Philosophy

For our next hike we'll be following a beautiful 9.5km route starting at Soest-Zuid train station and ending at Amersfoort Central Station. On the way we'll pass by the Soesterduinen dunes and the Birkhoven forest. Will you join? Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in the Utrecht Region. Anyone is welcome to join, no matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a local or an expat, a professional or a student, as long as you bring a good mood. We are not about fast hiking, but about social hiking: being active, exploring places, meeting like-minded people and just generally having a fun walk. We'll be starting from Soest-Zuid train station at 10.30AM. This time we won't be following a circular route, which means we won't end at our starting point, but we'll end at Amersfoort Central Station instead. Those who want to return to Soest-Zuid station afterwards to get back to their car, can take bus 70 from Amersfoort, which is going every 15 minutes. Please try to arrive to Soest-Zuid on time. We'll start our hike at 10.30AM and won't let the whole group wait for you in case you're arriving later. Only in case the train scheduled to arrive at 10.24AM has some delay, we'll wait for that train to arrive. If you're arriving after we have departed, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691, so we can share our location with you and you can try to catch up with us. Soest-Zuid station has a toilet, but please don't count on it to work. When checking the route, it was closed. On the way there are no public toilets, so please use a restroom before you arrive. The route is going over both paved and unpaved roads and we'll even be walking through the sand of the Soesterduinen dunes for a bit (not for long, as it's harder to walk through the sand than on the paths). Please wear good shoes, bring something to drink for on the way and use SPF if it'll be a sunny day Dogs are allowed on the route, but need to be kept on a leash on parts of the route. After the walk, those who want can join for lunch/drinks in the center of Amersfoort. This is not directly next to Amersfoort Central Station, but at a distance of another 15-20 minutes of walking. Since we do make some costs while organising our hikes (MeetUp subscription, travel expenses), a small donation would be very much appreciated. You can do so by following this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=s9tT34cUyD97YuSHhIYbTIqN4LfxLAn9 If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See you on Saturday 9th of May at Soest-Zuid train station!

## Connect & Grow onder begeleiding van Pauline van Aken, auteur, spreker en trainer... ## Voel je dat je hoofd vaak te “vol” zit en heb je behoefte aan meer rust én echte gevoelsmensen om je heen in de natuur? ## Tijdens deze 1e Connect & Grow sessie, stap je even uit de drukte van alledag en kom je samen met een groep bewuste en gelijkgestemden. Een laagdrempelige, ontspannen meeting waarbij je kunt 'zijn' en we ook, als het weer het toelaat, een mooie wandeling maken. We ont-moeten, verbinden en doen tussentijdse korte, praktische oefeningen, waarbij je voelt dat je hoofd even met 'vakantie' is. De meeting vindt plaats in de natuur bij de Hoorneboegse Heide. Specifieke meetingpoint: Brasserie Zonnestraal op de parkeerplaats rechts van de zij ingang. Bij minder goed weer verzamelen we binnen in de Brasserie Zonnestraal. Wil je hierbij zijn, stuur dan een mailtje met je naam en mobiele nummer + de datum (zaterdag 9 mei) naar: info@paulinevanaken.nl Check ook even de site: Paulinevanaken.nl zodat je weet hoe ik eruit zie en wellicht kan ik je alvast inspireren met wat ik deel in verschillende podcasts en blogs. De kosten: €27,00 p.p. inclusief 't boek: VOEL, *terug in contact met jezelf,* exclusief drankjes en versnaperingen die bij de Brasserie mogelijk zijn om te bestellen. Ik kijk ernaar uit je te ontmoeten. Lieve groet, Pauline

This circular walk begins at Nijmegen Heyendaal train station and takes us through some of the leafiest parts of south and east Nijmegen. We’ll take in a tranquil botanical garden, walk through some lovely parks and forests and go uphill to Kops Plateau where we can get a great view of the Ooij polder (where we went on the previous walk). We can stop around half way for food/drinks at the Tantje Koosje. The walk features some good quality paths but there also patches through forests etc with uneven ground, so it is recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes. As always, remember to bring water and maybe some snacks. Trains go from Nijmegen Centraal to Heyendaal every 30 minutes leaving at 8 and 38 minutes past the hour. Journey time is 4 minutes. Buses 9, 10 and 15 also stop at the station. \*\* Please keep your RSVP up to date - walks tend to get full so if your plans change please change your RSVP to No and give someone else the chance to join \*\*

Kom gezellig een middag samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad: vandaag in de Jongerenafdeling. Wij (de lokale Warhammer club Warmere) zorgen voor alle benodigde materialen zodat je je creativiteit de vrije loop kunt laten. Of je nu een ervaren schilder bent of een beginner, deze meetup is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gaming communities: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k of Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D of bordspellen! Neem je eigen materialen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuurtje nodig hebt, kun je er die dag een kopen of je kan er gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes, met dank aan clubgenoten van Warmere en www.restorehammer.eu ! Leeftijd: 12+ Let op: Deze meetup vindt plaats in een bibliotheek tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an afternoon of painting Warhammer or D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad: today in de Jongerenafdeling. We (the local Warhammer club Warmere) will provide all necessary materials for you to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming communities: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D or boardgames! Bring your own materials, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one, or choose one for free from the donated miniatures, thanks to members of Warmere and www.restorehammer.eu ! Age: 12+ Take notice: This meetup takes place in a library during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials.

🌿🥾 Hello Hikers! Ready for a peaceful, classically Dutch escape? We’re hiking the **NS-Wandeling Gein en Vecht**, a stunning 14 km point-to-point trail from Abcoude → Weesp. This path follows the winding Gein river and feels like stepping directly into a 17th-century landscape painting. 🎨✨ Expect calm waters, historic windmills, and traditional houseboats as we wander through the lush meadows of the Dutch countryside. We’ll finish in the charming fortified town of Weesp, perfect for a celebratory post-hike drink! 📍 Start: Abcoude Station ⏰ When: Saturday\, 9 May \| Hike starts 10:45 AM \(please arrive 10–15 min early to gear up\!\) We’ll wait 15 minutes for everyone (11:00 AM) and then share our live location in the WhatsApp group for anyone joining late. 🥾 Distance: 14 km 👀 What to Expect • The winding River Gein, one of the most photographed rivers in the NL • Iconic Dutch windmills and historic pumping stations • Fort Nigtevecht, part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam (UNESCO site) • Wide-open meadow views and charming river-side houseboats • Finish in the scenic town of Weesp, famous for its canals and breweries • Plenty of "Golden Age" photo opportunities along the water Getting there: • Train to Abcoude Station (easy connection from Amsterdam/Utrecht) • The hike ends at Weesp Station, where you can take a direct train back 🎒 What to Bring • Comfortable hiking shoes • Plenty of water • Snacks and a light lunch • A windbreaker or waterproof jacket (it can get breezy by the water!) ⚠️ **Disclaimers** * Everyone is responsible for their own safety * The organizer is not responsible for personal injuries, transportation issues, health problems, loss, or damage * Hike at your own pace; the trail can be slippery after rain – wear proper footwear 📲 WhatsApp group for updates & coordination: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CX8pZUrRBqgDtX6BZGqOJH?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CX8pZUrRBqgDtX6BZGqOJH?mode=gi_t) 🔗 Join our WhatsApp group for future events: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92?mode=gi_t) 📸 Instagram to share photos: [https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?utm_source=qr) Let’s hike, soak in the tranquility of the river, and toast to a great day in Weesp! 🐄🚲✨

Together with a few other artists and with Stichting Loods: a thrift shop supporting social reintegration we organise a cosy neighbourhood event (north from the Verkadefabriek area). Come by, have a cup of coffee and see what's there to explore! This event is also a part of Landelijk Atelierweekend (9&10 mei edition) a national open artist studio initiative: https://www.landelijkatelierweekend.nl/deelnemers For the first time I open the door of my art atelier to the public. I am so excited to share my art with you; no photos can beat the physical experience. Mirror yourself in art, explore events for creative rest and if you like it there: perhaps I will see you in my studio more often:) At this point of my artistic journey, I channeled my energy into a few series of physical works: paintings, mixed-media visual art and linocut prints. I am still in the moment of formulating my visual language, building the body of work, some may call it "a search for style" although it doesn't bring justice to the depth of that experience. As a starting artist, I search for pure, honest and uncompromising expression. I create from a place of vulnerability, meeting and accepting my Self in the process. Even though it is a process (and by definition it can never reach the ideal of perfection), it is so gratifying to see traces of that expression, an underlying pattern starting to permeate my work already. Art is a mirror. If an artwork speaks to you, it means you can find a piece of yourself in it. It is my greatest dream to create works that have the power to whisper to people in mysterious ways, helping them connect to their own feelings and touch their perception, creating experience. I have been walking this path blindly, without a plan or a solid foundation, taking risks and exposing my nervous system to a lot of change over the past few years. Following my intuition was the only way to save my Self. It did not feel much like a choice: I had to do it. The moments of doubt slowly abandon my body and mind, as my creative expression gets stronger. What I have made so far are the very first conscious steps of that journey as an artist. Bringing in structure, boundaries, work, showing up. Convincing myself that this is important and worth fighting for. Under my skin I finally feel that what I am about to create will not fade without an echo. There is so much passion and fire behind my actions: sparking from under my gentle nature. My abstract paintings are exactly about that: the series Elements explores how Fire, Air and Water search for balance. FYI I am not an established artist showing works in prestigious galleries and museums (yet). I am girl who went through a lot of effort to find her way back to herself, almost building a new identity from a thousand of scattered pieces. If that feels like an inspiration to you at this moment of your life: there is a chance my art will resonate. This is your invitation to my world; and to your own. To grow further and learn more about my own work, I need you: the viewer. You are my mirror. That is why I would love to have you there on the 9th of May. Come with your unique perception, curiosity and honesty: so that together we can learn from each other. Free entry. Spots unlimited.

* We **start at 11:15** at Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 * Length: \~16.6 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkHaTRXZZW9zG3dn9 **Getting there by Car:** * Parking in the streets close to: Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=cqlYWv_MTpSjp2VkROXWhA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

In this format, we discuss a quote of a well-known philosopher. A summary is provided below. Please take the time to read. The Moderator will introduce the topic, we will have an open discussion, and a final round when everyone gives their conclusions. Quote of this Session: Arthur Schopenhauer "The knowledge of death is the beginning of philosophy, for only through death does man become aware that his existence is not self-sufficient or ultimate, but dependent and passing. Without death, life would never become a problem for reflection.” “Death is not an accident that befalls life from outside, nor is it something added to life at the end; rather, it belongs to life itself, and life is so deeply interwoven with death that both are inseparable conditions of each other. What we call death is only the dissolution of an individual phenomenon, while the inner nature of life itself remains untouched by it.” About the author Arthur Schopenhauer was a 19th-century German philosopher known for developing a deeply influential system of metaphysical pessimism centered on the idea that reality is driven by a blind, irrational force he called the “Will,” which manifests in constant human desire and suffering. In his major work The World as Will and Representation, he argued that the world we experience is only a mental representation shaped by our perception, while the underlying reality is an endless, non-rational drive that can never be fully satisfied. He is important because he radically shifted philosophy toward questions of desire, suffering, and the limits of reason, strongly influencing Nietzsche, Freud, existentialists, and indirectly shaping modern understanding of motivation, dissatisfaction and striving. RULES Please be on time! Make sure you take time for finding the location. If something happens, please cancel as soon as possible. There are people on the waiting list. If you repeatedly sign up and don’t show up, expect to be moved to the waitlist next time. You may disagree with others, but please do so respectfully without personal attacks. Please keep your attendance to one event per week to ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend. This is a Philosophy event and this event's PRIMARY function is NOT focused on Self Help, Psychology or Theology. Though those topics can be a point of discussion from time to time. Please take that into consideration when signing up!

**Zondag 10 mei presenteert OPA een boekpresentatie voor Dingen doen denken, het nieuwe boek van auteur Jeroen van den Eijnde en ontwerper Jannie Guo.** Dingen doen denken bevat teksten die Van den Eijnde schreef tussen 1994 en 2025, van persoonlijke observaties tot bijdragen aan vak en publieksboeken over design en ontwerpend onderzoek. Kunstenaar en ontwerper Jannie Guo heeft het boek vormgegeven. Beiden verzorgen een presentatie met aandacht voor de teksten van Jeroen en het ontwerp van Jannie. Walter Jansen van Het Colofon gaat met hen in gesprek. Graag aanmelden via info@hetcolofon.nl met de vermelding van het aantal personen.

Come and join us for an evening of Buddhist meditation with like-minded people. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and meditation begins promptly at 7:15 PM. The meditation will last between 30 to 40 minutes, followed by tea and biscuits for anyone who would like to stay and chat. On some evenings, there will also be a short Dharma talk to provide some Buddhist context. The meditation space is down at the canal. To get there, you can take the stairs down. The meditation is offered on a donation basis. See our [website](https://utrechtbuddhistcentre.nl/) for more information.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

Hi everyone! With good weather present, let’s get together for a picnic-themed meetup! In the spirit of BYO things, feel free to join with food, drinks, blankets to lie down on, games, or just good vibes. If the weather allows and people are up for it, there’s always the possibility of follow-up drinks later that day. Exact Location to meet: Dropped pin https://maps.app.goo.gl/6SbDVFQJdP1WWVdG8 More tips on how to find the group will follow in the comments on the day of the meetup. Hope to see you there! :) In case of bad (NL) weather, the Picnic might be moved to another day.

Tickets may be purchased here: https://hipsy.nl/event/202332-authentic-dating-45-tot-65-jaar After the huge success and sold-out editions our last Authentic Dating events, we're back with a new edition! And this time a 45+ event <3! What to expect We offer playful ways of interacting, partly with a soft, sensory approach and partly through meditative presence. You’ll skip the superficial small talk and learn how to connect in an open, honest, and playful way. During this event, we combine dating with light, conscious touch and body-based exercises. You’ll learn to better feel and communicate your desires and boundaries, while discovering whether there’s a genuine connection. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll move through a series of carefully guided encounters. These experiences help you show up as your true self, communicate openly, and explore different forms of connection. During this gathering, we use accessible, playful, and partly body-oriented exercises to create connection — with yourself and with others. We alternate between working with the whole group and in smaller groups, allowing space for both depth and lightness. We will also offer dating opportunities with 1 on 1 exercises. By the end of the day, you’ll go home feeling connected, inspired, and equipped with practical tools you can apply in your everyday (dating) life. Afterwards, participants will have gotten to know each other in an open, playful, and authentic way, with meaningful — and possibly romantic — connections emerging. Practicalities Date: Sunday, May 10th, 2026 Time: doors open at 12:45, start 13:00 (we start on time; doors close shortly after) Participants: max. 26 Age: 45–65 years Dress code: festive and authentic — dress as you would for a fun date or special occasion. Health: if you’re not feeling well, please stay home out of care for yourself and others. Inclusivity: everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Good to know - The afternoon is guided in a safe and respectful setting - You always choose who you want to do exercises with - You can set your boundaries at any time - We facilitate the experience but do not actively matchmake - The main language is Dutch, but you’re welcome to speak English during exercises if preferred - Snacks and drinks are provided (vegan-friendly)

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~60 minutes This is a small, initial gathering as I begin creating this space through WellGratiVibes — a blend of mindfulness, nature, and quiet connection. If this resonates with you, you’re welcome to join.

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

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!