Childbirth

The Craft Cocktail Club ventures to Carving Room to partake in their selection of fine craft cocktails and cuisine. Bring your appetite. https://www.carvingroom.com/location/cr-noma/

Join us Friday evening for the Bethesda Art Walk! From 6 - 8pm you can enjoy a guided short walking tour of five participating galleries and studios in downtown Bethesda. Meet the artists, view the art, and enjoy light refreshments at each stop! We'll start at Gallery B's 2026 Bethesda Painting Awards! There were more than 500 talented applicants this year, and the jury awarded 4 prizes. Amy Kaslow is exhibiting the work of two Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists with some of the finest lampoons called “What’s So Funny?” Syndicated cartoonists Nick Anderson and Mike Luckovich take daily swipes in newspapers and summon us to reflect and repair. Triangle Art Studios is excited to welcome guest artist Alexis Limpiado! She is a Philippine-born artist now based in Frederick, MD. Studio B is always fun with their inventive artists as is Waverly Street Gallery where we will finish. If there's interest, we can grab a bite at Andy's Pizza. (USA plays its first World Cup match at 9 pm.) Want to find out what's on exhibit at each location? Visit this [website](https://www.bethesda.org/bethesda-art-walk/) to learn more!

If your body don't bend that way and you want to join others in a gentle yoga class please join us on Fridays at 9:00am. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept**" to be permitted on the hike. **9 mile loop with 1100ft. of elevation; Each 400ft. elevation = 1 mile, so hike is approx. 11.5 miles.** **Please Note: this hike involves a lot of maneuvering over tree trunks, around rock and stream crossings.** You must be **capable** of hiking this **distance** and **elevation.** Join us as we hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)** from **[Turkey Run](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to **[Chain Bridge](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)** through **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and **back**. It is a scenic and very enjoyable hike! **DESCRIPTION:** We will descend from **[Turkey Run Park](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)**[ ](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)to hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)**[.](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf) We will follow the trail through **varied landscapes** such as neighborhoods, highways, and along streams. We will stop and have lunch/snack near **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and then continue along a lovely stream towards \*\*[Chain Bridge ](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)\*\*trailhead where we turn around and head back to **Turkey Run**. **Facilities: None** **Bring:** adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch, insect repellant **Pace:** We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving. **Dogs**: No dogs on this hike per **[[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps:/tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic)]** **Park Entry Fee**: $0.00 **Where to Meet**: We will begin at **Turkey Run Park Lot C1** off of the **George Washington Memorial Parkway**. There is plenty of parking. I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up. Please **arrive by 9:15** am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at **9:30am.** **GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148** **LINK: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7)** **Post-Hike Fellowship: TBD** **Leader:** Dawn please message me here or text to 703 533 9231

***PLEASE*** be sure to RSVP if you plan to come so I can give the restaurant advance notice! Come on out and join us for a fun evening of conversation, laughs, friends (new and old), and delicious food. If you're looking for a chill, no-pressure event geared entirely toward meeting new furs in a low-key setting, look no further! Fursuiting is NOT allowed at this event, but tails and accessories are perfectly fine. These meets will be recurring every month at the IHOP in Fairfax. We might switch up locations in the future, but for now, this one seems to work great for us. We will begin to congregate at the benches out front around 6:30 PM, and heading inside at 7 PM. If you have any questions, or need any help locating us once you arrive, please message me on Telegram - @TuesdayOra Can't wait to see you all there!!

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Greetings Meetup friends of the outdoors and AMC -- here is an opportunity! Wilderness First Aid – National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Road, Rockville, MD, June 13 and June 14 Required for AMC backpacking volunteer leaders, recommended or suggested for hiking volunteer leaders, AMC Members and friends. Even just outdoors people will benefit greatly. Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. This course is great for people of all experience levels. You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments! This is a fast-track, two-day course that certifies you in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. **The minimum age to participate is 18.** **Schedule:** **Wilderness First Aid:** 8am–5pm both days (lunch break included) **CPR:** Evening of Day 1, up to 3 hours. The instructor will finalize the timing on the first day of the course. Please anticipate either 5:30pm-8:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm. You are required to register to attend. To register and for more details: [https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887) If you took Wilderness First Responder from NOLS (a 10-day class), this class can be used for recertification Local contact for questions: Peg Barratt [barratt@gwu.edu](mailto:barratt@gwu.edu)

**What generational trauma are you storing in your uterus? Do you find yourself repeating the same story of your mother's or grandmother's life? If the answer is yes, then this ceremony may help you break generational trauma passed down to you by previous generations.** **The Womb holds ancestral memories from past generations, and it can store trauma and imbalances affecting your everyday life. A balanced womb promotes regular menstruation cycles, fertility and emotional healing. During this ceremony we will drink sacred cacao and connect with our sacred uterus. Womb healing ceremonies are exclusive for women only , for all other ceremonies please check our schedule.** **What you may experience during this session:** -Activation of your womb promoting deep healing of emotional wounds, grief and traumas stored in your womb -Ancestral Healing and connection to your ancestors -Connect with your feminine energy and intuition -Ability to create self-love and improve relationships **What to bring:** -Your own water bottle -A Yoga mat (or use one at the studio) -A blanket ( or use one at the studio) -Eye mask (if you have one) -Comfortable clothes to breathe and lay down \- \(optional\) Small offering for the altar like a small piece of fruit or flower\. **About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. 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). 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. \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. \*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization from Jenny Perez, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. **DATE: SATURDAYS** **TIME: 1:30pm-3:30pm 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: $88** **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** For more information, contact Jenny at: Website: [www.curanderasheart.com](http://www.curanderasheart.com/ "http://www.curanderasheart.com/") Email: [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) Phone:703-531-7046 (call or text) **\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***

**大家好**！Let's get together and have a casual chat for all levels of Chinese from beginner to native speakers. 大家都欢迎参加我们的聚会！ Please join us on **Sunday, June 14, 2026** at **10 AM** at The Roost on Capitol Hill located at **1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003**. The Roost is a 2-minute walk from the Potomac Avenue Metro Station (Blue / Orange / Silver). If you live nearby, you can reach this destination by bicycle in 5-10 minutes. The neighborhood near The Roost has free two-hour street parking. **We will meet in the seating area located behind the bar called "Show of Hands"** (it is located to your left when you enter through the front doors). Table signs will be placed on the tables so that you can easily find us. We encourage you to order coffee or brunch while you enjoy chit chatting with other Chinese speakers and learners. Coffee or brunch can be ordered by using the QR code on the table, and a server will conveniently bring your order to you. **SAVE THE DATE!** Below are the expected dates in 2026, but additional dates may also be scheduled: July 5, 2026 August 9, 2026 September 13, 2026 October 18, 2026 November 8, 2026 November 29, 2026 - NEW DATE (I'm in China the month of December)

This offering, *Rest. Restore. Reconnect: When Slowing Down Feels Hard*, was born from a truth I know intimately — that rest isn’t always easy. That stillness can feel unfamiliar. That slowing down can bring us face-to-face with everything we’ve been carrying. **And yet… it’s also where the healing begins.** **[REGISTER HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rest-restore-reconnect-3-week-yin-restorative-popup-yoga-experience-tickets-1988229785811?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **DROP INS: $20.00 PER SESSION** **ALL THREE SESSIONS: $60.00** **TWO FOR ONE ALL THREE SESSIONS: $70.00 (invite a friend)** **DATES: Saturday, June 13, Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, June 27** **TIMES: 10 AM - 11 AM** Over the course of three Saturdays, we’ll gather in a space at the **Black Owned Teahouse: [Adjourn Teahouse](https://adjournteahouse.com) in Lanham, MD,** intentionally curated for softness, support, and gentle return. Through yin + restorative yoga therapy, you’ll be guided to release tension, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe and sustainable. This is not about doing more. This is about allowing yourself to *be*. And because your experience matters beyond the mat, each session will close with a beautiful tea time — a moment to integrate, connect, and savor. There will be other thoughtful touches woven throughout… little surprises to deepen your experience and make each gathering feel like a retreat from the noise of everyday life. If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or disconnected… If your body has been asking you to slow down, but you haven’t known how… This space was created with you in mind. **[REGISTER HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rest-restore-reconnect-3-week-yin-restorative-popup-yoga-experience-tickets-1988229785811?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **DROP INS: $20.00 PER SESSION** **ALL THREE SESSIONS: $60.00** **TWO FOR ONE ALL THREE SESSIONS: $70.00 (invite a friend)** **DATES: Saturday, June 13, Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, June 27** **TIMES: 10 AM - 11 AM** ALL ARE WELCOMED Limited spots available — because intimacy, presence, and care are at the heart of this experience. I can’t wait to hold space for you 🌿✨

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

Join us for a fun-filled day of connection, laughter, and adventure as we explore the Smithsonian National Zoo together! 🐘💛 📍 Location: Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, DC 📅 Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM ***Meet us at the ENTRANCE of the ZOO at 12 noon. We will start EXPLORING at 12:10pm*** ⸻ 🌿 What to Expect: Come ready for a beautiful day outdoors with your little ones as we: ✨ Enjoy a relaxing picnic together ✨ Explore the zoo and see amazing animals ✨ Build memories with other moms in our community ⸻ 🧺 What to Bring: ✔️ Pack a lunch/picnic for you and your child(ren) ✔️ Lunch & Drinks ✔️ Blanket or picnic mat ✔️ Dress comfortable & weather-ready (walking shoes recommended!) ⸻ 🎟️ Important Info: 🚨 ALL attendees must reserve FREE entry passes in advance 🚗 Parking Pass Required * $30 when purchased online in advance * $40 when purchased onsite Reserve your passes here: [Reserve ZOO Pass HERE](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/)

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/walk-breathe-rise)]** Lesbifriends Travel is linking up with [We BE Walkin'](https://webewalkin.com/) for Walk, Breathe, Rise for a Saturday morning nature gathering designed to slow the weekend down in the best way possible. Think fresh air, a scenic walk through the U.S. National Arboretum, a grounding yoga flow with Devyn of [Surrender + Flow](https://bio.site/surrenderandflow), light snacks, and meaningful connection with your community. **Event Details** 📅 Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 📍 Location: The U.S. National Arboretum, Northeast DC (specific meeting location shared with confirmed guests) 💸 **Regular: $25** (Booking Deadline: June 12) 🎁 **Gifted Tickets Available:** **$15** to send a community member **What to Expect** * A guided 2.8 mile beginner-friendly walk through the Arboretum * A grounding yoga flow with Devyn (gentle asana, breathwork, and her signature handpan) * Healthy snacks, water, and time to connect after * Pet friendly and welcoming to all paces and energy levels * A reset before heading back into the week Tickets are limited. **The earlier you grab yours, the better.** **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary people who want to feel grounded, who love being outside and moving their body, or who simply want to spend a Saturday morning the right way. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel and We BE Walkin' invite you to walk, breathe, and rise with your community. **Claim your spot here: [Walk, Breathe, Rise](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/walk-breathe-rise)**! **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Sleep, Rest & Connection: Building Our Community Together Join us for the next gathering of The Pause Collective — a supportive meetup for neurodivergent women navigating perimenopause, menopause, burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions. Since many of us haven't yet had the opportunity to meet, we'll begin by getting to know one another and sharing what brought us to this community. We'll also explore one of the most common challenges many women experience during this season of life: sleep. Whether you're navigating insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night, racing thoughts, night sweats, exhaustion, burnout, or simply not feeling rested, you're not alone. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure coffee shop meetup focused on connection and conversation. No need to prepare anything. No pressure to share. Come as you are. Together we'll: • Introduce ourselves and get to know one another • Share what brought us to The Pause Collective • Discuss sleep, rest, and energy during perimenopause and menopause • Exchange ideas, experiences, and support • Explore what topics we'd like to discuss in future gatherings • Continue building the kind of community we'd like to create together This space is neurodivergent-affirming, self-diagnosis-friendly, and supportive of different communication styles and energy levels. Quiet participation is welcome. Listening is participating. Whether you're looking for support, learning, friendship, or simply a place where you don't have to explain yourself, you are welcome here. I look forward to meeting you. — Dawn