Letting Go

Reserve your spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1975943804109?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. **There is no cover.** Support NoVA's only LGBTQ+ bar! There also is no group tab to worry about; order whatever you want on you own. The Go Gay DC happy hour officially starts at 6 p.m. on the front enclosed patio. Enjoy the happy hour drink specials (which last until 7 p.m.) The dinner menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. This fun happy hour gathering brings LGBTQ+ folk, including Allies, together for conversation. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there! **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right side of the street! Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by Washington Blade readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided in back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for 21+. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](http://www.gogaydc.com)**, Metropolitan Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [http://www.gogaydc.com](http://www.gogaydc.com) Mingle with fabulous LGBTQ+ folk and allies. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Bring your friends and meet new people from all over the world. Casual attire is fine. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies

**🎉 Book Swap: Bring Your Books to the The Potter's House Café & Bookstore! 📚** 📅 **Date:** Monday, December 22nd, 2025 🕒 **Time:** 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 📍 **Location:** The Potter's House Café & Bookstore - 1658 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 **Agenda:** * **6:00 PM - 6:30 PM** \- Check\-in and chat * **6:30 PM - 7:00 PM** \- Introductions * **7:00 PM - 8:00 PM** \- Book swap **Please note**: * Gently used books are ideal for swapping. * If a book you bring isn’t swapped, you will have the option to donate it to The Potter's House community shelf. * This is a “stay-and-swap” event, so please join with the intention of engaging and connecting with the group.

**First timer? Read the FAQ below!** **Q: Is this event free?** A: Overall, yes, until you get addicted and start buying games too! There is an expectation to at least buy a drink from the Cantina. They work hard to keep up with us and we want to support them as well. Buying food is better, but a drink would be expected. If you cannot afford a drink one week, try for another week. **Q: Where is everyone?** A: Gaming usually happens to the left of the main door on top of the platform. Sometimes, we get moved around a little bit and may be in the booths. You can always ask the waitstaff where we are, especially if games are not out yet and we are chatting. **Q: What time is the event?** A: 5:30 pm to however late people stick around. The bar is open until 1, and the grill/sushi closes at 10. It really depends on what game is getting played vs. people’s own schedules. Most people stick around until 8:30/9. People tend to eat around 5:30 until 6 and then we figure out the games around 6 pm. **Q: How do I start playing a game?** A: We all just kind of figure it out as we go. At the beginning of the evening (or when a game finishes) we generally just try and take stock of how many people are looking to start a game and figure out what make the most sense with style of game and interest. If you're new or are looking for a particular type of game to play, mention it so we can find the best fit for the most people. Most people who own the games are happy to teach them, and that is what happens most of the time. Also let the organizers know how long you'd like to play as some games are long (over 3 hours). **Q: What kind of games do you play?** A: Because we're constantly trying out new games, it's common that it's a first time for most of the players. An explanation of the rules is a standard part of the experience, so just come ready to learn and have fun. Our group tends to heavily play “Euros”. We will play other board game types, but be aware that older board games, such as Monopoly, Sorry or traditional older board are not played. Most games are at least an hour long. Some games are much longer than that. Please let the people starting games how long you plan on sticking around. **Q: Can I show up late?** A: Yes, but keep in mind that there may be no free players right when you do. You'll probably have to wait a while for a game to break up so you can join in. Please let people know that you want to play so we can accommodate you and fit you in. ***We generally start playing after 6***. Also note that many of the games we play are often 1.5-4+ hours long. Being on time is helpful to playing a game. **Q: Can I eat while I play?** A: Often yes, but always ask the owner of the game. Games are mostly paper, after all, and no one wants greasy finger foods turning their game into a very expensive napkin. Most of us get there earlier to eat and then play. The tables are not very big, so you may have to put your food off to the side while playing. **Q: Do I have to bring a game?** A: No, people bring quite a few games. A lot of them new (in the last year). **Q: But *can* I bring a game?** A: Absolutely! Every game at this event is brought by attendees. Just be sure you're familiar enough with the rules to teach new players. **Q: What if I didn't RSVP?** A: No one is going to pester you about it if you forget or just make a last minute decision to join in... BUT a high RSVP count lets other meetup folk know that the group is healthy and active. It also helps with emergency situations where we may need to move our location last minute and we can let you know so you don’t end up going to the wrong place. **Q: What if I have a problem with someone in the group?** A: Please let the event organizers be aware of the issue or send a personal message to the organizer of the group. We are an inclusive group but if someone is the type of person who regularly ruins the enjoyment of the others in the game group, we may decide to remove them from the group. We will take it seriously and determine the course of action.

Hi! Welcome! We are Laura and Shane and we will be your contact people for this group. If you are new to climbing, wanting to get back into climbing and working out or even just want to push your boundaries, we can help! We will be able to belay both top rope and lead. We will also pair you up with other climbers so you can get to know this wonderful community! We have been climbing at Vertical Rock for 7 years and it really has changed our life! With its family friendly atmosphere and supportive staff and members you will be able to stay motivated, build confidence and strength while having fun! Feel free to bring a friend! We will also incorporate learning new knots, checking out new gear and learning how to take care of your gear. Please follow the link purchase a $25 meetup day pass. https://climb-va.com/go/meetup-pass/ All meetup participants will also receive a free harness rental if needed. Shoe rentals are $7. Feel free to email me at info@climb-va.com! LETS CLIMB TOGETHER!!!!

Please join us. We are a group of 6-12 people who come together weekly on Mondays for an hour of silent meditation, walking meditation. We all need more silence and peace in this world. We end with tea and snack and a poem with sharing. Our guiding teacher has practiced Zen meditation for 25 years, but we all share leadership. Beginners or anyone interested in silent meditation and fellowship are welcome. We sit in chairs, have a reading or brief instruction, a bell and silent meditation for 10 minutes, followed by walking meditation, a bell and 20 minutes of silent meditation. We end with an offering of tea and a snack, conversation and a poem and reflections. A warm and welcoming group. Free, please join us. We meet in the sanctuary In [Rockville United Church](https://www.rockvilleunitedchurch.org/) in Twinbrook, MD. Plenty of parking. Enter the main door and look for a green sign. ***This is a good place to rest and refresh on the way home from work and before dinner.*** Free. Try it.

To purchase tickets - https://www.annkite.com/friday-nights This is a group of up to 70 people that dance the 5Rhythms together weekly on Friday evenings. 5Rhythms® is a philosophy, perspective, performance art and a dynamic movement practice rooted in the principle that if you put the psyche in motion it will heal itself. Movement is both the medicine and the metaphor, reaching across all languages, cultures and age groups to transform suffering into art, art into awareness, and awareness into action. Wherever the 5Rhythms are practiced, a community is born to dance, to sweat, to change, to support, and to provide a safe space for each of us to shatter the ego’s hold and awaken the juicy, unpredictable, fascinating, edge-walking, rock star part of ourselves that yearns to be free. Creativity. Connection. Community. There are no steps to learn. 5Rhythms can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, fitness, ability, or experience. For more information about what to expect in your first 5Rhythms class, see our About 5Rhythms page: https://www.annkite.com/about

**The Gift of Forgiveness: Freeing the Heart Before the New Year** As the year draws to a close, this session invites you to release the weight of old hurts, regrets, and disappointments. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, a pathway to peace that frees the heart and restores inner balance. We will explore the deeper meaning of forgiveness, not as an act of approval, but as an act of liberation. Whether you’re seeking to mend relationships, let go of self-blame, or simply start the new year with emotional clarity, this session offers gentle tools to help you lighten your heart and open to renewed joy. Saturday, Dec. 27th 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at https://shorturl.at/SqeFp

**!!Please read to the end for important information!!** Monday night bowling?! What a great idea! Join us for good times and lousy bowling. Lane assignment may vary per week. To find us, tell the front desk you are here for the "OG Lousy Bowlers." Please confirm your plans at least two days in advance (Saturday) of each event and update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. Members will be removed from the group after their second unannounced no-show. **Consistent RSVP changes less than two days before our events will result in a warning, after which they will be considered as a no-show.**

This is a complimentary meetup event at the Church of Scientology at 1424 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036. Your negative emotions can significantly impact your life and your relationships. Sometimes couples and friendships break apart simply because people couldn't manage their own negative emotions, such as anger, worries, anxiety, or depression. In this meeting, you will learn where these negative emotions come from, for you, and what you can do to start healing from them. YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! And you can do it without medications, without suppressing these emotions inside yourself. You don't need to leave your loved ones. Come to this meeting and learn the answers. Our doors are open. Refreshments will be served. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement information center in Washington, DC.

This is where you meet the area's 40 and 50 years young; 40 somethings, 50 [somethings.......as](http://somethings.......as/) they are known as GENERATION Xers....., who are active, self accomplished, sophisticated, young at heart, empty nesters; who would like to do things and enjoy life; who has got time and could afford it as well! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GRAB AT LEAST A DRINK OR A FOOD ITEM :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. Direct RSVP required. We have the discretion to decide entry. Many of you were not born while we were partying:) The profile picture of this invite was taken while we were having a blast. One of our members was buying us rounds of shots. He almost spent $ 1K just on shots. LET US DO IT AGAIN! They also make us feel loved and honored, by serving, one of our signature cocktails, which is named after us - MerTini:) It will be one of the featured cocktails. Ask your bartenders:) DETAILS : * We will have a registration station and check you in. * Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. DRESS CODE : Unacceptable Attire: 1. Athletic Clothing: This Includes gym attire, sweatpants, yoga pants, and tracksuits 2. Baggy Clothing: Clothing that is excessively loose-fitting or oversized, such as baggy jeans, sagging sweatpants or oversized t-shirts. 3. Sportswear: Jerseys, team logos, and other sport-specific attire 4. Beachwear: shorts, tank tops, swimwear, and revealing clothing 5. Flip Flops: Open-toe sandals, thong sandals, and flip flops are not allowed 6. Timberlands and Steel Toed Shoes. PARKING INFO Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly encourage you to take a public transportation, taxi service or a ride share. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** [) [) [) [) [) [) [) [) [) [) http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/3/d/600_440642365.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/3/6/600_440642358.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/e/e/600_440642286.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/5/9/600_440642137.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/8/f/600_440641935.jpeg

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. Instagram: artoflivingDMV aolf.live/secretstomeditation

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of healing we can offer ourselves. Join us every Wednesday for **“Mastering the Art of Forgiving,”** a gentle and transformative class that explores how to release resentment, heal emotional wounds, and open your heart to peace. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical tools, you’ll learn how forgiveness can free you from the past and create more harmony in your relationships — and in your spirit. **Let go. Heal deeply. Live freely.** **All are welcome.** No prior experience or preparation needed — just bring an open heart and the willingness to grow. **This is a weekly live event.** Simply log in to join — no RSVP required. 💗 **[Join Forgiveness Class on Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82360245386?pwd=TVZ4SS9SNFVoM2ZsTmRKZlVTVDNyZz09)** \| ID **823 6024 5386** Passcode **995999**

NEW YEAR PARTY

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.