Ethical Humanism

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

**🌈SAFE ENVIRONMENT🌈** **Matthew 22:39 ❤️** “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you identify as **LGBTQIA+** and find yourself carrying doubt, shame, or hurt because of religion? Are you curious about reconnecting with your faith—or exploring it in a new way? If so, you’re invited to join this Queer Bible Study centered on **rediscovering God’s word through love**. **This space is rooted in the belief that Christ’s love is for *everyone*.** Despite what many have been taught or made to feel, your identity does not disqualify you from faith—it is part of your story, and you are worthy of love, belonging, and grace. **Logistics:** 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month *(except May 3rd)* Location: Charles E. Beatley Library, Alexandria VA 60–90 minutes of reading and discussion If this resonates with you, you are welcome here. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

Speaker: Dr. Priya Parrotta is an environmental historian, composer, singer, and author. She is the founder and director of Music & the Earth International, an academic and artistic initiative that explores and celebrates the role of music in fostering cross-border environmental dialogue. She is a Senior Fellow at the Safina Center, a nominee for the United States Artists Fellowship, and an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. How are living beings transformed into sources of profit? What can we, as humans, do to reverse this process? Priya Parrotta, PhD, will explore these questions in a presentation which weaves together historical research on beach tourism and original music dedicated to the well-being of all life. She will present lessons and inspiration for the vegan movement from the fight for life on the world’s tropical coastlines. 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.

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

\*\* Please go to [Ticket leap](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/women) to confirm registration \*\*\* In ancient Indian traditions, Chakras are seven spinning energy centers aligned along the spine that connect your physical body to your emotional and spiritual well-being. Each center represents a specific aspect of the human experience, ranging from physical safety to emotional connection to higher intuition and spiritual consciousness. In this series, we are going to explore the meaning of chakras and how to nurture them in our lives. This event is for women only. **January 4** Root chakra: security and foundation **February 15** Sacral chakra: Body and sexuality **March 15** Solar plexus chakra: Power **April 12** Heart chakra: Love **May 24** Throat chakra: Creativity **June 28** Third eye chakra: Knowledge and wisdom **August 2** Crown chakra: Spirituality Authentic Relating Women's Circle is an opportunity for women to be their authentic selves in a supportive and inclusive environment. In our society, women are often expected to take care of others and ignore our own needs. At Women's Circle, we give each other permission to voice our desires, frustrations, joys, and take up space. How do you REALLY feel? What is it that you want? How can we help you get there? Let us support you in finding out. Clarity, confidence, laughter, and friendship are likely outcomes. **What Is Authentic Relating?** Authentic is being real, honest, revealed, and transparent, allowing others to see, hear, and know our inner world. Relating is welcoming the other person's authentic self and weaving their reality and experience with our own. Authenticity and vulnerability are possible in an environment absent of judgement where we are confident that we will be received with openness, empathy, and compassion. Authentic Relating is about intentionally creating a space of equity, belonging, and inclusion. In a world where we often wear a mask, presenting some aspects of ourselves and hiding others in order to be accepted, Authentic Relating invites us to show up as we are. All parts, dimensions, emotions, and aspects that make us human are welcome in this practice. When we share from our authentic selves, we create the opportunity for genuine connections and self-understanding. The result is often moving and therapeutic. ### **Principles and Practices for Authentic Relating** Mindfulness: Slowing down, being present and aware of our inner state and surroundings. Empathy: Being aware of and releasing judgement, employing empathy, curiosity, openness, and recognition of multiple perspectives. Authenticity: Vulnerability, honesty, voicing our truth, self-awareness. Centering the other: No interrupting, giving advice, fixing, or telling your own story. Ask for permission to share your opinion, advice, your own story, and questions. Validating: acknowledging, appreciating, reflecting, empathizing, and presencing. Structure: Timed interactions where people take turns sharing, listening, and reflecting. Everyone has an equal amount of time to talk, listen, and be heard. Equity: Conversation partners are assigned randomly in order to avoid choosing partners based on personal preference. Group conversations typically involve going in order around a circle rather than popcorn style. Prepared questions: Directs conversation towards meaningful topics and deeper reflection. ### **Additional Information** What is Authentic Relating? [2 minute video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJG7R7Da5xA)/ [15 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJG7R7Da5xA) This event is open to woman identifying individuals. All ages, abilities, and sexual orientations welcome! If you would like to participate, please arrive early so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event. Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one. ### **Testimonials** "WOW OH WOW! It was total magic for me! When I got home last night and looked in the mirror, my face was aglow! At least 20 years were melted away! My face was glowing and beautiful! In the morning, I was happily surprised to see the same glow on my face! Somewhere deep inside of me was touched with healing energy. I had dropped my usual protective guard which I wasn’t even aware was there during the meeting. That you, Clara Fang! See you at the next meeting ☺️" "THANK YOU THANK YOU for hosting this event! It was amazing to connect with brilliant, authentic, and caring women, in person. I could not have asked for a more supportive and healing space. My heart is full. Everyone everywhere needs this, but especially here and now!" "Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you." "Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves." \*\* Please go to [Ticket leap](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/women) to confirm registration \*\*\*

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the entirety of "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin Due to recent high popularity of our meetings, we will be having a temporary moratorium new members until a level of member cultivation has occurred. We estimate this will be around July 1st. We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium. To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Discord group. Please message me to get added.

How do we know the difference between what we *want* and what we truly *need*? In a world full of pressure, expectations, and endless choices, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. Sometimes our desires inspire growth—and sometimes they leave us feeling unsettled or uncertain. Join us this Sunday at **Unity of Fairfax** with **Rev. Sandy Butler** as we explore how to peacefully navigate the tension between wants and needs through a practical and spiritual lens. Together, we’ll reflect on how inner wisdom, awareness, and spiritual grounding can help us make choices that support greater balance, fulfillment, and peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating a life decision or simply seeking a fresh perspective, you are warmly welcome. **What We Believe** To review what we believe, go here: https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

This presentation will be by Ben Iten, humanist chaplain and HCCO Board Member. Speaking on expressing Humanism values in American democracy. This meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. 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. 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)

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

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.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B 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. All backgrounds are welcome.

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017