# Birthday celebrations

*1 year Commons Hub 🎊!*

By [Commons Hub Brussels](https://paragraph.com/@commonshub_bxl) · 2025-06-06

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Last Sunday we celebrated our first anniversary. June 1, 2024, this is the exact date we got the key to the door of this beautiful building in the Rue de la Madeleine 🔑. We celebrated with lots of cake and great party vibes!

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/5d23366ea4c942b5b41d52695c83fed0.png)

Party vibes 🥳

Since we received the key, we welcomed and organised **more than 100 events** and **brought more than 4,000 visitors** to the Commons Hub! It takes a community to make that happen - we’ve grown to an amazing group of active contributors: **61 members and 7 member organisations.** The Commons Hub has become a common space for a growing number of communities and people in the heart of Europe.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/ac4af2fb56ad29b70b47ccd911d51df9.png)

Just a couple of them ...

Together, we practice commoning. We share a common resource –a common space– that we depend on and that we care for. We are here to learn, to share the learnings and give each other feedback.

That’s not to say that it’s easy everyday. For starters, we are still not profitable. **We had a turnover of €79k for €112k of costs for this first year.** This project would not be possible without all the people and organisations that have invested in the hub (giving us a starting capital of €101k) and all the people, organisations and communities that contribute to our budget by renting the space. To all of you, thank you so much for contributing.🙏🏽

Money is just one side of the coin. 🪙 Money only gives you a space, a container. It’s the time, love and care that fills the space with a soul. We care a lot about making this invisible work visible at the hub. We created a yin economy to balance the yang economy. During the first year, **we have allocated 2,529 tokens to 100 people that have contributed with time and care to the Commons Hub.**

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/d5141f2138242d4f6eab5fbf42750648.png)

To better visualize all those contributions, we have mapped the most active contributors where the distance represents the amount of yin (tokens) and yang energy (money) they’ve contributed to the space. It takes a village.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/d8dfc81650ad7748e86da8ce181ac782.png)

We are beyond grateful to everyone who invested in the Commons Hub last year. And for believing in our vision that community is immunity. More about our first year in [this presentation](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGouU1IDG0/F6KyrdFUImu2F-pxn39jcQ/view?utm_content=DAGouU1IDG0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd9ec40666b).

To all of you, thank you 🙏

We hope to see even more citizens, communities and organisations in next year's edition of this map!

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Upcoming Events in June
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June is already full of events. But the summer is going to be quieter. Seize the opportunity to bring together your community and organise an event. Use the space, take what you need, give what you can.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/3ae04c366f6abd111ac456043ecc8808.png)

Upcoming Events in June
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We publish all events on this [calendar](https://lu.ma/commonshub_bxl). If you register, you will receive an e-mail notification for every upcoming event.

Feel very welcome to [become a member](https://commonshub.brussels/pricing) and enjoy priority access for using the space and receive discounts on the events happening at the Commons Hub.

**Workshops and sessions in June 👇🏾**🌸

### 🎨 Regenerative Friday: Express the unspeakable - art workshop

📅 Friday June 6th, 18:00 [RSVP](https://www.meetup.com/daobrussels/events/306012841/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events)  
_Facilitator: Kata Szabó (art therapist)_

​In this workshop, you will explore **body mapping**, a life-sized self-portrait technique to uncover the stories, emotions, and sensations stored within. Using paint, color, symbols, and shapes and collage, we give form to what often remains beneath the surface and that gets hiding in our body without noticing. 

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/4e67a0a9aa7ec99ed6f81ff515650a1f.png)

### 🍄 **Psychedelics, Body and Trauma: Insights from Saj Razvi**

📅 Saturday June 7th, 18:00 [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.be/e/psychedelics-body-and-trauma-insights-from-saj-razvi-tickets-1365257986389?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawKjyxdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBjN2t1eUNMQ1cwanhSalRYAR4A4XJjjxx0P8SsyilW89Fn6fdXwnp5ddEeOWEqpHpTbc4CyhjsrkP3MqhGIg_aem_zIJ0_BA1HGULzWble--SIw)

Professional dialogue with Saj Razvi, the founder of the Psychedelic Somatic Institute (PSI) and one of the early clinical researchers in the MAPS Phase 2 trials for MDMA-assisted therapy. With a background in psychotherapy and a passion for trauma healing, Saj has trained hundreds of clinicians in somatic approaches to psychedelic therapy.

### 🫣Discovery workshop: How am I relating to shame?

📅 Tuesday June 10th, 18:30 [RSVP](https://lu.ma/26hmy2nu)  
_Facilitator: Jana Mehl_

​In this interactive discovery workshop, we’ll explore how shame lives in us and how we relate to it, with curiosity and care.

### 👔🌱 Rethinking business for a regenerative future

📅Thursday June 12th, 19:30 [RSVP](https://lu.ma/26hmy2nu)  
_Guest speaker: with author and entrepreneur Graham Boyd_

**What if businesses could be designed to serve _everyone_ — not just shareholders?**  
What if they could grow stronger over time instead of chasing short-term profits?  
What if ownership, governance, and profit were shared — fairly?  
What if they could respect planetary and human boundaries and still be successful?

​Join us for an **interactive lecture and conversation** exploring two powerful ideas reshaping the future of work and business: **_FairShares Commons_** _and_ **_Ergodic Business Design._**

### 🌕 Regenerative Friday: the 12th full moon cycle - workshop and ritual

📅 Friday June 13th - 19:30 [Register](https://lu.ma/j6zkco39)  
_Facilitator: Isabel Duarte (ecotherapist)_

​🌱 _How to honor the natural cycles of abundance_ (we do not harvest fruits before their time)  
🌱 _The sacred flow of Giving and Receiving_ (Mother Earth can only give us what we are open to accept)🌱 _Simple rituals to align with the generous rhythm of life_ (because prosperity is partnership, not conquest)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/63902a4cf6f6a722da95908c51d7075a.jpg)

### 🎨 Express the Unspeakable - Bridge towards your Future / Art Therapy based workshop

📅 Saturday June 14th - 10:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/vtytb80a)  
_Facilitator: Kata Szabó (art therapist)_

We will create a bridge between present and future using the tools of Art Therapy including visioning, watercolor, and collage to express our inner world and take a concrete step toward our fulfilled self, whatever that may look like for each of us.

### 💸**Workshop - The legal embedding of steward-ownership principles - for lawyers, tax advisors, accountants, and notaries**

📅 Monday June 16th - 14:00 [RSVP](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stewardownedbe/1654467) + more info  
_Guest organisor: Peter DePauw from Steward-Owned_

In this workshop, Steward-Owned explores both the core principles and the key legal (and tax) considerations relevant to establishing or transitioning to a steward-ownership structure.

### 💸Workshop - **Steward-owned-aligned-finance – the Investor perspective.**

📅 Thursday June 19th - 14:00 [RSVP](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stewardownedbe/1654467) + more info

As more companies adopt Steward-ownership, this model will become _increasingly relevant for impact investors_. This is logical, as steward-owned businesses, like other companies, need capital to grow and fulfill their mission. However, traditional equity financing often contradicts Steward-ownership principles, compromising independence and a mission-centered focus. Steward-owned companies require **financing instruments** that enable self-determination and uphold the company’s purpose indefinitely. This workshop is for impact investors interested in learning more about this steward ownership.

### 💃🪘 Regenerative Friday dance edition: Live the Spirit of Celebration!

📅 Friday June 20th - 18:00 [RSVP](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stewardownedbe/1654467) + more info

Expect an immersive experience where the pulsing beats of African dance will move your body - probably like never before. Whether you're a secret living-room dancer or someone who’s always dreamed of trying a truly special African dance, this is your moment.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/d7934f880f1d1c3bf9419cfba677acc5.jpg)

### 🎨 Express the Unspeakable - ​**Light Shift – Art, movement & inner renewal for summer Solstic**

📅 Saturday June 21th - 18:30 [Register](https://lu.ma/f19tca25)  
_Facilitator: Kata Szabó (art therapist) and Jana Mehl_

​In this special session, we’ll combine intuitive movement, drawing, and gentle reflection to connect body and soul. Through guided creative practices and a simple midsummer ritual, we’ll mark what we’re ready to release, acknowledge what we’ve become, and set intentions for the season ahead.

### 🥗💻Lunch meetup and Panel: The role of Open Source in EU AI Sovereignty

📅 Tuesday June 24th - 12:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/pbsx7c2a)  
​  
Let us gather around a lunch and Panel as Open Source contributors, AI Professionals in search for answers or simply Curious Minds looking to participate in this ever-evolving technology.

### 🌕 Regenerative Friday: shamanic drum meditation for Inner Stability

📅 Friday June 27th - 20:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/27Jun2025)  
_Facilitator: Mara Regina_  
​Using the steady rhythm of the drum, we’ll activate the body’s natural relaxation response, helping regulate the nervous system and sharpen awareness of what you truly need — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/6f1ee9aa5c9ba09ab5d101478006d903.jpg)

Regenerative Fridays - shamanic drum session with Mara

**Meetups of different communities**  
  
📅 Wednesday June 11th - 18:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/kgyw6hw7)  
🧑🏼‍💻**AI Belgium community meetup -** Agentic AI Applications with Graphs & Open-Weight Models  
  
📅 Tuesday June 17th - 18:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/v9na766b)  
🍥 UX Ghent ft Ladies Wine and Design meetup an inspiring evening **celebrating women in tech, and other creative fields.**  
  
📅 Tuesday June 24th - 18:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/v9na766b)  
🌎 Meetup **Team for the Planet** x **The Green Fix** with climate conversation and board games  
  
📅 Wednesday July 9th - 16:00 [Register](https://lu.ma/v9na766b)  
🧑🏼‍💻 **Langchain Meetup** - event about Generative AI and LLMs.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/b4eebec56f2a4226b4c826cb7cd61243.png)

  
  
  

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Events by dear Friends 🧡
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🍄 **ÁGUA SERÁ**: 📅 19-22 June at the **Traditional Dream Factory in Portugal**:  
An intimate gathering of Regeneration & Restoration on an exceptional steward owned land [More info](https://www.traditionaldreamfactory.com/events/agua-sera)    
  
🍄 **The Art of Hosting**: 📅 3-5 July in Drongen (ENG)  
Learn how to host conversations that matter. [More info](https://www.artofhosting.be)

🍄 **Wonderzaam**: 📅 9-10 Juli in Drongen (NL)  
Tweedaagse introductie in verhalen weven met de fantastisch Els Meersschaert en Marianne Schapmans. [Meer info](https://www.gildevanverhalenwevers.org/activiteiten)

🍄 **Enchanted Gathering** 📅 10-13 July at Selgar’s Mill in the UK (ENG)  
Four days of inspiring talks, co-living in community, masterminds and fun creative workshops in a beautiful nature setting. [More info](https://www.enchanted.org.uk)

➡🔥**_RECOMMENDED event from our partner_** [**_Innerpreneurs_**](https://www.innerpreneurs.org) 🔥 (NL)  
🍄 **Leading from within** 📅 1-3 October in De Heerlijkyt van Elsmeren in Geetbets/Flanders  
Voor wie voelt dat leiderschap van binnenuit begint - 48 uur verdieping en verbinding. [More info](https://www.leading-from-within.biz)

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How to support the Commons Hub?
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Join us at our space – whether you're a freelancer, a team, or an organization!

*   **Interested in a community-led co-working space?** We’d love to welcome you! Come by to try it out for a day or join us for our Friday potluck community lunch. [More info about memberships here](https://commonshub.brussels/membership).
    
*   **Need a meeting room for your team or an event venue?** We’re here to make your gathering a great experience, offering the support you need to make it memorable for you and your guests. [More info about our spaces.](https://pitch.com/v/commonshub-brussels-eventspace-tsewsf)
    

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![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/59e109f7920c11aee04fd4991b250600.png)

Wishing you all well and looking forward to meeting you in the space! 🧡  
_written by Leen and Xavier_

_Connect with us via email_ [_hello@commonshub.brussels_](mailto:hello@commonshub.brussels) _to continue the conversation!_ _To stay up-to-date on our latest news and events, make sure to follow us on_ [**_Lu.ma_**](https://lu.ma/commonshub_bxl)[**_,_**](https://twitter.com/regensunite) [**_LinkedIn_**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/commonshub-brussels)**_,_** [**_Facebook_**](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559931233138)**_._** _Or join us on_ [_Discord_](https://discord.commonshub.brussels)_._

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*Originally published on [Commons Hub Brussels](https://paragraph.com/@commonshub_bxl/birthday-celebrations)*
