Philosophy

**Wil jij impact maken als je voor een groep spreekt en tegelijkertijd stappen zetten in je carrière?** * Dan zijn **spreken in het openbaar, leiderschap en communicatie** dé belangrijkste vaardigheden die je moet beheersen. * Maar waar kun je deze vaardigheden leren en op een veilige manier oefenen? Bij ons! **Goudenraad Toastmasters van het Gooi**! In het prachtige **Huis van Eemnes**! * Verder over ons: * Met het bewezen en succesvolle **100-jarige Toastmasters-programma** van deze **wereldwijde organisatie** zet je stappen om zelfverzekerd voor een groep te staan en echte impact te maken. * Goudenraad is de **tweetalige club (Nederlands en Engels)** in het Gooi voor professionals, ondernemers, trainers, managers, docenten, technici en iedereen die op een leuke manier wil groeien en zijn communicatie- en leiderschapstalent verder wil ontwikkelen! * Wij komen **twee keer per maand** op een **maandag avond** samen in Het Huis van Eemnes, waar we uiteenlopende speeches in zowel het Nederlands als Engels horen en geven. Daarnaast ontvangen we **opbouwende feedback** die je van collega's misschien niet snel zou krijgen – en dat is **goud waard!** * Ook hebben wij regelmatig **mini-workshops en improvisaties** * Als Toastmaster kun je **wereldwijd netwerken** **met een internationale groep professionals,** deelnemen aan het **European Trainer's Network** en meedoen aan **Toastmasters-wedstrijden en conferenties.** En dat alles voor een **zeer betaalbare prijs!** Aarzel niet en meld je aan om **gratis en vrijblijvend als gast** een van onze bijeenkomsten bij te wonen. Email: goudenraadtoastmasters@gmail.com Adres: Huis van Eemnes, Noordersingel 4, 3755 EZ Eemnes

**What Does It Mean To Be a Child?** There is something incredibly special about childhood. We are discovering who we are, we live in the moment, and we have no idea about consequences (or decisions, bargains, and life optimization techniques). We are simply happy to be alive. In psychotherapy, tapping into childhood memories is a powerful tool. But we can go beyond that. We can (again) be children - we can cultivate a childlike state. But is returning to childhood a good thing? Could it be regression - avoidance of responsibilities, a failure to really embrace life? Should we grow up? And what does it really mean to grow up? In this Philosophy Salon, we will talk about childhood as a state of mind, and why it will always have a hold on us. **Tickets** First-time visitors are welcome to join us for free - just mark that you’re coming on Meetup or [Eventbrite](https://innerchildphilosophysalons.eventbrite.nl) so we can save you a spot. Otherwise tickets are €15, and we also have a two-for-one option if you’d like to bring a friend. You can register on [Eventbrite](https://innerchildphilosophysalons.eventbrite.nl) or message us for a Tikkie link. **Meeting Information** Doors open at 18:45 and close at 19:10. Please be on time! **Philosophy Salons** The Philosophy Salons are gatherings of curious people to explore big ideas with an open mind. The Philosophy Salons are organized by Anya Farennikova, a philosopher of mind based in Amsterdam. We dive deep into beliefs and ideas, dive out, and have fun along the way!

Kom naar het HaHaHo Makers Lab Utrecht voor een avond vol kennis & ervaringsdelen en maken, met de focus op elektronica met microprocessoren zoals Arduino & Raspberry Pi, LED’s en meetapparatuur. 19:00 Inloop + opzetten apparatuur 19:45 Standup: wat wil iedereen doen en/of leren deze avond? 20:00 Parallelle activiteiten: – startactiviteiten voor nieuwe deelnemers (Arduino, soldering, meetapparatuur, etc.) – onderlinge kennisuitwisseling adhv de wensen uit de standup – werken aan het gezamenlijke [PraatPaal-project](https://github.com/hadoopmarc/hahaho-interactive-pole) – werken aan je eigen project – ordenen/markeren van de ladenkasten met elektronisch componenten 21:30 Start met opruimen 21:45 Einde en verlaten van de Bibliotheek Wij zijn meestal met een groep van een kleine tien (er is ook nog een whatsapp aanmeldingslijst). Een laptop is niet noodzakelijk maar komt vaak van pas! We vragen een vrijwillige donatie van €5,55 per avond om de inventaris met apparatuur en elektronische componenten op peil te kunnen houden. English 19:00 Room available for setting up equipment 19:45 Standup: what are the participant’s plans and wishes for the evening? 20:00 Parallel activities: – starter activities for new participants (Arduino, soldering, measuring equipment, etc.) – sharing knowledge as follow-up on the plans and wishes expressed during the standup – working on the community [Interactive Pole project](https://github.com/hadoopmarc/hahaho-interactive-pole) – working on your individual project – sorting the chest of drawers with electrical components 21:30 Start decluttering the room 21:45 End: leave the Public Library Most evenings see a group of about 10 people (there is an additional whatsapp list). Bring your laptop if you want to program microcontrollers! We ask for a voluntary donation of €5,55 per evening to maintain the inventory with equipment and electrical components.

Please join us for an evening of all things Umbraco - the latest news, community chat, and a talk or two! For 2026, we will be running both in-person and virtual meetups, alternating every month. For those who can't join in person, virtual attendance is available too, so you can join us no matter where you are! This month, we have **Mike Masey** giving you a sneak peak of his Umbraco Spark talk where he uses Claude Code and SPECKL to create a web accessible tool for a brand contrast colour checker, and **Justin Neville** will be giving a demo of the new Umbraco AI integrations. There will also be food, drinks and some friendly socialising. What's not to like? 😄 Whether you are an Umbraco novice or a seasoned developer, this is your chance to meet like-minded people to talk about our favourite friendly CMS! No matter what your role is there will be something to learn and your chance to meet other members of the Umbraco community from Kent and the surrounding areas. Venue The meetup will be at Dragon Coworking in Rochester (7-8 New Road Avenue, St George's Hotel, Rochester, ME4 6BB), a short walk from Chatham train station and with free on-site parking. If you wish to use the car park, please access via Gundulph Road, Rochester, ME4 4ED. You can then use the steps between buildings to access the entrance. If the car park is full there is on road parking available, but please check the parking restrictions. On arrival, please make your way to St George's Hotel reception (where you access Dragon Coworking) and one of the organisers will come and collect you. **Please note: Do not bring bananas, nuts or pineapple into the coworking space as there are members with allergies.**

***English invitation*** You are invited to visit the Dutch Deventer Toastmasters. Toastmasters is an organisation where you can develop your public speaking and leadership skills in a safe, positive and inspiring environment. It grows your self confidence and gives your energy a boost. Want to visit us? Send an email to deventertoastmasters@gmail.com ***Nederlandse uitnodiging*** Je wordt van harte uitgenodigd om onze Nederlandse bijeenkomst te bezoeken bij Deventer Toastmasters. Toastmasters is een organisatie waar je je vaardigheden op het gebied van spreken in het openbaar en leiderschap kunt ontwikkelen. Dit doen we in een veilige, opbouwende en inspirerende omgeving. Je zelfvertrouwen groeit en je energie krijgt een boost. Wil jij meedoen? Stuur een email naar Deventertoastmasters@gmail.com

If you are living in The Netherlands, by now, you may well have noticed the amount of open water. If you enjoy cycling in the city, you may wish to feel safer as you navigate the bridges and canals. And you may also want to get ready for visiting the beach, pools or the many lakes this summer. Learning how to swim takes approx 1 year and it all starts with the very first lesson. New comers enroll via our website and pay € 30,50, this is the first lesson and a goody bag. After the class you agree with the personal swim coach how to continue to obtain your final objectives. Enrolling is only possible via [www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl ](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)hence a rvsp via meetup is not enough.

Samen sporten, gewoon voor de fun, elke week een divers programma, met allerlei verschillende sporten. Je hoeft niet de beste te zijn, maar wel zin hebben om samen te spelen en te leren. Tijdens een training doen we verschillende spelletjes, basketbal, voetbal. volleybal, spikebal, honkbal. Kom je ook, de bal ligt bij jou!! Eerste keer meedoen is altijd gratis, daarna kan je beslissen of dit voor jou is, of niet!! Dus kom een keer proberen. Kan je niet op deze dag, we sporten ook op andere dagen nl Zondag om 9:30 of Maandag om 20:30 Stuur mij een berichtje als je op die dagen een keer wil proberen! The amount of people rsvp'd to this game doesn't match the real number of people at the event, as Meetup is only used for promotion purposes.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Come over to the Ducosim game fair in Amersfoort. For a small fee (or become a member) many publishers are ready to demo their published games. Next to that you can meet up and network with game designers, playtest their games and bring what you are working on and put it on the table. More details: https://www.ducosim.nl/

The final novel of Hermann Hesse, *The Glass Bead Game* is a fascinating tale of the complexity of modern life as well as a classic of modern literature. Set in the twenty-third century, *The Glass Bead Game* is the story of Joseph Knecht, who has been raised in Castalia, the remote place his society has provided for the intellectual elite to grow and flourish. Since childhood, Knecht has been consumed with mastering the Glass Bead Game, which requires a synthesis of aesthetics and philosophy, which he achieves in adulthood, becoming a Magister Ludi (Master of the Game).

Join a casual online hour to share you, your brand and business, and learn more about other business owners, locally and globally. Join and share your brand, products/services, and about you. Expand your visibility. Every session will close with gratitude and a mini creative activity, so have a pen and paper, tablet, or something available with which to write/create/draw. **RSVP here via EventBrite: [Event link](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/you-and-your-brand-a-casual-networking-hour-tickets-1984283125243?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** *-* *The only requirements are a minimum age of 18 years old,* *and at least three attendees to make it a worthwhile hour for everyone.*

## *"46% of people in the Netherlands feel lonely — not the loneliness of isolation, but of being unseen. It is highest among the most socially active."* **Guiding question:** *Can you be surrounded by people — and still feel completely alone?* *** Most of us have been there. A full calendar. A social life. People who care about you. And still — a quiet, persistent feeling that nobody truly *sees* you. Not the full version. The one behind the capable, composed exterior you carry through the week. This is not the loneliness of isolation. It is the loneliness of the *unseen* — and it is the defining hidden experience of our time. This session explores why intelligent, self-aware, socially connected people so often feel this gap — and what becomes possible when a room of strangers decides to actually meet each other. This is not therapy. Not a lecture. A calm, honest, philosophy-based inquiry into connection, presence, and what it actually takes to stop being a stranger — even to yourself. *(New to the series? You're welcome. Each session stands alone while forming part of a deeper arc.)* *** ✦ **If you attended Sessions 1 & 2:** We explored the reasons we don't open up — the escape rooms we hide in, the vulnerability that needs safety before it can heal. We turned the lens inward toward self-worth — and discovered that connection becomes lighter when we stop needing to earn our place in a room. Session 3 takes this further. From self-worth to self-disclosure. From being present with yourself — to being present *with others.* The bridge between inner work and real human connection. *** ✦ **What to Expect** * Brief somatic grounding — a breath practice to arrive fully before we begin * Small-group dialogical inquiry — questions that go somewhere, not lectures * Structured breakout conversations — intimate, safe, surprisingly deep * Shared reflection circle — the whole room, one thread * Optional post-event hangout Speaking is optional. Listening is full participation. *** ✦ **A question to sit with before you arrive:** *When did you last feel completely seen by someone — and what made that possible?* *** What shifts when a room full of strangers stops performing for each other? Something real becomes possible. Not connection as a concept — but contact. The kind that reminds you that the lonely corner you retreat to doesn't have to be so dark, or so permanent. This session won't give you answers. It will give you the one thing better than answers: a room where the question can finally breathe. *** ✦ Free entry ✦ Zoku Amsterdam, Weesperstraat 105 ✦ Saturday March 21 — time TBC ✦ Part of *The Art of Being Seen* series *** *Cheers,* *Dev* 🌐 [maisonmagnetique.com](https://maisonmagnetique.com/)

**This event has two meetup spots: Arnhem station (9:30) and 's-Hertogenbosch (10:40)!** Welcome to the page of the Maastricht & Valkenburg daytrip. On the first day of spring, we like to welcome you to a trip to the very southern edge of the Netherlands: home to the picturesque city of Maastricht, and the river valley town of Valkenburg. The plan goes as follows: * 9:30 Meetup Arnhem CS, next to Burger King * 9:53 Train to 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) * 10:40 Transfer in Den Bosch, second meetup point * 11:08 Train to Maastricht * 12:33 Arrive in Maastricht Those who do not want to go to Valkenburg can stay in Maastricht * 12:41 13-minute train to Valkenburg * ±15:40 Train back to Maastricht * 18:29 Train to Den Bosch * 19:53 2/32 min. transfer in Den Bosch * 20:37/21:07 Arrive in Arnhem While these times are mostly fixed, train disruptions may force us to change the plan. Were they to happen, all changes will be announced in the discussion chat of this event page, as well as in our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FjOEhSiBHDc7Y2Owz954wi). **Meetup in Arnhem & Den Bosch** The two meetup places are in Arnhem Centraal Station, next to the Burger King at 9:30, and at 's-Hertogenbosch station on platform 7a at 10:40. If you want to join at another location, like on the train or in Maastricht, please let us know in advance. These are also the places where the group splits and disbands at the end of the day, but of course you may leave the group at any time you like. Please sign up by RSVP on Meetup or via [Google Forms](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2g-H1CVAJrpTD-T0ELzcqoDOmggzyB4bm3lIOqqRRnf0s9Q/viewform?usp=header). We will all travel by using our own OV-Chipkaart or bank card. Tip: if you don't have an NS subscription or the *studentenreisproduct* you can buy train tickets (usually at a discount if you buy it days in advance) on [ns.nl](ns.nl/en) or the NS app. **Payment** In order to keep our Meetup-page active, everyone joining the event will be asked to pay a 2 euro contribution. The payment will be handled via Tikkie, and is refundable if you cancel before Wed March 18th 10:00 - and in any case if we cancel or postpone the event of course. We hope to see you there!

**From Strangers to Friends – Community Dinner 🍽️** Join us for a special edition of *From Strangers to Friends*: a cozy community dinner where expats and locals come together to share food, stories, and meaningful conversations. Entrance is free, simply bring a dish from your country to share with the group. After you sign up, we’ll briefly coordinate who brings what so we don’t end up with only desserts 😉. Please bring a small note with the ingredients of your dish so everyone knows what they are eating. If you have any dietary restrictions, let me know. Come alone if you like, many people do! Or bring a friend! You’ll leave with new connections and great conversations. During the dinner, question cards will be on the tables to spark deeper and more interesting discussions. 📍 **Location:** Café Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem 🚶 **Distance:** 7-minute walk from Velperpoort station 🕕 **Gathering:** 18:00 🍽️ **Dinner starts:** 18:30 **Entrance:** Bring a dish to share. Curious what our events look like? Check the photo albums in this group (visible on desktop).

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library 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. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

Main Library 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. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.