Recovering from Religion

### Thursday Evening Discussion Group **In\-Person \| Starts at 8:00 PM \(Doors open at 7:30 PM\) \| Drop\-In** **Starting material:** *[Network of Thought](https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/Network-of-Thought-Krishnamurti-ebook.pdf)* by **Jiddu Krishnamurti** This weekly discussion group offers a reflective and open space to explore themes of **mysticism, spirituality, and inner transformation** through selected writings and talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Annie Besant, Alice Bailey, and other thinkers whose work invites deep **inquiry into consciousness, freedom, truth,** and **the nature of self-understanding**. Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the group emphasizes **shared reading, thoughtful reflection, and respectful dialogue**. Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace—whether through listening, contemplation, or open discussion. While there is **no requirement to commit before attending**, *the intention is to gradually build a group of participants who are interested in returning regularly and engaging sincerely with the material* and the group process. Newcomers are very welcome, and those who feel drawn to ongoing study are warmly encouraged to continue attending. This is a **drop-in group**, and no prior background or preparation is required. **All are welcome.** Come as you are, reflect together, and take part in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.

Contact Alex for location and information.

# 🎾 Pickleball + Contrast Therapy Afternoon (Markham) **📅 Date & Time:** **Friday, September 19th, 2:00–5:00 PM** **📍 Location:** Athlete Hub – Ronin/MyAthlete.io, **217 Idema Rd., Markham (Steeles & Woodbine)** **💲 Cost:** $25 per player (save $5 with promo code below) *** ### 👋 About the Event Join us for a unique **3-hour sports & recovery experience** at our Markham gym. * **2 hours of Pickleball** (rotating doubles on 2 courts, max 16 players) * **1 hour of Contrast Therapy** (cold plunge + heat cycle, guided recovery) * **Recovery tools throughout the session** — compression boots, red light therapy, and massage guns available during off-court breaks * Don’t want to get paired randomly? No problem — bring a friend and you can play together! This is not just a drop-in — it’s a chance to **play, recover, and connect** with other athletes in the community. *** ### 🏓 Format * 16 players max → 8 per court * Rotating doubles every \~15 minutes * Everyone gets 6–8 matches across 2 hours * While off court → access recovery stations (compression boots, red light, massage gun) * 1-hour contrast therapy block: * Wave 1 (8 players) → Cold plunge → Heat station → Lounge (\~25 min) * Wave 2 (8 players) → Same cycle (\~25 min) * Social hangout in lounge to finish *** ### ✅ What’s Included * Guaranteed pickleball play (2 hours, rotating format) * Pro-style contrast therapy session (cold + heat cycle) * On-court recovery tools during breaks (compression boots, red light, massage guns) * **Towels provided** * Light refreshments *** ### 📌 What to Bring * Paddle (if you have one — extras available) * Court shoes + comfortable clothes * **Bathing suit + toiletries** (for contrast therapy) * Water bottle * **Bring a friend!** If you’d like, you can register with a partner to guarantee you play together during the pickleball rotations. *** ### 💲 How to Register This event is limited to **16 players only**. To confirm your spot: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. **Register & pay** on **[MyAthlete.io](https://myathlete.io/org_profile/1757696830905x685739735532699600)** 3. Buy a **Trial** and use promo code **MEETUP20** at checkout to save $5 for your first time. ⚠️ Meetup RSVP alone does *not* guarantee your spot — registration must be completed on MyAthlete.io.

Please contact event host, Christopher, for the event location at christopher.tyrrell@ymail.com

# **New to moomoo or want to trade more efficiently?** Join us in-person or online, for a hands-on session designed to help you get the most out of Canada’s first AI-powered broker — moomoo. In this live demo, our speaker Ramin will walk you through the moomoo app step by step—from essential features to advanced tools—showing you how to analyze markets, spot opportunities, and trade with confidence. **What you’ll learn:** 1\. How to navigate the moomoo app from beginner to pro 2\. Key features that help you trade smarter with AI\-powered tools 3\. Practical tips to improve your U\.S\. stock trading workflow 4\. Live walkthrough \+ real\-time Q&A 5\. Networking opportunity with other investors Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your trading experience, this session is built to be practical, interactive, and easy to follow. Live streaming link: [Click here to join us online](https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29873823585396?p=LMLFln09jDP3BJ31Pc) Event location: 📍 95A Bloor Street West, Yorkville Limited spots available — register now and trade smarter with moomoo.

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

Open hearts from across the GTA coming together to learn what the Bible has to teach us through the very words of Jesus, in a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Open to all Bible enthusiasts. ***Attention*** We meet in the Yonge-Sheppard Centre Food Court at the tables in front of SECOND CUP\*\*\* (lower level) Great for those who are familiar with Jesus, starting their walk with Jesus, or want to begin to know Jesus.

Come share your views on philosophy, politics, popular opinion or whatever debatable topic that deserves more discussion. The Atheist Community of Toronto's Cognitive Congress hopes to provide a fertile discussion environment where attendees can debate topics chosen by attendees. A brief overview of the format: * Cards will be provided to attendees to fill out if they have a topic or idea they wish to discuss. * Cards will be selected at random for group discussion, until the topic has been exhausted. * We value civil discussion so please keep interruptions to a minimum and volume to a reasonable level. * As we are meeting in a restaurant, it would be appreciated if attendees order food and/or drinks (and don't forget to pay!)

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

Join us on Valentine's Day for **She Loves Me,** a warm romantic comedy that might just be the most charming musical ever written! ***You can use our promo code to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **THE PLAY:** Set in 1930s Budapest, *She Loves Me* follows Amalia and Georg, two parfumerie clerks who aren’t quite the best of friends. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring coworkers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know the anonymous pen pals they’ve both been falling for are…each other! Will love continue to blossom once their identities are finally revealed? It’s an intimate and touching show with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. Based on Miklós László’s play *Parfumerie*, it has inspired many adaptations, including *The Shop Around The Corner* with Jimmy Stewart and *You’ve Got Mail* starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. *Recommended for ages 12 and up.* \*\*\* **PRICE** **Discount Tickets:** $30 (includes all fees) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code **THUMBSUP** to get your discount tickets. Use the code to purchase your tickets **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tscar&rd=1)** or call the box office at (416) 267-9292. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code THUMBSUP to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members may not be able to sit together. However, we will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in C-B29. *** **DETAILS** **When:** Saturday, February 14, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre. **Where:** Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough **Runtime:** About 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby beside the box office. Belinda will is very short and will be wearing a pink Los Gatos baseball cap and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance only. **Intermission & After-Show Meetup Spots:** Meet Belinda beside the box office in the same place as you met her before the show. **\*\*\*** **[THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:](https://www.meetup.com/Thumbs-Up-Theatre-Toronto/events/243426512/)** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows.

Each week there is some recommended readings to be done before we meet. **Please see the attached schedule for this week's readings.** The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins will show you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and will give you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture. The Bible Timeline will teach you how to read and understand the entire Bible and introduce you to the wonderful narrative of Scripture in a way that will transform your life. The online material can be bought online through the link below (optional). However, each session we can share copies for you to have discussion questions in class and reading guideline for the next session. https://ascensionpress.com/products/the-bible-timeline-the-story-of-salvation-online-video-access

* **Explore how help can comee as a nudge, a dream, or a quiet voice within you.** * **discover how you can connect with the ever-present guidance of ECK, the Holy Spirit.** (ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event) [Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html) [Eckankar Free Books](https://www.eckankar.org/freebook/wisdom/) “Often people are afraid to follow their inner guidance. It sounds like such a foolish thing to do, especially if they have to face other people and explain why they are doing what they are doing. Yet showers of love rain down upon us simply because we are Soul, a divine spark of God. Its Voice, which showers the love, is the pure Light and Sound.” —Harold Klemp, *ECK Wisdom on Inner Guidance*, p. 5-6 You are warmly invited to the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service which you can attend **online** or **in person**. Date and time: **Sunday, February 15, 2026** **10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m** Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2025 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) with the in-person portion held at: **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** Please stay for light refreshments afterward. To attend online by Zoom and see the upcoming events: [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m. **ECK Light and Sound Services** are a wonderful way for anyone to experience: * **the Sound and Light of God** * **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)** * **the inner guide known as the Mahanta** Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential. You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. *If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.* These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com). Please stay for light refreshments afterwards. To learn more about spirituality, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · *[ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets* · [HU ](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video *Graphics courtesy of* [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/)*, The Path of Spiritual Freedom* Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario

I warmly invite you to a drama-therapy–inspired workshop exploring the shadow—often called our “dark side”—including emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, fear, hatred, and despair.
Using characters, monologues, scenes, object work, and guided exploration, we’ll learn how to meet and express these inner states rather than suppress or be controlled by them.
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While we explore shadow, we’ll also journey toward your Light side—the compassionate, patient, self-aware, and wise aspects of you that support clarity and peace of mind. The session begins with centering, grounding, and safety-building, connecting with the pure consciousness within as a stable foundation for the work.
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You’re welcome to bring an object, poem, monologue, character, theme, or scene, or request a suggested one.
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This workshop is for you if you want to:
• Befriend your shadow while integrating shadow and light
• Regulate strong emotions and inner conflicts with greater awareness
• Explore fears, doubts, and relationships creatively and meaningfully
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Session structure includes:
1. Trust- and safety-building, centering, and connection
2. Physical, emotional, and vocal warm-up with object work
3. Personal theme exploration, reflection, integration, and closing
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Facilitation approach:
I create a safe, inclusive, welcoming—yet courageous—environment, inviting exploration without judgment, prejudice, or bias. Care, consent, curiosity, and respect guide the process.
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Facilitator:
Nikolai Afanasev — educator, learning experience designer, and actor.
MEd in Curriculum, Pedagogy, Wellbeing & Contemplative Education (University of Toronto, OISE).
7+ years of meditation practice; facilitated 400+ workshops and 25+ retreats across Ontario and Québec.
Not a licensed therapist; currently working toward accreditation.
📩 DM me to touch base about your theme, request suggested material, or reserve a spot.
Warm wishes,
Nikolai

An opportunity to serve the homeless and those at risk as a group. During our recent sessions, we served meals, chopped veggies, made sandwiches, and helped prepare pasta. Each session is similar; however, tasks may vary depending on the need at hand (e.g., sorting food). *We had a great time serving together with lots of smiles and good energy.* **Only 6 spots available. Please RSVP only if you’re committed to attending.** The organization relies on our confirmed number to plan and serve properly that day, so *your RSVP really matters.* When you arrive at Reception, the staff will guide you to the volunteer room, where you can place your belongings in a locker and meet the group. Below are simple guidelines from the Ministry on what to wear, safety, etc.: **Guidelines (what to wear, safety, etc.):** [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piAyloECv9YUDkPJuoJBdCmh3x8n1un1rGvJSFIkbs4/edit?usp=sharing) **Good to know:** * **Closed-toe shoes are required.** * *Tie back long hair; minimal jewelry.* * **Please arrive by *1:40 PM at the latest*** so we can plan who will be doing which roles and begin together. * If you can’t make it due to an emergency, please message me as soon as possible 🙏 Grateful to serve alongside you.

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

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.

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. 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

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.

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!

Meeting Room 3B, 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. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.