Ninjutsu, Ninja

**🥋 Feel Safer, Get Stronger, Train Smarter — Battersea Park Bandstand** Join our friendly, outdoor Kung Fu classes in Battersea Park, focused on practical self-defence, functional fitness, and calm under pressure — all taught in a relaxed, ego-free environment. These sessions are designed to help you build real martial skill, improve strength and mobility, and develop confidence that carries into everyday life. No prior experience needed. Many people stay on afterwards for a relaxed social at the Pear Tree Café, just a short walk away. \*\*\* **🧠 About the Classes** Whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, reduce stress, or simply try something different, these classes are open to **all levels (ages 16+)**. Training blends **traditional Kung Fu methods** with a modern understanding of movement, wellbeing, and long-term health. You’ll learn how to: * Handle punches and common attacks effectively * Use footwork and positioning to avoid strikes * Improve flexibility, balance, and joint mobility * Condition the body safely and progressively * Practise breathing and mindful awareness for calm and resilience Sessions are **beginner-friendly**, taught at a sensible pace, and structured to help you build skill step by step — without intimidation or pressure. \*\*\* **📍 When & Where** 🗓 Saturdays 2:30–4:30pm 🗓 Wednesdays 6:30–8:30pm 📌 **Battersea Park — Central Bandstand** We train outdoors year-round. If it rains, we train under cover nearby. Sessions are adapted sensibly to conditions — part of building resilience and presence. The location is well connected and easy to fit into a normal working week. \*\*\* **💰 Pricing** **🎟 First class (taster): £15** Try it out before committing — no pressure. **🉐 New joiner offer (after your first class):** * 4-class block: £48 (£12 per class) * 8-class block: £88 (£11 per class) (Use within 2 or 4 months respectively) **📅 Ongoing training (standard pricing after your first block):** * 5-class block: £60 (valid 2 months) * 10-class block: £100 (valid 4 months) Classes are paid in advance. Blocks are non-refundable but flexible if you can’t attend every week. **📩 Booking & Contact:** ✉️ [joe.cheung75@gmail.com](http://joe.cheung75@gmail.com) 📱 WhatsApp/text: 07914 411979 \*\*\* **🎒 What to Bring** * Loose, comfortable clothing. * Water. * An open mind - everything else is taught step by step. \*\*\* **💬 What Students Say** *"* *Joe makes everybody feel welcome, and more importantly, he is a great teacher. Rather than a one size fits all approach, he tailors the class to your strengths and weaknesses and he is extremely patient."* – Natalie, beginner *“A true gem for anyone searching for a holistic system to train strength and awareness.”* – Julius, beginner *“I strongly recommend his services for 16 year olds and over. If you are passionate about martial arts then this class will open your mind to many classical & practical Kung Fu styles.”* – George, White Sash \*\*\* **🔔 Important Info** * Please let me know in advance about any injuries or health conditions. * Classes are non-refundable. * Regular training builds confidence, skill, and resilience over time. \*\*\* **👤 About the Instructor** I’m Joe Cheung, a black sash instructor in Baji Zhandao Kung Fu. My martial arts background includes: * 12+ years Baji Zhandao Kung Fu (2nd Black Sash) * 10+ years Bujinkan Ninjitsu (2nd Dan Black Belt) * 2 years Urban Krav Maga Private one-to-one lessons are also available— just ask. \*\*\* **🧭 What Is Baji Zhandao?** Baji Zhandao means *“Battlefield Style”*. It blends over 10 powerful Chinese martial systems into one adaptable method, including: * Baji Quan * Yang Tai Chi Quan * Pigua Zhang * Tongbei Quan * Bagua Zhang * Xingyi Quan This system was developed by Grandmaster Chen Fu Sheng — a former Chinese Special Forces instructor with 50+ years of real-world martial experience. 🔗 More information: [bajizhandao.co.uk](https://bajizhandao.co.uk) \*\*\* **✅ Ready to Begin?** If you want to feel safer, get stronger, improve mobility, and train in a grounded, supportive group — you’ll be very welcome. Train outdoors. Build skill for life. Leave stronger than you arrived.

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ **Hostless**, community-led casual, friendly atmosphere 🤝 Easy introductions, no awkwardness 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** Event runs if at least 2 people confirm arrival in group chat. 1. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time 2. Look for other Just Gutsy joiners 3. Introduce yourself 4. As a group, decide where to go next or just stay and chat No agenda. No pressure. Just people. **A small request** • Please RSVP so others know you’re coming • If you can’t make it, update your RSVP • Be kind & open. everyone is here for the same reason **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM local time 📍 Meeting point: In front of Starbucks **Marble Arch.** **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After the meetup, join the city Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected, suggest spontaneous meetups and hear about future events: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KQbwperKYc7F0QvbWp1w9w **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

**What is the Listening Hour?** **1-hour connection and empathy space currently hosted by people who have experience in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for people who want to increase social connection, improve listening skills and be welcomed in a strong and caring community.** **We recommend participants learn about Nonviolent Communication [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wNjqVR6-C4s30P7T-GPOxm_8JemKl1B78GN__7z8I7Q/edit?usp=sharing).** ### **1\. Key Benefits of Improving Listening Skills** **✅ Better Relationships – Strengthens personal and professional relationships through understanding.** **✅ Conflict Resolution – Turns arguments into conversations where both sides feel heard.** **✅ Emotional Clarity – Helps you express your feelings and needs without blame.** **✅ Empathy & Connection – Encourages deep listening and compassion.** **✅ Self-Awareness – Helps you understand your own triggers and needs.** **By improving listening to ourselves and to others, we shift from reacting to responding with awareness, creating more meaningful and peaceful interactions.** For more information and registration, please see the link below. [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/listening-hour-with-coffee-and-cake-tickets-622960340147](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/listening-hour-with-coffee-and-cake-tickets-622960340147)

⛰️ A slice of the Kent countryside and passing through and by the Knole deer park, Knole House and Ightham Mote (pronounced "I-tam"). 🟠 **HIKE:** 📏20km (12.4 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 470m 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2km/h 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk/hike (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* 🔄 Starts/Ends: **Sevenoaks Station** 📍 **Charing Cross Station** (near platforms display) ⌚Meet from 8:41am, our train departs at **9:04am** *[arrives at 9:36]. Return train estimate 4:29pm* 🚉🚗 All regular walks/hikes are free and you are welcome to purchase your own ticket/make your way to the destination station. It is best to purchase tickets on the day as an open return ideally with a Network Rail card or with a group discount. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🎟️ **If you would like me to help purchase your group ticket** (3+ must travel together). **On the condition you aim to arrive before the platform is announced.** 💳 [**PayPal Here (£11.10)**](https://paypal.me/mubasher001/11.10) *PLEASE MAKE SURE NO FEE IS CHARGED (Send as Friends & Family / otherwise ask for bank details).* Deadline: Friday: 9:01pm **Use your own meetup name as the reference/DM via meetup** *ℹ️ I cannot issue refunds once I've purchased your ticket.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Charing cross, on train, Sevenoaks station and Igtham Mote cafe. 🧎 Prayer: If you are praying, please have/keep wudu (make it within other breaks) and be prepared to join at short notice. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, packed lunch, water bottle (1.5-2L) & snacks to keep you going. 👕 Advisable to have layers. 🥾 Hiking boots recommended. 🧦 Hiking socks/double socks advised (reduces chance of blisters) 🔦 Headlight (winter) 📱 Fully charged mobile + portable charger 🔔 Emergency Whistle 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Seven trees, or their ancestors, had stood in the town for centuries and had given Sevenoaks its name since perhaps 800AD. The trees surrounded one side of what is today a cricket ground called the Vine: it was thus named because the Archbishop of Canterbury had a vineyard there Back in October 1987, the broadcaster uttered the infamous words that there was no hurricane on its way to the country. Within hours the Great Storm wreaked havoc across the country. Kent was among the worst hit with Sevenoaks losing six of its seven oaks.

[BOOK HERE](https://www.benita-yoga.com/schedule) This class is open for all levels, as the options are offered for different levels of experience. Classes are focused on tuning into the body, connecting with the breath to find a sense of flow and harmony. Through this mindful practice we’re healing the physical body. In the healthy body we can enjoy peaceful and focused mind and open heart. Please bring a mat. Prices: – single class – £12 – 3 classpack – access to any weekly class, 30 days expiry from purchase date – \*£33 – 6 classpack – access to any weekly class, 60 days expiry from purchase date – \*£68 \*special events, like courses, Gong Baths, workshops etc not included

The ancient wisdom of **Yoga and Tantra** is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Even in modern life, the timeless insights and practices that these paths offer gives endless ways to profoundly transform and elevate your life! The knowledge and practice of **Yoga and Tantra** can pave the way for more balance, happiness and health in all nuances of your existence: * from learning to stay more **relaxed** around the challenges of life, to opening to attract more love; * from feeling more at **home in your body**, to discovering and taking **meaningful steps** towards fulfilling your life’s purpose; * from feeling more **surplus and aliveness**, to significantly improving your power of **concentration** and **inner sense of calm**. Tara is a place where we can **deepen our knowledge on these ancient paths**. These paths support us in answering the call and deep longing inside to find a sense of home within and with others, and to reside in who we truly are. This **Open Day at Tara** we invite those who are **curious about life**, and who wish to discover practical tools for transformation and growth, that will radically improve their life experience. We invite you to a place to find your heart! Find out more: ***[https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/event/opendaylondon/](https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/event/opendaylondon/ "https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/event/opendaylondon/")***

If you love anime & manga then please join us for our weekly meetups, where we basically just sit, chat and read anime & manga! We usually sit in the back of the pub. If the weather is nice we may sit outside at the back of the pub, or even outside on the downstairs floor. In this meetup, you can BYOM (bring your own manga) or read one from the selection we will bring. See this as an opportunity to discover, recommend or simply enjoy Japanese comics & anime with like-minded people! Note: This is not a book club. Also, the TCR bar is kind enough to allow us to use their space to host this meetup, and has asked if possible for attendees to support the venue by purchasing a drink or food while you're there. Please don't bring your own food or drink to consume at the venue, as the venue does not allow this! You can also join our discord group: [https://discord.gg/nDMBbQ2CKu](https://discord.gg/nDMBbQ2CKu)

Taisoken Sword Fitness classes are formulated to sculpt your whole body, build lean muscle and focus the mind. Based on traditional Japanese sword movements (‘Taisoken’ literally means ‘exercise sword’ in Japanese) the class blends cardio and light weight resistance training to burn fat and build long lean muscles. We make use of traditional Japanese training swords (called ‘Bokken’) to tone our arms and strengthen our cores. No prior training or martial arts experience is required, the class is completely non-contact and suited to all levels of fitness. Come and join us every second Sunday for a strong work out - most weeks be pop to the local pub/café for a quick coffee or cake (and let’s be honest, sometimes both!) Meetup Cost: £10 Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken or you can make a bank transfer on the day. Classes are for ladies only. Back ground Info: Taisoken Sword Fitness has been developed and is led by Jeff Humm, who has been studying studying the use of the Japanese sword for over 45 years together with other traditional martial arts. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and a 7th Dan in Japanese fencing (Kendo). The movements are authentic cutting actions, some dating back more than 3 hundred years when your life depend on how well you wield the Sword. By taking authentic Japanese sword movements of attack and defence, these actions have been formulated into practice routines which work and sculpt the full range of the body’s muscles. Additionally the routines require participates to focus and visualise their actions leading them to seeking perfection in application which in turn empowers the mind and develops greater body and mind equilibrium. The Japanese sword is sharp and slender, renowned and admired across the world for its beauty and image; those that can weld it effectively are held in great esteem and revered. They are resilient and tranquil, with poise and grace they move without effort, mind, body and sword as one. Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken.

I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!! The jam is called MIC DROP and it is a freestyle jam meaning there is going to be no setlist. The aim is for everyone to have fun and jam with an emphasis of trying to come up with new original sounds/songs and improvisation. The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing. The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps. There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can. Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd! Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions. At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/32017 **Game Description:** Dynamic vinyasa is a faster paced class that is challenging but fun. A breath based practice with opportunities to try something new and maybe balance on your hands. Open to all levels, with options for everyone. As we are a small business, class may be cancelled on the day if numbers are low, please keep an eye on your emails/app. Thank you for understanding. **Rules** If this is your first class please fill out the disclaimer form here: https://forms.gle/sLFPfX3BHrEsNHkE7 Try to arrive at least five minutes early to set up your mat. Turn your phone on silent and leave it away from your mat if you can. Let the teacher know about any injuries or pregnancy. Shoes and socks off for the class. Wear anything that you can freely move and sweat in. There are mats available but bring your own if you can. If you do borrow one, please wipe it down with the wipes after class. Leave the space as you found it - put away any blocks, straps or mats you might have used.

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

🌸 Aikido — Free Trial for Beginners! 🌸 Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on harmony rather than force. It’s suitable for all ages, genders, and fitness levels, and anyone can start at their own pace. ✨ First class FREE! Perfect for beginners — we teach the basics step by step. Aikido helps improve posture, relieve stress, and develop effective self-defence skills. 🔹 Monthly fee: £30 🔹 Open to: beginners, students, working adults, and women 🔹 Training includes: body movement, breathing, throws, and safe falls 🔹 What to bring: comfortable clothes — no uniform needed for your first class Discover yourself and improve your balance, confidence, and calm through Aikido. Come and join us — visitors and trial lessons are always welcome!

DANCING EVERY 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH <3 Tribalheart Ecstatic dance creates space for free-form movement in a chat free zone where you can dive deeply into the heart, reconnecting, expressing, dancing in and out, up and down, learning to let go of anything and everything that holds you back from yourSelf and inner freedom. Let the energy move you, let the spirit of the heart guide you. There is space to dance alone and no pressure to connect with anyone else, just be yourself and honour what you need in the moment. This night is an inspiration and fusion of club culture, dancing yoga, active meditation, cardio fitness, Ecstatic trance dance (blindfolds available) and a sacred Nataraj. If you choose to connect, it is a chance to meet others without words from a place of movement, meditation, energy and soul; eyes and heart wide open. ### We will start the evening with a welcoming warmup to relax the body and mind. Together we will set an intention for the evening inviting the heart to open and awaken within us thus creating sacred space for all. For those that wish to partake, we will enjoy and deepen our intention with a short Cacao ceremony. (The cacao is used to take us deeper into our body, awakening our senses, connecting us to heart energy and aiding a spring in our step) We also embark on some dynamic breathwork to fire us up for the evening. \- Please leave at least 2 hours after eating a heavy meal if drinking cacao\. -Please do not drink alcohol before the event as it is contraindicated with some of the breathwork techniques we practice We inject passion into sourcing the music for our events and aim to deliver an eclectic mix of genres for your heart. From tribal to electronic and everything in between we aim to assist a natural flow peaking and resting to mirror the rhythm and energy of life. Prepare to shake, spin, whirl and twirl. The music becomes the facilitator during the wild ecstatic dance ending with moments of stillness into silence where we can rest and breathe together Each DJ has their own sound and energy to be shared, making each night unique and different... 3/1/2026-DJ TARA 17/1/2026-TBC 7/2/2026- TBC 21/2/2026-TBC 6/3/2026-TBC 21/3/2006-TBC Will update DJ listing asap <3 Admission **New Venue**-Doors open from 630pm and we start at 7pm. Evening-7-930pm. Social till 10pm. Cost is on a sliding scale. Tickets- £15-early bird- purchase up to 5 days in advance before the event £20-Skint/student £25-Working Friend £30-Admission for people on an abundant wage ***All tickets include ceremonial cacao, herbal teas and fruit*** ***There are often places to crew if money is an issue. Please contact Tara on 07776321878 to inquire*** ALL TICKETS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE, IF THEY ARE NOT, PLEASE CALL 07776321878 AS IT WILL BE AN EVENTBRITE ERROR! NO REFUNDS Book tickets via paypal- https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate? (use friends and family option only or pay the the fee please) or eventbrite-https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribalheart-ecstatic-dance-london-the-pirate-castle-tickets-168013682447 Optional teas and social after the dance Tara on [07776321878](tel:07776321878 "tel:07776321878") Tara has been facilitating dance, movement and meditation groups under Tribalheart since 2007. She is a lover of all types of dance, meditation, massage, breathwork and many other nourishing things. Tara qualified in Mental health nursing in 1998 and worked as a specialist addictions nurse for over 17 years. She trained and developed in various methods over the years from bodywork, tantra, shamanism, hypnotherapy, psychosexual somatics and breathwork which she blends into her various groups and 1:1 practise. If you are interested in a 1:1 session with Tara please email tara@tribalheart.co.uk , info@divinebodybliss.co.uk

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec in the auditorium, center upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Meeting Room 3B, Main Library 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. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!