Foster Parenting

Join other parents from [Neighborhood Church](https://www.neighborhoodc.org/) as we reflect on God's characteristics and how His posture toward us can directly impact our posture toward our children. Gather every Saturday morning with or without the kids for a casual time of hanging out at [Blueberry Hill Park](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blueberry+Hill+Local+Park/@39.128916,-77.1565103,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7d2f3bb090ff9:0x92add00fbaa79b7a!8m2!3d39.128916!4d-77.1565103!16s%2Fg%2F11bbrnzjr5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) with one another. Throughout the week, we’ll study [Bible Project’s “Character of God Word Study”](https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/character-of-god/) at our own pace & share our thoughts, reflections & questions with one another through a What’s App group.

\*\* Please go to [Ticket Leap](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/authentic) to complete your registration \*\*\* Authentic Relating is for those who want to get beyond small talk and connect more deeply with others in a substance-free, inclusive, and supportive environment. Most social events throw a bunch of strangers into a room to fend for themselves, which disadvantages people who have social anxiety and with marginalized identities. Authentic Relating intentionally disrupts this dynamic with strategies that facilitate equity 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. ### **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 received with openness, empathy, and compassion. It is also a journey, one where we take the time to get to know each other and feel comfortable enough to reveal ourselves (no one is forced to be vulnerable or share anything they are uncomfortable sharing). Authentic Relating is about creating a space where that journey can happen in a spirit of delight and discovery. At a facilitated Authentic Relating gathering, one can have a meaningful interaction with every person, practice deep listening and sharing, and feel a sense of belonging. Guided activities encourage participants to be playful, curious, empathetic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. Facilitation and prepared questions help people practice active listening and self-reflection. Everyone has an equal amount of time to talk, listen, and be heard, and no one can dominate the conversation or be a wallflower. ### **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. Conversations range from 5 to 10 minutes. **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. ### **Sample Agenda** 5 min: Partnered conversation to land 5 min: Loving kindness meditation 10 min: Introduction to authentic relating 10 min: Opening shares 10 min: Movement activity 45 min: Facilitated conversations 10 min: Break 45 min: Facilitated conversations 15 min: Closing circle ### **Sample Conversation Prompts** What are you passionate about? What do you struggle with? What are you most anxious or fearful about? What gives you hope? What is a difficulty or challenge that you’re struggling with? What is something that you long for that you don’t have? What do you need? ### **Additional Info** Advanced registration required. No walk ins. NO REFUNDS unless the event is cancelled. Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one. This event is not exclusively for singles! All ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, identities, etc. welcome! The event is capped at 20 and will be cancelled if there are fewer than 6. This helps us create an intimate atmosphere and get to know everyone in the group. 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. ### **Videos to Learn More** [2 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJG7R7Da5xA) [15 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYdvLo8UMZU) ### **Testimonials** "I live in an intentional community where I am friends with all the residents and we never lock our doors, but even here, we don't reach the depth of connection that I experience at Authentic Relating in 3 hours. This is a heart filled, nourishing practice for everyone who desires genuine connection and community." "Thank you so much for organizing the event today. I was extremely apprehensive about the experience but you created a safe, joyful, and meaningful event. Your passionate, kind, and gentle spirit helped to create a beautiful and loving environment. I also gained skills that will help me deepen my relationships and connect with more people. I was really pleasantly surprised and moved by the experience." "I was very surprised with how much I both needed and enjoyed the workshop. As someone who is pretty good with people, I have found that finding friends has been difficult since moving to the DMV for school. I never thought of attending a workshop made specifically for helping people meet new friends would be something I needed, let alone something I would enjoy. The facilitator was kind yet direct, and led the time well, and the activities we fun and varied. Most importantly, real connection was generated, and while obviously follow up is our responsibility, being able to attend a space that helped get us past the meeting phase was worth its weight in gold. I would happily attend again." "This was amazing! I'm definitely coming back and inviting my friends next time!" “I will never experience social gatherings the same way again!” "Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels more like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you." "I went to this event last month and enjoyed it so much ❤️ I formed a lot of bonds in a short amount of time. Time well spent. Highly recommend it!" "Authentic Relating is life changing!" "Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves." ## **About the Facilitator** Clara Fang, Ph.D. is the founder of [Green Tara Consulting](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating), a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. [bio.site/cfang](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/dating) To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read [Creating Equitable and Inclusive Social Gatherings](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating-update) [Subscribe](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCxVlNMAWTLRBI_e3OtwQdZLoZE9M7Dy8VUiFVQaMpg3tIKQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) to the email list to receive notification of future events and connect with other members.

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

Hey everyone! Let's try to get this group more active! Local events can be anything -- A walk in the park, movie, happy hour, camping, and so on! So if you want to host a local event, leave a comment below or message me and I'll contact you to help you get it up in the group!

**Join Friends of Accotink Creek, Fairfax County Restoration Project, and neighbors of Americana Drive to get trash out of this location plagued by illegal dumping.** **We can expect to encounter large quantities of trash of all kinds, from bottles and cans, to tires, to construction debris. Come prepared to get tired and dirty!**

We'll try to hike again. Hopefully, the weather cooperates this time. There's a shelter at 2401 Tilden Street we'll meet at. It's a simple out and back, not too steep. If we're up for it, we can grab some food at one of the nearby eateries. By signing up for this hike, you indicate you are responsible for own safety and do not hold the organizer or Meetup responsible for any injuries incurred. You may bring as many guests as you want provided they're single and childfree.

Each month we will gather in community for mindfulness meditation and activities. There will be time for collective family practice as well as time for parents and children to break-out into groups and engage with peers. Rooms will be right next door to each other. We request that children under the age of 5 stay with caregivers. Learn more and subscribe to updates and newsletters [here](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751).

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

The Single Adult Ministry of Our Lady of the Fields invites you to join us for a tour of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington DC. on June 7, 2026. We will meet at OLF parking lot in the back to carpool at 9:15. We will leave at 9:30 to drive to the Monastery. All are welcome to attend the 11am Mass. Bring your own lunch so we can eat in Agnel Park and Tour the Gardens. We have a Guided tour at 1:30pm of the Monastery Church, lower church and catacombs (Catacombs are not hadicap accessible) Carpooling is available, please meet at OLF at 9:15. Please contact Jeanne if available to drive. If you need to reach me my cell is 410-206-1156. RSVP to: [ministry4singleagain@gmail.com](mailto:ministry4singleagain@gmail.com) before June 2, 2026

Higher Grounds – Arlington 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 Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Tree Walk 10-11:30 AM Come for all or part of the tree walk Bon Air Park Meet at flagpole in the rose garden

Dance your way into fitness with a family Zumba® class! This class brings together all members of your family for fun and easy-to-follow dance moves to upbeat music! Registration Required. Level: All. Ages 6 & up. **[Register here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=ia5R04641C1K274L284S2P4J5J436N476U685Z4L4Q1S6T4S5D5A1E6Z5P6656696J55584H13065Q6T6I046Y4M6D4I0C66465R576N6J4Y555D1M5P4L6K6510724Z64&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=17681-479G&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** (summer registration opens 5/13 for residents & 5/20 for non-residents). Activity Code: 17681-479G **No classes on federal holidays (7/4).** Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.