About This Event

When: Every 3rd Sunday of the month 15:00-17:00 (if desired 15 minute break 16:00-16:15) About the Event: Let’s talk about things we don’t often talk about and share what we think. Certainly some of the things each of us practices to develop ourselves, to find God, to find the meaning of life or to become a better human being, I rarely talk about and I rarely hear other people talk about. However I think (hope) that we can learn from each other by sharing what is going on inside ourselves. Discussion groups like this can get bogged down by (dis)agreements or by people exclusively wanting to talk about what they believe in (as if they are trying to convince others that they should believe the same). I would like us to be disciplined in our talking AND listening. A few guidelines might help to create a respectful, open and relaxed space. Suggested guidelines and practicalities: At the start of each meeting the guidelines are to be considered, modified (if desired) and adopted for the meeting. Confidentiality: Whatever is talked about in the meeting is totally confidential and will not be discussed outside the meeting (also not in the break), not even with people who were present at the time. Confidentiality gives me the freedom to talk about things that I may not want to talk about outside this kind of meetings. Only one person speaks at a time: Optional: the person who is speaking can invite brief comments or answer short questions. Silence between speakers (1-5 minutes). Optional: silence during the 15 minute break. Agree a maximum time that one person can speak (5 minutes?) If a speaker goes on too long or goes off-topic, anyone can gently ring the bell. (Only ring the bell gently; it is up to the speaker to change/stop/come to the point; this should not be used to discourage people from speaking what is on their mind, even if you disagree or do not understand). We share our OWN experiences/opinions/ideas. We do not give each other advice or criticise each other. I suggest using the word “I” instead of “you” or “we”, in this context. We do not ‘jump in’ to comment on what someone else has just said. We do not present other people’s teachings/wisdoms except if it is needed to give context to the subject and our own experience. Subjects: at the end of each meeting the participants set the subject for the next meeting. Example Subjects of exploration “Meditation” can cover a whole range of techniques and traditions (separate subjects?): ◦ Why meditate? ◦ What is your experience when you meditate? ◦ How do you meditate? ◦ Is Mindfulness different from meditation? What have you tried that did not work or did not work the way you expected? ◦ techniques, rituals, therapies, religious practices Emotions ◦ Are emotions useful or a hindrance in personal or spiritual development? God ◦ Words: e.g. Source, Goddess, (named) Deity , Life Force, Creator, etc. ◦ Is it useful to use the word [God] and what do you mean by it? ◦ Do you have an image of [God], a bit like a personal image or an image that a certain religion suggests; or do you use the word [God] for the underlying creative/life force of the universe; or something else? Is it useful to ask: “Who am I?” ◦ Variations: “Who am I?”, “What am I?”, “Where is the ‘me’; inside, outside, both?” Ego ◦ Is it a problem or a feature? ◦ How do you experience it? Free Will ◦ What is it? ◦ Does free will exist? Gratitude ◦ Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved. ◦ Whether you believe in a divine plan or in the big bang and random evolution, the fact that we are here as sentient beings, talking to each other is a miracle. Life after/before death ◦ Heaven & Hell ◦ Reincarnation What is the Salisbury Centre about? Room: Wellspring Room Accessibility: Wellspring Room is fully accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements. Additionally, if relevant, please fill in this PEEP template and share it with the organisers. Cost: This is now a Salisbury Centre Community Event; attendance is by donation (but we would like to cover at least the room rent); please give cash to Geetam or use the contactless device in the hall with the reference “Lets talk about” BEFORE entering the amount. How to attend: No need to book, but if you want more information before attending please email Geetam:geetam0@gmail.com

Frequently asked questions