Happy sunny day, my lovely readers!

Wow, this sunshine is making me feel like I’m on DRUGS. It rocks. Shoutout to the sun.

Now, onto the GIF and the good stuff:

Free Opportunity to Transform Your Relationships

Want 12 weeks of FREE group therapy? Volunteer to be part of this documentary, which explores what it’s like to be part of a process group. You’ll save $1800, meet people who are interested in personal development, and help others understand if group therapy is for them. Learn more and express interest here.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Shoutout to Unmuted, a newsletter highlighting events across the political spectrum, for sharing some great gatherings that I included this week! Also shoutout to Bright Nights Social, a newsletter promoting sober partying.

Tuesday, March 10: Somartica

What happens when adults remember their most embodied, creative selves? Come join us for this joyful, play-filled evening to find out. Through guided meditation, intuitive movement (dancing, anyone?!) and free-form creative expression, you'll drop your worries, connect with others, and maybe even laugh harder than you have in months. No experience necessary!

$30 Suggested, 7 pm, 147 Metropolitan Avenue. Info here.

Tuesday, March 10: Nothing About Us Without Us: Community Policy Summit

Join us for our annual community dinner and conversation about the criminal, immigration, civil, and family policing systems.

Nothing in the Bronx should happen without input from the people from the Bronx - but every day city and state policy makers make choices about funding, programs, and priorities that impact our community without the full participation of the community.

Come out to talk about YOUR priorities with neighbors and advocates and to hear about the ways The Bronx Defenders is pushing back against systemic racism and advocating for a more equitable and safe borough.

Spanish translation will be available.

Free. 5:30 PM. BronxWorks Classic Community Center. Info here.

Wednesday, March 11: Word Play Social: Lucky Letters

Do you feel lucky? Let's see if you can pull off that high score!Join us for our March Word-Off, a friendly night of word games, puzzles, and low-stakes linguistic mischief. Think Bananagrams, Boggle, Scrabble, crosswords...and anything else you’re game for.Word Play Social is a where connecting letters into words becomes the spark for connecting with each other. No pressure, no expertise required...just curiosity, a sense of play, and a willingness to let your guard down faster than you can say “triple word score.”

Free, 6:30PM-9:00PM, Fabrik DUMBO, 20 Jay St Suite 218, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Info here.

Thursday, March 12: Velvet Underground

Velvet Underground returns by popular demand as a candlelit salon for the quietly bold and playfully curious, blending an evening soirée with intentional connection. Step into a lush, intimate setting where conversation, sensory experiences, and spontaneous moments unfold through music, atmosphere, and shared presence. With specialty beverages and gentle facilitation woven throughout the evening, the night invites guests to explore connection, creativity, and embodiment at their own pace. Think conscious nightlife meets artful gathering — a space where delight, depth, and curiosity naturally meet.

$28 , 7:30-10:30pm, 402 Hooper St, Brooklyn, New York. Info here.

Thursday, March 12: An UNMUTED x P&T Free Speech Salon I: The War on Protest

Join us for a conversation that cuts across partisan reflexes. We'll challenge you to defend disruption for causes you oppose and demand order for ones you support. If you've ever noticed your principles shifting depending on whose flag is being waved, this one's for you.

• General Admission ticket includes a glass of wine or beer

• ​30 minutes of mingling

• Two 25 minute facilitated small group discussions with two key questions

• A final open mic for anyone to say what they learned and where they were challenged

• After party at a nearby dive

$28.52. 6:30 to 8 pm. P&T Knitwear Books & Podcasts, 180 Orchard St. Info here.

Saturday, March 14: Sauna and Sound Popup

Cul De Sac is popping up with their portable sauna at a community garden in the East Village for a weekend of sweat, cold plunges, and beats. It’s all outdoors, so bring something warm & comfy to hang out after your sauna sesh while you’re sipping some soup or downing ginger shots.

$22.85. 11 am to 6 PM. La Plaza Cultural. Info here.

Sunday, March 15: Sunday Platform with J. Machelle Sweeting: Women, Ethical Culture, and the Ongoing Work of Justice

Framed through history and lived experience, J. Machelle Sweeting will explore the historic and continuing role of women in advancing equality, education, and social reform. From San Juan Hill to Harlem and to the sunny shores of the Bahamas her remarks will reflect on how women’s leadership in the New York Society for Ethical Culture and their enduring partnership with movements for civil rights, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), transformed moral philosophy into public action and how they continue to shape the ongoing pursuit of justice in our communities and institutions today.

Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest. Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Humanist philosophy. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

Free. 11 AM to 12:15 PM. 2 W 64th St. Info here.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian