Avalon

Chapter 17, Hollywood-Paris-Hollywood, 42 pages, pp.644-686.

Please Expect an Extremely Interactive Workshop More details coming

***\*Both In-Person & Private Live-Streaming*** **The word anatta** – which means no permanently abiding self – is at the very heart and core of Buddhist meditation practice, yet it is one of its most misunderstood concepts. **When we explore anatta** through our meditation practice, it doesn’t mean we’re trying to get rid of who we are; it means we’re becoming more and more willing to see through the small, false, often negative ideas or beliefs of what we call “self.” **In actuality,** we are so much bigger than who or what we think we are. In fact, we are not only vast, but constantly fluid and changing: new in each moment, and dying in each moment … much like waves on the ocean. **During this silent meditation retreat,** we’ll be exploring anatta through various teachings, along with meditations designed to help us loosen our tenacious grip on the ego and sense of “self,” so that we can experience more freedom, peace, and ease in our lives. **The format will include** both guided and silent meditation, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own. **We’ll be gathering for our retreat on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m** in the beautiful St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, VA. The peaceful interior is filled with large bright windows overlooking the great lawn and a canopy of trees. The expansive grounds include a special labyrinth, and many natural places to sit and walk. **The format will include both guided and silent meditation**, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own. **THE TEACHER:** Shell Fischer, founder and guiding teacher of Mindful Shenandoah (**[www.mindfulvalley.com](http://www.mindfulvalley.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVFptRkN5cmpUVW9NWnlUaQEe04iYiwuuRDHGb8miRSO1_bG8Pdo-W2qefvsF41ER-Wr-PKZ7WKNnD_q03mg_aem_Hqz8SeHgbqFCh-0cegrr6Q)**) offers more than 30 years of extensive mindfulness training, study, and teaching. She is a Buddhist teacher, trained in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition at Naropa University – the nation’s leading contemplative university – and in the Theravadan Vipassana (Insight) tradition by Dr. Tara Brach – one of the world’s foremost Insight teachers. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher-training program led by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR and the Stress Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Prior to teaching, Shell wrote about mindfulness and yoga for national magazines. **While offering the teachings of Insight Meditation**, Shell places great emphasis on the metta (loving-kindness) practices. Her hope is to guide you in nurturing even more kindness and compassion for yourself, others, and for all the situations you find yourself in throughout your life, through the heart-teachings and practices of mindfulness meditation. **Shell warmly welcomes the inclusion and participation** of people of diverse identities, including those of all races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, classes, religions, abilities, and ages … with the aspiration that all feel welcome, safe, and respected as we practice together in community. **When:** Sat., June 13, 2026, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (also available online) **Where:** St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 **Fee:** $85 in-person/$40 online **[LEARN MORE HERE](https://www.mindfulvalley.com/retreats/june-13-2026-meditation-retreat-no-self-no-problem-exploring-anatta/)** ## Attendees 2 [Host](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Shell Fischer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Organizer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Chloe](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118) [Member](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118) ## Photos 0 No photos for now! You'll see them here once they're added. ## Start the conversation Communicate with event participants to ask questions or share information.  Send as a private comment (Visible only for attendees) [See more events by Mindful Shenandoah Valley - Meditation Community](https://www.meetup.com/winchester-insight-meditation/events/) ## Related topics [Events in Great Falls, VA](/find/us--va--great-falls/) ## You may also like [](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Empowering Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Fri, Mar 20 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by New York Empowering Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Why It’s Easy to Show Up for Others but Hard to Show Up for Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Thu, Mar 19 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by Burlington NLP & Personal Change Group](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Courageous Conversation: Say the Hard Thing Without Starting a Fire](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Wed, Mar 18 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by Attachment Pathway](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events)

This Saturday's weather promises to be warm but not too hot, and no rain is forecast. Shade should be plentiful, Ah, what is so rare as a day in June? Starting at noon from the east side of CT Avenue at the Van Ness-UDC Metro station, we’ll first take the Soapstone Valley Trail to the Rock Creek Park Trail and head south. Bathrooms/water will be available at Peirce Mill. Then we’ll continue south beneath a couple of bridges before turning west through the Dumbarton Oaks area. After a rest stop at Trader Joes on Wisconsin Avenue, we’ll continue west on the Whitehaven Trail, which is surprisingly rugged for a short stretch. At the Glover-Archbold trail junction we’ll head north to the trailhead at Van Ness Street and finish at the nearby Tenleytown Metro Station, probably around 4:30 p.m. Beers at Guapos for those that are interested afterwards ([https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google](https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google)) Meet at noon Saturday at the top of the escalators on the east side of CT Avenue (near the CVS and Giant) at the Van Ness-UDC Metro Station. Bring plenty of beverages, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Even though this is posted as a meetup event, this is a self-guided experience, we wont be walking as a group. Let's visit the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, one of Washington's most beautiful and underrated landmarks. We'll explore the monastery's stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, catacombs, grottos, and replicas of famous Holy Land sites. Often described as a hidden oasis in the city, this unique destination offers a fascinating blend of history, art, culture, and tranquility. Whether you're interested in architecture, photography, spirituality, history, or simply discovering new places and meeting great people, you're welcome to join us. **Cost:** Free **Who can attend:** Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith background. Please dress respectfully, as this is an active religious site. ### What makes it unique? * **A "Holy Land in America"** – It was created so Americans could experience replicas of important Christian sites in Jerusalem and the Holy Land without traveling overseas. * **Underground catacombs** – Few places in DC have catacombs. Walking through them feels like stepping into another era. * **Hidden gardens and grottos** – The 40+ acre grounds are filled with rose gardens, quiet pathways, fountains, and secluded prayer spaces. Many visitors are surprised such a peaceful retreat exists in the middle of the city. * **Architectural variety** – The monastery combines elements inspired by churches and shrines from the Middle East, Europe, and early Christianity. * **A living monastery** – Franciscan friars still live and worship there, so it is not just a museum or historic site. ### Why is it historically important? * The Franciscans have been custodians of many Christian holy sites in the Holy Land for nearly 800 years. * The monastery was founded in the late 1800s as the American headquarters supporting those missions. * It helped make pilgrimage experiences accessible to people who could not afford the long journey to Jerusalem. ### Why do non-religious visitors enjoy it? Even if you're not religious, the monastery offers: * Beautiful architecture and art * Excellent photography opportunities * A fascinating glimpse into history and world cultures * One of the quietest and most serene places in DC * A chance to explore hidden tunnels, chapels, and gardens that most tourists never see Many people visit expecting a church and leave feeling like they've discovered a secret European monastery tucked away in Washington. That's why it is often described as one of DC's most underrated attractions.

We meet, watch formula 1 races, drink PJ's Coffee, eat beignets, and have fun! That is all!

***Please join us as we continue a course of study on the spelling of the Hebrew letters. Our 11th session will be the spelling of Kaph (Kaph Peh) relating to Tarot Key 10. We will be exploring ideas about the spelling of Kaph to illuminate our understanding of The Wheel of Fortune.*** ***No prior preparation is needed and membership in B.O.T.A. is not required. We'll be providing handouts.*** ***Looking forward to sharing in the Ageless Wisdom as we grow in Understanding together!*** ***Fraternally yours in L.V.X.,*** ***Roger***

Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails! These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter). We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead. We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!

Having secured a secret entrance to the Wreck of the Returned, the Starfinder Society is finally ready to launch a rescue mission into the Wreck, to liberate the lost Starfinder Zizenzi and the countless other citizens of Akiton who’ve been abducted by the Functionary’s forces and await forced conversion into mindless servitors of the Wreck. While numerous teams prepare to enter the conversion facility, First Seeker Sarmak has tasked one special team with breaching the conversion facility’s central control room and dispatching the cure to conversion through the ventilation system. If successful, all the converted innocents within the Wreck will regain their autonomy and break free from the Wreck’s control. Unfortunately, the central control is sure to be heavily guarded… Prepare for battle, Starfinders! A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 3rd through 4th-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. This is an adventure in the ongoing Invasion's Edge metaplot. Written by Matt Morris.

This Glimpse of Indochina is the perfect adventure for all travellers who wants to explore every piece of South East Asia. Head to Vietnam, the land of the blue dragon where it landed in Halong Bay and made this place a Wonder of Nature’s World. Boat the sampan through the mighty Mekong Delta and see Vietnam’s countryside. Then explore the magnificent and jaw-dropping temples of Angkor Wat. Cut loose in Bangkok, a frenetic wonderland of tuk-tuks and delicious food. Finally, have a pinch of Luang Prabang in Laos, the most chilled-out country, where time stops. Experience the highlights of every country you visit, be friends with local people along the way you go, and reward yourself with all the memories collected. Top it all, by choosing this tour you will contribute to the local community. Highlights Visited Places: Hanoi Halong Bay Ho Chi Minh Siem Reap Bangkok Luang Prabang Travel Experience: Local cuisine Local cooking experience Cycling Cruising at Halong Bay Ancient Temples Floating Villages & lakes Local Villages and Waterfall Tour Start Hanoi, Vietnam Tour End Luang Prabang, Laos Destination Vietnam / Cambodia / Thailand / Laos Itinerary Day01 Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival Day02 Vietnamese Countryside Day03 Cruising To The Natural Wonder Of The World Day04 Ho Chi Minh Day05 Ho Chi Minh sightseeing Day06 Maze of Cu Chi Tunnels Day07 Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap Day08 Ancient Temples Of Khmer Day09 Floating Villages of Tonle Sap Lake Day10 Siem Reap - Bangkok Day11 Temples of Bangkok Day12 Bangkok - Free day Day13 Bangkok - Luang Prabang Day14 Local Villages and Khuangsi Waterfall Day15 Luang Prabang For the detailed itinearary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/indochina-15-days-vietnam-cambodia-thailand-laos/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/indochina-15-days-vietnam-cambodia-thailand-laos/) Price: $3990 Inclusions: Price Includes 14 nights hotel accommodations 14 Breakfasts 4 Lunch 1 Dinner Experienced English speaking guide Air-conditioned bus or private cars for the excursions Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (20 kg luggage per person) Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (20 kg luggage per person) Flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok ( 20 kg luggage or more) Flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang ( 20 kg luggage or more) All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary Tissues and water on coach Service charges and government tax Price Excludes * Flights * Any meals unless specified above * Personal Expenses * Travel insurance * Tips *** Questions? Text / Call: 2023787696 Himanshu Organizer

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? In this gathering, we'll continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount from a mystical perspective. Together we’ll explore Matthew 5:13–16, looking not only to the passage as moral instruction, but also to the deeper transformation of consciousness that Jesus invites. Together we'll reflect on how spiritual awakening changes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

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.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!