Firefighter

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Jujutsu

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: no cost to play Time: 12:00 (noon) - 2:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: No cost Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

This is our weekly training session. NOVA Jujutsu is a self-defense focused system incorporating Geri (Kicking), Atemi (Striking), Uke (Blocking), Tai Sabakai (Body Movement), Tai Hodoki (Escapes), Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locks), Nage Waza (Throwing), Shime Waza (Choking), Katame Waza (Grappling), Tantojutsu (Knife), Bojutsu (Bo), Kenjutsu (Sword), and Kata (Forms). Come on down to a class and see for yourself what this group has to offer. You will get a great workout! You will have an awesome learning experience! You will meet some good people! We look forward to meeting you. See you there. TAGS: japanese, martial arts, self-defense, jujutsu, jujitsu, juijitsu, bujutsu, defense, karate, koppo, kenjutsu, bojutsu, tantojutsu

***We have now resumed in-person meetups!*** We are a group of tarot practitioners and enthusiasts who are looking to practice and expand our tarot skills through both collaborative discussion and hands-on practice. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, even if you've never picked up a deck in your life! Each month we'll have a topic to discuss together, and when that discussion wraps up the session is opened up to any questions people might have about tarot. We also often break up into smaller groups to practice giving readings to each other. (The giving and receiving of readings are both completely voluntary, so please don't feel pressured!) Having a tarot deck is not required. (If you're looking for recommendations for a first deck, we'll be more than happy to help!) Some have found it helpful to bring pen and paper for notes as well. No fee, however snacks, donations for the tea fund, and gifts of practical items for the shop (toilet paper, paper towels, etc) are always welcome. Use of workshop space agreement at Sticks and Stones: 1. Feel free to arrange and decorate the space before your event, and make sure before you go to leave it as you found it. 2. Hot water and tea are provided by the store and you are welcome to help yourselves. We accept donations in the form of money, tea, paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper) dish soap, etc, to help pay for this free service. 3. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to your event (no alcohol.) It is suggested that you bring any utensils and plates if needed, however we might have some available from previous donations if you forget. 4. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, in all areas of the store. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to take any of the workshops/classes. 5. Sticks and Stones respects each and everyone’s spiritual path; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, political views, etc. Please be kind and respectful with your discussions, as we have many people from all faiths entering our store during business hours.

Join us every Sunday at [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) for open training in [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu): Research, Review, and Roll! 🥇 This is a **student-driven session** designed to help you explore what matters most to your BJJ development. Whether you want to **research techniques, review material from the week**, or **roll with different partners**, this open format gives you the flexibility to focus on your own goals. An **instructor will be present** to answer questions, offer feedback, and help troubleshoot positions, but the pace and flow of the session are entirely up to you. You can **drill, experiment**, or **get in some live rounds** in a relaxed and supportive environment. Open training is ideal for students who want to **refine their technique, test new ideas, and build confidence** through *consistent practice*. All skill levels are welcome -- come train, learn, and grow with the **[Northern Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community](https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-martial-arts-group/)**! **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**. The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site.

Social Sips & Bites — DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase Social Sips & Bites friends, we’re heading to the DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase- an all-ages, afternoon-to-night celebration of Rock ’n’ Roll through the decades. Five bands. Five decades. One epic day. Each band performs a full 1-hour tribute set, so come early, stay late, or drop in anytime. Lineup & set times • 2:00 PM – Barco Loungers • 3:30 PM – The Redactions • 5:00 PM – The Wanderers • 6:30 PM – The Spirographs • 8:00 PM – Dad Bod **Event fee: $15** Questions or Tickets : Email: ericSeisler@yahoo.com Easy vibes, great music, and classic Social Sips & Bites energy. RSVP and let’s rock winter 2026 together. https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/dc-rockers-15-feb

Mahashivratri is an exuberant nightlong festival with explosive **meditations by Sadhguru** and spectacular **musical performances** by renowned artists. **Significance of Mahashivratri** The unique planetary positions on Mahashivratri are such that there is a natural upsurge of **energy** within the human system. It is enormously beneficial for one’s **physical and spiritual well-being** to stay awake and aware in a vertical posture throughout the night. **To Learn More Visit: [isha.us/msr](http://isha.us/msr)** **Ways to join the celebrations in Person** **In a City Near You -** [https://Isha.us/MSRWashingtonDC](https://Isha.us/MSRWashingtonDC) Isha Institute of Inner-sciences TN - **[RSVP](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/mahashivratri--iiiprogram-isha-institute-of-inner-sciences-tennessee-us-feb-15-2026?utm_medium=email&utm_source=mkto&utm_campaign=weeklynl&utm_content=20260112&sftoken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE3Njg4NzA4MjgsImV4cCI6MTc2ODg3MDg4OCwiaW5kaXZpZHVhbElkIjoiMDAzMEcwMDAwMloxbHl1UUFCIiwidGVuYW50SWQiOiJhMzYwL3Byb2QvMmJhYWM2ZmY1ODVhNDNjMWFmZmQ2N2FiNDllNTU0ZDciLCJjb3JlVGVuYW50SWQiOm51bGx9.jJfg0WgChvIKjafZrHExURCvM7TfKko_LFVOJxF8Rfk)** Isha Yoga Center LA - **[RSVP](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/free-mahashivaratri-cityprogram-isha-yoga-center-la-california-us-feb-15-2026?sftoken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE3Njg4NzA4NTksImV4cCI6MTc2ODg3MDkxOSwiaW5kaXZpZHVhbElkIjoiMDAzMEcwMDAwMloxbHl1UUFCIiwidGVuYW50SWQiOiJhMzYwL3Byb2QvMmJhYWM2ZmY1ODVhNDNjMWFmZmQ2N2FiNDllNTU0ZDciLCJjb3JlVGVuYW50SWQiOm51bGx9.ReJffmM0FoH0aV6qEvhfjMZCs-YNFDcMyU1DmWw2a_M&utm_campaign=weeklynl&utm_content=20260112&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mkto)** **Join online: [https://isha.sadhguru.org/mahashivratri/](https://isha.sadhguru.org/mahashivratri/)** Mahashivratri is of great significance for all those who aspire for the Ultimate. May this night become an exuberant awakening for you. ***—Sadhguru***

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

**Stress Free Living: Create Calm from the Inside Out** Stress doesn’t have to be your default setting. This workshop offers a grounded, practical approach to cultivating inner calm and resilience in the face of life’s demands. Through mindfulness, breathwork, and nervous system regulation techniques, you’ll learn how to shift from stress to ease—without needing to escape your life. This is about building a sustainable inner sanctuary, no matter what’s happening around you. Key Takeaways: * Understand the root causes of stress and how it affects your body and mind. * Learn simple, effective tools to reduce stress in real time. * Build a personalized stress-reduction toolkit. * Cultivate a calm, centered presence in everyday life. Sun., Feb., 15th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/dvOpI](https://shorturl.at/dvOpI)

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

“Fasten your seat belts and get ready for an unforgettable rock and roll journey with 7 Bridges : The Ultimate EAGLES Experience! Buy tickets [Here](https://www.ticketweb.com/event/7-bridges-the-ultimate-eagles-tally-ho-theater-tickets/14590243?pl=tallyho) Coming from Nashville, Tennessee, this tribute to the music of the Eagles includes stunningly accurate renditions of timeless classics and fan favorites such as “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” “Life In The Fast Lane” and “New Kid in Town”. 7 Bridges’ incredible concert experience transports the audience back to the country rock era in Southern California and features impeccable harmonies, masterful musicianship, and authentic 1970’s stage presence. The band’s dedication to recreating the iconic sound of The Eagles is evident in every note they play and sing. This makes their show a must-see event for any fan of classic rock.” I recently saw 7 Bridges in Pittsburgh, and I imagine many of you have seen them in northern VA. They are true to the description above. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and i look forward to seeing them again.

### 📅 Date & Time: **Saturday, February 21, 2025** **1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST** *** ### 📍 Location: **Pots & Plants Garden Center** 10106 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 (This is an **in-person event**.) *** ### 🌱 About This Event: **Don’t have a backyard? No problem!** This free, in-person workshop will show you how to grow real food — herbs, greens, and more — *inside your home*, using compact hydroponic and soil systems with LED grow lights. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your food-growing skills during winter, this session will cover: ✅ Easy-to-use indoor garden setups ✅ LED lighting and hydroponic tips ✅ Local seedling options to save 30+ days of growing time ✅ Real tools you can use — no backyard required! *** ### 🎁 What You'll Get: * Live demonstration of indoor grow systems * Free digital guides to take home * Invite to join the full Indoor Food Growing Training Program (for free!) * Access to local seedling bundle options *** ### 👥 Who Should Attend: * Gardeners without outdoor space * Houseplant lovers curious about growing food * Local families, foodies, and eco-conscious neighbors * Anyone interested in sustainable food and indoor growing systems *** ### 📝 RSVP Info: **Free to attend – please RSVP to save your spot!** Bring a friend or neighbor along! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

**Join the BreadBreakers community for an evening of connection and comradery over the timeless art of boardgaming!** BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds create community and have meaningful conversation. Usually we do that over the dinner table, but sometimes you've got to change it up a bit! Here's what to expect: * A kind, welcoming atmosphere and community * Several familiar, and several novel boardgames. * Snacks :) * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Feel free to bring a board game to share if you'd like! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or game night) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Thursday is becoming the favored week night for STRATEGY gamers here at Crossroads! We have played Mare Nostrum, Orleans, Gaia Project, and more. Bring your preferences, be ready to split if it's a larger group, and rely on us for an awesome variety of games from which to choose. Tables are situated at a distance and servers wear masks for Covid mitigation, but table-mates should be respectful of each other and have masks ready as well unless you already cohabitate or have reason to trust each other. All other Covid precautions are in place by Crossroads, including hygeine and cleanliness.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.