Listening

DUPONT SPEAKS is a culturally and professionally diverse lunchtime club in the heart of Washington, DC. We meet from noon–1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, as well as the occasional 5th Wednesday. Our guiding principle is that we all have fun as we travel the road to better public speaking. That's why all of our meetings are filled with laughter and applause, as well as thoughtful speeches, evaluations and support. We hope to see — and hear — you soon! To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/dupontspeaks . http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/4/6/600_457832582.jpeg

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet in the grass in front of the cathedral, break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. How it works: Draw a card and ask a question. Listen. Don't coach or give advice without permission. Try to ask follow-up questions when people share. You can spend 1 minute on a question or 1 hour, just go with the flow. **If you show up late, please don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Bring a blanket or chair if you don't want to sit in the grass. *** Rules*** 1. Don't debate politics 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program](https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program)

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

### Our chakras are energy centers that influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. When they are aligned, we experience harmony, increased energy, and a greater sense of peace. Allow yourself to wash away stress and clear any stagnant energy. As you lie comfortably, the soothing sounds of crystal bowls and calming instruments will resonate through your body, harmonizing each chakra from root to crown. This sound bath is designed to promote deep relaxation, enhance your emotional well-being, and restore your inner balance. No Experience necessary. All you need is an open heart to welcome the sound medicine. **What you may experience during this session:** -Chakra Balancing -Ability to connect to your higher self and your Ancestors -Improve Sleep -Improve emotional balance -Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace -Ability to create self-love and improve relationships -Stress Relief \*\*What to bring:\*\*Your own water bottle, Eye mask (if you have one) Comfortable clothes lay down. Yoga Mats and Blankets will be provided or bring your own for extra comfort. **About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a Full Time Curandera Shamanic Healer born into the Curanderismo tradition that utilizes Traditional Curanderismo Shamanic Healing modalities past down from previous generations. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after the sound healing session send an email to healing@curanderasheart.com or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with plenty of food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. **DATE: WEDNESDAY** **TIME: 6pm-7pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. PLEASE DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS LOCK IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.** **Energy Exchange: $45** **Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205** **Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM** \*\*[healing@curanderasheart.com**](http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/ "http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/") **703\. 531\.7046 call or text Jenny** \*\*What you may experience during this session:\*\*Stress Relief and deep relaxationAbility to connect to your higher self, Ancestors and the divineRelief physical painRelease anxietyImprove emotional balanceIncreased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peaceAbility to create self-love and improve relationships **\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***

KIZOMBA CLASSES in DC Welcome back to another Kizomba Progressive Sessions. Sessions Foundations: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Improvers/Intermediate 8:10pm - 9:10pm Cost: Foundations $90 (4 Sessions) Improver/Intermediate $$90 (4 Sessions) Combined Foundations + Improver $160 (Subject to teachers approval) Drop in rates are $25 per session or $40 if one takes both level 1&2 on the same day. * **Accepted forms of payment** Zelle: Ollovar.llc@gmail.com CashApp $oscarba20 Cash\, Credit\|Debit Cards accepted NO PAYPAL.

**\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\*** Ever find yourself nodding along at a wine tasting, wishing you knew what to actually say — or even what to look for? This is the evening that changes that. Speak Fluent Wine is a hands-on tasting experience designed to teach you the exact framework wine professionals use to evaluate what's in the glass. You'll go from "I just know what I like" to understanding \*why\* you like it — and having the words to say so. Here's what we'll cover: ?? Sight — What color and clarity reveal before the first sip ?? Nose — How to train your sense of smell and identify aromas with confidence ?? Palate — Decoding what your taste buds are picking up: sweetness, acidity, tannins, body, and finish ?? Structure — How the elements of a wine interact, including how acidity softens sweetness and tames tannins ??? Language — The vocabulary professionals use, demystified and made practical Once we've broken down the framework, Total Wine's expert staff will lead a short guided tasting — putting everything you've just learned directly into practice. Snacks and water will be provided. Cost is $25 No experience necessary. No judgement. Just great wine, a welcoming atmosphere, and the confidence you've been waiting to find. **\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\***

**MasterClass with Jacqueline de Jonge** 4-day class, Saturday, May 30-Tuesday, June 2 9:00- 4:00 each day, lunch provided! Location: Upstairs classroom (access stairs only) Jacqueline de Jonge is internationally known for her vibrant quilt fabrics and patterns. Push the boundaries of your creativity and master advanced techniques with this BeColourful MasterClass designed to challenge and inspire. Jacqueline shares her expert knowledge, helping you dive deeper into complex designs and bold colorwork as you tackle her intricate patterns, precision piecing, and expert color coordination — all while receiving hands-on guidance tailored to your skill level. Learn more about this class, view your student supply list, and pay for your registration via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2)** ***Note:*** Your $499.00 fee covers your class registration and a provided box lunch each day; this does not include the cost of your pattern and fabrics. **All students are *required* to have, or purchase, Jacqueline’s pattern & fabric to work on in class.** *** Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for through our website at https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk, or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. View our complete class policies at [https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

To secure your spot, RSVP on Eventbrite link for free ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-band-karaoke-and-contest-tickets-650453934227](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-band-karaoke-and-contest-tickets-650453934227)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Embrace your inner diva and flaunt your vocals all night! Whatever you want to sing, we want to hear it. The entire group accompanies you when you sing and we will be your background singers. Don’t sing, no problem. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Need a little liquid courage? We have you covered. Before taking the stage, we’ll have plenty of drink specials. You’ll be sure to work up an appetite, so we will also feature food specials all night. Grab your friends and get ready to be the star of the show. Dress code : Weekend Casual Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * We will have a registration station and check you in. * * METRO & PARKING INFO : Clarendon Metro Station is a block away. Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking, we highly recommend you to get a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY! http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!