Hi again, my lovely readers!

This is a quickie intro. I’ve got nothing of note for you this week, except for these lovely gatherings. As a reminder, submit your events here and your ads here.

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Now, onto the GIF and the good stuff:

Weekend Retreat in Brewster, NY. Master Yours and Become Magnetic

June 4–7, a four-day return to yourself. This meditation, yoga, and self mastery retreat focuses on reconnecting you with your divine essence and how you show up in your life and relationships. Hosted by BK Honest Yoga, known for intimate, transformative experiences, it takes place in Brewster, just a train ride from the city. Expect something grounded and real: a small group, thoughtful practice, shared meals, and genuine connection.

Gatherings

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

Tuesday, May 12: Cooking For The End Of The World

​A talk and workshop with artist Adriana Gallo dealing with ends of worlds and collapses of all kinds. We will begin with a talk on cooking for the end of the world: exploring the gastronomic logics of doomsday preppers, excavating lost culinary worlds, and looking critically at preservation methods (traditional and otherwise).

​Following the talk, inspired by doomsday prepper kits and MRE’s, we will design our own individual bouillon broths from a selection of dried and powdered ingredients. Accompanying the broths will be a meal of ferments, preserves, and bread. The workshop will examine how we collectively and individually negotiate The End and how we express that through material relations and production.

$40. 7 to 8:30 PM. Telos Haus. Info here.

Tuesday, May 12: Perfectionism

If you've ever stalled on something you care about because it wasn't "ready," held back what you really wanted to say, or felt like nothing you do is ever quite enough — perfectionism might be running more of the show than you think. We'll explore what actually opens up when we start to loosen the grip of perfectionism. Not letting go of caring, but of controlling. Because there's a lot of life available on the other side of "perfect."

$44 (code JOYLIST; scholarships available at $25). 199 N 8th St, Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Info here.

Tuesday, May 12: Somartica

Somartica — somatics meets art — is a monthly practice blending creativity, embodiment, and connection into an evening that gets you out of your head and into your body. Part art making, part movement, all play. Come as you are, make some friends, and leave feeling refreshed.

$30, 7–9 PM, 147 Metropolitan Avenue. Info here.

Wednesday, May 13: StoryTell: Mischief

Join StoryTell for an evening of connection through conversation and personal storytelling on the theme of Mischief. Through guided discussion and optional short stories, you'll reflect on times you broke the rules, took risks, and got in a little trouble. A low-stakes, welcoming space to share, listen, and build deeper in-person connections.

$30, 6:30–9 PM, Lightning Society Lofts, Bushwick. Info here.

Wednesday, May 13: Word Play Social: May the Words Be With You

A friendly night of word games, puzzles, and low-stakes linguistic mischief — Bananagrams, Boggle, Scrabble, crosswords, and anything else you're game for. Word Play Social is where connecting letters into words becomes the spark for connecting with each other. No pressure, no expertise required — just curiosity and a willingness to let your guard down faster than you can say "triple word score." Part of Community Week NYC (May 9–17, 2026).

Free, 6:30–8:30 PM, Fabrik DUMBO, 20 Jay St. Info here.

Wednesday, May 13: Witches' Ladder Workshop

An evening of knot spells and intention setting, hosted by mythically gifted painter, sculptor, and magick maker Amy Bravo. BYO charms, talismans, and anything you want to tie into your ladder — all other materials provided. A witches' ladder is a knot spell dating back to the 1800s, where intentions are woven into a knotted cord alongside charms, feathers, ribbon, and more. Sliding scale entry to be paid the day of.

Sliding scale $10–$30, 7–9 PM, 162 Noble St. Info here.

Sunday, May 17: Re:source Practice | Move, Breathe, Connect

A somatic movement, guided breathwork, and authentic connection experience — an invitation to return to the body, to the present moment, and into genuine connection with others.

$35 (sliding scale available), 5–6:30 PM, Reforesters Laboratory, 147 Metropolitan Ave. Info here.

Sunday, May 17: "You Gotta Be" - Des'ree| One-Day Choir

Gaia Music Collective's One-Day Choir series is an opportunity to sing in a choir for one day only. A celebration of song and the connective power of singing in harmony. An opportunity to build community, make some new friends, and raise our powerfully diverse voices as one.

No auditions. No commitment. No judgment or need for perfection.

Just the joy of creating something bigger than ourselves with a room full of beautiful humans!

Donation-based. 1 PM. 100 Sutton St. Info here.

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That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian