«Now I know that in order to describe myself, I must first say: “I am a woman”; but my femininity does not become an obstacle for me, nor an alibi. In any case, it is a given of my history, not its explanation», — Simone de Beauvoir

Contemplating the feminine is a delicate, even perilous journey. Even as a woman, one must carefully choose their words each time to avoid bruising the feelings of any gender. Speaking in the language of phenomenology, our vision of the world and the light we cast upon it always stem from the "givenness" of what we have been granted.

We begin with the understanding that we are given our female being. It is simply as it is. Yet, each woman possesses her own unique sensitivity—deeply personal, physical, and emotional—which means that existence touches each of us in its own distinct way. In this very uniqueness, we often reflect our quiet disagreement with how the world is arranged, both ontologically and socially.

At this gathering, we invite you to look at the feminine in our socio-cultural space through a "therapeutic" lens. This perspective honors our special sensitivity and recognizes the quiet suffering that can arise simply from being who we are.

As human beings living simultaneously in two dimensions—the ontological and the ontic—we often confuse them in moments of pain. We strive to fulfill various desires in the hope of finding relief, safety, or restoring balance. Sometimes we succeed; at other times, despite our fulfilled desires, the suffering lingers and becomes a chronic companion.

Gathering Format

This gathering is part of the regular cycle "The Meaning of Life and a Blueberry Muffin" hosted by the N. P. Bekhtereva Learning Center.

What we will gently explore during our meeting:

• How ontological reality speaks to us through emotions

• Our special sensitivity 

• Ontological versus ontic desires

• The nature of desperate desire 

• Seasons of a woman's life: childhood, youth, maturity, and elderhood

• Phenomena: beauty, the woman in love, motherhood, and aging

• Existential invitations: guilt, temporality, embodiment, and being-with-others

Our format is one of shared reflection and heartfelt discussion within a safe, nurturing space.

Date and Time

April 14, 2026, from 15:00 to 17:00 (Moscow time). Hosted on Zoom.

Hosts

Sasha Tunko — existential therapist, psychologist, and mindfulness teacher. Creator of women's therapeutic groups, the project "Motherhood: An Existential Experience Group," and the book discussions "In Her Own Words." Sasha specializes in exploring female being, gender-related themes, and existential journeys (identity, relationship with embodiment, motherhood, and loss).

Olga Loyko — existential therapist and psychotherapist. Founder of the "Philosophy of Motherhood" project and co-founder of "Motherhood: An Existential Experience Group." Formerly a pediatrician with experience in palliative care, Olga works gently with maternal crises, ontological emotions, and existential challenges of identity and meaning.

Gathering Moderator — Sofiya Bogatova.

Payment and Participation

Contribution fee — 1500 ₽.
Discounts for Alliance members and subscribers are not provided.