Personal Essay

Join us for a special Friday night version of TEiP ST PANCRAS. Open minded discussions and the opportunity to learn from other people's perspectives and life experiences. This episode will explore the topic of 'PERSONALITY' by way of three original thought experiments (posted in the comments below on the day of the event). We'll meet at the beautiful Betjeman Arms in St Pancras Station. **The event start time is 7:30PM, rather than our usual 7:00PM.** Spaces are limited and tickets sell out fast, so get your ticket early if you want to be there! **THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS** \- posted in the comments below on the day of the event **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- read more about this community and other related stuff **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like \(including The People of TEiP project\) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **The idea:** A chance to meet and talk meaningfully about thought provoking topics. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at The Betjeman Arms. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4 people per group) * Have a look at the **thought experiments** (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic. * 7:35 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:00 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:25pm - Wrap up - hear about upcoming events, feedback/requests for future meetups. * 8:30 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10pm and usually a lot of us stay until then :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere**: * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future Thought Experiments in Pubs meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet**: This group will be at The Betjeman Arms. The nearest Tube station is King's Cross St. Pancras. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. **Who should come**: Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... I'm so looking forward to meeting & talking with you in this beautiful location :-) If you would like to further support these meetups, please [subscribe to the newsletter](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) and [follow us on instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs) :-) Thank you!

A short walk (approx 3.5 miles) through Regents Park and Regents Canal in the summer sunshine. LEAFY SUBURBS, OPULENCE, MANSIONS, PARKLANDS, GARDENS, LAKES. **WALK START POINT: Great Portland Street Station** (Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines - Zone 1) WALK DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles. WALK END POINT: A large pub near Paddington Station WALK ROUTE: Regent's Park and Regents Canal to Paddington, WALK STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes during most of the walk. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. The walk is free for holders of this card. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.8

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this May in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **4th May - 28th May (4 weeks)** ➡️**Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays** 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️**Fridays** 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note⚠️ confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [[[teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)]

Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+) Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes. No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program. Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information. OR Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom. See you soon!

Calling all WOMEN to join us for a time of sharing experiences and encouraging each other over a cuppa and cake. Please note: Women's only event, men will be asked to leave promptly! Living Room Club Glengall Grove

**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you directly to the website page..** [Germany May 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/germany-may-bank-h2026/) If you are using the app and are unable to open the link please go directly to our website where you will be able to book onto the trip.. travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk

You can be surrounded by eight million people and still feel like no one knows your name. You pass the same faces on the same street every morning. You hear your neighbours through the walls, their arguments, their music, their laughter. But you've never spoken. The city promised connection. It delivered proximity. Is proximity without intimacy crueller than actual solitude? If everyone is lonely, who's keeping us apart? Who is responsible for the stranger next door? Here is a documentary about Joyce Vincent that is related to this topic: [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1819513/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1819513/) *Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comments below.* —————————————————————————————————————————————— **💛 Support The Examined Life** Enjoying the discussions? Please consider donating, it keeps us running. 👉 Donate here: [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Join our Telegram group chat** Stay connected between sessions: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **About the session** The Examined Life "Let's Discuss…" session is an open, welcoming discussion, no prior reading or expertise required. Format: * **13:15** Free-flowing group discussion on the topic * **14:00 (ish)** We split into smaller groups for deeper conversation on what interests you most * **16:00** Official end of the meetup. Most attendees stay on and keep chatting until around 18:00 —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Please RSVP accurately** Please update your RSVP if plans change, it helps us plan and frees up spots for others. —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Artwork:** A Frozen River by a Town at Evening 1665 by Aert van der Neer

**Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned master, join Our Chess Enthusiast Group for Social Fun and Friendly Matches** **This is the perfect opportunity to socialise, make new friends, and engage in the intellectually stimulating and entertaining world of chess.** **Our chess group is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels. We believe that chess is a game that transcends age and gender, uniting people in the pursuit of strategic brilliance and camaraderie. Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or a grandmaster seeking challenging opponents, our group is the ideal place for you.** **When and Where We Meet** **We gather every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at a convenient and accessible location:** **Venue: 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW** **Our chosen venue is not only a clean and safe space but also secure, ensuring that your chess sessions are enjoyable and worry-free.** **Additionally, there is an indoor cafe on-site, so you can relax with a refreshing beverage and delicious snacks between matches.** **What to Expect** **When you join our chess enthusiast group, you can look forward to a variety of chess-related activities:** 1. **Engage in chess matches with players of varying skill levels, providing a perfect opportunity to improve your game or showcase your expertise.** 2. **Connect with fellow chess enthusiasts who share your passion, fostering new friendships and a sense of community.** 3. **If you're a beginner, our more experienced members are always willing to offer guidance and tips to help you grow as a chess player.** 4. **We occasionally organise chess tournaments and special events, allowing you to challenge yourself and compete for prizes.** **Reserve Your Space** **Due to space limitations, we kindly request that you reserve your spot before attending our chess gatherings. This ensures that we can accommodate everyone and maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all participants. To reserve your space or inquire about the group, please reach out to us via email magdyelalfy@gmail.com** **While we do provide chess sets at our venue, we encourage members to bring their own if they have one. Personalising your chess experience with your preferred set can add a unique touch to your games.** **Join us at 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW, and be a part of a vibrant and engaging chess community. Whether you're in it for the love of the game, the social interactions, or both, our chess enthusiast group offers a fantastic platform to indulge your passion for chess and make new friends along the way. We look forward to welcoming you into our fold and sharing the joy of chess with you.** **For reservations, Click attend on the meetup App.** **Come and make your next move with us – both on the chessboard and in your social circle!**

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

**🥋 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 (Intro Offer): £10** A one-time introductory session to try the class and see if it’s right for you. If you decide to continue within 48 hours of your first class, this £10 will be deducted from your first class block. *** 🥋 **Training Options** After your first session, training continues via class blocks: **5-Class Block — £75** *(most popular for beginners)* Valid for 2 months A great way to build a solid foundation and get a real feel for the system. **10-Class Block — £120 (best value)** Valid for 4 months Ideal for regular training and steady long-term progress. *** All sessions are 2 hours and designed to give you practical, progressive development each time. Classes are booked in advance. Blocks are non-refundable but flexible if you need to miss a session. **📩 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.

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK DIRECTLY AT OUR SITE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/day-of-poetry-a-full-day-of-creative-writing-food-drinks-a-free-book ... Hi there ✨ Whoever you are, you're warmly invited to join us for a full-day poetry workshop ✍️ with food & drink 🍴☕🍷, a pub quiz 🧠, and plenty of space to say something true, something strange, something yours 🌿 Together, we'll be writing poetry, one of the oldest, strangest, and most surprisingly honest ways we have of telling the truth about being alive. From Ted Hughes to **Sylvia Plath**, to **Sonia Sanchez**, **Pablo Neruda**, **Rainer Maria Rilke**, **Stanley Kunitz**, **Claudia Rankine** and **Ocean Vuong**, poetry keeps showing up, and keeps telling the truth. This day isn't just about reading or analysing those poets (though we'll do a little of that). We'll also be having our own go at writing new poems, using three ideas as our lens: **nature, city life, and the inner self**. By the end of the day, you'll leave with some fresh drafts, images, and lines to take home and develop in your own time. **What do we mean by Day of Poetry? 🤔** We'll be writing through three territories that poets have always returned to: * **Nature -** What does the organic world outside us reveal about the world within? * **City life -** How do we find language for the crowd, the commute, the stranger on the platform...? * **The inner self -** Exploring grief, longing, memory, wonder, what are we carrying, and what happens when we put it into words? We'll read short extracts from some of the poets named above, then use them as springboards for our own guided writing exercises. No dogma. No right answers. Just curiosity, attention, and honest language. 🌿 **So, what's the plan? 🗓️** * Arrive at Finch's Pub for teas/coffees ☕ and a gentle warm-up writing session ✍️ * Settle into reading, conversation, supported exploration, and lots more writing 💬 * Break for lunch 🥗 at the pub * Dive back in for an afternoon of deeper writing and creative experiments 🌀 **What's included? 🎁** * A full day of poetry workshops & exercises ✨ * Tea or coffee to start ☕ * Lunch at Finch's Pub 🥗 * A drink of your choice in the afternoon 🍻🍷🥤 * A free Penguin mini modern classic book! * Thoughtful literary handouts 📄 **What do you need to bring? 🎒** * Yourself 🙌 * A pen & pad 🖊️📓 (or a laptop 💻 if you prefer) **Our style 🌱** We create a friendly, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere 💜 Everybody is welcome. No experience necessary 🌈 There's no pressure to share or perform in front of the group 🙅 You can take part quietly, actively, or anywhere in between. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to text me on 📱 +44 (0) 7534 981 636 and I'll do my best to help. Warm wishes 🌞, Sean (A Write & a Pint)

**Walk & explore the flower installations, enjoy conversations, raise your inner smile, socialise, recharge!** *BOOK VIA the link:* **[https://fatso.ma/fnj7q](https://fatso.ma/fnj7q) and PLEASE RSVP too!** **This is a social event, bringing like minded people together, looking to expand their social circle, create connections, make friendships, find that 'special one' that perhaps can make your heart sing or simply join and enjoy a beautiful afternoon in amazing** **surroundings.** *Make the most of this glorious sunny Sunday afternoon! Bring your social and friendly self out, meet new people, talk about everything and anything that feels joyous and enjoy a coffee with your new acquaintances on one of Chelsea's beautiful cafes.* **'Chelsea in Bloom' is London's largest flower celebration, kickstarting summer with breathtaking floral displays and installations.** This year's topics is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Admire six spectacular large-scale floral art installations, including a Zodiac-inspired constellation at Sloane Square; a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road, a lunar-landscape at Duke of York Square and mythical 4m dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street. An enormous floral globe honours David Attenborough’s 100th birthday in May, on King’s Road. **What's the plan exactly & how to join :** *-With the best smile on your face! 😃* *Make a best first impression, see it reflected back to you!* ***-MEET-UP at 14:00 AT THE EXIT OF SLOANE SQUARE STATION,*** ***-ELENI IS HOSTING THIS WALK, KINDLY ARRIVE ON TIME!*** **-AT 14:10 WE ARE MAKING OUR WAY AT LEISURE TO WALK AROUND AND SEE THE STUNNING FLOWER INSTALLATIONS** MESSAGES CAN NOT BE REPLIED AFTER 14:10 **KINDLY BE ON TIME!** We are walking around King's road following the installations and try see as many as we can. We end up in one of the cafes where you can stay for as long as you like and engage further in conversations with all attendees. **Let's socialise and meet new people or catch up with familiar faces.** Do not hesitate to join for the first time or by yourself as everyone is welcome and included. We must be the friendliest group in London! By attending this event you are fully responsible for your own safety. Fees are non refundable, non transferable unless the event is cancelled

Join us for a special edition of Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking **fiction** that challenges perspectives, sparks imagination, and opens doors to meaningful conversations. Whether you're a lifelong reader or rediscovering the joy of novels, this is a space to explore stories that stay with you long after the final page. **This Month's Book - One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez** One Hundred Years of Solitude follows generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. It blends everyday life with magical, surreal events in a dreamlike style. The story explores time, memory, and the repeating patterns of family life. **How does it work?** * Brief introductions and reflections on what struck you most * Moderated discussion exploring plot, themes, and characters * Open conversation where different interpretations are welcomed ️ * We wrap up by sharing insights and connections made **What to Expect?** **Close Reading:** We go beyond surface-level plot summary. Expect discussions that examine the author's choices, narrative techniques, and the questions left lingering in the silence between pages. **Thoughtful Dialogue:** This isn't a race to share opinions—it's a space for genuine exploration. We listen, we reflect, we build on each other's insights. **Meaningful Connections:** Great fiction holds up a mirror to the human experience. Through discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas, we often discover something about ourselves and each other. **How to get the most out of this event?** **Finish the Book:** Please attend only if you've completed the book. Spoilers will flow freely, and the richest discussions come from those who've made the full journey. **Ground it in the Text:** Bring your interpretations, but anchor them in what's actually on the page. Quote passages. Reference scenes. Let the author's words guide us. **Respect & Openness:** Every interpretation matters. Make space for quieter voices. Challenge ideas, not people. Stay curious rather than defensive. **Why a Fiction Book Club?** **Explore the Human Condition:** Fiction lets us inhabit lives we'll never live, forcing us to confront questions about identity, morality, love, and loss. **Sharpen Your Thinking:** Close reading develops critical thinking—noticing what the author chose to include, exclude, and how the story is told matters as much as what happens. **Deepen Connections:** Discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas creates surprisingly intimate conversations with fellow readers. **Who is this event for?** * You find yourself thinking about books long after you've finished them * You want more from book discussions than "I liked it" or "I didn't" * You're curious how others interpret the same story differently * You value thoughtful dialogue over debate ️✨ * You're looking for meaningful connections with fellow readers **What's in it for you?** * **Fresh Perspectives:** Discover interpretations you'd never have considered alone * **Deeper Understanding:** Unpack themes and symbols that enrich your reading * **Genuine Connection:** Bond with others over shared literary experiences * **A Space to Think:** Slow down from the noise and engage with ideas that matter **Ready to dive deeper into stories that matter?** Join us for an evening where fiction becomes a gateway to understanding ourselves and each other. ✨ **We really hope to see you there!** **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️ **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

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

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**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**!

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.

Who else is ready to sit outside? 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!