Often regarded simply as a desire to know or learn, curiosity is a powerful force that drives creativity, innovation and discovery. It propels us beyond the boundaries of the known, allowing us to reimagine our world. Watch a young child and you will see a natural inclination to explore, ask questions and seek out new experiences. Speaker: Judy Johnson Judy Johnson, who shares from a very varied and rich experience, will look at: The relationship between curiosity and creativity Practical tools for cultivating curiosity in our approach to living For 35 years Judy has worked as a facilitator and coaching consultant in experiential learning, leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She is known for her insight and her ability to go into the depth of a subject in a fun and interesting way.. Judy is an author and co-founder of ‘Peace Halifax’ a festival for peace in the city of Halifax, Canada. Her books include a young adult novel which she wrote with her two daughters, “The Seven Secrets of the Universe" (2014) and co-author “A-Z Spiritual Literacy" (2016), "Living as Art" (2018) and "Return to Source: The God Experience” (2020). Judy coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic, Canada.

A fascinating event with Shri Krishna’s divinity and wisdom. Through devotional songs of pure innocence, dances of harmony and insightful conversations, Shri Krishna’s story allows us to journey from hope to happiness. A conversation between Sister Indu and Shrinidhi. Sister Indu - Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris, Leicester BK Shrinidhi - Radio Jockey & Television Presenter With dance performances by Mira Salat - Director of Maati House

Do you ever feel a longing within yourself, a sense of something missing? This feeling can create a profound sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. It is one we frequently try to mask with temporary, external things, such as a new phone or an exotic holiday abroad. But although we may feel soothed for a while, that void will keep re-opening until we decide to look inside to find a deeper cause. Join us for this insightful talk to explore: • How to identify the roots of emptiness • Practical tools and techniques to reconnect to our inner light • Cultivate a true sense of meaning and fulfilment Speaker: Charlie Hogg Based in Sydney, Charlie is the National Coordinator (Chief Executive) of the Brahma Kumaris in Australia, and the Chairman of its Board of Directors. He is also an active member of the International Coordinating Group, responsible for major international projects and the administrative direction of the organisation’s global network of centres. As a senior teacher of the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years, Charlie travels extensively and has visited more than 80 countries as a speaker at international conferences and public events. Based on his own regular practice, he has found meditation to be an extraordinary tool which helps to maintain mental and spiritual health in an increasingly challenging world.

Celebrating World Friendship Day True friends never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart Helen Keller With a friend, we can share our hopes and dreams as well as create a safe space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without judgement . Friendship has unlimited potential to enhance our growth and provide us with support on our spiritual journey. Join two good friends, Ash Patel and Matthew Earl, to delve into what is the real spirit of friendship. Listen in on their heartfelt conversation to discover the profound impact of authentic friendships. In this talk, they will explore the essence of true companionship, share insights on building meaningful bonds, and celebrate the transformative influence even one genuine friend can have. Matthew, a graduate in Genetics, and former self-described "spiritual sceptic", discovered meditation on his personal growth journey. Its profound impact gave him a strong purpose to share the practical techniques that transformed his life. For over two decades, Matthew has guided students through courses, talks, workshops, and exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. Currently based in London, working most recently as Head of Business Growth, his unique blend of experience allows him to connect with a diverse audience, effectively translating the power of Raja Yoga meditation into practical applications you can use every day. Ash was introduced to Raja Yoga meditation at an early age, and he gradually recognized the profound value of its teachings in all aspects of his life. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and with an interest in inner healing, self-compassion and heartfulness, Ash facilitates engaging classes, workshops, and retreats. He is based in Worthing, where he actively contributes to his local community, while also sharing his wisdom and guidance with audiences around the world.

Are you affected by people and situations around you? Do you get impressed by people easily? Do you play the game of trying to control or be controlled? Join Jane Kay to explore how to: ● Understand your own power and ability to positively influence ● Discover how to protect yourself from negative influences ● Know how to be independent and yet belong to others and live as part of a community ● Gain the courage to stop following or controlling and start living on purpose! Speaker: Jane Kay Jane first started meditating with the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil in 1981. She spent time in Brazil, Florida and Costa Rica co-ordinating activities for BK centres. Recently retired from her post as Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, Jane now spends quite a lot of her time editing and writing articles for publication on a variety of spiritual themes. Jane is a warm, engaging and insightful speaker with a wealth of experience.

All our great creative works are inspired by some higher consciousness and can transport the watcher or listener to another world of thoughts and feelings. In this talk Carole will share her understanding of how inspiration works, the importance of silence as the soil in which creativity flourishes and some of her own personal experiences of what magic can unfold when we allow this to happen. Speaker: Carole Glover Carole Glover has been an artist all her life and has had many exhibitions all over the world, including in Russia and China. During the Bosnian war she went with an international group of women to Zargreb to work with refugees and got involved with a peace project called: ’Through Heart to Peace’. Carole came across the BKs in Nottingham in the mid 90s and has been an active member of local interfaith groups since then. Carole was instrumental in organising student exhibitions at Nottingham University on the theme of peace and made an installation as a part of a local Arts festival. Carole now lives in Lincoln where she is a chaplain for the University and runs courses in Positive Thinking and Raja Yoga Meditation.

We go to the gym to tone and strengthen our bodies. Can we also keep our minds 'flexed' and in a positive state of flow, even in the face of everyday challenges? Join David Goodman to explore simple and effective ways to increase engagement in the present moment and build inner resilience. Speaker: David Goodman Based in Leeds, David helps to coordinate activities for Brahma Kumaris in the North of England. A retired community dentist, David takes an active interest in cultivating a healthy lifestyle: he is a keen organic gardener and loves all types of sport. He is also a trustee of the Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare, a charity which supports the wellbeing of health and social care professionals and patients. An experienced meditator of over 40 years, David shares with an accessible blend of humour and down to earth spiritual wisdom.

Many see discipline as a restriction on freedom, the voice of a killjoy, and even an act of aggression. Even the dictionary definition of discipline contains a reference to punishment. Yet, it is evident that success in all areas of life comes to those who learn to embrace discipline as a celebration of personal power and choice. In this evening’s talk, we will explore discipline as a form of love, for myself and for those in my care. Speaker: Jim Dees attributes his success as a primary school teacher of 26 years to the insights, understanding and inner strength he has gained from practising meditation. Working in a variety of senior leadership roles for over 15 years, and currently as a headteacher of a large primary school in Harrow, his focus has always been on exploring effective ways to develop positive communities built on a foundation of cooperation and collaboration.

A contribution to International Day of Yoga adopted by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated across the world every year on 21st June. Often thought of, particularly in the West, as the practice of physical exercises or asanas, including systems of breathing, the word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. One of yoga’s most famous practitioners, the late B.K.S. Iyengar, described it as a way of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endowing skill in action. Our speaker this evening will explore the relationship and connections between Hatha Yoga in its various forms and levels and Raja Yoga as taught and practised by the Brahma Kumaris. Speaker: Dr E V Swaminathan Dr Swaminathan is a life coach, human resource trainer and consultant who is keen to use his knowledge and skills to help create a more values based society. With a background in Engineering, Dr Swaminathan has studied extensively and his academic achievements include a Masters in Yoga and Psychology as well as a PhD in Emotional and Quantum Intelligence. He has been a corporate trainer for more than 20 years and has worked with a wide variety of organisations and companies including the State Bank of India and TATA motors. He is a much sought after speaker and has given talks at a number of professional and other conferences in India and abroad. Dr Swaminathan has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for the past 28 years.

This talk is a contribution to World Environment Day on the 5th June. Indigenous people from all over the world remind us of the deep relationship we have with the land. We have forgotten and abused this relationship. How do we restore and regenerate the richness of the land so it can continue to sustain us? Can we apply the same wisdom to restoring healthy, positive relationships with our bodies and with our true selves? Speaker: Dr David Fletcher Dr David Fletcher has been a social justice educator and advocate for over 35 years. He trained as a cultural anthropologist and has studied and worked with indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. He is deeply committed to revitalising a harmonious relationship with the natural world and all other living beings on this planet. His current research interests are in indigenous knowledge, community resilience and food sovereignty. David has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years.

The human mind craves security and seeks it constantly in people, places and circumstances. But there is only one truly safe place to go, and finding that place is an adventure, a pilgrimage and ultimately a homecoming for the spirit. Speaker: Toots Beckett Toots Beckett has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for 26 years. She is a mother and works in inner-city London schools, supporting the medical and social/emotional needs of the children. Toots is fascinated by the continuity of life and loves to share the insights gained from applying the teachings of Raja Yoga in her practical life.

It is said that life happens whilst you are busy making plans. But when life goes in a radically different direction than expected, it can be disorienting, disappointing, or even devastating. How can we feel that all is well with our world, when it changes too suddenly to make sense of it and how do we navigate through the ever-changing landscapes of our lives? Speaker: Margaret Barron Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has a particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. She has a degree in Adult Education and Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.