Reconstructionist Religion

The denizens of the Mental Plane are as varied and complex as the landscapes they inhabit. Embodied and disembodied, conscious and unconscious, subtle and forceful, are the many presences that live within that realm. The Mental Plane is a living world - dynamic, responsive, and shaped by the quality and range of our thoughts. By engaging consciously with this realm we begin to realize that we are both residents and architects, actively contributing to the evolution of the Mental Plane itself. *‘The mental plane, as its name implies, is that which belongs to consciousness working as thought ; not of the mind as it works through the brain, but as it works in its own world, unencumbered with physical spirit-matter.’* from ***The Ancient Wisdom*** by Annie Besant **Wendy Dixon** has been a member of the Theosophical Society for over 54 years, attending the youth group for at least 4 years prior to joining the Theosophical Society at the age of 16 - a birthday present from her parents.. The works of Blavatsky, Hodson, Krishnamurti, Leadbeater, Taimni, Besant and the Dalai Lama are the cornerstones of her ever-continuing studies. Prior to becoming a National Lecturer for the Theosophical Society, Wendy had a successful career as an international soprano soloist and as a tertiary academic lecturer. She now also holds the position of Administrative Officer at the Australian Section of the Theosophical Society.

Come for a coffee or lunch and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Oneness", exploring the oneness of humanity. We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

## **Creative Day: Art and Poetry Afternoon** Looking for a relaxed space to exercise your creativity? Whether you’re an experienced artist, a casual writer, or someone who hasn't picked up a paintbrush since school, you are completely welcome here. This is a low-pressure, friendly afternoon designed to help us connect and create together. ### **The Details** * **When:** Saturday, June 6th from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM * **Where:** @Burmese House (303 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121) **You can participate in one of two ways:** 1. Bring Your Own Project: Have a sketchpad you haven't opened in weeks? A novel you're working on? Or some sewing you're trying to finish? Bring it along and enjoy working on it in good company. 2. Join A Simple Workshop: Want to try something new? We’ll be running casual, self-paced mini-workshops where you can: * Start a new poetry piece * Create a hands-on collage *Note: If you want to try the poetry or collage workshops, don't worry about bringing anything as all poetry and collage materials are provided!*

This is a 2.5-hour outdoor walk/workshop to give you confidence in using your speedlight flash on-camera. I'll teach you the basic principles and some cool flash tricks. There's so much more to flash lighting than ugly pop-up flash... At first glance, flash lighting appears to break some of the rules of exposing a photo. This session explains why flash is different and covers the basic tricks that make flash a fascinating creative tool for a photographer. Topics covered: • TTL metering and flash exposure compensation • camera sync speed • basic principles: use of aperture and shutter speed • blending flash and ambient light sources • using flash with movement • creative flash effects • using speedlight zoom control • bouncing flash off surfaces - indoor and outdoor I will take a couple of minutes to explain each concept and then give you a specific exercise with suggested camera settings so that you can try it for yourself. As with my "available light" ( http://photos.gilliver.net/teaching/workshops/night-portraits ) walk, you'll be pairing up to take photos of each other. This is the first in a series of 3 sessions on lighting with flash. This walk has been designed for photographers who have a speedlight-style flash (eg. Canon 430EX/580EX/600EX, Nikon SB700/800/900/910/5000, Godox TT685/V860/V1 etc) that you "bolt on" to the top of your camera. A number of the set exercises can be done with pop-up flash but some are speedlight-specific. The concepts taught apply to both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. The main flash features required are the ability to control the flash power level manually and the ability to swivel the flash head in different directions. Tripods, light stands, umbrellas and remote triggering systems are not required on this walk - this session does not discuss off-camera flash. I recommend bringing a general purpose zoom lens for this session. For example, a 24-70mm, 17-55mm, 24-105mm etc. Please ensure that both your camera and flash have freshly charged batteries and your camera has a blank memory card. You won't need a tripod. This session is best suited to photographers who are comfortable with camera concepts such as film speed/ISO, shutter speed, aperture and white balance but have no understanding of their flash beyond knowing how to turn it on/off. As this event is outdoors after dark, please ensure you have warm clothing and if rain is forecast, bring an umbrella (although the session runs mostly undercover if rain is about). If you are interested in this walk but are not able to attend this date, feel free to leave a comment with your preferred time/date. If you are having difficulties making payment via Meetup, you can go direct to Paypal ( https://www.paypal.com.au ) and make payment to "david@gilliver.net". Make sure you include a note indicating which session you're making payment for so that I can set your RSVP correctly. Payment in advance is preferred for my sessions. -- Some feedback from previous sessions... "It was one of the best training educational sessions I have been to for a long time - simply presented, indepth, but well pitched. I had a lot of fun and learnt so much!" - Sean, April 2021 "Thank you so much David. What an eye opener. Taught me so much about flash photography in 2 1/2 hours. Highly recommend the class." - David, March 2018 "This is an amazing course, packed with lots of valuable technical information, David took the time to explain every single concept and demonstrate it with a practical exercise, this is a must do course for whoever wants to start with flash photograph !!! Really worth it." - Oscar, October 2016 "I'm studying a Diploma of Photo Imaging and was struggling to grasp flash. Until yesterday's session. David explained things in a way that made sense. The exercises clearly demonstrated why and how flash works. David made sure I understood each concept before we moved on to the next. He provided notes to reinforce the message after the session and even had spare batteries for power-hungry flash units. I was lucky enough to be the only person in his session last night and was grateful for the one-to-one tuition. Thanks David!" - Emma, January 2016 "This is the best value photography course I've ever done (and I've done plenty online and in real life)! David was incredibly professional and is actually an excellent teacher ... a skill that is hard to come by. He presented each new concept in a structured way before building on what had just been learned. The whole night was full of practical examples in a beautiful location overlooking the city lights. I went back to work the following week full of confidence to take excellent pictures to use on the company website. I cannot recommend David highly enough! Thank you David - I'll be back for another course soon." - Michelle, June 2015

**Are Aliens Demons?** **VIDEO** [Aliens are Demons](https://youtu.be/xL9XdgkpmuU?list=PLkncBbpy4InqdxPGuvC5P_2ePQI-4Qs79) **Discussion Outline** Why are UFOs and aliens so elusive, hidden and seemingly unprovable? Why is the US government covering up alien visitation? Are aliens extraterrestrial or are they inter-dimensional beings?

Let’s catch up over coffee and food and play with the Art of Conversation cards! For those new to the Art of Conversation cards, they serve as an invitation to more in depth and meaningful conversation. Often going deeper than small talk, but how deep you want to go is up to you. An example of some questions you’ll find on the cards includes: ⭐️ Who is a person from your past that taught you something you still use today? ⭐️ What is a belief you held five years ago that you disagree with now? ⭐️ You can go to the past or the future, which one would you choose and why? I like to keep the group small (about six people) to allow for genuine connection to emerge. See you there!

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

✨\*\*Spiritual Healing – How Does It Happen?\*\*✨ "The Power of Spirit Works in Amazing Ways" You are more than your daily routine—you are an eternal, creative being. Join us for an ECK Light and Sound Service to explore your innate ability to know divine truth. This session is a blend of shared wisdom and quiet contemplation, featuring the HU Chant to help shift your frequency. It’s an hour dedicated to having your own personal experience with the Light and Sound of God. No labels, no judgment—just a chance to explore the spiritual principles that move through our lives. You are invited to stay for refreshments and fellowship after the service. Sponsored by ECKANKAR The Path of Spiritual Freedom more info - [www.eckankar-essa.org.au](http://www.eckankar-essa.org.au/)

Please join us this Sunday to discuss David Hume. Hume (1711-1776) was a highly influential Scottish philosopher known especially for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Socrates Cafe group. Topic questions will be forthcoming. Hope to see you there!

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

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

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Black Nonbelievers is proud to bring you our 2nd annual Revival of Reason!!! Join us in Atlanta as this year, we will celebrate 15 years as an organization, along with our own version of the Juneteenth holiday! Featured speakers include: – Chris Cameron – Candace Gorham – Kellie King, aka Detroit Atheist Queen – Hemant Mehta, The Friendly Atheist – Godless Engineer – Mandisa Thomas – And MORE!!! This is a family friendly event, so please bring your loved ones, and anyone who is interested in learning and needs secular support. [Sponsorship](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-sponsors-and-exhibitors/) and [volunteer](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-be-a-volunteer/) opportunities are also available. You can also register to view sessions online. Official BN members get a special discount, so [sign up or renew ](https://bit.ly/3DMndSK)today! **We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Revival of Reason. [Register TODAY!!!](https://bit.ly/RoR2026sitepage)**

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.