Benedictine

Please join us. We are a welcoming group who have been meeting for two years. About 6-10 of us gather together weekly on Mondays for silent meditation, walking meditation, ending with shared reflections, tea and poetry. No RSVP needed; just show up! We start and end on time. Enter the front door and look for a sign. Someone will greet you. No experience necessary. Schedule: **4:30** a brief instruction or reading about meditation and silence **4:35-4:45** silent meditation (10 minutes) walking meditation **4:55 -5:15** silent meditation (20 minutes) **5:15-5:30** poetry, tea, reflections, departing ***This is a good place to rest and refresh on the way home from work and before dinner.*** Free. Try it.

Sometimes life seems ordinary and we struggle to find meaning and purpose. Buddhist meditation provides a creative inner approach to transcending this ordinariness. Mahamudra tantra is Buddha's ultimate intention - a gateway to unparalleled peace and clarity. From this perspective, our life becomes an extraordinary inner journey. **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/monday-evening-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Organization of women and men (associate members) dedicated to community service, education and supporting families in our community.

**Join us for quiet and simple Zen meditation practice, grounded in community.** Suitable for beginners. An authorized Zen teacher offers teaching and instruction. We sit in chairs for 10 and 20 minutes of silence and breath practice, and do 5 minutes of walking meditation. We end with 15 minutes of conversation, poetry, tea and snacks before heading home. All are welcome. No experience necessary. ***Enjoy the peace of mind that meditation can bring when supported by others in this peaceful environment.*** **Who we are** We meet weekly since 2024. We typically gather with 6-12 of us for seated and walking Zen meditation. Brief meditation instruction offered at the beginning.

Have questions about strength training, mobility, or staying active as you age? This is a relaxed, open Q&A session where you can ask anything related to: * building strength safely * improving mobility and flexibility * joint pain and stiffness * getting started with exercise * maintaining independence as you age There’s no workout — just a chance to get clear, practical answers and guidance. **What to expect** * informal group discussion * practical, easy-to-understand advice * time for individual questions You’re welcome to just listen, or bring specific questions. **Event Details** * Hosted at a local library * Free to attend * Open to adults interested in staying active and healthy **About the host** The session is led by Ben Burgoyne, a personal trainer and fitness coach who helps adults build strength and mobility for healthy aging.

What’s on your summer bucket list this year? Come share your ideas, hear everyone else’s, and maybe discover a few things you didn’t even know existed. The best part? Some of these ideas may turn into future group meetups. ATTENDANCE POLICY: To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community. SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS: Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) CONNECT: Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Tuesdays at 6pm Suitable for everyone, these meditation classes offer practical methods to improve the quality of our lives through meditation and practical Buddhist teachings applied to everyday life. * Each class begins with guided breathing meditation, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. * Malik will then give a practical teaching explaining how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a guided meditation to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in group discussion and the teacher will take any questions that the class might have about the topic. **Registration** Each class is available by drop in. **Standard:** $5 **\| [Member Pricing:](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) Free** [Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/quick-class-registration/#top) Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required.

Tuesdays\, Wednesdays \| 12:15pm\-12:35pm Take an afternoon break and intentionally cultivate inner peace, mindfulness and concentration, No previous experience is necessary. No special clothing is required. Just show up! Each 20 minute session will include: * A short introduction to the meditation for the day * A guided meditation to relax and refresh body and mind * Advice for the day ahead No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome! **REGISTRATION** Standard: $5 \| Financial Hardship Available \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/quick-class-registration/#top) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

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.

**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?

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

**Easy Meditation Thursday Evenings with Sister Jenna** There are women who give endlessly… to their families, their work, their responsibilities… and somewhere along the way, they forget to receive. If you’ve been feeling tired… unseen… or quietly underappreciated… this hour is for you. Join Sister Jenna for a gentle, nourishing space where nothing is expected of you… and everything is given back to you. Through simple, powerful meditation, you will be guided to: Release the weight you’ve been carrying Reconnect with your inner worth and quiet strength Feel seen, valued, and deeply restored No pressure. No performance. Just peace. Come as you are… and leave feeling like yourself again. You give so much to everyone else…Now it’s your time to receive Thurs., June 11th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/VDhxV](https://shorturl.at/VDhxV)

***\*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)

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

Now at **11 a.m.**, this beginner-friendly guided meditation class helps stabilize the mind and open the heart. The session includes traditional practices such as Shamatha (calm abiding) and Tonglen (sending and receiving), as well as Jetsunma’s Light Expansion Prayer. Both relaxing and healing, these meditations can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious tradition. Each class concludes with a dedication that our efforts benefit all beings. All are welcome whether new to meditation or regular practitioners looking for a supportive group with whom to sit. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on our Facebook and YouTube channel. Watch online here: [https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/](https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/) Missed a class? You can watch past classes on our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams)

Voices of Mount Pleasant Toastmasters is a new faith-based club sponsored by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Herndon which is open and all guests are welcome to attend. It is a pleasant fusion of Public Speaking and Leadership training with fun and fellowship. Opening with an invocation, the Club president provides guests the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group with a short elevator-speech and introduces the Toastmaster to lead the meeting with a theme. The General Evaluator and team are introduced to let attendees know the word of the day, the timing of speeches and evaluations, and the filler-words, which wil be counted. In the first segment of the meeting, there will be 1 or 2 prepared speeches from projects studied in the Toastmasters education program (Pathways). In the second segment of the meeting, willing attendees are selected to receive information or a question from the Table Topics Master to give a 1-2 minute impromptu speech. In the third segment of the meeting, the General Evaluator introduces the Evaluator for each prepared speech; reintroduces the Timer, the Ah-Counter, and the Grammarian for reports. Next, the General Evaluator gives a summarized review of the structure and leaders of the meeting. An Educational Moment will be given to explain the Toastmasters Educational Program (Pathways) as an introduction to new members and guests. The presiding officer will make announcements, ask visitors to the club for their impression of the meeting for feedback, ask for prayer concerns, and give a benediction to end the meeting. The group is mainly made up of members of the church who joined Toastmasters for the first time with the chartering of the club in September of 2023. So everyone is learning together and encouraging one another.