Personal Essay
Meet other local people interested in Personal Essay: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Personal Essay group.
0
members
0
groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out personal essay events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the personal essay events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find personal essay events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Personal Essay Events Today
Join in-person Personal Essay events happening right now
Rotman Author Talk: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans
Who's NOT had to deal with a life curveball--sudden challenges or worse..
We'll squeeze this important Rotman Author Talk into our schedule.
# The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans
Ticket link is below--
$20 attend only
$40 attend + copy of book
### **Agenda:**
5:00 pm - Check-in opens + light refreshments
5:30 pm - Fireside chat and moderated Q&A
6:30 pm - Meet-and-greet with author + book signing
### **Book Synopsis:**
A revelatory exploration of how we can find meaning in the tumult of change, from a renowned cognitive scientist and host of the critically acclaimed podcast *A Slight Change of Plans.*
**Life has a way of thwarting our best-laid plans**. *Out of nowhere, we’re confronting the end of a relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, the loss of a job, or some other twist of fate. In these moments, it can feel like we’re free-falling into the unknown.*
As a cognitive scientist, Maya Shankar has spent decades studying the human mind. When an unwanted change in her own life left her reeling, she sought out people who had navigated major disruptions. In *The Other Side of Change*, Shankar tells their riveting, singular stories and weaves in scientific insights to illuminate universal lessons hidden within them. The result is a rich portrait of our complex reactions to change and a deep well of wisdom we can draw from during these experiences.
Shankar invites us to rethink our relationship with change altogether. When a big change happens to us, it can lead to profound change within us. The unique stresses and demands of being thrust into a new reality can lead us to uncover new abilities, perspectives, and values, transforming us in extraordinary ways. What if we saw moments of upheaval as an opportunity to reimagine who we can be, rather than as something to just endure? What potential could we unlock within ourselves?
### Speaker: Maya Shankar
Cognitive Scientist; Creator, 'A Slight Change of Plans' Podcast
**Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist** and creator of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, previously named “Best Show of the Year” by Apple. She served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Obama White House where she founded and chaired the Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, which President Obama formalized by Executive Order in 2015. She was also appointed as the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations. Maya has a B.A. from Yale and a doctorate from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience at Stanford.
**Ticket link HERE**:
https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/news-events-and-ideas/public-events/events-listings/2026/march-2026/mar-31---maya-shankar/
[in-person] Meditation - Mississauga
**What we are About:**
*If Sufism is defined as mystical or the way of the mystic, then its message addresses all peoples, not just the followers of one religion.*
If you feel drawn toward deeper connection—within yourself, in your relationships, or along your spiritual path. The ‘School of Sufi Teaching’ extends a warm welcome with humility, and love to all seekers of truth who feel drawn toward inner awakening and the timeless wisdom of the Sufi tradition.
Our introductory gatherings offer an opportunity to experience the gentle blessings of traditional, time‑honored meditation practices passed down through an unbroken lineage.
Some Sufis practice whirling, while others chant loud recitation (Zikr). At Sufi School we follow the classical practice of silent, contemplative meditation. Seated together as a group, we direct our hearts toward the Holy Essence, cultivating an atmosphere of stillness, inward reflection, and subtle spiritual presence.
**Event details** (bi-weekly sessions):
7:00 - 7.15 pm Introduction for beginners
7:15 - 7:45 pm ‘Silent Meditation’ (Muraqabah)
7:45 - 8:10 pm Q&A
**Location:**
Mississauga Valley Community Centre (Frank Bean Lounge).
This group is led by dedicated volunteers, and all sessions are offered at no cost. By choosing to attend, you acknowledge that participation is completely voluntary and at your own risk.
For more details please email us at-
[faraz@sufischool.org](mailto:canada@sufischool.org)
For more information about the School of Sufi Teaching, Sufism and our practices please visit- [www.sufischool.org](http://www.sufischool.org)
Kindly,
Organizing team
ABCD Reads "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton
ABCD Reads "**[The Age of Innocence](https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM185033&R=185033)**" by Edith Wharton
[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/5169317438291968) of the poll for this event]
**:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::**
"Winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize, The Age of Innocence is Edith Wharton’s masterful portrait of desire and betrayal during the sumptuous Golden Age of Old New York, a time when society people “dreaded scandal more than disease.”
This is Newland Archer’s world as he prepares to marry the beautiful but conventional May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York after a disastrous marriage, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life—or mercilessly destroy it." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53835.The_Age_of_Innocence))
"Set in the 1870s, the novel revolves around Newland Archer, a young lawyer from New York's high society, who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. His life takes a turn when he meets May's cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, who has returned from Europe after leaving her scandalous husband. Torn between his duty and passion, Archer struggles with the constraints of the society he is a part of. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations in the upper-class New York society of the late 19th century." (from [The Greatest Books](https://thegreatestbooks.org/books/146))
**:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::**
You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk.
Please ensure you have read the book before attending (though finishing any book is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers).
First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case.
We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs.
**:: ABOUT OUR NEXT BOOK ::**
At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next book. If you have a good one in mind, please ensure it is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules). When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.
English Conversation & Coffee
Join us every Tuesday night at a coffee shop to practice conversation, while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea together. Our topics change each week, but the English practice does not! We are always open for Q & A (question and answer) about Canadian culture, life in the greater Toronto area, or anything else you can think of!
Free Weekly ESL Conversation Meetup
Practice and improve your English through conversation at St. Andrew Centre (73 Simcoe St, downtown Toronto), while making new friends!
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
How to Get to the Event:
By TTC, exit at St. Andrew Station.
Walk west on King St. West to Simcoe St.
Do not enter through the church building; the large church front doors will be closed.
At the corner of Simcoe St. and King St. West, turn south and walk on Simcoe St.
Enter through St. Andrew Centre, which will be behind the church building.
AWS Cloud Jam Session (Hands-on Workshop)
Join the AWS Cloud Club at Northeastern University, Toronto for an exciting hands-on AWS Jam Session designed to give you real-world cloud experience. This interactive workshop will be led by **[Ashwin Bhargava](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinbh/)**, Professional Services Consultant at Amazon Web Services (AWS), with support from by **[Professor Behnaz Merikhi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnazmerikhi)** (Faculty Advisor)
During this session, you won’t just learn, you’ll actively solve real-world AWS challenges in teams, using actual AWS tools and services. This is a practical, guided experience that reflects how cloud technologies are used in industry today.
**💻 What you’ll be doing:** This is not a lecture. You will work in teams to solve real AWS challenges, using actual AWS tools and services just like in real-world cloud environments
**💡 What to expect**
* Hands-on AWS challenges
* Team-based problem solving
* Real-world cloud scenarios
* Guidance from an AWS professional
**🏆 Award & Recognition:** At the end of the session, the top three performing groups will be recognized. The highest performing group will receive a special AWS Mystery Box, so come ready to participate, collaborate and give your best.
**⚠️ Come prepared**
* Bring your laptop fully charged (and your charger)
* No AWS account required (access will be provided)
Be ready to work in teams and actively participate
**🎯 Who should attend**
* Beginners curious about AWS
* Students exploring cloud, DevOps, or tech careers
* Anyone who wants practical, hands-on experience
**🎟️ Secure your spot now**
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain real-world AWS experience and connect with other students in the tech community.
Personal Essay Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Spring has Sprung Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (Dinner Party after)
Hello everyone,
**\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\***
Please join me and my other groups for a relaxing and fun Sunday afternoon leisure nature walk through the Don Valley Trail along the Don River followed by an enjoyable dinner at a local pub near our meeting location.
**Meeting Location with free Parking:**
We will meet conveniently out front the **Tim Hortons directly across the street from the Davisville Subway (Yonge Line)**
This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see.
More details below:
Sincerely,
Steve Flemming
(Organizer/Host)
**Event Details:**
**Spring has Sprung Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (with Dinner Party after)**
-A great day planned as we explore parts of the city we don't see every day (great nature trails and old beautiful neighbourhoods)
-Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another
-During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together
-Followed by food and beverages at a nearby Irish Pub
\*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and (re) connect with some wonderful people
**Bonus after our Leisure Nature Walk: (Optional)**
\*Stick around after the walk for a fun Saturday social gathering at a local Irish Pub for beverages and food right after the walk
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Event Fee:**
10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included)
or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Time and Location: Where to meet us?**
We will meet at out front of the **Tim Horton (1910 Yonge Street)**
\*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at
4:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30 p.m.)
**Drivers & Free Parking:**
Plenty of parking on Yonge and residential too :)
Free parking on Duplex, one street west of Yonge :)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Pub Chess Liberty | Social Chess Club | Casual Chess | 8:15-11PM
**We're launching a BRAND-NEW event, every Tuesday!**
"Eat, drink and meet new people over the chessboard!" Come join us for casual & tournament play in a social chess setting. Open to ALL levels! There's always someone to play & have a chat with. Most attendees don't RSVP on the Meetup, except many more people than you'll see "Attending"
8:15-11 p.m.
Kid friendly: up to 9p.m.
Casual: All night!
Tournament: Starts around 8:15 PM (ends roughly 9:45 PM) come earlier to secure your spot! It’s casual, unrated & you play with a clock! 3 minutes + 2 seconds. We provide all the equipment!
**$10 for tournament entrance fee, casual play & fun!** Payment accepted via. cash, e-transfer or at [https://pubchess.shop](https://pubchess.shop)
We are so happy to state that this is the 10th year of running pub chess (if you include COVID) and if it weren’t for you all we wouldn't have made it this long 💕♟️
Good Friday Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (Dinner Party with Live Band After)
Hello everyone,
**\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\***
Please join me and my other groups for a fun spring afternoon leisure nature and neighbourhood walk
\- Include trails\, parks\, cafes\, ice breakers\, washroom breaks and beautiful sties to see
-Our Good Friday event will continue as we hit a great location for dinner, beverages and conversation (optional)
-Still around after dinner for live band, DJ and Dancing (optional)
**Time and Location: Where to meet us?**
We will meet at out front of **Smoke Show** **744 Mt. Pleasant Rd)**
\*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at
**3:30 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:00 p.m.)**
This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see.
More details below:
Sincerely,
Steve Flemming
(Organizer/Host)
**Event Details:**
**Good Friday Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (Dinner Party with Live Band and DJ after Walk)**
-A great event planned as we explore Parks, Trails, Cafes and beautiful Neighbourhoods with cool sites to see
-During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together
-Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another
\*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air, exercise and (re) connect with some wonderful people
**Bonus after our Leisure Nature Walk: (Optional)**
\*Stick around after the walk for a fun Friday Night gathering at an iconic venue with Reserved Seating, Great Menu, Beverages, Mingling and Live Music
**Event Fee:**
10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included)
or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Time and Location: Where to meet us?**
**Date:** Friday April 3rd (Good Friday-Holiday)
We will meet at out front of **Smoke Show** **744 Mt. Pleasant Rd)**
\*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at
**3:30 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:00 p.m.)**
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Trusting Overtures: On "Deciding to Trust"
What does it mean to “decide to trust”? What is at stake in such a decision, and is trust the kind of thing that is “up to us”? I offer an account of “deciding trust” as a practice of letting down your guard with the aim of making conspicuous your vulnerability. I argue that this practice is valuable because it functions to disarm, thereby setting the stage for a trusting relationship. The social dynamic of disarmament that I describe suggests a new picture of what trust is and why it is valuable.
Jason D'Cruz
https://www.albany.edu/philosophy/faculty/jason-dcruz
Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy
University of Albany
**About the Speaker:**
Before joining UAlbany, Cruz taught at Harvard College, the Zhejiang Institute of Science and Technology in Hangzhou, China, and worked as a researcher at the Joint Center for Bioethics at the University of Toronto. He works primarily in ethics and moral psychology on the topics of trust, promises, character, self-deception, and rationalization. He has also done work in bioethics (in particular, trust and consent) and the philosophy of art (in particular, fiction-directed emotion, imaginative resistance, and the autographic/allographic distinction). His recent work appears in academic journals such as Ethics, Analysis, Philosophical Psychology, Ratio, Journal of Business Ethics, the Journal of the American Philosophical Association,, and The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism.
**\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***
This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided at the event. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat here [to be posted].
About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca):
The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life.
In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society.
The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai
SCARBOROUGH - Practical Philosophy 🇨🇦
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
**📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture.
**General Meeting Agenda**
Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline:
* 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start.
* 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines.
* 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them.
* 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo.
* 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other.
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though!
💛 **WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ**
* What will we talk about? What's the topic?
The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0).
* Do I need to study or read anything to attend?
No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required.
* Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?
The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* Is it mostly men that attend?
Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms.
* Can I come alone?
Of course you can, we encourage it :)
* Can I be late?
Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation.
* Where do you meet?
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/).
🤝**POLICY**
To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
**PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨
Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 25 countries and 50+ chapters, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
\*\*\*
Join our [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/ZjaPO0) 👈
Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub) 👈
Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈
20s 30s Social Party & Activities in toronto
Hey Toronto!
This is your weekly escape into global cultures.
[[[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Liiuvdrax8d6nywXcfXDMV) ]]
Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community.
Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect.
No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.
Personal Essay Events Near You
Connect with your local Personal Essay community
Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you.
We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
I look forward to seeing you there.
Mark Vonder Haar
Columbus Women's Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group**
This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy:
[Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy):
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
[Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php):
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations.
If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!).
**HOW IT WORKS**
**Step 1: Bring a topic**
Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event.
**Step 2: Circle up & share**
We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds.
**Step 3: Walk, talk & float**
We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!"
**Step 4: Feel more alive**
Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times.
*For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)*
**HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC**
A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about.
Recent topics include:
* "What are you passionate about right now?"
* "What makes a good friend?"
* "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?"
* "How do you want to be remembered?"
* "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?"
Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.*
But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here.
**FAQ**
* Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk!
* We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space.
* We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space.
* Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know.
* Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic!
**LOGISTICS**
* If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event.
* This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs.
* Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details.
* If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋
**IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...**
[The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up.
* This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!
Free In-Person Meeting: Get Over Losses & Betrayals, Build Lasting Relationships
This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships.
Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse.
Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well.
Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship.
Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action?
Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships!
Break free from self imposed limitations
Here we will discuss:
• How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes.
• Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you?
• Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it?
• Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love?
• Fights & arguments - what's really behind them?
• What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others?
• How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change?
• Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them?
• How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about?
• How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career?
Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general.
Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person.
Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life.
We look forward to having you join us!
This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Adults Only Roller Skating — Relive Your Childhood
When was the **last time** you went roller skating?
**For most people**… middle school. Let’s bring it back.
Music. Lights. Good vibes. **No experience needed**.
Most people who attend come alone, and **many haven’t skated in years** — that’s what makes it fun.
Expect laughs, **a few wobbly legs at first**, and a surprisingly great workout.
***
📍 **Skate Zone 71**⏰ **Meet:** 8:20 PM
(Arrive before 8:35)
💰 **Cost at the door**
$13 admission $6 skate rental (or bring your own Free)
Bring cash — I can often get our group a **$2 discount**.
Possible drinks after depending on interest.
**Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**
**Spot Guarantee**
RSVP on Meetup is free, but **spots are limited**.
To avoid Meetup ticket fees, please send **$2 to guarantee your spot**.
**Venmo (preferred)**
@WiseUnlimitedLLC
[https://account.venmo.com/u/wiseunlimitedllc](https://account.venmo.com/u/wiseunlimitedllc)
**PayPal**
[https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AUHWXSKJHRKRG](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AUHWXSKJHRKRG)
Include **your Meetup name + event name** in the note.
Comment **“Paid”** on the event or message me so I can confirm your spot.
**Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**

![[in-person] Meditation - Mississauga](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/b/5/9/highres_496223385.webp?w=640)


















