About us
Authentic Relating DC is a group for people to build authentic connections and attend Authentic Relating, Circling, and other community events in DC, MD, & VA! Join us if you're craving true connection, realness, self-discovery, and fun! Together, we'll skip the small talk and play games to build authentic relationships and community.
- What are Circling and Authentic Relating Games? ([https://www.authrev.com/ar-games/)](https://www.authrev.com/ar-games/))
Circling and Authentic Relating Games are practices that get you into connection with other people very fast, gently and in a non-threatening way. They are different modalities which share the same goals: human connection, healing and transformation, friendship and fun, and/or having plain-old interesting conversations with cool people in your community. Circling and Authentic Relating is also a rapidly-growing movement for creating a better society and it has penetration in 60+ cities world-wide.
Upcoming events
5
- $30.00
Radiant Rhythms Ecstatic Dance
Flying Buddha Studio, 814 W Diamond Ave Ste 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA, Gaithersburg, MD, USRadiant Rhythms Ecstatic Dance
Saturday, October 3, 7-9pm, Flying Buddha Studio, Gaithersburg, MD
Register $30 at https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/ “Workshops” → Radiant Rhythms Ecstatic DanceEcstatic dance is an exceptional wellness practice exploring free expression through movement in a substance-free, facilitated, and inclusive environment. In ecstatic dance, there are no set steps or structures, you move however you feel moved to move. The goal is to get out of our heads and get in touch with our bodies, emotions, and the collective. The dance is constructed as a wave where the music starts out slowly and gradually increases in pace and intensity before coming down to resting. This structure facilitates easing into movement, building to an ecstatic state, and gradually releasing. Everyone can choose how they want to express themselves long as they don't interfere with others' self expression. In ecstatic dance, we co-create a safe space where everyone is free to be their authentic selves. The result is mental clarity, emotional freedom, and physical embodiment.
The benefits of ecstatic dance include:
Stress and tension relief
Mindfulness and relaxation
Somatic healing
Self-expression
Exercise and play
Community and connectionNo experience necessary! We will provide instructions and ease you into the practice. The event begins with an opening circle where we get to know each other and share intentions, followed by an hour and fifteen minute playlist, and a closing circle to share reflections. The dance is constructed as a wave where the music start out slowly and gradually increases in pace and intensity before coming down to resting. This structure facilitates easing into movement, building to an ecstatic state, and gradually release.
We will spend time before and after the dance connecting in community. During the dance there is no talking. This helps us to connect with our bodies and each other nonverbally. The result is often a trance-like and ecstatic experience.
6:45 Doors open
7:00 Opening circle
7:30 Dance
8:45 Closing circle
9:00 DepartAn Inclusive Space: All ages, genders, sexual orientation, and abilities welcome.
Music: A mix of new age, worldbeat, tribal, EDM, arranged in a dance wave, from slow to fast to slow. It is typically 50% non-lyrical.
What to bring: Water bottle, short sleeve, loose clothing, expect to get sweaty! Yoga mat (optional). No alcohol or food is provided and please don't bring any.
### Testimonials
I had practically never danced in my entire life, avoiding it mostly out of embarrassment that I wasn't good enough and that others would judge me. However, after attending one ecstatic dance with Clara, I was hooked. Clara provides a welcoming safe space for everyone present to truly be themselves, to get lost in the rhythms and leave judgment behind. Its non-performative approach opens up the opportunity to explore and connect with myself in ways I hadn't before, and connect with others who share this sacred space with me. Clara is always finding ways for people to connect through shared vulnerability and intentional relating. She also spends a lot of effort coming up with a theme for the dance and appropriate music to match. Afterward, I always feel a sense of rejuvenation, renewal, freedom, and appreciation, then I try to take that perspective into the world with me. Whether you are a dancer or not, I highly encourage attending a dance hosted by Clara! --Matt
Embodied practices like ecstatic dance are so deeply healing - it’s not about “dancing” but truly releasing any and every emotion ever stuffed down and held inside, leaving you feeling so refreshed (lol and sweaty, all at the same time 😂). The pure blissful joy in the smile that stretches across my face couldn’t begin to describe the feeling of wellness in my body after this kind of reset ✨💗 Clara Fang’s Radiant Rhythms event on Saturday night left me feeling so free and in my body 🥰🥰🥰
There are no “right moves” or such thing as having “two left feet” when it comes to ecstatic dance - no prior experience is necessary and guess what, you don’t even have to like to dance! 😂 This isn’t about what our thinking thoughts wants to do, it’s about how our body wants to move freely and express everything it’s been holding back. When I tell you this is The yummiest healing space, I mean it with every cell of my being. Come. Come out. And come home. 🥰 --KatNot familiar with ecstatic dance? Try these links
High production value with attractive people
What it looks like more realistically
Sober dance meetups emphasize consent and free movement ‘without judgement’ (Detroit Metro Times)
I was skeptical about ecstatic dance (New York Times)
Can ecstatic dance improve your health? (US News and World Report)### About the Facilitator
Clara Fang is the founder of Green Tara Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in belonging, equity, and inclusion. She is an experienced facilitator of ecstatic dance, Buddhist meditation, and authentic relating. She lives in Germantown, MD. Learn more at bio.site/cfang
1 attendee 
Conscious Speed Dating
·OnlineOnlineRegister at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/dating
Are you into authentic relating, mindfulness, sustainability, or social justice? Meet like minded people in an online setting, with no pressure to meet in person! All ages (18+), genders sexual orientations welcome.
Online dating is a lot of work and hit and miss, why not meet a bunch of people at once and interact with them in real time, without going out and spending money? On zoom so you don't have to leave home or dress up. Relaxed, low stakes, and efficient. You might meet some one you like enough to ask them out on a real date. And if you don't you haven't wasted any gas and money, and might have made a few friends.
Agenda (subject to change)
🌹One round of introductions. Examples: everyone share a favorite place that they have visited or want to visit; book you are reading or show you are watching.
🌹Small groups: What is something you're grateful for? A meaningful relationship you've had? Something you're excited about?
🌹1-2 rounds of 5 minute partnered convesrations with someone of your choice.
🌹Closing round to share appreciations.
Everyone can share their contact info with each other in a google spreadsheet.
This event is online via Zoom. Link provided after registration.
https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/datingAbout me: bio.site/cfang
To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read Authentic Relating: The Art of Inclusive Social Gatherings. https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating-update
Subscribe to receive notifications by email.Register at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/dating
3 attendees- $40.00
Giving and Receiving Platonic Touch
Iglesia Misionera, 917 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20850, Rockville, MD, US# Giving and Receiving Platonic Touch
**** Register and pay $40 at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/touch ****
## Event Details
Physical touch is essential for wellbeing and human connection, but many of us go for long periods without it. Research shows that nurturing touch in adults reduces pain perception, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, and strengthens immune function.
In this participatory workshop, we will explore connection through conversation, eye contact, and platonic touch through a series of activities that foster trust and connection. Using Betty Martin's theory of the wheel of consent, we will learn to give and receive platonic touch while being in tune with our authentic needs and desires. Activities are designed to build a sense of psychological safety within the group, and gradually introduce nurturing platonic touch to the extent that feels comfortable.
All activities are optional and you may participate as much or as little as you want, based on your comfort level. You are not required to touch or be touched by anyone. We will practice stating boundaries and desires. If you need to pause, modify, or exit any activity--you're encouraged to do what feels comfortable for you. Adults of every age, gender, orientation, race, belief system, and body type are welcome to attend, provided that you are willing and able to remain sober, lucid, and respectful for the duration of our time together.
Tentative Agenda
5 min: Partnered conversation to land
10 min: Loving kindness meditation
20 min: Introduction and opening shares
20 min: Authentic relating conversations
20 min: Wheel of consent
10 min: Break
20 min: Practice saying no and boundaries
20 min: Practice asking for what we want
20 min: Giving and receiving platonic touch
20 min: Cuddle pile### Additional Info
Event will be held at a chapel in Rockville.
Advanced registration required at least 24 hours before the event. No walk ins.
NO REFUNDS unless request is made more than 2 weeks in advance.
Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one.
This event is not exclusively for singles! All ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, identities, etc. welcome!
If you would like to participate, please arrive early (between 1:30 and 2) so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event.### Testimonials
“I was a bit nervous going into the event, but any concerns soon dissipated with Clara’s calm presence and carefully planned agenda. I’ve already started discussing the Wheel of Consent with others, and the event had me thinking more specifically about how I can voice my wants, needs, and preferences in many areas of my life. I would highly recommend trying out this event even if you’re on the fence about it. The support, safety, and lasting connections that I make at Clara’s events always leave me signing up for more afterwards. Those of us living in the DMV area are lucky to have Clara as a force for good in our local communities.” - Michaela
## About the Facilitator
Clara Fang, Ph.D. bio.site/cfang
To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating-update
Subscribe to the email list to receive notification of future events and connect with other members.
**** Register and pay $40 at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/touch ****
2 attendees - $25.00
Authentic Relating Women's Circle
Germantown, MD, Germantown, Ma, US** Please register and pay through Ticketleap $25***
Authentic Relating Women's Circle is an opportunity for women to be their authentic selves in a supportive and inclusive environment. In our society, women are often expected to take care of others and ignore our own needs. At Women's Circle, we give each other permission to voice our desires, frustrations, joys, and take up space. How do you REALLY feel? What is it that you want? How can we help you get there? Let us support you in finding out. Clarity, confidence, laughter, and friendship are likely outcomes.
Each time we have a topic to structure our conversation. Starting in September, our topic is the Enneagram! The Enneagram is a dynamic system of personality typography that maps human psychology across nine interconnected personality types, each defined by a core underlying motivation, fear, and worldview. Represented by a geometric nine-pointed symbol, the model emphasizes personal growth and self-awareness by showing how each type behaves when stressed or thriving, while offering a roadmap for breaking out of automatic patterns to cultivate healthier relationships and emotional integration. It is an excellent framework for exploring why we think, feel, and act the way we do, illuminating the unconscious patterns and defense mechanisms that drive us.
September 13: Type 1, The Reformer
October 25: Type 2, The Helper
November 15: Type 3, The Achiever
January 3: Type 4, The Individualist
February 7: Type 5: The Investigator
March 14: Type 6, The Loyalist
April 18: Type 7, The Enthusiast
May 23: Type 8, The Challenger
June 27: Type 9, The Peacemaker### Additional Information
What is Authentic Relating? 2 minute video / 15 minute video
This event is open to woman identifying individuals. All ages, abilities, and sexual orientations welcome!
If you would like to participate, please arrive early so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event.
Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one.### Testimonials
"WOW OH WOW! It was total magic for me! When I got home last night and looked in the mirror, my face was aglow! At least 20 years were melted away! My face was glowing and beautiful! In the morning, I was happily surprised to see the same glow on my face!
Somewhere deep inside of me was touched with healing energy. I had dropped my usual protective guard which I wasn’t even aware was there during the meeting. That you, Clara Fang! See you at the next meeting ☺️""THANK YOU THANK YOU for hosting this event! It was amazing to connect with brilliant, authentic, and caring women, in person. I could not have asked for a more supportive and healing space. My heart is full. Everyone everywhere needs this, but especially here and now!
"Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you."
"Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves."
### About the Facilitator
Clara Fang, PhD bio.site/cfang
** Please register and pay through Ticketleap ***
1 attendee
Past events
196
