sharing your life stories

⚠ Paid event - buy your ticket [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/playful-public-speaking-2-x-weekly-drop-in-wednesday-saturday-tickets-1987993897262) ⚠ Most public speaking classes will teach you to sound like a politician, a CEO, or a TED talk. Polished. Performative. A version of yourself wearing a suit. We're not doing that. If you want a class that's playful, varied, and treats you like a whole human rather than a presentation to be optimised, you've come to the right place. 🎉 **Our philosophy 🧠** Somewhere along the way, most of us learnt that it isn't quite safe to be ourselves in front of others. Here's the thing nobody tells you: you can't *learn* to be yourself. You already are yourself. The question isn't how to stand, where to put your hands, or how to walk across a stage. The real question is, why don't we feel safe enough to express who we already are? This class is about liberating you from your own social inhibitions. The goal? Get to a place where it makes no difference whether you're speaking to a close friend over coffee or addressing a room of 20 strangers. Imagine that. An audience with no power over your behaviour, no influence over your nervous system. That's freedom. 🕊️ **Who is it for? 👇🏽** * You go quiet the moment all eyes turn to you 😶 * You've done public speaking courses that felt fake or formulaic 🥱 * You want to be more yourself everywhere: in conversations, presentations, dates, meetings 🗣️ * You like learning through play, not lectures 🎲 You enjoy the company of curious, kind humans 🤝 * You're already a confident speaker but want to lose the performative edge ✨ No experience needed. No "level" required. Just show up. **What's in it for you? 🎁** * A nervous system that stays calm whether you're talking to one person or twenty 🧘 * The ability to speak from yourself, not from a memorised script 💭 Confidence that doesn't depend on the audience being friendly 💪 * A weekly playground for finding your voice 🎢 * New friendships with people doing the same brave work alongside you 🫂 **How does it work? 🛠️** A weekly drop-in class. Come once, come every week, come when life lets you. Each session includes: * Warm-up games to drop the day at the door 🎲 * Playful improv-style speaking exercises 🎭 * Questions that get you speaking from somewhere real 💬 Debates that loosen the grip of having to be "right" 🤔 * A different shape every week, so it never feels like a repeat 🔄 You'll be on your feet. You'll be laughing. You'll occasionally surprise yourself. Bring water and an open mind. 💧 **What to expect 🌟** A room where nobody's grading you. No "good" speaker or "bad" speaker labels. No critique sandwiches. No pressure to perform. We're aiming for liberation, not perfection. We laugh *with* each other, never *at* each other. What happens in the room stays in the room. 🤫 **Facilitator 🎙️** This event is being run in collaboration with [Gently Speaking](https://www.meetup.com/gentle-public-speaking/) and facilitated by James, a Deeper Connections regular who's spent serious time thinking about what makes speaking feel free rather than forced. **Ready to find your voice? 🎤** Not the polished one. Not the professional one. Not the one you put on for job interviews. Your actual voice. Join us. We'd love to have you. 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️ **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80)

**What we are about:** Life drawing sessions every Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm This class is for all drawing levels, aiming to improve your own drawing style and learning about drawing the human form and anatomy in a relaxed and friendly environment. The class invites you to study guided or untutored with professional models in a variety of different poses. Usually we begin with a series of short poses and warm up exercises from 1min to 5mins. Followed by longer studies of 10, 15 and 20mins. We have a small break and the we’ll continue with a 25 min pose and concluding with a 20 minute pose. A different model each week All levels welcome Guidance given/optional Drawing materials and paper provided and included in the price. We are a friendly, welcoming, sociable group. Price: Drop-in, single session £15 - weekly sessions art materials and paper provided You can pay by cash or use this pay pal link : // [paypal.me/CreativeLifeDrawing](http://paypal.me?CreativeLifeDrawing) please choose - pay friends and family members If you like to secure your spot you can pay via this meet-up site but they will add some additional fees. CreativeLifeDrawing [J_wolfmail@yahoo.com](mailto:J_wolfmail@yahoo.com) Jennifer Wolf

# Join us for our monthly book club. This month´s author is Arturo Uslar Pietri. Feel free to message us with any questions. Don't forget to confirm your attendance via the email provided.

We are really excited to welcome you into the studio for our weekly drop in life drawing sessions! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. Easels and drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick Wednesday Studio Every Wednesday 6.30-8.30pm £15 / **£10 students and under 25's** advance tickets or cash/ paypal on the door Venue: The Waterloo Action Centre 14 Baylis Road, London SE1 7AA [BOOK YOUR CLASS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesday-studio-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426730802317) To keep up to date with classes, its helpful for us if you register your interest – email us at info@londondrawing.com

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: BioTech Startups, Investors, Innovators, Professionals** Join us for an exciting evening designed to connect with people in **BioTech Startups, Investors, Innovators, Professionals**. Prepare to dive into the cutting-edge world of biotechnology innovation at the most anticipated event of scientific minds and entrepreneurial spirits! This event is a transformative experience that will reshape the future of healthcare, sustainability, and technological advancement. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/nns4g82g/biotech-startups-investors-innovators-business-networking-at-the-refinery-citypoint **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room. **The Anthologist -** Located in the heart of the City, on Gresham Street by Bank station, The Anthologist is a gorgeous bar & restaurant with a cosy outside seating area. We are ready to welcome you with delicious travel inspired dishes, gorgeous spritzes & bubbly. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Socialite Connections is connecting the future of Innovation with **Biotech Professionals.** Connect with industry leaders who are literally designing tomorrow's medical and technological solutions. Discover breakthrough innovations that have the potential to solve global challenges Gain direct access to potential investors and strategic partners Learn from real-world success stories and cutting-edge research Position yourself at the forefront of biotechnological advancement **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend** This event is the perfect opportunity to network, gain insights into the latest technological trends, and forge valuable partnerships. **Visionary Startup Founders, Pioneering Investors, Research Professionals,** **Technology Innovators, Healthcare Entrepreneurs, Fintech innovators, Startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, Digital innovators, Tech start-ups, Investors in the tech space, IT and Technology Professionals, Cybersecurity Experts, IT Managers and Leaders, Software Developers, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/nns4g82g/biotech-startups-investors-innovators-business-networking-at-the-refinery-citypoint You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event...**

Join us at this historic studio under the arches of Hungerford Bridge on the South Bank of the Thames, where the renowned painter and reportage artist Felix Topolski RA worked from 1951 until 1989 for an evening hosted by his grandson Lucian Topolski. If you would like to find out more about Topolski Studio, please visit the website and join the mailing list at [https://www.topolski.org](https://www.topolskistudio.org). Mark Lovelace will lead the drawing, Mark is an artist, with a special interest in drawing, who has been running classes at the Barbican Art Society, and at London Life Drawing, for many years. The studio has easels and all the equipment you might want, including a variety of drawing materials. Sketchbooks with reproductions of work by Felix Topolski are also available to purchase. Lucien will be around after the class to socialise, and you are welcome to bring your own drinks. There is also the Topolski Bar nearby. Mark will explain some approaches to drawing which reflect the artistic concerns of Felix Topolski. Individual feedback is available if desired. Mark can either help you to develop your drawing in similar directions, or he can support you as you pursue your own path. We will have a mixture of pose lengths. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available during the break. We aim to foster a warm atmosphere for a wide variety of skill levels, and to support a vibrant, and welcoming community of artists. **BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** £13 Drop-In Tickets, but you can pay less with a [Draw More Pass](https://www.adriandutton.com/copy-of-drawmore-passes) (click on link or see details bellow) The class at the Topolski Studio runs every Wednesday . In Person only. Doors open, 6.30 pm. Life drawing, 7 - 9 pm. Socialising 9 - 9.30 pm. Just drop in, or if you prefer you can book in advance. Buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night. Please use the link bellow to book: [https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream](https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream) **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm, arrival 7.00 pm, We start drawing at 7pm with poses of mixed short and medium length: 15 min pose 5 x 1 min pose 5 min pose 10 min pose 20 min pose 15 min break 20 min pose 25 min pose 9.00pm drawing session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £52.50 10 sessions: £100 20 sessions: £190 50 Sessions: £450 **SHARE YOUR WORK** You are invited to share your work on IG, please hashtag #adriandutton_life_drawing so we can re-post and share. For those who do not use IG please email adrianmarkdutton@gmail.com with your photos **THE VENUE** About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm**. It is wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space. It has been an education and teaching space for many years, as well as housing the archive of the artist. If you would like to take a guided tour of the studio, you can book a place on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/topolski-studio-64310090343 **TRANSPORT** Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines). Embankment (District and Circle lines). Bus: Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge. Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road. We look forward to seeing you!

**Join us in celebrating 10 years of building a poetry movement** **Would you like to be part of our 10 years poetry book and secure a spot at the open mic during the Newham Poetry Festival?** What’s included? 1.⁠ ⁠FREE co-creative poetry sessions 2.⁠ ⁠FREE tailored coaching to support your writing 3.⁠ ⁠Opportunity to be published in the anniversary book 4.⁠ ⁠Chance to perform at the festival open mic Dates Wednesdays from 13 May to 29th July 6.15 -7.45pm Stratford library (3 The Grove, E15 1EL) **Commitment Participants must attend a minimum of 9 sessions to be included in the publication and the open mic** **Register at newhampoetrygroup@gmail.com**

Exactly thirty years ago, Alan Sokal published his famous hoax, intensifying the “Science Wars” and criticising postmodern thinkers such as Bruno Latour and Jaques Derrida for their interpretations of science. The Science Wars represent an attempt, perhaps an unsuccessful but nonetheless meaningful one, at establishing a dialogue between philosophy and the natural sciences. In this iteration of the Philosophy of Life Sciences Reading Group we’ll revisit this moment by returning to one of Latour’s early engagements with science: his essay “Give me a laboratory and I will raise the world”. Here, Latour views the lab not as an isolated, “sacred” space, but as a powerful site which transforms the invisible into visible, not a passive observer but something that actively reshapes reality. Are scientific facts constructed? What is a scientific truth? Anyone from any background is welcome! If you’d like the pdf or to ask any question feel free to drop me a message. Please don’t worry too much about the RSVP list: we usually have 5-10 people attending already.

Tired of small talk and ready to connect on a real level? Join us for **deep**, **meaningful conversations** and **new friendships** 👯‍♀️🎉 with a group of like-minded individuals who share your interests. This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy food or drink before you can join us 🍭🍬🧁🍰🥤🧃- having water doesn't support the venue **Who is it for?** * You want more satisfying, deeper conversations * You want more meaningful and long-lasting connections in your life * You crave more from life and know its out there * You are bored of just socialising and want to have fun and explore a new type of event! **What's in it for you?** * **No more awkward silences!** We'll provide questions to spark engaging conversations. 💡 * **Meet like-minded people** who crave deeper connections. 🤝 * **Have fun** in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. 😊 **How does it work?** * We'll pair you up with different people for **15-minute 1-1 chats**. 🔄 * **Use our questions** as a starting point, or go off on your own tangent! 🗺️ * Be **open**, **honest**, and **curious**. 👂 * 15 minutes is a good amount of time to explore a question deeply and **not have awkward silence**.⏳ * You are also **free to take the conversation in any direction** you choose.🤩 * You can always sit out a round to **take a break** 😪 **Examples of questions that we provide:** * "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" 🦸‍♀️ * "What's your biggest fear, and why does it scare you?" 😱 * "What's the most meaningful thing you've ever done?" ❤️ * "What would you do if you had all the money and time in the world?" 💰 **Why do we love deep conversations?** * They're **authentic**, **raw**, and **honest**. * There are **no limits** to where they can go. * You'll feel **uplifted**, **inspired**, and **connected**. 🌟 **How to be a great conversation partner?** * **Be Respectful:** Listen attentively and avoid interrupting others. 👂 * **Be Open-Minded:** Consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions. 🧠 * **Be Engaging:** Ask thoughtful questions and contribute to the conversation. 💬 * **Be vulnerable:** We are a safe space, so it’s okay to be yourself 🥺 🙈 * **Be honest:** Be honest about our experience of life 🌍 * **Be curious:** Be interested in the other person ❓ 🤔 👀 **Ready to take the plunge?** 🌊 Join us and experience the magic of deeper conversations! 💫 You may leave feeling **uplifted**, **inspired**, **connected**, **invigorated**, **positive**, **grateful**!❤️ **What others have to say**: * **Parimal**: "I had the most amazing time! The conversations were refreshing and genuinely authentic." * **David Saville**: "This is a wonderful event run by two extraordinary individuals." * **Edomi**: "This is one of the best meetups I've been to. Highly recommended!" We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 * **Accessibility:** We believe meaningful connection should be accessible to everyone. Our community makes this possible by supporting each other. 🤝 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

If you crave depth and genuine connection, join a walking think tank of curious people, topics spark meaningful conversations, and you leave inspired. ## Details [The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

DROP IN'S WELCOME *If you'd like to book in advance, you can purchase tickets [here](http://www.soholifedrawing.com/store/p82/Thursday_Drop-In_Life_Drawing%3A_Both_Sessions.html) . Otherwise please bring cash as we are cash only* £17.00 (cash, £1 surcharge for PayPal/card payments) Soho Life Drawing is a non-profit drawing group in central London that aims to make life drawing affordable and accessible while paying our models a fair wage. We believe that creativity is an essential part of well-being that is often stifled by the demands of busy schedules or fear due to lack of experience. We want to change that. Whether you're a professional, student, or amateur artist you'll find yourself at home at Soho Life Drawing. Located in one of London's most central locations, our drop-in classes provide an easily accessible and nonjudgemental space for you to hone your life drawing skills. We offer a portfolio boosting mix of both short and long poses with new models every week, making us a great fit for professionals and novices alike. Our members come from literally all walks of life, so don't be afraid to drop by if you have no background in art--at Soho Life Drawing, you are guaranteed to find a supportive place to explore your artistic abilities. Here's why you'll love Soho Life Drawing It's a Great Space!--Our sessions are held at one of London's best kept secrets--the historic Quaker Meeting House, which provides an oasis of calm just minutes away from Leicester Square Station. Short and Long Poses!--Our sessions begin with short, gestural poses and move up to a longer sustained pose. Our models are personally vetted professionals, and some of the best in the business. No Need to Bring your own Supplies!--We provide clipboards, and pencils, paper, and rubbers are available on site. Tea and Biscuits!--Yes, that's right. We provide tea and biscuits to keep your energy up during the breaks! Also, quite often homemade cookies! Drop-ins Welcome!--No need to book in advance! So come by and check us out—we look forward to seeing you there! 6:30-7:30 PM Guided Life Drawing 7:30PM-8:30PM: Tea Break + Longer Poses We also host private events. For more information visit www.privateartevents.co.uk

Join us for a special edition of Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking **fiction** that challenges perspectives, sparks imagination, and opens doors to meaningful conversations. Whether you're a lifelong reader or rediscovering the joy of novels, this is a space to explore stories that stay with you long after the final page. **This Month's Book - One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez** One Hundred Years of Solitude follows generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. It blends everyday life with magical, surreal events in a dreamlike style. The story explores time, memory, and the repeating patterns of family life. **How does it work?** * Brief introductions and reflections on what struck you most * Moderated discussion exploring plot, themes, and characters * Open conversation where different interpretations are welcomed ️ * We wrap up by sharing insights and connections made **What to Expect?** **Close Reading:** We go beyond surface-level plot summary. Expect discussions that examine the author's choices, narrative techniques, and the questions left lingering in the silence between pages. **Thoughtful Dialogue:** This isn't a race to share opinions—it's a space for genuine exploration. We listen, we reflect, we build on each other's insights. **Meaningful Connections:** Great fiction holds up a mirror to the human experience. Through discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas, we often discover something about ourselves and each other. **How to get the most out of this event?** **Finish the Book:** Please attend only if you've completed the book. Spoilers will flow freely, and the richest discussions come from those who've made the full journey. **Ground it in the Text:** Bring your interpretations, but anchor them in what's actually on the page. Quote passages. Reference scenes. Let the author's words guide us. **Respect & Openness:** Every interpretation matters. Make space for quieter voices. Challenge ideas, not people. Stay curious rather than defensive. **Why a Fiction Book Club?** **Explore the Human Condition:** Fiction lets us inhabit lives we'll never live, forcing us to confront questions about identity, morality, love, and loss. **Sharpen Your Thinking:** Close reading develops critical thinking—noticing what the author chose to include, exclude, and how the story is told matters as much as what happens. **Deepen Connections:** Discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas creates surprisingly intimate conversations with fellow readers. **Who is this event for?** * You find yourself thinking about books long after you've finished them * You want more from book discussions than "I liked it" or "I didn't" * You're curious how others interpret the same story differently * You value thoughtful dialogue over debate ️✨ * You're looking for meaningful connections with fellow readers **What's in it for you?** * **Fresh Perspectives:** Discover interpretations you'd never have considered alone * **Deeper Understanding:** Unpack themes and symbols that enrich your reading * **Genuine Connection:** Bond with others over shared literary experiences * **A Space to Think:** Slow down from the noise and engage with ideas that matter **Ready to dive deeper into stories that matter?** Join us for an evening where fiction becomes a gateway to understanding ourselves and each other. ✨ **We really hope to see you there!** **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️ **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on but you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is a local event. Areas you can change with the right information: * Control of unwanted emotions * Lack of confidence * Grief * Anxiety * Anger management * Creating ideal relationships * Memory * and more... This is a local meeting that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! 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.

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.