New Acropolis Los Angeles

Last chance to submit your beautiful artwork. Don’t miss out:

Philosophical Photo Contest 2024
Are you a seeker of depth and meaning in your photographic journey?
Do you yearn to convey wisdom and beauty through your visual creations? Now is your opportunity to share a message emanating from the depths of your heart and your explorations with shapes, hues, and light.
This year’s theme for the 1st edition of the Philo-Photo photography competition is UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY.
The contest was created by New Acropolis, an international organization that fosters timeless values for individual and collective growth through philosophy, culture, and volunteering.
This contest invites photographers worldwide to embark on a journey of philosophical exploration through the lens.
How to participate?
Every participant can register directly on the website and send between 1-3 photos
For more information on how to apply visit https://philophoto.org/
Deadline to submit your photos is 31st July 2024.

Team Building Trip - Nicosia, Cyprus 🇨🇾
Group games to develop trust, group coordination, connection with 🌳,
teamwork development, dancing, good mood,
interesting discussions on various topics.
This trip had it all.
In doing all of the above we have come a little closer
and became a bit more familiar with each other.

Philosophical weekend - Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Members of New Acropolis from several cities in the Czech Republic had the opportunity over the weekend to practice cooperation, the communication not only of ideas but also of emotions both verbally and non-verbally to improve understanding between people. The weekend program had an acting workshop and short inspirational skits about finding the source of happiness and how Prometheus brought the flames of knowledge to humanity; hatha yoga and first aid on a psychological level, that is, how to react when you encounter someone in a traumatic situation. Afternoons were then spent sitting around a campfire and sharing experiences and lessons learned during the day.

Photography exhibition “Unity Through Diversity” (Athens, Greece) 🇬🇷

Honoring the Art, that is a part of culture, a photography 📷 exhibition titled “Unity Through Diversity” was held in Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens.
The photographs came from the recent trip of the members from New Acropolis Greece 🇬🇷 to Peru 🇵🇪 and depicted sacred landscapes, faces, and moments of interaction, highlighting that all people are one.

5th Edition of the Teseo Youth Camp - Oeiras-Cascais, Portugal 🇵🇹
Nova Acrópole Oeiras-Cascais held the Fifth TESEO Youth Camp in Serra da Estrela.

The camp provided many moments of joy 😄and togetherness for those taking part. More than twenty young pilgrims took in the sights of the landscape, with its valleys and peaks, as they wandered through the winding paths of nature.

There was time for games, bathing in waterfalls and reflecting on texts from the books “Rules for a Knight” by Ethan Hawke and “Spheres of Consciousness” by Carlos Adelantado.

Cooperation, fraternity and a sense of going beyond limits sum up the most memorable experiences of this weekend of training, contact with nature and harmonious coexistence.

The Acropolitans in California - Pasadena celebrated Earth Day 🌎 with a hike along the beautiful trails in Switzer Falls, combining a nature 🌳🌹🌼 walk with an ecological action of waste collection.
The Goddess Gaia 🌎 inspired us throughout the journey.

☀🌴

Following on from our new series of posts -- time4reflection -- I am attaching the second reflection:

Like a river's flow,
life is ever-changing.
How can you find peace amid the constant currents?


Our series of reflections - a series where we try to dive deep into thought-provoking questions and philosophical statements, inspired by the wisdom of Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Hinduism, along with insights from Western philosophies such as Stoicism and more.

We invite you to take a conscious moment to ponder these questions within yourself. Your reflections can lead to a deep understanding of who you are and bring new dimensions to your life. It's an opportunity to pause, engage in introspection, and embrace growth—a valuable opportunity that we often overlook in our fast-paced lives.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery, reflection and personal growth. Let's explore the depths of our minds and hearts together! 💭✨ -discovery

The Universal Language of Rhythm - Mumbai, India 🇮🇳

New Acropolis hosted “The Universal Language of Rhythm” with Kathak exponent Aditi Bhagwat at the main centre in Colaba, Mumbai, attended by over 70 people. Aditi was joined by Flamenco artist Bettina Castano. Amongst the attendees were the Head of Post, Australian Consulate General, Mumbai – Ms Majell Hind, as well as the Royal Thai Consul Ms. Nuanprae Bunnag.

Aditi explored this theme from several points of view. Her work with harpists, Jazz pianists, African drummers and Korean dancers taught her that tolerance, respect, and humility help build within us the sensitivity and ability to harmonise our rhythm with others. To not judge, but to celebrate the differences. She also explained how Kathak itself is a confluence of two cultures.

The audience was treated to a display of what it means when two very different cultures unite to create harmony, with a Kathak-Flamenco duo performed by Aditi with Bettina Castano. Bettina, like Aditi has collaborated with multiple artists from different traditions & toured the world with her performances. She believes that music and dance have no borders; they unite everybody and give peace.

☀🌴

“What can be more stupid than to be in pain about future things and absent ones which at present are not felt?”

Giordano Bruno

What he is actually asking is why dwell on the uncertainty of tomorrow or the absence of what we don't feel now? Giordano Bruno's wisdom urges us to focus on the present moment, to appreciate future planning but not to be focused on it. Let's stay grounded, avoid unnecessary. Excitement for what is yet to come.

☀🌴

Introducing our new post series -- time4reflection -- where we dive deep into thought-provoking questions and philosophical statements, inspired by the wisdom of Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Hinduism, along with insights from Western philosophies like Stoicism, and more.

We invite you to take a mindful moment to contemplate these questions within yourself. Your reflections can lead to a profound understanding of who you are and bring new dimensions to your life. It's a chance to hit pause, engage in introspection, and embrace growth—a valuable opportunity that we often overlook in our fast-paced lives.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth. Let's explore the depths of our minds and hearts together! 💭✨

Our first reflection is:

Embrace the stillness within: In the quiet of your mind,
what whispers of wisdom arise?


☀🌴

Some ideas are eternal. Consider this: when you make an effort you expect something in return. This expectation, despite being natural, makes you dependent. Real freedom is when you are free from your own expectations.

This truth is expressed by many wisdom traditions and is actually very simple. When we have expectations, we inevitably become frustrated whenever our expectations are not met.

So, what can you do about it? Live without expectations?

Expect what you can control rather than what you cannot. You control your actions but you cannot necessarily control their results. You also have no control over the actions of others..

It’s a mental shift. It’s about doing what you deem right to the best of your knowledge and letting go of any expectations about results. The more you train yourself like that, the freer you become from the self-imposed prison of expectations (and you will actually also get better results in whatever you do).

You tried for that job even though you were afraid of doing it. The fact that you overcame fear is more important than whether you got the job.

You have the chance to help someone, and they may not know or acknowledge your efforts. Are you dependent on their acknowledgment, or will you be able to do what allows you to be at peace and content with yourself?

If living wisely is your thing, please come and visit us. Below are the only free events we have for now, and we'd be glad to meet more like-minded people and enrich each other. Register now and just come!
https://www.facebook.com/NewAcropolisLA/events

🌟 Welcome Sessions: The Path to Inner Knowledge
🗓️ Date: Wednesdays, April 3, April 17, May 1.
🕒 Time:6.30 pm
📍 Location: The Atrium- Suite 120 / 709 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena

The current workshop may be the only one in 2024. Don't miss out.


Hanoch and the New Acropolis team

Free Yourself From Expectations Friends! Some ideas are eternal. Consider this: when you make an effort you expect something in return. This expectation, despite being natural, makes you dependent. Real freedom is when you are free from your own expectations. This truth is expressed by many wisdom traditions and is actually very s...

Creating a chalkboard at the local market of Kypseli - Athens, Greece 🇬🇷

With great enthusiasm, our volunteers from the central branch of Athens have refurbished the chalkboard at Kypseli’s local market, enabling residents to share their affection for their neighborhood!

As part of our organization’s cultural activities, we strive to enhance the beauty of our city, whether through our volunteer initiatives or our artistic endeavors.

☀🌴

An evening of games and adventures 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️
We all got together for a hands-on evening filled with adventures, challenges, and creativity, tackling four types of challenges that put our physical, energetic, emotional, and mental abilities to the test.

It was awesome to see everyone fully engaged, giving it their all, and having a blast during this evening of excitement! 🙃🙂

☀🌴

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Thich
Nhat Hanh

Remember, your smile can be both a reflection of joy and a creator of happiness. As Thich Nhat Tan beautifully said, joy can radiate through our smiles. So, keep smiling—even amidst imperfections. A smile can brighten your day and bring a touch of joy to every moment. 😊

☀🌴

It’s about time!

As we navigate life's twists and turns, I've discovered the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our journey. It's easy to feel stuck in a cycle that doesn't fulfill us.

But we're not alone. Countless others have faced similar challenges and left behind valuable wisdom. I've found immense value in learning from their experiences.

So, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Let's tap into this collective wisdom and uncover the secrets to living a fulfilling life together.

Are you ready to embark on this adventure?

With sincerity and hope 🙏
Hanoch

☀🌴

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.”
PLTO

Each of us carries a unique song within our hearts, waiting for the harmony of another to make it complete.
In the words of Plato, 'Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.' It's a beautiful reminder that those who seek connection and love will always find a melody to share. Love has this magical touch that turns everyone into a poet; at the touch of a lover, we discover the profound poetry within us.

Cherish the songs of your heart and let them resonate with the sweet melodies of others. 💖🎶

☀🌴

Walking in this garden, always makes me think about the path we all walk in life, Filled with a wide variety of colorful distractions, just like our emotions and thoughts. We need to master our use of them through the daily practice of inner reflection in all we do; otherwise,
We are bound to fall asleep into the illusion of the identification with our selfish personality and thus forgetting our true spiritual essence and purpose for all we do.

☀🌴

Stoics and Beauty attract audience at World Philosophy Day - Germany 🇩🇪
“Being a Stoic – day by day” – This was the title of our event in Munich to mark UNESCO World Philosophy Day. Stoic philosophy is practical, and it is as relevant today as it was then. We were therefore delighted to welcome so many new, young and predominantly male first-time visitors, who were naturally drawn to this topic. Four speakers led through the evening with humor, authenticity, seriousness and depth. Their inspiration was reflected by the glowing faces of the visitors.

After a brief introduction of the basic ideas, the evening continued with 3 practical workshops and the opportunity for lively discussion, based on the teachings of Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.

The UNESCO World Philosophy Day was also celebrated by the philosophical colleagues in Nuremberg, where the presenting ladies concentrated on the topic of Beauty.

☀🌴

🌟 Can you fight for a better world if you're not entirely sure of your own beliefs and motivations?
Hey LA trailblazers! 🌟✨ Let's talk about the power of fighting for what you believe in. Look around—without the fighters of the past, we'd still be in the dark ages of injustice. We've come far, but there's more to conquer. Those who ignited change had a vision and an unwavering commitment to righting wrongs.
Yet, here's the secret sauce: to be the champion your cause deserves, you need an inner compass that screams certainty. Picture yourself on the mast, eyes fixed on the horizon, navigating toward a brighter future. 🌅💪 So, ask yourself: What sets your soul on fire? What stirs that urge to change the game? What's genuinely important to you? Your power lies in knowing what fuels that spark in your eyes and touches your heart.
To create change, we must know our convictions, the deep aspirations that guide us. The more in touch we are with these passions, the more we naturally influence our surroundings, sparking change for the better. So, Angelenos, let's tap into that fire within, redefine the game, and set the city of angels ablaze with positive change! 🔥🌆

☀🌴

The New Acropolis in Melbourne Australia - Sharing experiences from Philosophy Day -
🌏✨ We came together on Saturday, December 2, to celebrate World Philosophy Day the American way. Themed 'Philosophy in Action,' we dedicated this gathering to spreading good vibes and illuminating our hearts.

We dove into hours of joy, exploring various activities like painting, dancing, singing, and yoga. Our journey culminated in an open discussion pondering the age-old question: Who am I?

Huge thanks to Sage, Blanka, Calla, and Katya for setting the vibe, seizing the moment, and leading those awesome workshops. It was an absolute honor to have you with us.

Major props to everyone who joined the party! Your positive energies rocked the house. Thanks for daring to step in and out of your comfort zones, making a real contribution to the happiness vibes.

For those itching to delve deeper into life's big mysteries—like who am I, where are we going, and is there a grand purpose to it all—save your spot for the upcoming free intro class to the Living Philosophy course on Wednesday, 1/24.

Check out the BIO for all the deets.

🎉

Rising Above: MLK's Way to Transform Injustice
Friends!
How should we respond when faced with injustice, endure oppression, or witness prejudice? There are moments when our emotions surge, and the temptation to let anger guide our actions becomes strong, convincing us that this is the path to instigating necessary change.

To read more...

https://shoutout.wix.com/so/a3OqGDrqI?languageTag=en

First Aid Course (Athens and Thessaloniki - Greece 🇬🇷

During this period, first-aid seminars have started in Thessaloniki and Athens. It is an opportunity for further voluntary action, so we can train in a practical way in knowledge that can save lives…

☀🌴

"Happiness is not something ready made.
It comes from your own actions."
Dalai Lama

So, what's the Dalai Lama getting at here? What's the real deal with happiness? And what's the deal with "your actions"?
I reckon he's saying that every day we find ourselves in different situations, facing choices that eventually turn into our actions... and come sunset, we can reflect on those actions. Are we squared away with them? Did we make the right calls? Did we handle things the right way? Could we have done something different? The more we're at peace with our daily deeds, the happier we'll be. Sounds simple, right? But it's no walk in the park... It takes being more mindful, staying aware, and that's what we call: Philosophy in action.

If you're curious to dive deeper into our philosophical workshop, hit us up.
Let's set up a chat.

☀🌴

🌱 Is it possible that self-awareness is the missing piece of the puzzle for impactful activism? Read our thoughts....

Hey LA warriors for change! 🌟✊ Let's dive into the power of self-awareness in activism—it's the secret sauce that turns good intentions into impactful revolutions! 🌈💪 Firstly, knowing ourselves means understanding our biases, privileges, and limits, helping us approach activism with genuine humility and a hunger for growth.

But wait, there's more! Self-awareness is your shield against burnout, the superhero cape that ensures your activism marathon doesn't become a sprint. It lets you ride the waves of challenge and emotion, keeping your mental and emotional well-being intact.
Oh, and communication? It's the magic wand of connection. Self-aware activists decode their communication style, defuse personal triggers, and embrace feedback, paving the way for real dialogue and collaboration across all walks of life.

And guess what? Self-awareness turns you into a strategic genius! Aligning activism with your strengths, values, and long-term goals? That's the game-changer, making your efforts focused, sustainable, and downright effective.

In the end, self-awareness isn't just a buzzword; it's the GPS for your personal growth journey. So let's weave it into the fabric of our activism, creating a tapestry of thoughtful, empathetic, and enduring change in this City of Angels! 🌆💙

☀🌴

🌱 Is it possible that self-awareness is the missing piece of the puzzle for impactful activism? Read our thoughts....

Hey LA warriors for change! 🌟✊ Let's dive into the power of self-awareness in activism—it's the secret sauce that turns good intentions into impactful revolutions! 🌈💪 Firstly, knowing ourselves means understanding our biases, privileges, and limits, helping us approach activism with genuine humility and a hunger for growth.

But wait, there's more! Self-awareness is your shield against burnout, the superhero cape that ensures your activism marathon doesn't become a sprint. It lets you ride the waves of challenge and emotion, keeping your mental and emotional well-being intact.
Oh, and communication? It's the magic wand of connection. Self-aware activists decode their communication style, defuse personal triggers, and embrace feedback, paving the way for real dialogue and collaboration across all walks of life.

And guess what? Self-awareness turns you into a strategic genius! Aligning activism with your strengths, values, and long-term goals? That's the game-changer, making your efforts focused, sustainable, and downright effective.

In the end, self-awareness isn't just a buzzword; it's the GPS for your personal growth journey. So let's weave it into the fabric of our activism, creating a tapestry of thoughtful, empathetic, and enduring change in this City of Angels! 🌆💙

We had an excellent and diverse potluck along with a small ceremony that connected us to the energy of winter. We engaged in a small game where we created symbols within the circle we formed. To conclude, we sang 'AMAZING GRACE' together and delved into the origin of the song—its author, and the compelling reasons behind its creation. It's a fascinating story about an incredibly inspiring song

New Acropolis in Novi Sad - Serbia 🇷🇸: lecture “Return of Wisdom”

Volunteers of New Acropolis from Belgrade introduced themselves to the citizens of Novi Sad for the very first time. The lecture “Return of Wisdom” was given in the conference hall of the OPENS Youth Center, with a turnout of around forty people.

Will wisdom return? – it seems not to be a difficult question ❓❓ for the people of Novi Sad who, through a lively discussion that followed the lecture, demonstrated not only readiness for dialogue but also a deep trust in philosophical ideas that have always inspired people.

“Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend.“
Hyphatia

Did Hyphatia literally mean packing your bags?
Was she talking about covering miles to get wise?
I pondered on this, thinking about Hyphatia – a trailblazing philosopher from way back. She was a special, inquisitive, gutsy, and, above all, a fearless soul. When she spoke about distant places, it wasn't just about physical travel; it was an inner journey, a fresh perspective. And most importantly, it took guts – the courage to ditch old parts of ourselves holding us back from getting real with who we are. Sounds like a paradox, right? Well, maybe.

So, here's the scoop: you're invited to roll up to our workshop and decode the mystery behind it. .
See you there, curious minds! 🌟

https://www.acropolisla.org/philosophy-in-the-park

☀🌴