Consciousness

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Do you want to become a confident Spanish speaker? Unlike that Spanish class you took in high school, classes at Spanish with Ariel focus on *speaking!* Each course (yes, even Beginner 101) is taught via immersion using the comprehensible input technique, which evidence shows is key in building fluency. Class sizes are small, giving you plenty of individualized feedback and opportunities to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment. **[View the Winter Class Schedule + Enroll Now! ](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes)**(Spaces limited!) #### **Winter 2026 Session FAQ** **When do classes take place?** Our winter classes meet once a week on Monday OR Thursday evenings and run from early January to early March 2026. **Where are classes offered?** Our classes meet on zoom. **What are your class sizes?** Each class is capped at 8 students, so that you receive ample opportunities to practice speaking and the individual feedback necessary to improve your conversational skills. **Will your classes help me become fluent?** Yes! At Spanish with Ariel, we focus on building conversational skills. Each live class maximizes speaking practice through discussions, role plays and games. **Are your classes leveled?** Yes. Beginner Spanish 101 is best for individuals who have had prior exposure to Spanish (ie. you studied it years ago, or you have been practicing on Duolingo), but are not yet comfortable having conversations in Spanish. Beginner Spanish Essentials is best for students who can have a short and simple conversation in Spanish in the present tense. Talking About The Past 2 is best for students who can list a few things they did last weekend in Spanish using preterite tense verbs (ie. yo fui, yo comí, yo visité, etc.), but cannot yet describe it in detail. Speaking Through Stories is best for students who feel comfortable having conversations in Spanish about familiar topics in the present and past (imperfect and preterite) tenses and want to expand their vocabularies and improve their fluency. **Do I have to purchase a textbook?** Nope! Your enrollment includes all course materials, pre-class self-guided lessons, post-class exercises, 150+ digital vocabulary flashcards, and long-term access to all class recordings, materials and slides. In Speaking Through Stories, students will need to purchase a graphic novel. **What happens if I miss a class?** All live sessions are recorded, so if you miss a class, you can watch the recording and catch up on what you missed! **When do the bonus conversation hours take place?** Our winter 2026 virtual conversation hours take place on Thursday 1/29 7:00pm and Monday 2/16 at 7:00pm. These are bonus interactive, fluency-building sessions open only to current Spanish with Ariel students. **How are the bonus conversation hours structured?** These interactive sessions are meant to be light and fun ways to practice your speaking skills through icebreakers, games and role plays. No homework: just show up and chat with us! **How do conversation partners work?** At the beginning of each session, each student will be assigned a conversation partner from their class. For select weeks of class, students will be expected to set aside about 15 minutes in that given week to chat with their conversation partner outside of class. Students will be connected with their conversation partner by email, and they have the option to choose a method of communication (phone, zoom, or other messenger app) and mode of communication (audio call, video call or voice notes) that works for them. **Can I read some reviews?** Sure! Students share reviews on [Google](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9tYXBzL3BsYWNlL1NwYW5pc2grd2l0aCtBcmllbC9AMzguODkzODU5MiwtNzcuMDk2OTc2NiwxMnovZGF0YT0hNG04ITNtNyExczB4ZjU3OTFlYTdmN2ZiN2Y5OjB4Y2NhODYwYTA5ODFiNTc5YiE4bTIhM2QzOC44OTM3NTQ1ITRkLTc3LjAxNDU3NiE5bTEhMWIxITE2cyUyRmclMkYxMXc4ZnF2XzM4P2VudHJ5PXR0dSZnX2VwPUVnb3lNREkxTURJeU5pNHhJS1hNRFNvQVNBRlFBdyUzRCUzRA==) and our [website](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3BhbmlzaHdpdGhhcmllbC5jb20vdGVzdGltb25hbHM=). **I’ve got more questions. Can I contact you?** Sure! Email me at ariel@spanishwithariel.com.

**A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways** **Location: Prefect at Foggy Bottom DC + Online** Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The AI world keeps innovating and we’ve moved past the "How do I write a prompt?" phase and entered the era of **AI Agents**—systems that don't just talk, but actually *act*. I recently attended the **[A2A (Agent-to-Agent) Summit](https://a2asummit.ai/)** and **[AI Dev 25 with Andrew Ng](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)**. We are hosting this event to distill the high-level strategy for our product leaders and the technical "how-to" for our engineers. **The 2 big themes we will explore:** **1\. The Agentic Shift \(A2A Summit\)** We are moving from humans talking to AI, to **AI Agents talking to other AI Agents** to solve complex business problems. * **For Product & Business:** How this changes your roadmap from "features" to "automated workflows." * **For Tech:** The infrastructure and protocols required to let agents collaborate securely. **2\. Building the Future with Andrew Ng \(AI Dev 25\)** Andrew Ng shared a powerful message: the next big leap in AI isn't just bigger models, but **better workflows.** * **For Product & Business:** Why "Agentic Reasoning" will make your products more reliable and user-friendly. * **For Tech:** A deep dive into iterative loops, design patterns, and why your coding workflow is about to change forever. 📍 **In person and Online Event!** You can join us in person at Prefect in Foggy Bottom DC for some great company and maybe even some new friends! Or, if you prefer to chill at home, you can easily join us online! 💻 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/grx-yzgd-meu Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-349-1786‬ PIN: ‪206 985 943‬# **Agenda** * 6:00pm - 6:30pm EST Networking and Refreshments * 6:30pm \- 7:30pm EST A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways * 7:30pm - 8:00pm Networking **Resources** * [A2A Summit](https://a2asummit.ai) * [A2a Summit - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/a2a-summit-internet-agents-here-george-zoto-vbtce) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/) * [AI Dev 25 x NYC - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-prototypes-production-my-key-takeaways-andrew-ngs-george-zoto-ld6se) The recording of this cool series 😎 is available at: [https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai](https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai) Join us on Slack: Ask the hosts for an invite. 👉 **RSVP now and secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!** 💖 David, Robert and George Deep Learning Adventures is a member of Data Community DC, a nonprofit dedicated to data education in the nation's capital and around the world. Learn more at [www.dc2.org](http://www.dc2.org/)

Thursdays at 6:30pm Take 30 minutes at the end of your day to unwind and connect to your potential for inner peace. Suitable for everyone, these meditation classes offer guided meditations and practical advice for improving the quality of our mental peace. **Registration** Each class is available by drop in. **Standard:** $5 **\| [Member Pricing:](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) Free** [Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/thursday-night-rest-and-reflect/) 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

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

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

Mindful movement and flow: This class is a slower moving, strengthening and balance building practice based on mindfulness. We will bring our intentions to the awareness of our bodies and our breath in movement or in longer held poses. We will explore different breathing techniques that help clear out physical, emotional or mental energies allowing a sense of peace within. The session is offered 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.

Fear can steal our joy and make our world seem threatening and constricted. But to our True Self – Divine, Immortal Soul – fear is an unreal state. How can we tap the limitless creativity and unconditional love of Soul to release our physical, emotional, and mental fears? How can we begin **today** to manifest a more satisfying life that is filled with purpose, freedom, and service to others? Please join a group of like-hearted seekers as we explore: · A spiritual antidote for combating fear. · How to manage fear as an element of self-mastery. · Techniques that can help us begin to heal from fear and anxiety **now.** All attendees will receive a free copy of *“**ECK Wisdom on Conquering Fear**”* while supplies last. We’re looking forward to seeing you there! A flyer for this event is available for you at: [https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Poster-for-January-11th-2026-Conquering-Fear-Topic-Rev-1b.pdf](https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Poster-for-January-11th-2026-Conquering-Fear-Topic-Rev-1b.pdf)

**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?

● Would you like to look deeper into the source of life? ● Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions? ● Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability You’re warmly invited to join us at our **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart. **Attend In-Person at:** The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 (**Doors open at 6:30 pm**) For more information: Call or text: (301)439-2120 MEC@eckankarmaryland.org Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR. Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.

Join Us for Simple Tools to Start Meditating Today! If you have ever wanted to meditate but did not know how to begin, this class is for you. People meditate for all sorts of reasons: to relax; calm down; relieve stress; improve relationships; understand themselves; tap into their potential; find meaning and purpose in life and awaken their spirituality. Join us to begin incorporating meditation into your daily life. Free Event - Donations Appreciated.

In this fast-paced world, with countless ways to earn money, it’s easy to get caught up in the chase. In this session, we pause to reflect on how consciousness can guide the process of building wealth - not just for financial gain, but for true freedom. Together, we will explore how thoughts, beliefs, and inner awareness influence our relationship with money. Participants will discover how clarity of mind, intention, and elevated thinking can open pathways to abundance while reducing stress and fear around finances. This session will help reframe wealth as a holistic experience - one that integrates purpose, integrity, and spiritual well-being. We will discuss how to align your mindset, habits, and energy with your financial goals so that the wealth you build supports not only your lifestyle, but your freedom, peace, and higher vision for life. Sunday, January 11th, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at [https://shorturl.at/RaYUS](https://shorturl.at/RaYUS)

Dear friends, This is a warm invitation for young adults aged 18-35 (at heart) to join the newly organized Wake Up DC Sangha's second practice session on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Practice will be held at: Opening Heart Mindfulness Community 3812 Northampton St NW Washington, D.C. 20015 Program of events: 2:15 - 2:30: Arrival 2:30 - 2:40: Introduction to practice 2:40 - 3:00: Guided sitting meditation 3:00 - 3:20: Walking meditation 3:20 - 3:40: Dharma talk (short video or reading) 3:40 - 4:30 Dharma Sharing Friends are asked to arrive prior to the start of seated meditation. Cushions will be provided. Interested in joining our Discord? General questions about our practice? Visit our website for the discord and an email to contact us!

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

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

The Columbus housing market is evolving, raising questions about next steps. This session will outline current trends in clear, practical terms. Seniors, caregivers, investors, and those preparing to buy or sell in 2026 will all benefit from the information provided. What You’ll Learn: • Key market trends and what’s driving them • How today’s conditions affect buying, selling, and investing • Guidance for seniors and caregivers navigating housing decisions • Strategies to make informed, confident choices All are welcome to attend. Please bring any questions you may have.

**This is a paid program.** **Click <<[here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/bhuta-shuddhi-cityprogram-staybridge-suites-columbus-university-area-ohio-us-jan-16-2026)\>\> to register\.** ### **Bhuta Shuddhi means “purification of the five elements” (i.e. earth, water, fire, air and space) which gets to the root of imbalances in the body that lead to disease. This simple practice which you can do daily reorganizes your system on the elemental level.** **Benefits:** * **Keeps the system in harmony and balance** * **Prepares the system to handle powerful states of energy** * **Creates the basis to gain complete mastery over the human system** **For ages 14 and above, no prior knowledge of yoga is required.** **This program is conducted by a Hatha Yoga teacher trained by Sadhguru.**

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg