Reconstructionist Religion

NOTE: the pub does not charge for our space on the understanding that we all purchase something from the bar. Please support them. I'll be there from around 7pm if anyone would like a social chat before we get started. **Please arrive in time for a prompt start at 7:30.** In some Christian circles there is an idea that in all of us there is a “God-shaped hole” - the idea that everyone needs God; those who seek Him find Him, but those who do not, vainly fill the “void” with other things. The origins of the idea appear to stem from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and Catholic writer. In his book *Pensées*, published posthumously in 1670, he suggests that we are all engaged in a futile search for a true happiness but that however much we have, we remain dissatisfied. This leads him to propose that “this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself”. In the 20th century Existentialist thought suggests that although the “hole” is real, it is not “God-shaped”. Instead, existentialists argue that the feeling of emptiness is the result of confronting the absurdity of a world devoid of inherent, preordained purpose. Rather than seeking to fill this void with a divine plug, existentialists believe in accepting the void and taking on the radical responsibility of creating one’s own meaning. American psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed his hierarchy of needs, the highest level being “self-actualisation”. Maslow describes this as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. In later work he extended this idea to suggest that transcending the self and having a broader sense of purpose and connection to others, is the peak of human experience. Perhaps this is his approach to filling the "hole". What are our own personal experiences? Do we find ourselves searching in vain for some deeper meaning or purpose? If so, why? If not, what makes us feel adequately fulfilled? What is it, exactly, that we are searching for? How would we recognise it if we had it? To what extent has the development of scientific understanding filled any “God-shaped hole”, in the 350 years since Pascal’s writing? In what ways might some notion of “God”, possibly combined with belonging to some form of religious community, fill the “infinite abyss” we may feel? Even if a “God-shaped” solution doesn’t work for us, can we understand why it has been, and remains, so important for human societies? Is there a different sort of hole that isn’t “God-shaped”? Some optional prior reading: [Where does the concept of a "God-shaped hole" originate?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate) [Pascal’s ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[Pensées](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[ (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es) [Existentialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism) [Maslow's hierarchy of needs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs) Café Philo discussions always try to be respectful of everyone’s point of view. This topic is potentially more controversial than some, so please be respectful of all points of view, even if you disagree. Hope to see you there.

Come along for lively, interesting conversation about a variety of topics with friendly people of all ages and backgrounds. There is a list of many interesting ideas for discussion. Everyone is encouraged to choose a question that interests them, to contribute to the conversation and to listen to one another’s answers with respect. We avoid talking about politics, religion and personal issues. There are always two hosts who make sure that everyone has a chance to speak. DON'T BE SHY - GIVE IT A TRY, EVEN IF YOUR ENGLISH ISN’T PERFECT! It is free, and there is no obligation to spend money in the café. I also promote this via other local websites, so more people turn up than it says on this site.

**Horror Everything: 2016 – Forever** Dr Joe Ondrak The history of horror is also the history of media, and key in understanding how we use media to play with the boundaries of what is real and what isn’t. In this talk, I explore and explain how horror fiction traditions are useful to understand contemporary conspiracy culture, moving from false documents and found footage to creepypasta and QAnon. Taking a formalist and stylistic approach, I demonstrate how social media platforms shape meaning, blur the boundaries of fact and fiction, and create a shared cognitive environment ripe for conspiracy belief. Dr. Joe Ondrak is a leading expert in digital horror, both real and fictional. He has published extensively on extreme right-wing terror, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, as well as creepypasta and networked digital horror genres. He currently works as a subject matter expert in hate groups at Resolver and consults on digital extremist behaviours and activities. His chapter for the Routledge Companion to Horror Studies – The (New) Medium is the Monster: Networked Digital Horror – is forthcoming. **NB: This talk has been rescheduled to a different date and will take place on the third Monday instead of the usual second Monday.**

**SPACES ARE LIMITED – BOOK YOUR TICKET BEFORE THE EVENT:** **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986889668484?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986889668484?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Join us for an exciting evening at the **BioTech Networking Event** in London, designed to bring together innovative biotech startups, forward-thinking investors, and leading industry professionals. This event is the perfect platform to foster collaboration, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in the thriving biotech sector. **Why Attend?** * **Expand Your Network:** Meet a diverse array of biotech founders, investors, and professionals. Forge meaningful connections that can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or investment opportunities. * **Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations:** Learn about the latest advancements in biotechnology from groundbreaking startups and experts. Investors will have the chance to connect with high-potential companies pushing the boundaries of biotech innovation. * **Pitch and Connect:** Startups can informally pitch their ventures to interested investors, gaining feedback and exploring potential funding opportunities in a relaxed setting. * **Foster Growth:** Be part of a dynamic and supportive community of biotech innovators. Discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and contribute to the advancement of biotechnology as a critical industry. * **Stay Ahead of Trends:** Whether you're an investor looking for the next big breakthrough or a biotech professional seeking to keep up with industry trends, this event will provide valuable insights into the future of biotech. * **Relax and Network:** Enjoy a casual and engaging evening in London’s vibrant biotech community. Meet new people, reconnect with industry contacts, and build lasting professional relationships. If you are a part of the biotech ecosystem or have a deep interest in biotechnology, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with key players, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships.Whether you are a biotech startup seeking investment, an investor looking for promising ventures, or a professional passionate about biotechnology, the **BioTech Networking Event** offers the ideal setting to connect, collaborate, and grow. **Who Should Attend the BioTech Networking Event?** **Biotech Startups:** Entrepreneurs and founders at the forefront of biotech innovation who are looking to connect with investors, potential partners, and industry professionals to share ideas and explore growth opportunities. **Investors:** Venture capitalists, angel investors, and institutional investors interested in discovering and funding cutting-edge biotech startups with high potential for growth and impact in the life sciences sector. **Biotech Professionals:** Scientists, researchers, and engineers who are involved in the biotechnology industry and want to stay ahead of trends, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded individuals. **Healthcare and Pharma Executives:** Professionals working in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries who are eager to explore new biotech innovations and discover potential collaborations or partnerships. **Industry Consultants and Advisors:** Legal, regulatory, and business experts who provide advisory services to biotech companies, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth and success. **Academics and Researchers:** Those involved in biotechnology research and development who want to connect with startups, investors, and industry professionals to share knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration or commercialization. **Biotech Enthusiasts:** Anyone passionate about the biotech sector and its potential to revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and other industries through scientific and technological innovation. Whether you are a biotech startup seeking investment, an investor looking for promising ventures, or a professional passionate about biotechnology, the **BioTech Networking Event** offers the ideal setting to connect, collaborate, and grow. Spaces are limited, so **join us now** to secure your spot and connect with leading innovators in the biotech industry!

Our Meetup is open to everyone and anyone interested in self knowledge, self awareness, relationship and discovering a totally new way of living. Here, together over supper, we talk about everyday life topics, in an atmosphere of attentive listening, sensitivity, kindness, openness and friendship. **WHAT TO EXPECT** * This group meets up TWICE MONTHLY to talk over and explore life topics together; such as Fear, Conditioning, Belief, Desire, Attachment etc... * The approach for our investigation is inspired by 20th Century (non religious/ non political) revolutionary thinker, J Krishnamurti. * The atmosphere for our dialogue is relaxed, openminded, serious, compassionate, fun and friendly. * We learn through direct observation, self discovery and careful listening to each other, rather than through already acquired experience or knowledge. **WHO'S IT FOR** * Those wishing to explore deeper issues of everyday life and relationship, in a non therapeutic, non religious but friendly atmosphere. * Those interested in the thinking of J. Krishnamurti, but this is NOT a prerequisite. * Those interested in meeting new like-minded friends. * Those feeling stuck, at a crossroads, or wishing to delve deeper. * All nationalities, cultures and backgrounds welcome. * All ages & diversity welcome. **WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETUP** * Our sessions won’t have any fixed theme; we will spontaneously raise a topic at the restaurant. Sometimes we may wish to investigate further into a topic: we can suggest a short K video that we can all view prior to the following weekly session together. * The mood is challenging but non-confrontational, investigative but non-intellectual, contemplative but non-religious and especially serious but also good fun! **NO FEES OR DUES** * We pay for our own meal at the restaurant * There is no charge for the organisation * You can [donate to OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com/donate/) if you appreciate this initiative. **ABOUT OUR GROUP** * This event is organised by [OPEN DOOR](https://open-door-worldwide.com) * OPEN DOOR is a non profit making organisation * Run by [Jackie McInley](https://open-door-worldwide.com/about/) **OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS** * [PLEASE VISIT HERE FOR MORE DIALOGUE & SELF-INQUIRY EVENTS](https://open-door-worldwide.com/events/) **ABOUT J. KRISHNAMURTI** * [VISIT HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KRISHNAMURTI](https://jkrishnamurti.org) * [KRISHNAMURTI THEMES EXPLORED](https://open-door-worldwide.com/themes/)

**Event Info!** We are here to fill gaps from our own group members. **We aren’t club.** It is important to speak with one of organisers before making a request. Possibility it will be ignored as session might be full by regular people outside this app or can get cancelled as well. The best way to get in touch is through meetup as your message will get picked up by the designated organiser for the chosen event. ❌ No racquets will be provided ❌ No guests in session until booked ❌ No last-minute cancellation ❌ No short notice request ❌ No admission fee covered in £13 contribution ✅ Feathers Shuttles ✅ Doubles with rotation ✅ Average Session 2 hours ✅ Minimum 4 and Maximum 6 people ✅ £13 Contribution to be paid in advance (No Cash) To ensure fair access to the session, anyone who signs up but does not make payment 48h in advance will have their places cancelled and offered to other players. Please ask for bank account details as we don’t accept cash or card payments. **Waiting List Update** If the event is full, there will be a waiting list for players to put their names on. Once a spot becomes available, i.e. another member cancels, the first person on the waiting list will be added to RSVP automatically. As such, the person will be sent an automated email confirming so. For those who do not wish to be added automatically, please remove your name from the waiting list. Please cancel waitlist 24 hours before the event if made other plans, as meetup will push you to attending list if spot opens. We charge on spot basis **Cancellation** If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice a full fee will be charge unless we found a replacement. (only if no other spots available. Preference to fill other spots) If you found a replacement You MUST also inform the organisers who your replacement is so you will get a full refund. **No Show Fees** Full fee will be added to the profile on the next visit. No Refund will be provided **Beginners or Training** If you are Beginner/Starter, send us text as we arrange separate sessions. We do not provide any professional coaching or training however if the courts avail players are welcome to train each other. **Disclaimer** This is a social session we do not cover any liabilities. Organisers, Host or Venue can accept no liability for any loss or injury, however sustained, while taking part in group activities. If you want to cover yourself against injury to yourself or others, please make sure you have the appropriate insurance. In the interest of health and safety, proper footwear is a must in this group which means no casual footwear and no barefoot on the court. **Any other question please ask** Lastly Avoid wasting our time or last-minute cancellation as people get ban/blocked 🚫 by doing it.

Golders Queens is a newly established LGBTQ+ choir meeting weekly at Golders Green Unitarians, offering a supportive and joyful space to explore singing in community. It's a place to grow in confidence, discover your voice, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making music together, Whether you've sung in a choir for years or are just beginning, you'll find a welcoming group ready to build something new.

Do you feel lost, stuck, or disconnected from your life? Inspired by Japanese philosophy such as Ikigai, a calm grounded Japanese lady will guide you to find clarity, balance, and meaning. experience a Japanese wellness session that nurtures balance, purpose, and inner harmony. "Sessions for Adults" - Open to all ages Date / Time (Maximum 30mins. Drop in anytime) Every Thursday 4:00-8:00pm SUGGESTED DONATION £2

Join us this Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for **"The Breakdown: Why is Christianity True? Hard Evidences for Faith."** Skeptics are completely welcome! We will be diving into tough topics such as why Christianity stands out among thousands of religions, science in the bible, bible predictions, archeology, the paradox of free will, divine hiddenness and the problem of evil and suffering. For Christians: Can you handle these questions? * How do i know the Bible hasn't been changed? * How do I know Jesus Christ was real? And then how do I know what's written in that book is real versus just some guys thousands of years ago made a book? * Are these people saying that they saw him walk out? Are they saying that they just saw it empty? What is the claims being made about his resurrection from these witnesses? * Who decided that there should be 39 books in the Old Testament? * Should there be more books in the Bible? **Agenda** * **7:00 PM:** The Evidence (Examining the evidences) * **7:35 PM:** Open Q&A **What to Bring** Bring your hardest questions! Any thing we can't answer initially will become a fun research topic! There are no limits for the open Q&A session.

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

May's Book: The Age of Diagnosis :Are Medical Labels Doing Us More Harm Than Good? by Suzanne O'Sullivan. **A BEST BOOK OF 2025 IN *THE TIMES*, *SUNDAY TIMES*, *FINANCIAL TIMES, GUARDIAN*, *ECONOMIST, OBSERVER, LONDON STANDARD, NEW STATESMAN* AND *IRISH TIMES*** ***'Revelatory. Slices through the contradictions that had tied me in knots.'* \- CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN** ***'So well-written. Raising awareness of something that is critically important.'* \- RANGAN CHATTERJEE** **From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good?** The boundaries between sickness and health are being redrawn. Mental health categories are shifting and expanding all the time, radically altering what we consider to be 'normal'. Genetic tests can now detect pathologies decades before people experience symptoms, and sometimes before they're even born. And increased health screening draws more and more people into believing they are unwell. An accurate diagnosis can bring greater understanding and of course improved treatment. But many diagnoses aren't as definitive as we think. And in some cases they risk turning healthy people into patients. Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health. The meeting starts at 7:30. Shortly after 7.30, we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! If you prefer, you can [pay online, by clicking here](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCNRJ25BDL96). We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

This session is designed for beginner singles players. Our goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where you can develop your skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game. We hope this session helps you grow and inspires you on your journey to becoming a strong singles player—maybe even a future Singles Champions. PAYMENT: We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments. In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance. Bank Details: Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd Sort Code: 60-83-71 Account Number:69874292 Reference your name and date of the session. £16 Games IMPORTANT NOTES: We shall be starting at 11AM sharp. How to get there. If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school. By all means message me if you are having troubles. Parking Onsite parking available. The Badminton Collective and Oasis academy are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

***"In this complex and terrible development which has carried the epoch of class struggles toward new conditions, the proletariat of the industrial countries has completely lost the affirmation of its autonomous perspective and also, in the last analysis, its illusions, but not its being. It has not been suppressed. It remains irreducibly in existence within the intensified alienation of modern capitalism[.]"*** **\- 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*. This is meeting two, where we'll be reading the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters. Find the classic text here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Or an alternative, possibly more readable translation here: [https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf) 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!

Here is a recap of how the Club works: 1\. We meet every six weeks or so in or near the National Theatre\. 2\. We vote in advance and pick two articles from a short list to read before we meet\. Usually one relates to politics/current affairs and the other to history\, culture or science\. 3\. We talk about each one for around half an hour and the beauty of Article Club is that we can think more deeply about the broader themes of a topic\, and how well the article gets to grips with them\. 4\. We each give a score out of 10 for the articles that have been discussed\. 5\. We set the date for the next Article Club and sometimes adjourn to the pub\. I will post in the comments a Google form that you can use to vote for the articles you would like to read and discuss at this event. The point of Article Club is to challenge ourselves to read a diverse range of articles, share them with like-minded people and deal with our anxiety that we aren't reading books. Article Club was set up by Ross Bailey in 2015 who did a fantastic job at running it. Ross was followed by the equally fantastic Claire Ferraro and I (Alistair Baker) have been in the chair for the past seven and a half years. OUR NEXT MEETUP: ARTICLE CLUB #76 Thursday 21st May 2026 - 7:30pm to around 9:15pm. We sit on the soft round seats in the Lyttelton Theatre bar on the first floor.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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