Personal Essay

**Ideas Worth Saying Out Loud — Practice Session** Do you get nervous before speaking in meetings, presentations, or on stage? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to let fear hold you back. In this session, our gentle focus is: **Feeling Less Nervous on Stage**. Using **improv-inspired exercises** and small group activities, we’ll explore ways to: * Reduce stage anxiety and nervous energy * Speak with more confidence and presence * Express your ideas clearly, even when you feel nervous * Practice breathing, pausing, and grounding yourself before speaking No experience with public speaking or improv is needed. You can participate at your own pace and speak as much or as little as you want. This is a **safe, low-pressure environment** designed to help you feel calmer, more present, and more yourself on stage. **Come join us, practice speaking out loud, and take the first step toward speaking with confidence.**

Based on feedback from last event, we are bringing back a Part 2 of this event! How do we really know that our vaccines don't have microchips? How do we know that GMOs won't change our DNA? Just because big brother said "trust me bro"? Excessive scientific distrust is harmful, but we are also often powerless in front of it. One can only call flat-earthers "stupid" so many times. Is it possible that we had the wrong science communication approach this whole time? In this session, we will be reading and discussing Prof Gabrile Contessa's paper on Philosophy of Science, "It Takes a Village to Trust Science: Towards a (Thoroughly) Social Approach to Public Trust in Science". Read the paper or the summary provided in advance if you have time, or we can read the summary together in the first 20 minutes. The rest of the session will be reserved for structured and guided discussion. All we ask is that you bring an open and curious mind. Full paper (estimated reading time = 50-90 min): [https://classes.matthewjbrown.net/teaching-files/hps/contessa-trust.pdf](https://classes.matthewjbrown.net/teaching-files/hps/contessa-trust.pdf) Summary (estimated reading time: 5 min): [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fnznzzUvDw9ZZUGdjI74wknKT7B74IeUfVJrwyftUbU/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fnznzzUvDw9ZZUGdjI74wknKT7B74IeUfVJrwyftUbU/edit?usp=sharing)

On **Friday February 13th,** **join us for The Barber of Seville at The Canadian Opera Company.** What better tonic to the winter blues than a playful, irreverent comedy featuring Gioachino Rossini’s famously bright and exuberant melodies? Count Almaviva is hopelessly in love with Rosina, whose guardian Doctor Bartolo is keeping her locked inside their home. The Count hires Figaro, Seville’s famous barber and schemer, to help true love win the day—for a price. A wonderful introductory opera for audiences of all ages - a colourful production that evokes all the whimsy and wit of the circus, brimming with madcap costumes and outsized sets. My seat is Orchestra Ring, Row 4, Seat DD150. **Purchase The Barber of Seville on Friday February 13th at 7:30pm.** **LANGUAGE**: Sung in Italian with English and French SURTITLES™ **COST** Regular: $35 - $375 + fees Rush: A limited number of low-price tickets (limited to two per person) will be available for purchase online at coc.ca from 4 p.m. for evening performances using this [promo code](https://www.coc.ca/tickets/ticket-services/rush-tickets/index) before selecting your seats. They will also be available from 11 a.m. in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office at 145 Queen St. W. All rush ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded, exchanged or replaced. Standing Room: Approximately 60 are available in-person at 11 a.m. on the day of a performance for just $15! They are located in the back rows of Ring 3 (some may be SURTITLES™ obstructed) and Ring 4, each with a hook and a leaning rail; Meetup fee: $5 Ticket Policy: Sales are final and non-refundable. **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes, [purchase](https://my.coc.ca/2371/2405?_gl=1*1ezzsis*_gcl_au*Nzk3Mjk1MTUyLjE3NjQ2OTE0OTU.) your ticket and post your seat number and I will move you to attending.** * If you plan to buy RUSH, please state that in your RSVP, so I can include you in the reminder so you have the opportunity to meet us. * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me for dinner at: 5:30pm at The Keg at 165 York St.** **Meet me at: 7:15pm** **along the right glass wall, after scanning your tickets and entering The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.** **Start time: 7:30pm** Length: 3 hours (incl. an intermission) Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

Contact Alex for location and information.

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** * Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** * Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

Start your day the Right Way On your mark and start the day with moving your body. Requires YMCA Subscription or $10-12 drop in fee at the front desk Find me in a turqiose jacket or a black nike jacket. I started my habit of walking when I was 210+ pounds and now I’m weighing about 160 pounds. I invite you all to start this great habit atleast once a week.

## Spanish Conversation & Coffee @ Cafe Panchita ☕ **¿Quieres practicar tu español en un ambiente relajado y con sabor latino?** Join us for our Spanish Conversation Club session in the heart of Port Credit! Whether you are a beginner looking to build confidence or an advanced speaker wanting to keep your fluency sharp, this is the place for you. We believe the best way to learn a language is through real conversation, laughter, and a good cup of coffee. This week, we meet at **Cafe Panchita**, a beautiful artisanal bakery known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Latin-inspired treats (perfect for a full cultural immersion!). ### 🗓 Details: * **When:** Every Sunday * **Time:** 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM * **Where:** Cafe Panchita (152 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga) * **Price:** $5 CAD per person (Cash only, please). * **Level:** All levels are welcome! * **WhatsApp group :** join here https://chat.whatsapp.com/CctREp712VE2XULn5upHMr ### 💡 What to expect: 1. **Relaxed Conversations:** We’ll have conversation starters and prompts to keep the flow going. 2. **Cultural Immersion:** Practice your Spanish while enjoying a *tortilla de patatas* or some *empanadas*. 3. **Small Groups:** We try to group people by level so everyone feels comfortable speaking. ### ⚠️ Important Notes: * **Support the Venue:** As the cafe is hosting us, we kindly ask every participant to purchase at least one drink or snack. * **RSVP:** Space is limited to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak. Please update your RSVP if you cannot make it. **¡Nos vemos el domingo para hablar, conocer gente nueva y disfrutar de un buen café!**

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [[[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GyoGCkYt392Bi8c9nOP2d4) ] 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.

Drama Class: Exploring the Shadow 📅 February 13, 2026 | ⏱️ 2 hours | 8:15 – 9:45 pm 👥 Small group (5–7 people) | 💰 35 CAD | 📍 Location: 509 Bloor St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y2 I warmly invite you to a drama-therapy–inspired workshop exploring the shadow—often called our “dark side”—including emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, fear, hatred, and despair. Using characters, monologues, scenes, object work, and guided exploration, we’ll learn how to meet and express these inner states rather than suppress or be controlled by them. While we explore shadow, we’ll also journey toward your Light side—the compassionate, patient, self-aware, and wise aspects of you that support clarity and peace of mind. The session begins with centering, grounding, and safety-building, connecting with the pure consciousness within as a stable foundation for the work. You’re welcome to bring an object, poem, monologue, character, theme, or scene, or request a suggested one. This workshop is for you if you want to: • Befriend your shadow while integrating shadow and light • Regulate strong emotions and inner conflicts with greater awareness • Explore fears, doubts, and relationships creatively and meaningfully Session structure includes: 1. Trust- and safety-building, centering, and connection 2. Physical, emotional, and vocal warm-up with object work 3. Personal theme exploration, reflection, integration, and closing Facilitation approach: I create a safe, inclusive, welcoming—yet courageous—environment, inviting exploration without judgment, prejudice, or bias. Care, consent, curiosity, and respect guide the process. Facilitator: Nikolai Afanasev — educator, learning experience designer, and actor. MEd in Curriculum, Pedagogy, Wellbeing & Contemplative Education (University of Toronto, OISE). 7+ years of meditation practice; facilitated 400+ workshops and 25+ retreats across Ontario and Québec. Not a licensed therapist; currently working toward accreditation. 📩 DM me to touch base about your theme, request suggested material, or reserve a spot. Warm wishes, Nikolai

We are a monthly meetup where we get together and discuss Stoic Philosophy and it's practical application to life. All are welcome, including those new to Stoicism and everyday practitioners. Out meetups are casual and we typically discuss a new Stoic quote each month. The meetup is held at one of our member's home in Toronto for a few hours each month. A little about Stoicsm, simply put, Stoicism was designed to help people live their best possible lives. It’s a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character. At any moment, in any situation, and at any stage of life, Stoicism provides a framework for living well. It reminds people of what is truly important, providing practical strategies to get more of what is valuable. Stoicism was deliberately created to be understandable, actionable and useful. Practicing Stoicism doesn’t require learning an entirely new philosophical lexicon or meditating for hours a day. Instead, it offers an immediate, useful and practical way to find tranquility and improve one’s strengths of character.

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

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

We will have lunch at Cap City Diner in Gahanna at 12:00 then walk over to the theater afterwards. The Movie Solo Mio starts at 1:20.It will be posted when tickets available to purchase probably the week before then we’ll post our seat number so we can all sit together 😎

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.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. 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. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

[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).