Healing

This is a regular **volleyball game** for current members of our group. We usually play **5v5**, or **4v4**. **1) Please RSVP only if you can commit.** **2)** Please **arrive 10 minutes early and be on time** so we can start smoothly. **3)** If you’re **NEW**, **message first and do not RSVP directly**. To keep games balanced, guest spots are limited and usually suitable for intermediate-level players only. At the moment, the group is at capacity, so we are not accepting new regular members unless invited. **4)** If we reach out to confirm your spot and do not receive a timely response, the place may be offered to another available player. This helps us keep participation fair, keep the game organized, and make sure others feel comfortable joining the waitlist without worrying about being left out unfairly. **This is not a training session or a highly competitive setup. We play to have fun, stay active, and enjoy good games together. 💗🫂** **-** **About WE NEED + (MORE) PPL** We’re building a community for adults 25-50 who enjoy real, low-pressure social time. Keywords: community building, meet new people, make friends, adult friends, introvert-friendly, welcoming group, locals & expats, newcomers in Milan, social meetup, low-pressure social time, Sunday plans, Milan/Milano, Navigli, Porta Venezia, Isola, social sports, recreational volleyball, indoor beach volleyball, mixed levels, beginners welcome, intermediate welcome, skill-building, practice and play.

**Il Viaggio Interiore** è un'avventura unica dedicata all'esplorazione profonda di se stessi attraverso la meditazione, guidata da **Carlo Lesma**. Questa giornata è stata progettata per offrire un’esperienza immersiva che permette di staccare dalla routine, liberare la mente dai blocchi emotivi e ritrovare **chiarezza, serenità ed energia vitale**. ### **Dove e Quando** L'evento si svolgerà a **Milano** nella giornata di **domenica 10 maggio 2026**. * **Sede:** Best Western Falck Village Hotel, situato in Viale Italia, 598, a Sesto San Giovanni (MI). * **Orari:** La giornata è divisa in due momenti: la mattina dalle **9:30 alle 13:00** e il pomeriggio dalle **14:30 alle 17:30**. ### **Le Strategie e i Contenuti** Durante l'incontro, imparerai a utilizzare la meditazione come una vera e propria scienza per migliorare ogni aspetto della tua vita attraverso diverse **strategie evolutive**: * **Sei cicli di meditazioni guidate:** Utilizzo di specifiche frequenze sonore per favorire il cambiamento interiore e calmare la mente sin dalle prime sessioni. * **Tecniche di intuizione:** Metodi per risvegliare e riconoscere la capacità intuitiva, imparando ad applicarla nelle decisioni quotidiane. * **Integrazione pratica:** Strategie per inserire la meditazione nella **routine quotidiana, nel lavoro e nello sport** per migliorare la produttività e gestire lo stress. * **Creazione di meditazioni su misura:** Segreti per progettare una pratica personalizzata in linea con i propri obiettivi e stile di vita. * **Distinzione tra tecniche:** Approfondimento delle differenze tra meditazione, visualizzazione e rilassamento profondo per sapere quando e come utilizzarle al meglio. * **Superamento dei condizionamenti:** Strumenti pratici per riconoscere e lasciare andare i limiti mentali derivanti dal passato. Al termine della giornata, i partecipanti riceveranno un **attestato di partecipazione** come Corso Base di Meditazione. Per comprendere meglio, immagina che la tua mente sia come un computer sovraccarico di schede aperte e file obsoleti; le strategie apprese in questa giornata agiscono come un aggiornamento del sistema operativo, chiudendo i processi inutili e permettendo al software della tua vita di scorrere con molta più fluidità e velocità. Investimento per l'intera giornata è di euro 100,00

This rainy **Sunday in Milan** sets the tone for a **slow and fluid** practice, followed by an optional group **brunch/coffee** at Felicetta Cafè & Bistrot. We start the day with **slow and steady movement** to help you **release tension** and **reset your nervous system**. It is all about **reducing effort**, not adding more, letting the breath guide the pace and allowing the body to open gradually. After class stick around for brunch or a coffee to connect and get to know everyone. **Details↓** **Date:** May 10, 2026 **Time:** 10:30 AM **Location:** Studio Yoga - Via Francesco Melzi d'Eril, 12, Milan. **Pricing:** 15€ - *yoga class only,* *brunch is optional and not included in the price* **\- your spot is confirmed after payment\.** **\- details will be shared after RSVP** *(please check your messages).* **Duration:** 60 minutes (social time after) **Level:** Accessible for all levels, beginner-friendly **Language:** English **What to bring:** \- your mat *(if you prefer to not use the ones in the studio)* \- water and comfortable clothes **Cancellation Policy** **More than 24 hours before:** You can cancel directly on Meetup. **Up to 1 hour before class:** Please message me on WhatsApp. Your credit will be kept and can be used for another class. **Less than 1 hour before / no-show / no notice:** The class will be counted and no refund will be issued. **If the class is cancelled by me or due to weather:** You’ll be notified personally and your credit will be kept for a future class. **Before you join:** \- If you have any injuries or health concerns\, please check with a doctor before joining\. \- This class is not suitable to practice during pregnancy\. \- By joining\, you take responsibility for your own safety\. \*\*Please be mindful and listen to your body, pausing, resting and adjusting any time you need.\* See you on the mat. ✨ Jessi.

Hi, I’m **Ozzy**. I’ve been teaching yoga in Milan for 5 years, bringing together internationals and locals. **How to Join?** Add your name on Meetup. [Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/393500966059?text=Hi%20I%20saw%20your%20weekend%20park%20yoga%20classes%20on%20Meetup%20and%20would%20like%20to%20join) to receive payment details: **Drop-in or discounted class packs available** Your spot is confirmed once payment is completed. **You can see the vibe of the classes here:** Instagram: @ozzyoga.milano **Weekend Park Yoga in Sempione with Ozzy** Join us for a mindful yoga session in the park **Time:** 11:30 **Duration:** 60 minutes **Language:** English **Level:** All levels Beginner-friendly **Location:** Parco Sempione Exact meeting point will be shared via WhatsApp after booking **Pricing** **Drop-in:** €15 **2 classes:** €28 **4 classes:** €50 All prices are final and include VAT All packs are valid until the end of July Valid for all regular group classes (weekend & future weekday sessions) Packs can be used for classes as they are released on Meetup **Before you come** Bring your mat (or a towel), wear layers for changing weather, and consider water, sun cream, and insect spray. **Cancellation policy** – **More than 24 hours before:** Cancel directly on Meetup → no charge – **Up to 1 hour before the class:** Please message me on WhatsApp → your credit is kept – **Less than 1 hour before, no-show, or no notice:** The class is counted → no refund or credit (no exceptions) *If a class is cancelled due to weather or by the organizer, your credit will not be lost and can be used for another class.* **Safety & Notes** Please listen to your body and practice at your own pace. This class is not suitable for pregnant women. If you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor before joining. By attending, you take responsibility for your own practice. **About me** I’m Ozzy, a certified and Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. 👉 https://linktr.ee/ozzyoga.milano

The Soap Making Workshop is ready for launch!!!! :D Explore cold process soap making and take home your own handcrafted soap! Come and learn the technique of **Cold Process Soap Making**! This traditional soap making method transforms simple ingredients into beautiful, handcrafted soap. **This 2-hour workshop includes:** * Tuition from a bilingual qualified teacher and experienced cold process soap maker * A range of colours, fragrances, and additives to design your own soap * Your own handcrafted soap bar to take home * A copy of the course teaching materials and resources * Unlimited tisane, caffè, and biscuits 🍪 Take time out of your busy schedule to relax, unwind, and create something truly unique! :D **Limited Places!!** Adele 🌺 Scopri la saponificazione a freddo e porta a casa il tuo sapone! Vieni a imparare la tecnica della **Saponificazione a Metodo Freddo**! Questo metodo tradizionale trasforma ingredienti semplici in splendidi saponi artigianali. **Il workshop di 2 ore include:** * Insegnamento da parte di un’insegnante qualificata, bilingue e con esperienza nella saponificazione a freddo * Una selezione di colori, fragranze e ingredienti per creare il tuo sapone * Il tuo sapone artigianale da portare a casa * Materiale didattico e risorse del corso * Tisane, caffè e biscotti illimitati 🍪 Prenditi del tempo lontano dalla tua routine frenetica per rilassarti, staccare e creare qualcosa di davvero unico! :D **Posti limitati!** Adele 🌺

# Spring Perfume Workshop! Make Perfume, Eat Cake & Relax :D (ENG/ITA) 🌸 Welcome to the spring time Perfume Making Workshop! 🌸 🌼 Create your own springtime perfume and relax with sweet treats, drinks and chat! (Workshop available in both English and Italian language) 🌼 Join me in Cassina de’ Pecchi (Milano) for a relaxing couple of hours being creative and create a personalised perfume to take home with you! The venue is easily accessible via the M2 Green Line (Milan, metro stop Cassina de' Pecchi). This workshop invites you to explore the art of perfume blending in a warm and welcoming setting — perfect for a relaxing weekend activity! 🌸 What to Expect: * Learn the basics of fragrance composition * Discover top, heart, and base notes * Experiment with a wide range of essential oils * Craft a personalized springtime perfume that reflects your unique style Guided by an experienced teacher, you’ll participate in practical activities designed to give you insights into how to balance and blend scents with confidence. 🌸 Plus! To make this experience special, enjoy drinks and sweet treats while you work. Whether you're a scent enthusiast or simply curious, this workshop is a fun and inspiring way to connect with your senses—and walk away with something truly personal. 🌼 Book your spot now and unleash your creativity! :D 🌼 🌸 Benvenuta alla Spring Perfume Making Workshop! 🌸 🌼 Crea il tuo profumo primaverile e rilassati con dolci, bevande e piacevoli chiacchiere! (Workshop disponibile sia in inglese che in italiano) 🌼 Unisciti a me a Cassina de’ Pecchi (Milano) per un paio d’ore rilassanti e creative, durante le quali creerai un profumo personalizzato da portare a casa con te! La location è facilmente raggiungibile con la metro M2 (linea verde, fermata Cassina de’ Pecchi). Questo workshop ti invita a scoprire l’arte della profumeria in un ambiente accogliente e rilassato — perfetto per iniziare il weekend nel modo giusto! 🌸 Cosa ti aspetta: • Imparerai le basi della composizione del profumo • Scoprirai le note di testa, cuore e fondo • Potrai sperimentare con un’ampia selezione di oli essenziali • Creerai un profumo primaverile unico, che rispecchia il tuo stile Sarai guidata passo dopo passo, con attività pratiche pensate per aiutarti a combinare e bilanciare le fragranze con sicurezza. 🌸 In più! Per rendere l’esperienza ancora più speciale, potrai gustare bevande e dolcetti mentre lavori. Che tu sia appassionata di profumi o semplicemente curiosa, questo workshop è un modo divertente e stimolante per connetterti con i tuoi sensi — e portare a casa qualcosa di davvero personale. 🌼 Prenota il tuo posto e libera la tua creatività! 🌼

La domenica ormai è appuntamento fisso per il nostro gruppo al Just me (ex Just Cavalli). Ci incontriamo alle 20:00 per socializzare al nostro tavolo riservato e gustare un ottimo buffet con la prima consumazione inclusa al costo di soli 10€. Alle 22:30 faremo un brindisi di prosecco offerto dagli organizzatori e chi vuole può rimanere a ballare. Serata dedicata a un pubblico di tutte le età, divertimento assicurato! È gradita conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

**Dom 10 Mag 2026** **TREK IN VALSASSINA. RIFUGIO BUZZONI da Introbio 1590 m (LC)** \- Lunghezza: 15 km \- Dislivello: 1000 m \- Difficoltà: Medio alta \(tanto dislivello\) \- Pranzo al sacco o al rifugio\. Il trek è in prov. di Lecco a 68 km da Milano. Iscrizione [https://t.me/TrekMI/82369](https://t.me/TrekMI/82369) Youtube https://youtu.be/MhMc-Wfo898 **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

La domenica ormai è appuntamento fisso per il nostro gruppo al Just me (ex Just Cavalli). Ci incontriamo alle 20:00 per socializzare al nostro tavolo riservato e gustare un ottimo buffet con la prima consumazione inclusa al costo di soli 10€. Alle 22:30 faremo un brindisi di prosecco offerto dagli organizzatori e chi vuole può rimanere a ballare. Serata dedicata a un pubblico di tutte le età, divertimento assicurato! È gradita conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

ITALIANO Evento gratuito Ciao a tutti, questa volta vi propongo una passeggiata al parco Nord, situato a nord di Milano. Con una superficie di 640 ettari, è il parco più grande della città e si estende in 7 comuni. Comprende vasti boschi, prati, colline, viali alberati e aiuole: un parco moderno e bellissimo. Dopo la passeggiata, per chi vuole, possiamo bere qualcosa o fare aperitivo. Ci troveremo all'uscita della metro gialla Affori Centro M3. Programma Ore 15.30-15.40: Raduno dei partecipanti Ore 15.45: Partenza Vi aspetto! Trovate altre info nei gruppi Telegram e Facebook: Telegram: https://t.me/+ImpLzLM9vRcyODQ8 Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1185913102643016/?ref=share ‐----------------- ENGLISH Free event Hi all, this time I propose a walk in North Park, located in the north of Milan. With an area of ​​640 hectares, it is the largest Park of the city and it reaches 7 municipalities. It includes vast forests, meadows, hills, tree-lined avenues and flowerbeds: that's a modern and beautiful park. After the walk, if you want, we can have a drink or happy hour. We will meet at the exit of Affori Centro M3 Station of the yellow subway. Program 3.30-3.40pm: Meeting 3.45pm: Departure See you! You can find other info on Telegram and Facebook groups: Telegram: https://t.me/+ImpLzLM9vRcyODQ8 Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1185913102643016/?ref=share

Hi everyone 😊 This time we’ll explore a different side of Milan, the modern architecture of CityLife and Parco Tre Torri. The focus of this photowalk will be on clean compositions, lines, reflections, and how light interacts with modern buildings. It’s a great opportunity to experiment with a more minimal and structured style of photography. As always, the session will be relaxed and friendly, we’ll walk together, take photos, and share ideas along the way. At the end, we can have a short optional moment to look at some photos and exchange feedback. If you’re curious to explore a more modern and minimal side of photography, you’re very welcome to join! Details: • 📍 Location: Parco Tre Torri / CityLife (exact meeting point shared after RSVP) • ⏰ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours • 🎯 Level: beginner friendly • 🎒 Bring: camera or smartphone + comfortable shoes

Ci sono momenti che sanno di casa, di risate e di mani sporche di zucchero a velo 💕 Per la Festa della Mamma, La Petite Société apre le porte a un pomeriggio speciale, fatto di piccoli gesti, creatività e tanta dolcezza. Un laboratorio pensato per grandi e piccini, dove ogni biscotto diventa un ricordo da condividere 🍪✨ Tra colori, zuccherini e una merenda da gustare insieme, costruiremo qualcosa di semplice ma prezioso: tempo passato insieme 💖 📅 Domenica 10 maggio | ore 16.00 🎁 Ogni partecipante porterà a casa la sua scatola di biscotti decorati con amore Un momento da vivere, creare e portare nel cuore 🌸 Scrivimi per maggiori info 🤗 @la_petite_societe

BOOK OF THE MONTH: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters MEETING LOCATION: Pancicchetto (Via Solferino, 43), must buy a drink (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) WHEN: May 10th, 19:00-20:30 WHAT TO BRING: conversation!!, and your copy of the book SUGGESTED READING THEMES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS: * PLEASE feel free to bring your own discussion topics! * What does the story tell us about the importance of family? * Did you like the two different locations for the storytelling process? * To what extent is race important in the novel?

Join Milan Expats & Locals for a fun evening of board games at Draft, a cozy pub located near the bolivar area. This event is a perfect opportunity to meet new people, have a great time and enjoy some good beers and food while playing games.
Bring your own favorite board game or play with our strategy games like Catan, Coup, Uno, Cards against Humanity and Magic The Gathering. Whether you're an experienced player or a newcomer, this event is open to everyone and there is no obligation to spend, the event is free and open to everyone. So come along, relax and have a great time playing board games with a friendly community of expats and locals from Milan.
We'll also be crowd-sourcing for more games in the future, so be sure to bring any suggestions.
RSVP now to secure your spot.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CotIwk1KR-P/
Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BUSBYLAmhxx0M8sfKobdex

This is a free, in person meeting. 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.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

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.

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. 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 sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us at Unity of Columbus for our Weekly Reiki Share, a peaceful and uplifting gathering for connection, healing, and growth. A Reiki Share is a time where Reiki practitioners and students come together to give and receive healing energy in a supportive and welcoming environment. These sessions will be moderated by Columbus Unity Reiki. Reiki is a hands-on energy healing method from Japan that first came to the United States in 1938. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is now widely practiced throughout the West. All levels are welcome, and you do not need to be a practitioner at Unity of Columbus to attend. If you are a Reiki practitioner, a Reiki student, or simply interested in becoming a Reiki student, we warmly invite you to join us. Come practice your healing techniques, learn new approaches, receive healing energy, and connect with a like-minded community in a space of relaxation, renewal, and positive energy.

In the midst of life’s storms—whether in relationships, work, or within ourselves—it can be difficult to find clarity and calm. The “I” Of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace, based on the work of Dr. Gary Simmons, invites you to discover the steady center within—the part of you that remains grounded even when everything around you is in motion. Led by Brian Drafton-Griffin, this engaging workshop offers practical tools and meaningful insights to help you navigate conflict with greater awareness, compassion, and confidence. Through guided discussion and reflection, you’ll learn how to shift from reaction to response and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.