(1 minute video) This group is for people who value and enjoy deeper discussions with amazing people and who are also willing to rise to the occasion by joining us to help make these discussion opportunities an ongoing reality. The events held in this group are all about having fun nights of great people and 'deeper' discussions over dinner in a charming restaurant. This Meetup group was created by Glen Brauer as part of a non-profit global initiative using practical philosophy to bring togeth …

This group is dedicated to an exploration of the ideas informing educational philosophy, policy-making and planning - including investigation, analysis and critique of educational design at the local, state, national and international levels. I hope to open an erudite and broad-minded conversation about the underlying purpose(s) of public education from an eclectic, multi-angled perspective (i.e., classical Western, Eastern, post-modern, traditionalist, etc.). I am interested in what are the m …

"Stranger, here you do well to tarry; Here our highest good is pleasure" Join a gathering of Friends to discuss applied Epicurean philosophy; the research, science and philosophy of happiness; simple living, frugality, self-sufficiency; ataraxia, living the pleasant life and the analysed life, even perhaps gardening and other Epicurean interests as presented in the webpage for the International Society of Friends of Epicurus: societyofepicurus.com/ For more on Epicureanism, you may visit newepic …

Bodhi Path Buddhist Center of Chicago (www.bodhipath.org/chicago) is part of an international organization of Buddhist meditation centers founded by Shamar Rinpoche. Rinpoche and many other teachers provide meditation, philosophy instruction, and guidance to learn and practice Buddhism. Resident Dharma Teacher Rachel Parrish offers teachings and meditation instruction. Meditation is practiced through guided instruction geared to the needs of those in attendance. Various texts are also studied an …

The Chicago Socialist Youth is an amalgam of independant, free thinking youth in Chicago dedicated on creating a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control - A non-racist, classless, feminist, environmentalist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community for the greater good. We seek a society that is based on the fundamental tenets of collective human decency instead of selfish individualism. We fight for a new social and economic …

We meet twice a month to discuss designated during the taping of Insight Radio.  (If you have not listened, here is the last show:  Insight Radio is looking for guests for our next show on current events.  Here are recent shows: Guest: Fran Hawthorne, Author of Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love. Award-winning journalist Fran Hawthorne has been a writer or editor at Fortune, BusinessWeek, Institutional Investor, Crane's and other publications. She is the author of …

Chicago Gor is a group of Goreans, Gor-curious, and Gor-interested individuals in and around Chicago. We are a community of Goreans, that is people living by the philosophy and principles of Gor: Honor, Integrity, Strength, Honesty. We welcome other Goreans as well as those interested in learning more about Gor. Our gatherings range from monthly restaurant get-togethers to larger events at the home of one or another member. Nearly all are open to new-comers. There is a Home Stone in Chicago. Gor …

The Ethical Humanist Society is a congregation for those who seek a rational, compassionate philosophy of life without regard to belief or non-belief in a supreme being.

Do you have a hunger for deeper understanding of yourself and the world? Do you value deep, honest and respectful dialogue? Socrates Café’s are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the central idea that we learn more when we question, and question with others. At the Socrates Café, we get together for a monthly discussion of a life question that interests or challenges us. We arrive on the n …

This is a support group for moms who home teach their children using Miss Charlotte Masons unique philosophies, or are interested in learning more about them. If classical education is your desire you have found the right place.

ATTENTION!!!!!! This group is being transfered to a different site. If you want to join Chicago Veg*n Nerds, go here: http://www.meetup.com/vegNerds _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We get together for various events. They can be for social, ethical, and / or intellectual purposes. We encourage all members to suggest event ideas, on the Message board. Some events we have include: 1. Potlucks 2. Socials at …

"The purpose of this meetup is to provide a venue for individuals who walk the esoteric/inner path but also strive for a balance with their more exoteric & worldly nature. I seek others like myself who walk the inner path and have experienced inner transfigurations and can examine these powerful, spiritual experiences from a scientific & psychological lens, who introspect ruthlessly, who are open to exploring the inner realms of self-identity, and who value knowledge and wisdom above all.  I hav …

What makes a person different than a rock (and different from every other inanimate object)? Or are we so different after all? Isn't the human body nothing more than a machine which is ultimately comprised of mere molecules and atoms? In what sense, if any, does a person consist of more than his or her physical body? Does a person have a soul? If so, then what do we mean by “soul” and what might the nature of a soul be? In short, what is the phenomena that we call “consciousness?” Moreover, how …

Self Enquiry Life Fellowship is a US based Nonprofit stablished to preserve and disseminate indigenous knowledge from the ancient Sanskrit heritage, including extant literature, spiritual practices of Vedic antiquity, esoteric Himalayan yoga and meditation techniques of unbroken lineages. The Nonprofit aims to make accessible through its educational publishing projects, the spiritual philosophy passed down by the monastic lineages of Himalayan masters and intonated Sanskrit hymns meant for subl …

Suburban Adventures extends a warm welcome to lesbian women of the Suburbs. Our focus is to provide fun, entertaining, educational and social events for like minded women of the community without the need to go to the city. We welcome as members both singles and couples of the lesbian community. Our Meetups will run the gamut including brunches, dinners, movies, clubs, walks, hikes, snow tubing, skiing, bowling, sporting events, cultural events, bike rides, charitable events, meet & greets, etc. …

The Chicago Chapter of the Ayn Rand Institute promotes the Institute's mission of educating students and adults on the value of individual rights, reason and free markets. Through ARI's series of outreach and educational workshops, chapter members gain valuable insight into Ayn Rand's philosophy (Objectivism) expressed in her novels, Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, Anthem and We the Living as well as her collection of non-fiction books on philosophy and other topical essays. The Chicago Chapte …

Inspired by the fictional Jedi in Star Wars, we strive to emulate the path of the Jedi in our real lives. We're not just Star Wars fans, but people who see a core of truth in its philosophy that is worth bringing into the world. Our meetings are for the purpose of training (martial arts, meditation, energy, philosophy, and other topics a Jedi knight needs to understand) and building community. We also don't just sit around watching films and reading books; we go out and offer our services wher …

The FB Mission; Fishin’ Buddies! mission is to train children through fishing and conservation programs. To help instill a deep, abiding love for the sublime art of sport fishing. To instill an immutable concern for the air, land and waters of our planet, and a desire to nurture the soul through communion with the outdoors. Our Philosophy; Fishin’ Buddies! believes in the emotional and psychological restorative powers of the outdoors. We believe it is important to expose this philosophy to c …

The Gentlemen Elite Social Club Our Philosophy: "A gentleman is a highly favorable title only well-deserving men earn, and should not be thrown around loosely nor taken lightly. A true gentleman is a man who is well-mannered, well-groomed, mindful of female sensibilities, well-read, socially adept, and respectful to everyone, regardless of their class, color, creed or gender." We here at the Gentlemen Elite Social Club organize the best social events for both men and women (including concerts, …

Anyone can join, whether or not you're a vegan, vegetarian, animal welfare activist, green environmentalist, intellectual, or nerd.  All you need is an interest in what we do. You can see our calendar for animal welfare / animal rights relevant events and nerdy and veg*n stuff: http://www.meetup.com/vegNerds/#calendar We get together for a variety of events. They can be for social, ethical, and / or intellectual purposes. We encourage all members to suggest event ideas, on the Message board, o …

Group members are taught the essentials of mindfulness and how the process relates to their feelings. The technique teaches them to be aware of what they are feeling in the moment, which allows for a deepening of the way they relate to their thoughts and patterns. Unwanted patterns of relating and behaving discovered during the sessions can then be shifted. Using both avenues of psychology and mindfulness allows patterns to shift more rapidly as cognitive work helps people to understand the issu …

Begun in 2011 under a different name, North Shore Homeschool aims to provide home educators in Northern Chicagoland with group learning opportunities, homeschooled child playdates, and social support. Our goal, through respectful dialogue and inclusive practices, is to welcome a variety of home education philosophies, religious backgrounds, and parenting choices.  We openly support the LGBT community and those who, for whatever reason, may feel excluded from other homeschooling groups. Our mem …

The purpose of this meeting is to encourage those in our community who wish to learn more about Theosophy, spiritual philosophy, and open minded inquiry to have a place to congregate and listen to lectures or attend classes.  The Theosophical Society in Wheaton is a non for profit organization, and always has different speakers and activities.  This meetup is a great way to see what is going on nearby!

Meet other local atheists and freethinkers. Gather to discuss beliefs and philosophies, and make new friends. Discuss contemporary issues regarding hispanics/latinos and the predominance of religion in our culture. Make atheists more visible in our local communities by promoting education, community service, secular religious education and upholding the separation of church and state.

This is a group for anyone who speaks some French and would like to discuss en francais a host of interesting topics from politics, to food, to theatre to philosophy. While we welcome all levels of French, it does help if you have a good basic knowledge of French so that you can participate in conversations.

This will be an introduction to Tai Ji or T'ai Chi. A 2000 year old art. It is a moving meditation & can be practiced well into ones 80 's & beyond. It is great for: improving health, stamina, balance, coordination, peace of mind & self- defense. It's fun too! Basic principles , movements, philosophy & applications will be covered. The class is open to all levels & styles of players. It is designed for the beginning to intermediate player.

METAPHYSICAL AND SPIRITUALITY MEETUP GROUP is a safe and loving place for spiritual development and personal growth. We invite those who are ready for the next step on their own path to join us in the journey we are all on. Metaphysical and Spirituality's mission is to provide a safe and sacred environment to explore new areas that challenge us and to meet others of like mind. We provide access to new and ancient ideas of human thought and the opportunity to learn from those that have gone …

This Active and Lucid Dreaming group is a circle in which we explore the lessons and adventures of dreams.  Dreams are fascinating when you pull back the layers.  Let us familiarize ourselves with the furniture of the mind, uncover personal symbols, and find the great freedom that comes from truly knowing the lifeworld of our inner selves. You should join this group if you are actively involved with your dreams or are interested in exploring lucid dreaming!