Personal Essay

Join us UPSTAIRS in O’Donoghue’s Bar for some festive drinks and chat. When you enter the large smoking area entrance (next door to main door), walk straight down to the back and on the right there is a stairway up to the upstairs lounge. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to be single.

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

**Dumpling Masterclass: A Unique & Unforgettable Hands-On Dining Experience** Step into your personal cooking station, don your apron, and get ready for a culinary adventure. Guided by expert chefs, you’ll create four distinct types of dumplings, each with a unique filling inspired by the best of Asian cuisine: savory Korean dumplings, delicate Hong Kong Siu Mai, and classic Chinese boiled dumplings. Whether you love savory fillings or prefer vegetarian-friendly options, each creation will transport your senses straight to Asia. After crafting your dumplings, you’ll enjoy them in a relaxed setting with a curated Asian-inspired meal. Savor signature dishes like kimchi, crispy okonomiyaki, and savory scallion pancakes, complemented by the finest Japanese beer—a visual and flavor feast. And here’s the surprise: one lucky participant will win a special gift to take home!!! This experience is perfect for a date night, a celebration, or a memorable day with loved ones. It’s not just cooking; it’s about creating lasting memories in an intimate, elegant setting. **Excited to join this incredible dumpling experience? 🥟✨** 🎟️ Spots are filling up fast—**reserve your spot now and don’t miss out!** 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dumpling-rolling-masterclass-tickets-1030947219887?aff=Meetup ⚠️ *Please note: RSVP on Meetup **does NOT** guarantee your spot. Only those with tickets will be admitted!*

For December’s book club meeting, I’d love for us to raise some money for charity. Normally, everyone contributes €2 per session to cover the Meetup subscription, but this month your contribution will go directly to charity instead. If you’d like to give a little extra, you’re very welcome to — and I’ll personally match whatever we raise. The Charity I have chosen is Doctors Without Borders. https://www.msf.ie/ EDIT: Hi guys, there seems to be an issue with using PayPal so I am refunding those who already paid. You can transfer 2 euro + any donation you may like to me on Revolut @caitri5ao2 either before or at the event. I will also accept cash at the event if you do not have Revolut.

Drop in to our regular Open Social for a great alternative Saturday evening. It's a great informal way to see the space and meet members and visitors. If you’ve never been in before, we’ll give you the grand tour of the space. Talk to members and visitors about projects or things that you’d like to do. If you like what you see, ask about joining as a full member. Membership brings many benefits. Weather and volunteer permitting, we might have our wood fired pizza oven going outside! [https://youtu.be/TTQ0YylkEzc](https://youtu.be/TTQ0YylkEzc) Expect caint, ceol agus craic as usual. The space stays open until the last member is left……usually the small hours of Sunday morning. You can drop in for 10 minutes, or stay the whole night. We have lots of free parking available. Bring beer, food, gadgets!

Another December swim? Why not! Let’s meet for a swim this Saturday December 20th at Seapoint at 12.30.

## ✨ Blue Hour Christmas Photowalk – Samuel Beckett Bridge (Dublin) Let’s capture the magic of Dublin as it glows during the blue hour—just before nightfall, when the sky turns deep blue and city lights begin to shimmer. This Christmas-season special focuses on photographing the Samuel Beckett Bridge and its surrounding riverside views, where festive reflections, architectural lines, and soft evening light come together beautifully. After meeting for a warm drink, we’ll stroll along the Liffey, exploring the best vantage points for blue hour long exposures, architectural shots, and seasonal city ambience. *** ## 📍 Meeting Point **Il Caffé di Napoli** 41 Westland Row, Dublin 2 🕔 **Time:** 4:00 pm 📅 **Date:** Sunday, 21/12/2025 *** ## 🚶 Walk Details **Theme:** Blue Hour Photography – Christmas lights **Highlights:** * Samuel Beckett Bridge illuminated at dusk * Festive city lights and reflections on the river * Minimalist long exposures, architectural frames, and leading lines * Christmas atmosphere along the quays **Photography Opportunities:** * Blue hour long exposures * Symmetry and geometric compositions * Illuminated bridges and skyline reflections * Seasonal light accents and decorations *** ## ⚠️ Important Notices **Weather & Schedule** If heavy rain or unsafe conditions are forecast, the event may be rescheduled. Updates will be shared if needed. **Responsibility** This is a casual, community-driven meet-up. Participants are responsible for their own safety, equipment, and awareness near roads and water edges. *** ## ☕ Warm-Up Option We’ll start at **Il Caffé di Napoli**, where you can grab something warm, meet fellow photographers, and adjust your settings before heading out. *** ## ✅ This Photowalk Is Perfect If You Want To… * Practice blue hour and evening photography * Learn to balance ambient and artificial light * Capture Dublin’s skyline in a festive mood * Meet others who enjoy city and night photography *** ## 🎒 What to Bring 📷 Camera with manual controls 🦵 Tripod (highly recommended) 🧤 Warm clothing – December evenings can be chilly 💡 Optional: ND filter, remote shutter, extra battery 💰 Coffee/drink money *** ## 🪪 GDPR / Consent By joining, you consent to being photographed by other participants. Please avoid photographing identifiable individuals without permission.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reason-for-the-season-tickets-1978194869105 Craft, fellowship, and remember the true reason for the season - Jesus' presence in our lives. Join us for Reason for the Season, a joyful and creative gathering to celebrate the season with purpose. Together, we'll decorate Christmas items while reflecting on the significance of Jesus in our lives but every day. not just at Christmas, This is a time to enjoy fellowship with other believers and be reminded of the hope and joy that Jesus brings. Through conversation, reflection, and festive activities, we'll celebrate our faith in a meaningful and fun way. Come ready to craft and connect as we focus on the true reason for the season: living in the light of Jesus' presence and impact in our lives all year round.

We will do a walk around the beautiful gardens - still lots of beautiful flowers in full bloom! 💐😃 **We will meet just inside the entrance gates near the cafe, grass area there. https://www.botanicgardens.ie The weather forecast for this Saturday is pretty promising so hopefully we’ll see you joining us for a great walk & coffee/ lunch afterwards! 😃 💐 Walk takes approx 1.5 hours on the flat **Note: if you are delayed or need to cancel, can you please leave a message below so that we can wait for you (or cancel your booking) thanks 🙏

*I have found that it can be difficult to find male-only spaces where I can openly experience and express my emotions and vulnerability in a group setting, which can lead to feelings of loneliness that I have experienced. This facilitated male-only walk in nature aims to address that. Please note, there is no pressure to share during the walk—attendees can choose to share as little or as much as they wish.* I may run more mixed (male and female) walks in the future. *Thanks for your interest.* ‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realise that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty) ‘Nature, calling us out of our biographies into the fluvial marvel of now.’ (John Moriarty) 'The freedom in walking lies in not being anyone; for the walking body has no history, it is just an eddy in the stream of immemorial life.' (Frédéric Gros) “In the age of the world’s night, someone returns to be beginning, becomes so inwardly empty as to be available to the beginning.” (John Moriarty) 'There was something in the darkness and cold that comforted me in my pain. There was something in feeling the rain. There was something if I stayed long enough.' 'I asked myself what it would be like to enter into the dark and emerge into the light. What would I discover about myself and others? What would I find in this space that could help me?' \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, periods of silence mixed with gentle sharing, storytelling, encounters with nature, and free-roaming/solitary exploration. Contemplation and reflection practices will also be featured, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate individual, pair, and group activities. **Example format of a walk (please note this format can change slightly from walk to walk, depending on different factors - see note 1):** * Welcome, Introductions, Icebreaker Activity, and Group Guidelines * Walk for 15-20 mins as a group * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Walk for another 15-20 mins as a group with someone leading * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Stillness activity and/or free exploration/wandering for 15-20 mins * Final gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 mins * Invitation to share feedback, thank you, and farewell/goodbyes I will aim to provide a supportive and safe space during the walk where people can freely open up about their lives and experiences as much or as little as they choose to. Anything you share is confidential and shall not be disclosed outside the space. * **TIME:** Sunrise starts around 7/7.30am, approximately, so we will meet at 6.00am and start walking around 6.05am/6.10am. Please be on time to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 6.10am at the latest. * **MEETING POINT:** The meeting point is at the Parkgate Street Entrance to Phoenix Park, where the bike rental is located. * **IMPORTANT:** Please read notes 1-16 below to prepare yourself for the walk. **Note 1 - Walk Format** Please note that the format can slightly change from walk to walk as I like to check in with participants and the group regularly during the event to try and understand what they need as the walk unfolds and try to be flexible given the needs that can arise or just how the group is feeling as a whole. Other factors, such as weather, location, time, the introduction of new practices, and participant sharing, can also influence the structure and flow of the event. **Note 2 - Silence** I would like to explore being with silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence if they want to and feel comfortable. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk, there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing if people feel like it. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to stimulate conversation, but primarily, I would prefer to use the group's collective wisdom and shared insights to guide the dialogue. If people prefer or need to talk at times, that's fine, but please be aware of and respect the silence in the space by being mindful of your proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if necessary. **Note 3 - Walking Pace** People will be encouraged to walk at their own pace, which they are comfortable with, and at the pace they feel in the moment. For some parts of the walk, I want people to explore their being, and that will bring them to different places than others. For example, someone may want to sit on a bench and breathe, someone else may want to stretch using the kerb, and another person may be drawn to walk towards or around a tree. We will regroup at different intervals before coming back together. If people prefer to talk to someone and walk in pairs or groups, that is fine. **Note 4 - Focuses/Topics** Listening, Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Being, Pain/Suffering, Grief/Loss, Gentleness, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Respect, Curiosity, Non-judgment, Peace, Innocence, Play, Letting Go, Ease, Rest, Movement, Senses, Feeling, Depth, Simplicity, Choices, Story, Calm, Safety, Interconnectedness, Contemplation, Grace. **Note 5 - Weather/Clothing** Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. I will still walk if there is rain/bad weather unless it is very, very bad. **Note 6 - Footwear** There is a chance we could walk through long, wet grass and/or leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet or dirty while you stay comfortable would be advised. **Note 7 - Phones** Please put your phone on silent mode for the duration of the walk so we can create a space with fewer distractions. If you need to take a call, please put some distance between yourself and the group before doing so to respect the quiet space we create together. **Note 8 - Thoughts On Discomfort** Speaking for myself, it will involve some discomfort to get out of bed early for a walk, as it is not something I do often. I hope to try and accept and work through this feeling of discomfort during the experience and perhaps open up to something beyond it. People may approach or experience this differently, and I hope to hear and open up to their ways of experience, too. **Note 9 - Donations** Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. I suggest a donation of €3 if you wish to donate. Donations can be made using Revolut, PayPal, or cash. If using cash, please have exact change as I don't normally have change on me. Pay by Revolut - [https://revolut.me/davidtbt5](https://revolut.me/davidtbt5) **Note 10 - Toilet Facilities** As far as I know, there are no official toilet facilities open at this time in Phoenix Park. Please be mindful of this before joining this event. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section. **Note 11 - Bike Parking Facilities** There are plenty of places to park bikes at the Parkgate Street entrance to Phoenix Park. **Note 12 - Car Parking Facilities** Parking a car to get to the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park requires some forward thinking and planning. There is a large car park at the back of Heuston Station, but it is a 10-15 minute walk from where we meet. As it is early in the morning, you may be able to find a spot to park your car in the park, or else there may be on-street parking on Parkgate Street or around the courts. If I can think of any other options, I will post them here. **Note 13 - RSVPs** Please only RSVP if you intend to come and change your RSVP to 'No' if you are not going to be able to attend. **Note 14 - Disclaimer** Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every possible way at your own risk. **Note 15 - Questions/Feedback** If you have any questions or feedback, please do let me know. **Note 16 - Quotes** SOME MORE QUOTES THAT HAVE INSPIRED THIS EVENT: ‘If there's going to be any chance for us, we're going to have to stop and wait for our souls to catch up.’ (John Moriarty) 'I was experiencing an unnegotiable need to walk the earth with a barefoot heart and a barefoot mind.' (John Moriarty) 'Walking is to return to be guided by our own hearts...' (Unknown) “When there is really nothing left to do or believe, except to remember, walking helps retrieve the absolute simplicity of presence, beyond all hope, before any expectation.” (Frédéric Gros) “Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints…” (Frédéric Gros)

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

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

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 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.

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

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.