Global Cooperation House

We may have heard that everything we need lies within and there is only the now, but, as the saying goes, ‘Procrastination is the thief of time’ and is a deeply rooted habit. So what are the roots of procrastination, and what is it telling us?
 
Most, if not all of us, will recognise procrastination as an occasional or frequent life companion so do join our speaker, Mark Fleming, in his investigation into this topic.
  
Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

Procrastination - Why we put things off - Mark Fleming - Thursday 19th September 2024

Emotional highs and demoralising defeats, tennis offers profound tests of character and spirit. From discipline and resilience to humility and generosity it can become a pathway to inner growth.
 
This evening’s talk will explore the test and triumphs of tennis through a unique spiritual lens, uncovering deeper truths about ego, perseverance and grace.
 
Speaker: Eric Le Reste
Eric has an extensive background as a journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news and current affairs programs. For more than 40 years he has been practising Raja Yoga meditation. Based in Montreal, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Canada.

The Tests and Triumphs of Tennis - a Spiritual Perspective - Eric Le Reste - Thursday 3rd July 2025

Self-Respect is the foundation of a vibrant and meaningful life. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how confidently we walk through the world. Imagining your life as a canvas - every choice, relationship and belief adds colour to the picture.
 
Our speaker, Judi Rich, will explore the role self-respect plays in personal growth, healthy boundaries and authentic self-expression. How doubt, fear or the weight of expectations can produce a rather grey existence and how we can re-awaken the colours within. 
 

Judi works as a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She also coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Calgary which is her hometown. Though the intensity and activity of fitness and the stillness and silence of contemplation may seem incompatible, Judi has found that the opposite is true... that they actually enhance each other and create a sense of well-being when integrated.


Colour Your World with Self-Respect - Judi Rich - Thursday 10th July 2025

Holding fixed expectations of ourselves, others or outcomes can be a limitation and lead to disappointment and disagreements. ‘Should’ can be our downfall, closing the door to hidden possibilities. Better to keep an open mind and heart and see life as a continuous journey, often leading to unexpected places and a deeper understanding.
 
Our speaker this evening, Urvashi Patel will be sharing her thoughts, experience and learning on the many aspects of this important topic.
 
Urvashi has been with the Brahma Kumaris from a young age. Originally from Bradford, Urvashi has become an integral part of the International Coordinating Office of the Brahma Kumaris in London. Her friendly and adaptable nature has led her to play a wide variety of roles which span from producing large scale public events to supporting the maintenance of BK centres across the UK. She enjoys teaching Raja Yoga meditation and using practical examples when teaching and sharing.

Beyond Expectations - Urvashi Patel  - Thursday 17th July 2025

In a world that prizes outer achievements - we often overlook the invisible force that fuels true resilience: our inner muscle. This talk will explore what it means to develop mental, emotional and spiritual strength and offer practical tools and perspectives to build the kind of strength that doesn’t wear out but grows stronger with use.
 
Speaker: Dr Kala Mistry, who works in community mental health, has been studying Raja Yoga since 1992. She has conducted spiritual and self-development workshops for health professionals and the general public on the themes of self-empowerment and values. Kala has an interest in exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings and health and how spirituality can lead to improving and maintaining positive mental health.

Developing Inner Muscle - Dr Kala Mistry - Thursday 24th July 2025

Friendship, whether forged over time or sparked in an instant, is more than just a bond - it’s a thread that weaves through the tapestry of our lives, connecting us to laughter, support and shared moments. This talk will explore the essential elements of friendship, how we cultivate those connections, navigate their complexities and in what ways they contribute to our wellbeing.
 
Speaker: Shantanu Mandal is a graduate in Fashion Design from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology in Kolkata, India and also holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Shantanu is passionate about values and how they can be lived and applied in the fields of education, well-being, youth and the environment. In 2019, Shantanu was one of seven youths to be funded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to attend COP 25 in Madrid. Since then he has been representing the Brahma Kumaris Youth at a number of high profile environmental conferences. Shantanu is currently living and volunteering for the national coordinating office of the Brahma Kumaris in London.

The Threads of Friendship - Weaving Meaningful Connections - Shantanu Mandal  - Thursday 31st July 2025

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK), a registered charity since 1975, opens its doors every day of the year to students from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds to study Raja Yoga meditation. Students find that meditating in this way daily brings a lot of peace and positivity to their lives.

We also join together with many national and local organisations and diverse communities, helping to enhance the wellbeing of people in different spheres of society.

We work across the UK in more than 40 locations and are part of a network of organisations offering activities in over 110 countries. Our spiritual headquarters is in Mount Abu, in the Aravali mountain range, Rajasthan, India.

Brahma Kumaris, UK was established as a Registered Charity in 1975 and charges no fees for any of its activities, being funded by voluntary contributions.

Registered Charity No: England & Wales (269971) and Scotland (SC040512).

Procrastination - Why we put things off - Mark Fleming - Thursday 19th September 2024

Brahma Kumaris UK