When

Date:
Sun, 26th March 2023
9:15am–12:30pm AEDT

Presenters:
Multiple / Various
Scroll down for more details

Cost: $30.00

Where

Online via Zoom.
Meeting details will be supplied after registration.

Online Cultural Day

Running for over 20 years, the Cultural Day is a major event for the Melbourne School of Philosophy where students come together twice a year to share good company, find inspiration and learn something new. The Cultural Day is a unique event where the more senior students from the School invest their time and considerable experience in creating presentations to share with the earlier students of the school.

The next School of Philosophy Cultural Day will be held online on Sunday, 26th March 2023. Students of the School of Philosophy and their friends and family can attend two sessions of your choosing. Each session runs for 75 minutes, and allows ample opportunity for questions and group discussion.

The Schedule

  • 9:15 am – 9.25 am – Introduction to the day

  • 9.30 – 10.45 – Session 1

  • 11:00 am – 12.15 pm – Session 2

  • 12.20 – 12.30 – Closing meeting

* Click on ” The Schedule” section above for session details.

A total of 8 presentations are being offered, giving you a choice of four in the first session and four in the second session. You will enrol directly for each session and receive a separate Zoom link for each of the two sessions that you have chosen and the opening and closing meetings.

The fee for the day is $30 per person.

Melbourne Online Cultural Day – Event details

Session 1 Presentations 9:30am – 10:45am

Welcome

Mr James Webster, 9:15am – 9:25am
Welcome, pause and a brief description of the event.

Staying Grounded and Purposeful While Dealing With Life’s Many Challenges

In the midst of the seemingly endless challenges life presents to us, almost on a daily basis, we often feel that we are simply at the mercy of events, pulled in all sorts of directions, with contentment and indeed enjoyment of life a remote possibility. Is there a way to rise above these challenges and at the same time deal with them effectively and restore the joy in life? To feel grounded, balanced and contented as we go about our lives? We will explore ways old and new to shed light on how we can lead a more joyful and effective life.

Presenter: Mr Michael Smith

Be silent. Listen. Remember.

The writings of Hermes Trismegistus are said to ‘lift the soul like a magnet lifts metal’. The truth of these ancient texts has influenced philosophers for several millennia (Plato, Ficino, Plotinus, Shakespeare and others) and will be familiar to students of Advaita. Hear the perennial philosophy in words that speak straight into the being, that bring change to the heart and awaken one to the truth. Join this shared exploration of excerpts from the Corpus Hermeticum.

Presenter: Mrs Donna Wynnemer

It is as it is.

Inner non-resistance to what is leads to a life of Harmony, Simplicity, Love and Peace. This practical interactive session will allow you to experience inner non-resistance.

Presenter: Dr Neil McNab

The nature and needs of children 0 - 16 years

Two sages – one from the east and the other from the west, one from ancient times and the other from today – have the same understanding of children’s nature and needs. From 0 to 5 years, one aspect of their nature predominates, needing particular care; from 5 years onwards a second aspect enters with new needs. Once these two aspects are discovered, they may
guide our simple yet profound nurture of the best in children.

Presenter: Mrs Helen Nichol

Session 2 Presentations 11:00am – 12:15pm

Freedom of Speech

How many of our waking hours are spent in conversation? How much of that conversation is enlightening? Do we speak with any real freedom and arrive at truth? The art of discourse or conversation is one that can be greatly improved by guidance and practice. In this practical workshop we will examine the basic principles of dialectic – the tool that Socrates used in his unrelenting search for truth that we too can use to help us to spot the pitfalls that can so easily hinder the development of uplifting and rewarding discussion.

Presenter: Mrs Marita Brewster

Mastering action

Together we will explore – with ample opportunity for practice and discussion – how philosophy can imbue our actions with confidence, efficiency and grace; transforming the apparent ordinary into the extraordinary. There is no clash between the worldly and the spiritual. We can master both. Prior to the workshop – select a task (non electronic) around the home that you can work on for 15 – 20 minutes without interruption.

Presenter: Mr Robert Udovicich

Western Tradition

This is almost a forbidden topic these days! Is there anything good in it before it’s thrown out?

Presenter: Mrs Helen Nichol

I of the Storm – Real life solutions for virtual life challenges

In this session we will be introduced to or reminded about some great practical philosophical living tools. These include – Self Knowledge, Courage, Service, Good Company and Universal Love

Presenter: Dr Stephen McKenzie

Event closing

Mr James Webster, 12:20am – 12:30am
Farewell, thank yous and pause.

About the Cultural Day

culturalday-logo

Cultural Day is a day full of inspiration, fellowship and calm for philosophy students their families, friends and past students.

First presented in 1997 it has become a Melbourne School of Philosophy institution due to its popularity and extensive breadth of offerings on all aspects of life and all areas of study. Offered twice per year Cultural Day is an opportunity to take part in different workshops during a full day that follows an expo style format with a difference – all the presenters are fellow students of philosophy with a love of their subject.

The variety was excellent and the presentations were delivered with so much interest and love…
Jane

It was lovely to spend time with like-minded people…

Sandra

I felt very comfortable in a welcoming atmosphere. There is a lightness of spirit to the whole day!

Mark