Recovering from Religion

'HOW TO FIND YOUR BASIC PURPOSE' A Life Improvement free workshop with Maria Bennett. In this a live in-venue workshop: \- Do you know your basic purpose? \- What makes a person's basic purpose? \- Practical drills to help you define your own basic purpose\. Pen and paper provided,so - let's get stuck in!! Using information taken from the book '*Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health*' by L. Ron Hubbard. *Testimonial:* *"Great seminar. I liked how you took us through step by step and we found our own basic purposes. It is a common basic purpose for all, I believe. I realised that the spiritual is more important to me than anything else. My purpose is to help others and the webinar validated things I do. I liked how the participants feel free to communicate their situations. My win was that I can use your method to help others find their basic purpose too. Thanks!" - VR* Maria: I have worked at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre helping and coaching others for over 20 years. I enjoy this a lot! I have access to tools that anyone can put to use in their life to make the positive improvements that they may be looking for. I look forward to meeting you. What can you do after the workshop? We have various other free services that you could do - such as the free personality test. We also have a lot of Life Improvement Courses. These focus on specific areas of life to help 'unblock' them, put your actual abilities to use!

Roughly once a year, we welcome a speaker from a faith background, in this case, Progressive Judaism. Judaism as we know it today is the result of a long evolution, with some key moments that changed the course of Jewish history. In this talk, Rabbi René Pfertzel will explore some of the underlying trends, compressing several thousand years into a fascinating talk. René was born in France and has a PhD in Biblical Studies. After a career in education there, he decided to become a rabbi. He was ordained in London in 2014. Until 2024 he was rabbi at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, and is now at Maidenhead Synagogue. He lives near Kingston. £5 entry to help cover costs (concessions available)

An informal Unitarian meditation service, with ritual, poetry and music led by Kate Dean and Michael Allured. Suggested donation: £5 Don't let this be a barrier - contact Kateboo if you can't afford to contribute in this way. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian community hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From the monthly Wednesday lunchtime session to the events every Thursday evening, Heartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you’re a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow.

This group is a private substance misuse support group, for individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship with drugs/alcohol. The group is facilitated by a trained and qualified Janus worker. This group is designed to offer support, encouragement and to provide a forum, that allows you to make informed choices. The objective of this group is to liberate you from the labels of addiction, dependency, illness sickness and "disease", replacing them with the more proactive terminology of choice, responsibility, self control and decision making. Janus does not use the 12 step model. It uses the Janus approach to working with substance use called "The Resonance Factor" http://bit.ly/Resonance_blog Hopefully you will find these groups informative, innovative and creative. Before entering this group could you contact CHRISTOPHER ROBIN on 07515663621 to discuss the finer details regarding payment and room number in the venue etc.

🗓 **Agenda:** * 6:00pm: Doors open * 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Food, Drinks & Networking * 6:30pm - 7:15pm: Rafael Natali, Lead DevSecOps, Marionete * 7:15pm - 8:00pm - Additional Q&A & Networking 💡 **Speaker:** Rafael Natali, Lead DevSecOps, Marionete **Abstract:** Kubernetes gives us abstraction and power—but with great YAML comes great responsibility. In this talk, we’ll walk through live demos of real-world misconfigurations that allow attackers to escape containers and tamper with the host. You’ll see exactly what happens when Pods run in privileged mode, use hostPath volumes carelessly, or retain excess Linux capabilities. We’ll also show how to detect these attacks in real time using Falco, and enforce safety nets with Pod Security Admission. If you’ve ever wondered "what’s the worst that could happen?"—this session answers that with receipts. **Bio:** [Rafael Natali](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelnatali/) has 20 years of experience in the IT industry, specifically as a System Administrator and DevSecOps professional. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive knowledge in designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions that prioritize scalability and reliability. Rafael is also an expert in Automation as well as Continuous Integration and Delivery. He has been working with Kubernetes since 2018 and is recognised as a [Kubestronaut](https://www.cncf.io/training/kubestronaut/) since 2024. Currently, Rafael leads a team that is implementing a hybrid streaming data and analytics platform for a major insurance company in the UK. \*\*\* DISCLAIMER NOTE: We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18.

**This is a ticketed event and purchases can be made via [eventbrite here.](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-role-of-religion-esoteric-philosophy-and-spirituality-in-history-tickets-1982069225409?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1pqcc35%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTQxMTAzNjU3LjE3Njk3ODM4NTk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3Njk4NTkyNTAkbzMkZzEkdDE3Njk4NTkyNTkkajUxJGwwJGgw)** This seminar will consider the spiritual influences in history from religion to esoteric philosophy and look at their impact on society. What are the driving forces of history? The common view is that history is a product of economic forces, struggles for power or simple egomania. However, without denying the above factors, the thesis for this seminar is that there are also spiritual influences at work, such as religion and esoteric philosophy, whose impact has been generally underestimated. It cannot be denied that religion often has a divisive effect, but it is also interesting to consider its benefits for humanity. Even more so is this the case with esoteric philosophy, whose adherents may have been numerically few but whose ideals and practical schemes for the betterment of humanity have influenced whole societies and epochs. The seminar is based on research into the works of the cultural historian Christopher Dawson, a specialist on the role of religion on history, and Dr. Frances Yates, a lecturer at the Warburg Institute, who illustrated in her many erudite works the important influence of esoteric philosophical thought on the Renaissance in Europe.

## ## About the Event Our usual Music and Meditation evening gathering we’re joined by guest contributors Mark Hutchinson and Josh Johnston. MindTravels is a creative collaboration between Irish pianist Josh and English poet Mark Hutchinson. Since 2019, they have been creating guided reflections using Mark’s words and Josh’s improvised piano playing. Straddling the areas around and between mindfulness and mental health awareness, the combination of the music, the words and the creativity in action leads to a unique experience – invigorating and calm, inviting the listener to take stock and also to take decisions. Suggested donation: £10.00 for those who can afford to make a contribution. We are a registered charity - please give what you can. *Photo by Neom for Unsplash*

In this live and in-person seminar you will have an opportunity to explore how you could possibly improve YOUR self-confidence. How does a lack of confidence affect you? Is it in personal relationships? In the professional arena? In meeting new people in social groups? Or just within yourself and having your own confidence to do what you would really like? This seminar is geared toward you. Come and discover what could be a real boost for you! Personal interviews are offered and personal recommendations can be made to assist you in life. The seminar is presented to you by an experienced life improvement consultant from the Church of Scientology London. All references are taken from the works of L Ron Hubbard.

Please join us for the Cat Appreciation Meet-up event at Costa Coffee Finchley Road on Saturday 21st February at 2.30pm. Please come along to the café and catch up with old and new friends alike. Food and drinks are available, and please bring your cat photos! See you there! Christie Website: https://www.costa.co.uk/?utm_campaign=fd60f55b-3ccd-4d90-ac53-51a9e82eb49d&utm_source=local Address: 12 Harben Parade, South Hampstead, London NW3 6JP

**Battersea Park – plus Power and Pumps** This walk is presented by Central London Humanists and led by Robert Hall. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others. This event is a guided walk of +/- 2.25 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 4 Km / 2.4 miles. As befits a walk in winter it will be walked at a moderate pace. Whilst the grand power station still dominates the landscape it has competition from the new-build flats which have transformed the appearance of the area. However the walk is primarily based on Battersea park which was one of the main locations for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and still has features from that event. The large pagoda is a major surprise as are the many sculptures including one that is deliberately away from the main paths. Plus the Victorians certainly knew how to design elegant pumphouses! **Date:** Saturday 21st February 2026 **Time:** 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm **Place:** Meet at exit of Battersea Power Station **underground station** at the top level. (**NOT** at Battersea Power Station building.) **Turn left after the ticket barriers.** It is strongly suggested you find us using: [https://what3words.com/cure.bench.junior](https://what3words.com/cure.bench.junior) \- or the What3Words app\. The nearest toilets are in the Duchess Belle, 101 Battersea Park Road SW8 4DS (across the main road) or in the Battersea Power Station building. There will be a very brief toilet stop on the walk. **Finishes:** About 4.30 pm at Battersea Power Station underground station or join us for refreshments at the Duchess Belle, 101 Battersea Park Road SW8 4DS. The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started. **The formal bit:** These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry. CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so that an accurate numbers of attenders can be estimated. You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely. Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons. **A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.** The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please **[click here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

In this live and in-person seminar you will have an opportunity to explore how you could possibly improve YOUR self-confidence. How does a lack of confidence affect you? Is it in personal relationships? In the professional arena? In meeting new people in social groups? Or just within yourself and having your own confidence to do what you would really like? This seminar is geared toward you. Come and discover what could be a real boost for you! Personal interviews are offered and personal recommendations can be made to assist you in life. The seminar is presented to you by an experienced life improvement consultant from the Church of Scientology London. All references are taken from the works of L Ron Hubbard.

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

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!

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Always an overachiever, David Bayer didn't settle for being Number Two in just about anything. Whether a runaway entrepreneurial success as a teenager, the leading online director for Ducati with over $70 million in sales, or as an early mid-life crisis overachiever with at least three wildly self-destructive behavioral addictions, whatever David did, he did it wholeheartedly. Not surprisingly then, when it came to facing his failures and determining his next course of action, David sought health and healing with the same full-strength effort he had previously used to bring about his own ruination. Seeking to learn from the best of the best, David's pursuit of tangible, practical, actual change from the mind and emotions, outward, brought a new passion--that of encouraging others to learn from his mistakes and to be able to strive after and achieve healing and success in their own lives. We are reading *A Changed Mind*, by David Bayer, and can't wait to enjoy the group discussion on **Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:30 pm**, at **True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center**. Come join us! Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-changed-mind-columbus-ohio-tickets-1978437853879)! Check us out on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1390625182655746)!

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

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 desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.