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
- $35.00
Authentic Relating: A Journey into Heartfelt Connection
Rockville, MD, US** Please go to TicketLeap to complete your registration $35***
Connecting deeply with others and bonding in community is key to happiness and one of the greatest goods life has to ofter. In a world of happy hours, online dating, and social media scrolling, that has become increasingly difficult to find. Authentic Relating is for those who want to get beyond small talk and connect more deeply with others in a substance-free, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Most social events throw a bunch of strangers into a room to fend for themselves, which disadvantages people who have social anxiety and with marginalized identities. Authentic Relating intentionally disrupts this dynamic with strategies that facilitate equity and inclusion.
In a world where we often wear a mask, presenting some aspects of ourselves and hiding others in order to be accepted, Authentic Relating invites us to show up as we are. All parts, dimensions, emotions, and aspects that make us human are welcome in this practice. When we share from our authentic selves, we create the opportunity for genuine connections and self-understanding. The result is often moving and therapeutic.### What Is Authentic Relating?
Authentic is being real, honest, revealed, and transparent, allowing others to see, hear, and know our inner world. Relating is welcoming the other person's authentic self and weaving their reality and experience with our own. Authenticity and vulnerability are possible in an environment absent of judgement where we are received with openness, empathy, and compassion. It is also a journey, one where we take the time to get to know each other and feel comfortable enough to reveal ourselves (no one is forced to be vulnerable or share anything they are uncomfortable sharing). Authentic Relating is about creating a space where that journey can happen in a spirit of delight and discovery.
At a facilitated Authentic Relating gathering, one can have a meaningful interaction with every person, practice deep listening and sharing, and feel a sense of belonging. Guided activities encourage participants to be playful, curious, empathetic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. Facilitation and prepared questions help people practice active listening and self-reflection. Everyone has an equal amount of time to talk, listen, and be heard, and no one can dominate the conversation or be a wallflower.
### Principles and Practices for Authentic Relating
Mindfulness: Slowing down, being present and aware of our inner state and surroundings.
Empathy: Being aware of and releasing judgement, employing empathy, curiosity, openness, and recognition of multiple perspectives.
Authenticity: Vulnerability, honesty, voicing our truth, self-awareness.
Centering the other: No interrupting, giving advice, fixing, or telling your own story. Ask for permission to share your opinion, advice, your own story, and questions.
Validating: acknowledging, appreciating, reflecting, empathizing, and presencing.
Structure: Timed interactions where people take turns sharing, listening, and reflecting. Conversations range from 5 to 10 minutes.
Equity: Conversation partners are assigned randomly in order to avoid choosing partners based on personal preference. Group conversations typically involve going in order around a circle rather than popcorn style.
Prepared questions: Directs conversation towards meaningful topics and deeper reflection.### Sample Agenda
5 min: Partnered conversation to land
5 min: Loving kindness meditation
10 min: Introduction to authentic relating
10 min: Opening shares
10 min: Movement activity
45 min: Facilitated conversations
10 min: Break
45 min: Facilitated conversations
15 min: Closing circle### Sample Conversation Prompts
What are you passionate about?
What do you struggle with?
What are you most anxious or fearful about?
What gives you hope?
What is a difficulty or challenge that you’re struggling with?
What is something that you long for that you don’t have?
What do you need?### Additional Info
Advanced registration required. No walk ins.
NO REFUNDS unless the event is cancelled.
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!
The event is capped at 20 and will be cancelled if there are fewer than 6. This helps us create an intimate atmosphere and get to know everyone in the group.
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.### Videos to Learn More
2 minute video
15 minute video### Testimonials
"I live in an intentional community where I am friends with all the residents and we never lock our doors, but even here, we don't reach the depth of connection that I experience at Authentic Relating in 3 hours. This is a heart filled, nourishing practice for everyone who desires genuine connection and community."
"Thank you so much for organizing the event today. I was extremely apprehensive about the experience but you created a safe, joyful, and meaningful event. Your passionate, kind, and gentle spirit helped to create a beautiful and loving environment. I also gained skills that will help me deepen my relationships and connect with more people. I was really pleasantly surprised and moved by the experience."
"I was very surprised with how much I both needed and enjoyed the workshop. As someone who is pretty good with people, I have found that finding friends has been difficult since moving to the DMV for school. I never thought of attending a workshop made specifically for helping people meet new friends would be something I needed, let alone something I would enjoy. The facilitator was kind yet direct, and led the time well, and the activities we fun and varied. Most importantly, real connection was generated, and while obviously follow up is our responsibility, being able to attend a space that helped get us past the meeting phase was worth its weight in gold. I would happily attend again."
"This was amazing! I'm definitely coming back and inviting my friends next time!"
“I will never experience social gatherings the same way again!”
"Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels more like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you."
"I went to this event last month and enjoyed it so much ❤️ I formed a lot of bonds in a short amount of time. Time well spent. Highly recommend it!"
"Authentic Relating is life changing!"
"Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves."
## About the Facilitator
Clara Fang, Ph.D. is the founder of Green Tara Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. 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.
** Please go to TicketLeap to complete your registration $35***
1 attendee - $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.
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.
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 
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 n ot 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
1 attendee
Forest Bathing at Lake Churchill
20000 Father Hurley Boulevard, 20000 Father Hurley Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874, USA, Germantown, MD, USPlease register at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/forest
Join us for a restorative and meditative walk around Lake Churchill in Germantown, MD with peak fall color, followed by a delicious brunch! The lake is an appendage of Little Seneca Creek, part of Blackhill Regional Park. A rich variety of wildlife can be seen here, including the great blue heron, Canadian geese, ducks, deer, beaver, turtles, and fish.
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of mindfully immersing yourself in nature to improve your health and well-being. Unlike a hike, the goal is not exercise or to cover distance but to slow down, disconnect from technology, and engage your senses in communion with nature. The walk is conducted in silence so that we can have a mindful experience without social anxiety. Socializing is encouraged at the brunch afterwards.
We will meet infront of the Waters Landing Community Center at 20000 Father Hurley Blvd (no restroom). We will start with stretching and guided meditation to warm up our bodies and get in touch with our senses. Then we will walk around Lake Churchill along a paved path, taking in all the beauty and tranquility of the natural surroundings. At three stops along the way, we will pause to read and contemplate a poem about nature. At the end of the walk, we will share reflections. The walk will take about one hour. Afterwards, we will drive or walk 5 minutes to my house for brunch and socializing.
The walk itself will be conducted in silence so that we can take in our surroundings. Socializing is encouraged at the brunch afterwards. Cost of registration includes food.
- Assorted teas (sorry, no coffee)
- Pastries (contains gluten)
- Homemade quiches
- FruitBONUS GIFTS! Participants will also receive:
- Digital copies of poems
- Lake Churchill digital photo album
- Forest bathing Spotify playlist
- Artisan tea blend
-Coupon for 25% off a future event by ClaraAbout Me: bio.site/cfang
If you have any issues, please call me at 3014377415
Join my mailing list for emails about future events and offerings.
Please register at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/forest1 attendee
Past events
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