Philosophy Now

After a wonderful pilot event at HAWKINS FORGE, we’re returning right away for another thought provoking evening 💭 This time we’ll be discussing **CHARITY** by way of three original thought experiments. Hawkins Forge embodies our values: warm, welcoming, convivial, and a home to deep thinkers. I can't wait for you to join us there. The pub has boardgames and cards for the after party, and they’ve also **kindly offered us a deal on their Arrowsmiths Darts experience**: 30 minutes free for anyone who buys a drink. Spaces are limited, so get your ticket early if you want to be there 😊 **THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS** \- announced on the day of the event **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like \(including The People of TEiP project\) **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- sign up for the newsletter and more **The idea:** A chance to meet and talk meaningfully about thought provoking topics. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at Hawkins Forge. 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) * 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 pursue tangents and anecdotes. * 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. Usually a lot of us stay until late :-) **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 Hawkins Forge, 5 minutes walk from Clapham Junction. 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 me & these meetups, you can do so here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) Thank you!

These fortnightly sessions are dedicated to the discussion and exploration of an idea that I, as the organiser, have planned. No prior reading or knowledge is required. For more information, please visit https://www.think-philosophy.group/about/

***"The spectacle is the existing order’s uninterrupted discourse about itself, its laudatory monologue. It is the self-portrait of power in the epoch of its totalitarian management of the conditions of existence. The fetishistic, purely objective appearance of spectacular relations conceals the fact that they are relations among men and classes: a second nature with its fatal laws seems to dominate our environment."*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. We'll kick off with the first three chapters. Find the next here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

“Now some of you might say, as many people do: ‘Aw, I never think in such abstract terms—I want to deal with concrete, particular, real-life problems—what do I need philosophy for?’ My answer is: In order to be able to deal with concrete, particular, real-life problems—i.e., in order to be able to live on earth.” *Ayn Rand, Philosophy: Who Needs It* In this essay, Ayn Rand explains what philosophy is, why philosophy is relevant (and for whom). Join us for a discussion of the essay which is available here in text and audio, for free: [https://courses.aynrand.org/works/philosophy-who-needs-it/](https://courses.aynrand.org/works/philosophy-who-needs-it/)

**This is a ticketed event for £10, purchases available at [eventbrite here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/philosophies-of-east-west-first-evening-tickets-1982072570414?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1ynpvct%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTQxMTAzNjU3LjE3Njk3ODM4NTk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3Njk4NzEwNzckbzMkZzEkdDE3Njk4NzE5NTMkajQ5JGwwJGgw).** Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and being a philosopher essentially means having an active attitude and awareness towards life. We are all born philosophers, with a natural need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has tried to pass on its wisdom, leaving us a vast heritage of useful knowledge and experiences to rediscover. Explore the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history and their relevance and practical application for our lives. This first evening can be attended for £10 as a standalone introduction to **Philosophies of East & West** however if you are interested in learning more about the full 18-week course and applying, please visit [philosophiesofeastandwest.org](https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/ "https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/")

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

After Earth School continues the journey begun in My Earth School, focusing on how inner insight can be lived more fully. Drawing on diverse contemplative and contemporary practices, it offers reflective tools for gently questioning old assumptions about identity and limitations. After Earth School is a follow‑on to My Earth School for readers who have begun to declutter their inner lives and relate more gently to their own humanity, yet still feel that deeper change has not fully filtered into everyday experience. It focuses on how to recognise a quieter, more spacious sense of self and to live from that perspective in practical, grounded ways. Drawing on a range of contemplative and psychological approaches—from traditional teachings to contemporary tools such as artificial intelligence—the book introduces reflective exercises designed to question habitual assumptions about limitation and identity. Rather than promising a life without challenges, it encourages a different relationship with thoughts, emotions and “reality”, so that meaning, ease and joy become more available in ordinary life. Throughout, Leon Deith invites readers to consider themselves not only as individuals with personal histories, but also as expressions of a wider field of awareness, exploring what this shift in self‑understanding might look like in day‑to‑day living. ​ Whether you are navigating a crossroads, feeling stuck in old habits, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, After Earth School creates a calm, supportive space to step back, reset and move forward with a little more clarity and confidence.

Our BIG FREE Friday night episode of Thought Experiments in Pubs. Join us to think (and imagine) out loud with an openminded group of people from all walks of life :-) This time we'll be talking about "BELONGING". We'll explore the theme using three **thought experiments** (posted in the comments below on the day of the event) **The aim of this meetup:** meet new people and have different, thought provoking conversations. You can get a sense of what the events and community are like **[here](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)**. **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- get our newsletter **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** & **[FACEBOOK](https://facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- bits and pieces about the people\, the thought experiments\, and the community **How we'll do it** (timings approximate)**:** * **6:30** \- Arrive at the pub\, find us in the dining room * Organise ourselves into small groups (4-7ish...recent research finding: apparently 4 is the best number for a good conversation!) * Have a look at the thought experiments (posted here on the day of the event) * **6:45** \- First rotation begins \- Talk about the first thought experiment\. If you don’t want to talk about that one\, move on to another one\. Feel free to veer off topic\. * **7:05** \- Optional shuffle: swap groups\, move on to the second thought experiment\. * **7:30** \- Optional shuffle: swap groups\, move on to the third thought experiment\. * **7:55** \- Wrap up \- hear about upcoming events\, join the whatsapp group\, give feedback/requests for future meetups\. * **8:00** Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations :-) **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 episodes of Thought Experiments in Pubs, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet:** This group will be at the Earl of Lonsdale Pub on Portobello. The nearest Tube station is Notting Hill Gate. **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. etc.... Looking forward to meeting & talking with you! If you would like to support me & these meetups with a donation, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor Thank you! \*\*[ALTERNATIVE PLATFORM FOR TICKETS](https://tribeirl.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs) \- TRIBE\*\* #everyonewelcome #newideas #newpeople #inclusivity #openmindedness

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

We have reserved the Chicester Room in ther pub for us . Please ask for Philosophy cafe at the door and they will direct you . We like to break into small groups and have a healthy discussion about life , philosophy and ideas . We break out into groups of 6 to discuss three questions over 45min to 1 hour; and then spend another 45min feeding back into the main group. The three topics are chosen on the day by vote, and largely derived from suggestions on the day. We welcome new ideas , so please come up with suggestions or topics that you want to talk about . There is no specific topic list and you do not need to read or know anything particular about philosophy . The official time is 7-9: 30 pm , but we usually go into a pub mode after 9:30 pm and continue our discusssions.

Ready to think clearer, reason better, and express with clarity? Join us for a practical wholesome philosophy practice where we learn essential thinking skills through hands-on group practice. Leave academics and theory at the door— this is a skills-building adventure for everyday life! ✨ This event's focus: **Constructing Your Position** 🎯a part of the Wholesome Philosophy series — that help you build a complete thinking toolkit. **See below** **Why should you sign up?** ✅ Practical toolkit you can use immediately ✅ Small group practice ✅ Private, quiet venue for focus ✅ Standalone session - Previous parts help, but not required **What is Wholesome Philosophy?** Practical philosophy for everyday life - helping you build useful skills for thinking clearer and communicating better in work, relationships, and daily conversations. You'll learn through pair work, and group practice. spread across **different sessions:** * **Clear Thinking & Better Arguments** — How to reason * **Develop Thinking Habits** — Spotting biases and fallacies * **The Art of Dialogue** — Having productive disagreements * **Constructing Your Position** — Building solid viewpoints * **Decision-Making Frameworks** — Choosing wisely under uncertainty * **Self-Examination & Growth** — Questioning your own beliefs Each session works standalone — attend one, some, or all. ***Want to join all?*** Speak to the facilitator about discounted pricing for the full series ✅ **Who is it for?** * You want to think clearer and communicate better * You feel frustrated when your point doesn't land * You want to spot weak reasoning (including your own) * You enjoy learning through practice, not just theory * You crave thoughtful conversation with curious people * You want practical tools you can use tomorrow No philosophy background needed — just show up ready to practice. **What's in it for you?** * Make your points stick (without fighting) * Think more clearly about any topic even complex ones * Have disagreements that don't turn into arguments * Understand the world better * Connect with curious, thoughtful people ✨ * Gain confidence in your reasoning abilities **How does it work?** * Facilitated practice session (2 hours) with structured exercises ⏱ * Small group discussions (4-6 people) * Pair work for hands-on practice * Individual reflection moments * Whole group sharing (optional, not required) Everything is timed and guided — you'll know exactly what to do at each stage **What to expect** Collaborative discovery, without competitive learning. Practicing together, without performing for each other. What happens in the room stays in the room. * **Depth**: Beyond small talk, but it's not therapy — we're developing thinking skills * **Safety**: Wholesome Agreement principles apply — respect, curiosity, no judgment * **Practical**: You'll leave with tools, not just concepts — things you can actually use the next day ️ * **Participation**: These are practice sessions — your active participation creates the learning environment **Ready to upgrade your thinking skills?** Join us for a Wholesome Philosophy practice session and walk away with various thinking tools — it's for anyone who wants to navigate life with a sharper, kinder mind. 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)

'A sane person to an insane society must appear insane.' - Kurt Vonnegut 'Insanity is the only sane reaction to an insane society.' - Thomas Szasz 'Madness is a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.' - R. D. Laing Imagine if everyone in the world except you suddenly got antisocial personality disorder or some other. Committing crimes and manipulating people became the new normal. You try to fit in but you can't help but feel bad every time you manipulate someone. How long would you last in such a world? What if people with personality disorders just have different personalities? Why is it that some people with personality disorders don't think there's anything wrong with them? Have you been diagnosed with a personality disorder or some other mental condition? Is everyone urging you to change even though you feel like there's nothing wrong with you and everyone else is in the wrong? Does therapy just feel like gaslighting? Then let's talk about the philosophy behind personality disorders.

This is a ticketed event and purchases can be made [here via eventbrite. ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-the-mysteries-of-consciousness-and-the-search-for-depth-tickets-1983730926602?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A3hpw60%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMjQ5MDU0MjgzLjE3NzE3OTgwNDc.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NzE3OTgwNDYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzE3OTgwNDYkajYwJGwwJGgw) *Where our capacity to measure is limited, philosophy can help us to approach mystery and the unknown.* ‘What is consciousness?’ is perhaps the greatest anomaly of science but moving closer to understanding this and searching for greater depth in life has always been the goal of the philosophers. Where our capacity to quantify and measure is limited, philosophy can help us to approach mystery and harmonise our relationship with the unknown, acting as a bridge between different aspects of ourselves and of our reality. This workshop will consist of three parts with some practical exercises. **Part 1: Consciousness** **and Science** \- an overview of ‘consciousness anomalies’ considering ways to dialogue more openly and about what we don’t understand\. **Part 2: Life on Many Levels** \- from the Celts to the Egyptians\, life was traditionally considered to exist on many levels both visible and invisible\. Using symbol and philosophy we will explore and how we might better relate to different levels of life\. **Part 3: Seeing** **and Experiencing** \- Neoplatonist philosophers presented a simple structure for entering more deeply into reality which we will learn and practice during the session\, with further suggestions for deepening our experience of life and expanding consciousness\.

## 🍷 The Five-Minute Salon: Ideas, Rants & Revelations **An Evening of Short Talks & Lively Discussion** This is a salon-style discussion night for curious minds who enjoy thoughtful conversation, respectful disagreement, and a glass of wine. The format is simple, structured, and fun: **short talks, followed by open discussion** — no lectures, no panels, and no pressure to be an expert. If you like listening to interesting people think out loud — and doing the same yourself — this night is for you. *** ### 🕰 How the Evening Works Guests who wish to speak will each get: * **5 minutes** to talk about *any* topic that interests them (an idea, a question, a rant, something they know a lot about, or something they can’t stop thinking about) * **5 minutes** of group discussion immediately after You’re welcome to **bring notes or a couple of slides if that helps**, or you can **completely wing it** — both are equally encouraged. No preparation is required. You can decide your topic in advance or on the night. *** ### 💬 Example Topics (to Inspire You) You’re free to bring *any* topic. To give you a flavour, here are the kinds of things people often talk about: #### 🔥 Big, Provocative, Curiosity-Hooking * “A belief I held for years that completely collapsed” * “Something we’re all pretending is normal that absolutely isn’t” * “An opinion I’m slightly embarrassed to admit — but I think I’m right” * “A question that keeps me up at night” * “The strongest argument *against* my own position” * “A problem that would mostly disappear if we talked about it honestly” * “A hill I will die on — intellectually, not literally” #### 🧠 Politics, Culture & Society * “Is democracy actually compatible with social media?” * “Why housing feels broken even when the numbers ‘improve’” * “Has tolerance quietly turned into indifference?” * “Is the culture war mostly a distraction?” * “What will future generations judge us for?” * “Are we confusing progress with motion?” #### 🧬 Psychology, Identity & Human Behaviour * “Why smart people fall for obviously bad ideas” * “Is therapy making us better — or just more self-focused?” * “The lie we tell ourselves about happiness” * “Are we becoming more narcissistic, or just more honest?” * “Why we defend beliefs we don’t really believe” * “Is ‘being authentic’ overrated?” #### 🤖 Tech, Work & the Future * “What AI will actually change — and what it won’t” * “Is work still the centre of a meaningful life?” * “Why productivity culture makes us miserable” * “Would you want a frictionless life if you could have one?” * “Are we outsourcing too much thinking?” #### 🎭 Philosophy, Meaning & Life * “Is meaning discovered or invented?” * “What would a good life look like if no one was watching?” * “Is comfort the enemy of depth?” * “What do we owe strangers?” * “If you could erase one human trait, should you?” #### 🍷 Personal & Salon-Style * “Something I’ve never said out loud in a group like this” * “A time I was very wrong — and didn’t notice for years” * “A contradiction I live with” * “A question I hope someone else answers tonight” * “Why this topic matters more than people realise” Vent if you want. Teach if you want. Ask if you want. *** ### 🧠 Salon Etiquette To keep the night enjoyable and balanced for everyone: * Please respect the **5-minute time limits** * No interruptions during talks * Discussion > monologues * Disagreement is welcome; dominance is not * Attack ideas, not people The host will gently keep time and help the discussion flow. *** ### 🍷 Food & Drink * Wine drinking encouraged (BYOB to share) * Light snacks provided * Feel free to bring something extra if you’d like *** ### 📍 Location Address will be sent by **private message** to approved attendees. 1-minute walk from **Borough Station** / 8-minute walk from **London Bridge**. *** ### ⚠️ Important * **VERY LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE** * **RSVP is mandatory** * Address is sent **only by PM on Meetup** * Please ensure your Meetup notifications are turned on *** If you enjoy thoughtful conversation, hearing many perspectives in one evening, and a relaxed salon atmosphere — we’d love to have you. 🍷🕯️

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!

Builders, creators, architects, admins, consultants - come one, come all. This one's for you. We're bringing a little friendly competition to the Columbus ServiceNow community while highlighting the cool things people have built on the platform. Five presenters will take the stage to showcase something they've built, solved, designed, or imagined on the ServiceNow platform - and a panel of judges (plus YOU, our amazing audience) will score them live. So basically, America's Got Talent but make it ServiceNow's Got Talent. Bring a notepad if you'd like 'cause you'll definitely be learning something new. Each presenter gets 10 minutes max to wow the crowd with: • A demo • A real-world business solution • A bold idea • A UX transformation • Or a creative use of the platform Judging Criteria: 🏆 Business Value 🚀 Innovation ✨ User Experience This event is about celebrating ideas, sharing knowledge, and showing how ServiceNow can drive both business impact and meaningful user value. Come learn. Come support. Come get inspired. Refreshments and bites will be provided. And maybe next time… you’ll be on stage.

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

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

TOPIC (Getting Ready for Spring Macro Photography): Insects are hatching, and flowers are blooming soon. Join us for a presentation on Spring Macro photography and get primed for the photographic season ahead. Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB