, Brussels 1000,

A transformative weekend that bridges science, psychology, and movement, showcasing the therapeutic and educational power of dance. This immersive two-day experience blends cutting-edge neuroscience, psychology, and dance therapy to enhance well-being, deepen self-awareness, and revolutionise the way we learn and teach through movement. Whether you're a therapist, educator, dancer, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this workshop offers practical tools and scientific insights to elevate your practice. All workshops have theory applied to practice. 📅 15th March\, 2026 \| Vleugelsstraat\, Goossensstraat 3\, 1030 Schaarbeek\, Belgium ⏳ 10AM – 9PM (with a 1-hour break) Book https://www.neuroscienceofdance.co/plans-pricing 💃Part 1 \- The Science of Dance therapy Delve into the neuroscience, psychology, and therapeutic applications of dance in this intensive course. Through a blend of theory and hands-on exercises, you’ll explore how movement impacts the brain, emotions, and overall well-being. 🔹 Neuroscience of Dance – How movement stimulates brain regions linked to creativity, memory, and emotional regulation. 🔹 Psychology of Dance – Understanding embodiment, nonverbal communication, and symbolism in movement therapy. 🔹 Therapeutic Applications – Practical techniques that enhance the benefits of dance. 🔹 Experiential Learning – Engage in improvisation, group discussions, and reflective practices to develop self-awareness and resilience. For: Dancers, therapists, educators, and anyone interested in integrating dance into personal or professional wellness practices. ​ 🧠 PART 2 The Neuroscience of Dance – Learn and Teach Better Unlock the science behind movement-based learning and teaching with insights from neuroscience. Whether you're a dancer looking to refine your learning process or an educator seeking to enhance instruction, this session will transform the way you approach dance. 🔹 Neuroscience Demystified – Understand how the brain processes dance and movement for optimal learning, teaching and performance. 🔹 Accelerated Learning Strategies – Evidence-based techniques to enhance skill acquisition and retention. 🔹 Teaching Excellence – How to structure dance instruction in alignment with the brain’s natural learning mechanisms. 🔹 Fostering Creativity – The role of dance in boosting creative thinking and problem-solving. 🔹 Neurodiversity: How to learn and adapt teaching techniques to neurodiverse dancers. For: Dance educators, choreographers, performers, and movement enthusiasts looking to optimize their practice. ​

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, March 14, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

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!