Ending Child Abuse

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185767239-these-letters-end-in-tears "**Set in a country where being gay is punishable by law, *These Letters End in Tears* is the heart-wrenching forbidden love story of a Christian girl with a deviant heart and a Muslim girl leading a double life** Bessem notices Fatima for the first time on the soccer field—muscular and focused, she’s the only woman playing and seems completely at ease. When Fatima chases a rogue ball in her direction, Bessem freezes, mesmerized by the athlete’s charm and beauty. One playful wink from Fatima, and Bessem knows her life will never be the same. In Cameroon, a country where same-sex relationships are punishable by law, the odds are stacked against Bessem and Fatima from the start. And when Fatima’s older brother, a staunch Muslim, finds out about their affair, he intervenes by physically assaulting them, an incident that precedes a police raid at the only gay bar in town. After spending days in jail, Fatima goes missing without a trace, and Bessem is left with only rumors of her whereabouts. Has Fatima been sentenced to an unknown prison? Has she been banished from her community, or married off, as some have suggested? Or something even more sinister? Thirteen years later, Bessem is now a university professor leading a relatively quiet life, occasionally and secretly dating other women. However, she has never forgotten Fatima. After spotting a mutual friend for the first time in years—the last person who may have seen Fatima—Bessem embarks on a winding search for her lost love."

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.

**Don't suppress anger - learn the tools to let go of it!** Discover the keys to letting go of anger and reclaiming your inner peace in this dynamic workshop. Empower yourself with effective techniques to release pent-up anger and frustration, transforming them into tools for personal growth. Join us for an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, leaving you empowered to navigate life's challenges with newfound resilience and serenity. Saturday, February 14th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Registration Required at [www.meditationmuseum.org](http://www.meditationmuseum.org).

Lego has a campaign slogan "adults welcome"... yeah duh... lol. This group is for adult Lego enthusiasts to bring their brick collections, any sets they're working on, and come build together and socialize with fellow Lego enthusiasts at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center Starbucks in McLean, VA. I look forward to meeting you all!

Valentine’s Day is a time when we pause to reflect on love, not only romantic love, but the deeper love expressed through compassion, community, and care. For many in the DMV region and nationwide, February 14 also marks one year since the first federal Reduction in Force (RIF) action, a moment that deeply impacted thousands of current and former federal workers, contractors, and their families. For decades, federal employees and contractors have served our nation with dedication, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose. Recent RIFs and government downsizing have brought sudden change, uncertainty, and emotional strain, impacting not only careers, but identity, stability, and well-being. While the year has brought loss and uncertainty for many, it has also revealed extraordinary resilience, reinvention, and inner strength. Join the Meditation Museum, a remarkable nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and strengthening communities rooted in resilience and perseverance, as we partner with RIF2RISE for a special Valentine’s Day gathering. Together, we will honor and uplift current and former federal workers and contractors through a compassionate, supportive community presence. This meaningful experience is not to be missed and will offer genuine support to all who attend. As part of the program, **Dr. Kanu Kogod** will offer a gentle, honest conversation titled **“The Unwanted Transition: Finding Peace and Direction After Job Loss.”** Designed for those navigating the aftermath of job loss, she will address the full spectrum of emotions, from shock and betrayal to fear and grief, while offering grounding perspectives on unexpected life changes and the search for peace, purpose, and direction. This gathering is **non-partisan** and focused entirely on **well-being, healing, and community care.** Come as you are and leave renewed. ***Sister Dr. Jenna*** *is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museums located in Maryland and Virginia. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. She was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015.* ***Dr. Kanu Kogod*** *is an anthropologist, master certified coach, mindfulness meditation teacher, and lifelong student of spirituality. For more than five decades, she's explored how awareness, compassion, and embodied presence can help people meet change with courage and grace. Her work integrates mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and somatic practices to support deep personal and collective transformation. Whether guiding individuals or groups, Dr. Kogod helps people come home to themselves, finding steadiness, clarity, and connection even in uncertain times.* Saturday, February14th, 3:00pm - 4:30pm. Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at [https://shorturl.at/ilHHC](https://shorturl.at/ilHHC)

**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, February 15, 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: March 15, 2026 April 12, 2026 May 10, 2026 (Mother's Day) June 14, 2026 July 5, 2026 August 9, 2026 September 13, 2026 October 18, 2026 November 8, 2026 December 6, 2026

Hey folks! We had a blast on Singles Empowerment Day last year (which I changed from Singles Awareness Day) that I'd like to do it again. You can come by any time. I'll provide water, soda, and some snacks; you can bring a dish and anything else you want to drink. You can invite as many of your single friends as you want, including single parents. I'll be doing the same. The only rule: **I must have met you in person before, like at an event. So if you haven't been to one yet, come meet us at Upside on Moore (1/30) or the Single Lesson talk from Profs and Pints (2/12)** If you haven't been to a Meetup from this group and you think we've met, send me a private message telling me where and when. I'll send out the address closer to the date, but I'm in North Bethesda, a short walk away from the Red Line, and street parking is plentiful.

This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on global issues related to human rights. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, learn about successful advocacy campaigns, and network with like-minded individuals. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable world where freedom is truly universal. Let's stand up for human rights and be the change we wish to see in the world.

Guest Speaker: Haven King-Nobles, Executive Director of Fish Welfare Initiative Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Haven King-Nobles is the cofounder and executive director of Fish Welfare Initiative, an organization that works in Asia to implement welfare improvements for our underwater cousins. His talk will focus on what activists should know about fish farming, how FWI helps fishes, and the strategic implications of all of this for our movement. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

### **Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to ancestral healing.** Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. ### **In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).**\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. **Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony** **\*\*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.** ### What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. **What to bring:** Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower **About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a Curandera Shamanic Healer born into the Curanderismo Tradition. 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). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart **Details** Address: Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit#5 Arlington VA 22205 (We are located on the second floor above trade roots coffee shop. Must enter on the side of the building and go upstairs) Our studio is located in the westover village in Arlignton VA a walkable neighborhood with plenty of street parking.(Please arrive early to set up your spot we will start on time, space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe) Date: Sundays Energy Exchange: $88 register here or at www.curanderasheart.com Time 2pm-4pm (two hours long) Info: [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create 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 Del Ray 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?

**Join us for the next gathering of *The Wellbeing Practice Circle*, a monthly in-person space to reflect, connect, and practice the essential ingredients of wellbeing. This is a free event.** This session will focus on **emotions and emotional regulation**, using *The Wheel of Emotions and Feelings* as a simple and powerful tool to help us better understand what we feel and how emotions shape our choices, relationships, and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how to: * Notice what our bodies are telling us * Name emotions with more clarity and nuance * Gently regulate emotions—both individually and collectively Rather than trying to “fix” or suppress emotions, this gathering invites curiosity, self-awareness, and compassion. We’ll practice creating a supportive space where emotions can be acknowledged, shared, and understood as sources of insight and wisdom. As always, this session will offer time to connect with others, share reflections, and continue building a caring and grounded wellbeing community. No prior experience is needed—just openness, curiosity, and respect for yourself and others. **Come as you are.**

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

This is a free, in person meeting. 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 sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.