Ethical Humanism

Grace will be guest facilitator. "I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my Soul." \-\- Rumi "Authentic spirituality is revolutionary. It does not legitimate the world, it breaks the world; it does not console the world, it shatters it. And it does not render the self content, it renders it undone." \-\- Ken Wilber **Question**: What is your reaction to the statement that authentic spirituality is not about legitimizing, consoling, making self content but is about breaking, shattering, undoing? Agree? Disagree? Why? \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***“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!

## **World Civil Defense Day Open House** **Disaster Preparedness, Community Resilience & Volunteer Response** How prepared is our community for the next emergency? Join us in observance of **World Civil Defense Day** for an educational Open House focused on disaster preparedness, civilian protection, and community resilience. World Civil Defense Day highlights the importance of coordinated response between first responders, volunteers, civic groups, and community members. This event will introduce the work of the **Scientology Volunteer Ministers**, a global humanitarian program dedicated to helping communities before, during, and after crises. ### **What to Expect:** • Self-Guided tour of a special exhibit in the Public Information Center • Overview of disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts • Educational materials and practical information • Open discussion and networking with others interested in community engagement Whether you are interested in emergency preparedness, volunteerism, public safety, or simply want to learn how communities can work together more effectively, this Open House is designed to inform and inspire. ### **Event Schedule:** 11:30 AM – Self-Guided Tour of the Special Exhibit 11:50 AM – Lunch 12:10 PM – Open House Presentation 12:45 PM – Networking & Community Dialogue 📍 Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC 1424 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20036 Open to the public. Guests are welcome.

We'll be doing the Harris Teeter/NIH loop only through winter.

Please join us. We are a group of 6-12 people who come together weekly on Mondays for an hour of silent meditation, walking meditation. No RSVP needed; just show up! We all need more silence and peace in this world. We end with tea and snack and a poem with sharing. Our first meditation is 10 minutes, then 5 minutes walking meditation, and end with 20 minutes of silent meditation. Beginners or anyone interested in silent meditation and fellowship are welcome. We meet in the sanctuary In [Rockville United Church](https://www.rockvilleunitedchurch.org/) in Twinbrook, MD. Plenty of parking. Enter the main door and look for a green sign. ***This is a good place to rest and refresh on the way home from work and before dinner.*** Free. Try it.

Come in and sit down at a table to play casual MtG Commander!

Cardiac disease is the most frequent cause of death. More than cancer, far more than accidents and more than 15 times the number of automobile fatalities in the United States. Not only that, but heart disease often presents no symptoms! Yet, there are simple ways to ward off heart disease. Lets talk about how over lunch at The Executive Diner, 1400 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Plenty of free parking. Interesting opportunity to be announced at this event.

Please join us for our next **Friday gathering** on **March 6, 2026** for an evening of warm fellowship and insightful discussion. We'll start at **7:00 pm** with **refreshments** at the **Alexandria Bahá’í Center**. The discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. on **One Human Family.** One Human Family is a core tenet of the Bahá'í Faith, expressing the fundamental belief in the oneness of humanity. This principle calls us to recognize the essential unity of the human race and to work toward eliminating prejudices of race, class, gender, and nationality. In our increasingly interconnected yet divided world, this teaching is more vital than ever—it challenges us to move beyond superficial differences and build a global civilization founded on justice, equality, and shared purpose. The presentation will be led by Trisha Irons, a member of the Alexandria Bahá'í community who enjoys volunteering her time working with families in many community-building activities.

**\| Two Strong Wings: Advancing the Equality of Women & Men** *** **Can humanity truly reach its full potential without all of its members being free to reach and contribute their all? Is equality a tug of war where one side gains at another’s expense? Does empowering women require taking opportunities away from men, or does it actually strengthen the whole and create more opportunities and a better world for everyone?** **If a bird has one broken wing, it isn’t able to fly or live a full and healthy life. Could this same thinking apply to the balance of men and women? The two wings of a bird do not fight for power, strength or dominance. Both wings need to be of equal strength for the bird to soar. Can humanity truly advance if women do not enjoy the same rights, prerogatives and opportunities as men? How can we work to ensure that we are building communities where everyone has the same opportunities to grow and develop and to contribute to the advancement of humanity together?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the essential equality of the sexes. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how achieving that equality is needed for all of humanity to progress and reach its full potential.** **“The world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. ” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Socrates Café meets on the first Saturday of each month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Right off of I-270, easily accessible. Join us for a fun and friendly pickup soccer game. Games will be held at Walter Johnson High School turf field every Saturday. Look for a red tote bag. When coming to the field. If the field is closed for the day. Backup location will be Stratton Local Park, a 5 min drive from the HS. We will group up and split into two teams to play. Preferably bring a light and dark shirt. To make organizing teams easier. No harsh language No harsh fouls Come to play for fun

Can humanity truly reach its full potential without all of its members being free to reach and contribute their all? Is equality a tug of war where one side gains at another’s expense? Does empowering women require taking opportunities away from men, or does it actually strengthen the whole and create more opportunities and a better world for everyone? If a bird has one broken wing, it isn’t able to fly or live a full and healthy life. Could this same thinking apply to the balance of men and women? The two wings of a bird do not fight for power, strength or dominance. Both wings need to be of equal strength for the bird to soar. Can humanity truly advance if women do not enjoy the same rights, prerogatives and opportunities as men? How can we work to ensure that we are building communities where everyone has the same opportunities to grow and develop and to contribute to the advancement of humanity together? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the essential equality of the sexes. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how achieving that equality is needed for all of humanity to progress and reach its full potential. *“The world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. ”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

**As divine, immortal Soul, we have an inborn connection to the Creator. This unbreakable bond of love, support, and guidance can allow us to live life productively, joyfully, and adventurously. However, it can be challenging to remember and use our gift of spiritual communication. Singing HU – a sacred sound and ancient mantra – can help us recognize, strengthen, and consciously maintain this deep connection.** **During a lively, interactive session, we’ll explore how HU, the Sound behind all sounds, can:** **• Fill us with peace and re-ignite our dreams.** **• Help us face challenging situations with confidence.** **• Bring more love into our life now.** **We look forward to seeing you then. If you wish, you can download a free ebooklet about the HU at: www.eckankar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HU Your-Key-to-Spir-Living_ebooklet.pdf** **A flyer for this event is available for you at:** **https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Poster-for-March-8th-2026-HU Key-to-Spiritual-Living-Rev-1.pdf**

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

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

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.