Purposeful Living

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.

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840 Instagram:[@japanworkshop.net_ ](https://www.instagram.com/japanworkshop.net_/)

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares)Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Instagram: [@japanworkshop.net_](https://instagram.com/japanworkshop.net_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) Mobile:0616059840

**WE'RE MEETING IN A NEW PLACE!** **Bunk Hotel - Long table on the first floor** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks! **We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

Op 18 januari (ja, een zondag) organiseren de Nederlandse QGIS gebruikersgroep, Openstreetmap gebruikers en OSGeo weer de traditionele nieuwjaarsborrel. We heten iedereen deze middag welkom in de Kargadoor in Utrecht. Aanmelden graag via [onze Pretix aanmeldomgeving](https://pretix.eu/foss4gnl/nieuwjaar/). Toegang is gratis, maar we weten graag met hoeveel personen we rekening moeten houden... ook voor de borrelhappen! We heffen deze middag het glas op het mooie open nieuwe jaar, en geven ook een podium aan mensen die wat over hun open project willen vertellen. Er is een scherm beschikbaar, maar het idee is wel dat we het leuk en luchtig houden. Kort en snel werkt het beste in deze setting. Dus als je iets wil laten zien: super. Mail even aan [bestuur@osgeo.nl](mailto:bestuur@osgeo.nl), dan weten we welke verhalen we kunnen verwachten. Aanvang 14:00 Formele programma 15:00 Einde 17:30. Ter plekke kijken we wie er na afloop mee wil nog iets eten (eigen kosten).

**❄️ It’s snowing outside, and it’s the perfect time to warm up with paint!** **Kick off the year with our first winter workshop in a small group of five only— “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.”** **Join us for our first workshop of the year - “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.” This calm, winter-themed watercolour session is an invitation to slow down and paint simple with limited palette, peaceful winter scenes. We’ll focus on the wet-on-wet technique and a limited colour palette to capture soft light, misty skies, and quiet snowy landscapes.** **Workshop Details** **📅 Sunday, 18 January** **🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM** **📍 Schepenbuurt, Utrecht** **💶 €75 (all artist grade materials included)** **✨ Early booking offer:** **Use the code SAVE15 to receive €15 off your ticket.** **🎟 Reserve your spot:** **[https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy](https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy)** **What We’ll Learn & Create** **During this workshop, you’ll create two winter paintings while learning how to:** * **Use wet-on-wet techniques for soft skies and snowy surfaces** * **Mix and pour diluted colours for natural tonal variation** * **Create grainy, foggy textures for a quiet winter mood** * **Work with a limited palette to keep compositions simple and balanced** **I’ll begin with a short demonstration, after which we’ll paint together at a relaxed, easy pace.** **Materials :** **All artist-grade materials are provided - just bring yourself.** **Refreshments** **Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be served. (Feel free to bring your own lunch during 15 min break)** **Parking** **Free street parking is available.** **Stay connected for future workshops:** **[https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/](https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/)** **[https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/](https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/)** **I am looking forward to starting the year creatively with you.** **Warmly,** **Pooja**  **email address - [poojavstudio@gmail.com](mailto:poojavstudio@gmail.com)**

🍂 **Weekly Anime Night Autumn Season 🍂** Your friendly neighborhood animeclub continues! We’re diving deeper into **Let’s Play**, so get comfy, bring snacks, and let’s see what chaos and feels await us next. *** 📅 **Event Series Details** **Date: January 18th** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht A spacious space to share and watch our favorite anime. *** 🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?** Check-in & Meet & Greet – New faces and returning fans, let’s connect! **Let’s Play – Episode 7** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Let’s Play – Episode 8** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Let’s Play – Episode 9** Closing & Hangout – Bring your reactions, takes, jokes, and chaos energy to the hangout afterwards! *** 🎒 **What Should You Bring?** * Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) * Your love for anime * Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! *** 🎟️ **Free & Open to All!** This is a **non-commercial, community-driven event** created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. *** 🔍 **Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, theories, and the awesome people. This is your Sunday night plan. See you there! ✨🎥🍿

Attention all sword-fighters and adventurers, from budding enthusiasts to seasoned practitioners! Are you seeking to embark on an exhilarating journey that will transport you back to epic medieval battles? Look no further! Come and gather for a session of theory and practice, where you can meet like-minded individuals who share a love for the artistry and discipline of this age-old arcanum. It will be a great opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the sport; from basic footwork to advanced counter-strikes, this event will equip you with the tools you need to dominate the battlefield. But theory alone is not enough! Prepare yourself for a bout of hands-on sparring, where you'll get to put your knowledge into action, and practice dodging, parrying, and striking with lightning efficiency. Solid-core foam-padded boffers will be provided, keeping the experience fun and safe for everyone. Engage in gauntlets against your contemporaries, hone your reflexes, enhance your combat prowess, and get a great work-out at the same time!

Peony Girls is a safe and nurturing community where women feel free to talk about their cycle, menstruation, emotions, insecurities, and everything that lives within us. Different women+, shared values: support, self-care, self-acceptance, and deep connection. Being yourself is enough to belong. This women-only+ gathering is an empowering circle of support within our community. We’ll watch the film "13 Going on 30" together, share our feelings and reflections, enjoy tea, and spend time in a space where every woman is accepted, loved, and supported. Come as you are. You don’t need to pretend here or be somebody else. Be whoever you wanna be! Be our Peony Girl!

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.

Philosophical discussions about fundamental human questions. It’s not a lecture! It’s participants like you who make the discussion a success, organizers just facilitate it. We bring our most puzzling questions - along with creativity, curiosity and genuine interest to enrich ourselves with perspectives of others. This usually makes Socrates Café event a truly inspiring one for people with very different backgrounds. We discuss, we inquire, we think aloud - respect is the main rule. Here is a list of questions we have previously discussed: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/133sfywQ81G2jcQ4acXESK2-BCosHipvMNQ7w1pj1WL8/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/133sfywQ81G2jcQ4acXESK2-BCosHipvMNQ7w1pj1WL8/edit?usp=sharing) Some practical stuff: 1. Everyone is welcome, but not all behaviors are welcome. If there is anything that may prevent you from participating in a respectful discussion, leave them outside before you come into the discussion. If you cannot do so, you will be asked to leave. 2. Please try to arrive on time so that you can participate in the whole discussion. If you are running late, please give us a heads up so we can hold your spot, otherwise it may be given to someone on the waitlist. If you cannot make it, please cancel as soon as possible, as frequent no-shows will be moved to the waiting list. 3. For those on the waiting list, feel free to stop by if you're in the area anyway, because last-minute spots may be available. An overflow event at a nearby cafe can be organized if there are enough people and extra moderators. 4. It is sometimes necessary to challenge others' ideas in the process - you are welcome to challenge ideas as long as it does not turn into something personal with the person who presented the idea. The format of the discussion is designed to minimize one-on-one debates so that the entire group can explore a question in a collaborative way. You can read more background about Socrates Café in the meetup group description, and if you have any questions - feel free to ask! See you soon!

I update the booking as early as Thursday; 5.5 euro is charged. Pay and in Please make sure you can make it then sign up. Please do not cancel the last day.

**Finding Meaning in Life’s Difficulties (Free Event)** **Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities?** **When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress.** **“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)

### ***Stepping Back from Work to Lean into Our True Self*** In today’s society, retirement is often viewed as a time to slow down, travel, or finally do the things we never had time for. Yet for many, this transition can also bring unexpected questions about relevance, identity, and purpose, just when we have the wisdom, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful contribution. In this engaging and reflective program, **Sister Jenna will interview Michael Skoler**, former journalist and Aspen Institute executive, in a heartfelt conversation exploring what purposeful retirement can truly look like. Together, they will examine how stepping away from a career can become an invitation to step more fully into our authentic self, using our life experience to serve, mentor, and support others. This session offers a fresh perspective on retirement, not as an ending, but as a powerful new chapter of inner freedom, contribution, and conscious living. ***(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)*** Sat., Jan. 31st, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z](https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z)

**Happiness is a Decision** Happiness does not come from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy, you'll be amazed by what it attracts into your life. Wed., Jan. 21st, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free event - Register at: [https://shorturl.at/9BR5y](https://shorturl.at/9BR5y)

The [Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern Virginia](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/study-circle) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Led by participant-driven discussions, our circle is designed to foster connection and support as members share their experiences, wisdom, and insights on simplifying their lives. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia, we aim to bring together like-minded people who are passionate about mindful living and environmental care. Whether you're new to the journey of simplicity or looking to deepen your practice, we invite you to join us in this nurturing and inclusive environment.

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. \*\*\* 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147). Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \*\*\* **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • A mix of new faces in every rotation • A warm, friendly space — not surface-level, not heavy \*\*\* **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \*\*\* 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)