Creative Self-Expression

This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) See you there on 6/22/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced in partnership with, [TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software.

"In case you haven't noticed, you have a mental dialogue going on inside your head that never stops. It just keeps going and going. Have you ever wondered why it talks in there? How does it decide what to say and when to say it? How much of what it says turns out to be true? How much of what it says is even important? And if right now you are hearing, 'I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have any voice inside my head!'—that's the voice we're talking about…" -- [Michael Singer](https://gingerrothhaas.com/practices-main/jg53gpyah3ylk6z-z84xl-bcjre-gt4sf-x9z5w-gegr9-hpeyd-799ms), from the book "The Untethered Soul" "Whatever set of fears and desires is making the most noise determines your action or inaction—until there's sufficient detachment from identifying with the view (i.e., those fears and desires). To look objectively means not flinching from the contradictions you'll see about what you believe yourself to be." -- [Art Ticknor](https://tatfoundation.org/tat-forum-archives/forum2008-12.htm#1), from the Dec 2008 TAT Forum "There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind — you are the one who hears it." \-\- Michael Singer **Question:** When do you believe your inner voice? When do you not believe it? \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at[ https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y) to help support the group. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) See you there on 6/22/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced by[ DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with, [TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software.

This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at[ https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y) to help support the group. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) See you there on 6/22/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced by[ DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with, [TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software.

**Join us for an evening of crafting at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library!** ✂️🎨 Bring a project you’re currently working on (or start a new one) and enjoy a relaxed, creative space to craft alongside others from 6:30–8:30 PM. All forms of art and craft are welcome—knitting, crocheting, embroidery, drawing, jewelry making, paper crafts, and more. This is a casual, bring-your-own-project meetup with no formal instruction—just a chance to unwind, get inspired, and connect with fellow creatives. All skill levels are welcome. Come as you are and craft with us! *If the event is waitlisted, feel free to still join us.* [https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16648516](https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16648516)

Join us for a writing workshop! Please submit your pieces to our Google Drive folder here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XF1AmIRpiHbMwRRiyOonR86hluSKmuGx?usp=drive_link When entering submissions, please consider the following guidelines: 1\. Keep submissions to approximately 2\,000 words\, maximum 2\. Consider adding a brief Author's Note to introduce your work and let us know what kind of feedback you are looking for 3\. Please ensure that your submission is appropriate for a general audience and include trigger warnings as necessary 4\. Try to post your submission by Saturday or Sunday at the latest so that people have time to read it before the event\. If you are coming to participate in Workshop, please read the submissions in the folder by Monday evening and prepare your feedback! We will aim to discuss each piece in the submission folder, although some pieces may be pushed to the following workshop if time runs short. Feel free to add your notes as comments on the document itself, write them up in a separate file, or jot them down so that you can provide them to the writer.

## **Hinduism (June 28, 2026)** Event is free with $5-$10 suggested donation to Rhizome DC for letting us use the space! There is no people limit, but meetup only allows for 10 attendees. Please put in your calendar if you are interested. **Readings** **\*** [Chandogya Upanishad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad), [The Story of Shvetaketu](https://courses.edx.org/assets/courseware/v1/2741f1a978481d4c3cb8c66a33d36e98/asset-v1:HarvardX+HDS3221.5x+2T2019+type@asset+block/The_Upanishads_Eknath_Easwaran_excerpts_HarvardX__1_.pdf) \* [Bhagavad Gita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita) (translation by Eknath Easwaran), [Chapters 2, 3, 6](https://library.memoryoftheworld.org/#/book/3748780f-2650-4cf3-a4cc-744201312067) **\*Note:** You can download the EPUB file and upload it to epub-reader.online to actually view the book. The site is virus free, and this is the easiest option to view this version. The first contextual text will explain some about why we are reading this translation, but feel free to Google the author. Contextual Texts **\***Here you can read an overview of the setting and context of the Bhagavad Gita ([link](https://www.brettlarkin.com/how-to-read-the-bhagavad-gita/)) Chapters 2, 3, and 6 set up some of the core tenets of Hinduism that continue to be built upon throughout the Bhagavad Gita. They also allow us to explore ideas that we will see consistently come up across different religions. Chapter 2 talks about the immortality of our souls. Chapter 3 outlines selfless action, telling us that we should perform duty without attachment to the results, surrender our fruits to the Divine, and avoid inaction. Chapter 6 gives us more technical motivation on the advantages of meditation, controlling the mind,and self realization. Through these texts we should be able to think about the nature of ourselves and actions, and discuss why we do the things we do, and the concept of a “soul”. We can also discuss experiences with mediation, controlling the mind (controlling emotions), and if anyone feels self realized. With “The Story of Shvetaketu” we follow a young man who is taught by his father that knowledge is more than just what we learn intellectually, rather it is about gaining understanding of the essence of existence. Here we get to explore fun philosophical concepts about what learning and knowledge truly is. Ultimately, these texts challenge us to think about our agency by finding a sense of self-worth that exists independently of external notions of success or validation.

A bi-weekly creative writing gathering for people who want dedicated time to write, sharpen their craft, and move their work forward in community. Writers of all levels and genres are welcome—non fiction, poetry, prose, fiction, and hybrid work. Cost : $10 Other ways to join the community FB group “You Are Write Here” https://facebook.com/groups/8545060658889104/ Our online book club https://bookclubs.com/you-are-write-here/join/ Old Parish House location is near college park, Md (umd) campus area, You are Write here: host bi-weekly community writing class Fri 630pm

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Wednesday at 730 PM at MD. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

ABOUT THE VENT Let us quench our thirst of singing by a lively Karaoke night out. The whole group accompanies you when you sing and we will be your background singers. It would be fun! https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg We organizes this with our other groups and you will get to network and mingle with insanely wicked socialites. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

This is just to kick start in a fashionable way. Lost Society is one of the landmarks of DC and one of the best rooftop venue. On top of that, I organize this with my other Meetups and you will get to mix and mingle, with many insanely wicked friendly socialites. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/7/8/600_436928824.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/9/9/600_436928857.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/f/0/600_436928944.jpeg How about some gathering, grinning and griping, over unbeatable happy hour prices, just for our group? We have specials, just for our group. Lost Society make me feel loved and honored, by naming, one of my favorite cocktails, after me - MerTini:) It will be one of the featured cocktails. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/d/2/4/600_344616132.jpeg

Join our monthly writer meetup to share ideas, socialize, kick off your creativity, and write something! To find us, either take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, following the signs for the conference center. We'll be in room 401-A. All writer levels are welcome; we're all about building community and confidence. If you have any questions, please email us! (writingheptagon@gmail.com)

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

This is an in-person meeting. Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living. Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation. This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome: -Out-of-control unwanted emotions -Low self-esteem -Anxiety -Negativity -Stress -Irrational fears -Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents -Breakups -Betrayals -Feeling like you're not really yourself -Self-doubt... We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup! This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? 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: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!