Fika & Philosophy: An Event Series in Stockholm
A conversation series about some of life's big ideas in a small setting over fika
Philosophy is often regarded as a dry, abstract, and pretentious subject. This is unfortunate. There is an abundance of practical wisdom buried within ancient philosophical and spiritual texts – if we only know where and how to look.
I came to philosophy late. After a period in the corporate world, I found myself being drawn to old philosophical texts. There I found solace and insight that was hard to find elsewhere. Slowly my imagined conversations with ancient thinkers started to change how I saw the world and how I lived within it.
Today, my interest in philosophy has proven to be an invaluable foundation in my work as a leadership coach, therapist, and facilitator. I recently published a short book, On Relationality: Lessons from Martin Buber on Living in Relation with Self, Others, the World and Life Itself, which is one of the fruits of that pursuit.
I now hope to continue the conversation with other curious minds, over a bit of fika.
“Fika & Philosophy” is a series of three monthly events in Stockholm. We will be a small group people who will come together to be inspired by some philosophical ideas and each other’s perspectives. No knowledge in philosophy is required beforehand.
I will start by reading a few short extracts on the day’s theme and will then share some of my thoughts. Then we will have an open conversation as a group. We will not necessarily talk about the texts or the theories. Rather, the conversation will revolve around our responses to what we hear. Whether that’s personal stories, new connections and ideas, confusion, or tangential thoughts – everything is welcome.
In a fast-paced world where wisdom can be hard to come by, many of the perspectives we need today are buried within texts that are thousands of years old. I hope that these three gatherings will be a chance to grapple with both ancient teachings and current challenges in the company of friendly strangers.
How it works:
It’s a series of three gatherings. Each gathering will have a theme (e.g. mysticism, relationality, idealism, metaphysics, perennialism) and will be 90 minutes long.
You don’t have to read anything beforehand. And there are no prerequisites for any type of knowledge of philosophy.
Each gathering will start with a bit of fika. Then I will set us off by reading a short philosophical text on the day’s theme. I will then share some of my thoughts on the topic.
After that it will be an open group conversation, where everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, questions, and reflections. I might also lead us in one or two simple group exercises.
Our group conversation will not necessarily be about the text. The text is rather a starting point for an exploration. Detours and tangents are welcome. The path is made by walking.
If you’d like to sit in silence and simply listen during the gatherings, that’s fine. If you’d like to share your thoughts, that’s fine too. There are no requirements other than being willing to show up as you are on the day.
And, of course, we’ll start each gathering with a bit of homemade fika. You can expect coffee, tea, and some kind of kaka, bröd, or bulle. Probably vegan and gluten-free.
The group will be small: maximum 8 people.
The language spoken will be English (unless everyone present speaks Swedish fluently, in which case we will speak Swedish during the conversational part of the gathering).
Schedule:
Thursday, November 16th, 2023 at 17:00-18:30
Thursday, December 14th, 2023 at 17:00-18:30
Thursday, January 11th, 2024 at 17:00-18:30
Price:
590 SEK for all 3 gatherings.
The price includes a copy of my book On Relationality: Lessons from Martin Buber on Living in Relation with Self, Others, the World, and Life Itself. And fika, of course.
PS. If you’re interested in an online version of this event, let me know.
Most interested in an online version!