Gaia (Mother Earth) Blessing

What Happened to the Energy Transition? To land a ship on a moving target, the moon, for example, from a moving object, the earth, requires an enormous attention to facts and a mastery of detail. Getting any of these wrong can lead to disaster. Climate science tells us we must transition to a zero carbon society—and fast. But are climate-deniers the only obstacle to that transition? We will discuss the work of economic historian Jean-Baptise Fressoz who suggests that even as we move to solar panels and electric vehicles, rather than “transitioning” to a zero carbon world we will continue to consume more, and more, and more and produce more carbon dioxide. Is there a way out of here? As harrowing as it sounds, its best to pay attention to the facts and master the details so we can discuss real solutions. Perhaps, a solution that depends on a transition in our ethical thinking. In-person and available on Zoom When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA It's more fun in person (and the coffee is free), but you can participate by [Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1) Jim Ball and his family are longtime members of Ethical Culture. In his retired life he writes, gardens, and rewilds his small corner of the world with native plants.

Welcome to all who identify as women—those in their wisdom years and those journeying toward them, embracing cycles of growth, transformation, and deepening self-awareness. This space honors women celebrating the strength, creativity, and wisdom that unfold through each season of the feminine path. In this circle, a crone is not defined by age but by attitude - someone who carries or seeks the wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge that comes with lived experience. You are invited to join the Crone’s circle of women coming together to share wisdom, experience, and inspiration. This gathering offers a welcoming space for reflection, storytelling, and meaningful conversation about life’s journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you seek connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace among kindred spirits, this meeting is an opportunity to nurture your inner strength and celebrate the wisdom within us all. Come as you are. To guide and enrich our time together, we will be using books and other creative means—such as rituals ceremonies, journaling, art, and shared activities—to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire personal growth. Naming of the group will be done in circle. Please bring a journal for our journey. Books can be bought through Sticks and Stones. The first book will be: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina G. Bargiel Host: Cat Entrance cost: $15 Cat Cat began her spiritual journey in her late twenties, drawn to the transformative power of self-discovery and holistic healing. Trained in meditation, earth-based spirituality, yoga, massage, and energy work, she weaves together practices that nurture balance and connection. Her creative spirit finds expression through continued learning, ceremony, rituals, movement, art, crafts, and journaling, which she uses as tools for reflection and transformation. Deeply committed to creating community, Cat fosters spaces where individuals can share, heal, and grow together. Through her work, she continues to explore the harmony between energy, creativity, and the natural world.

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** 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).

In today’s fast-paced world, many are asking deeper questions: Am I truly fulfilled? Does my life have meaning beyond the daily grind? Amid constant demands and distractions, it’s easy to lose touch with what really matters. Join Sister Jenna for a heart-opening workshop that invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your true purpose. Through insightful guidance and practical wisdom, discover how to align your values, choices, and inner voice to create a life of meaning, impact, and inner satisfaction. Because a life that matters isn’t measured by how much you do—but by how deeply you live. **Sister Dr. Jenna** is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum located in Maryland. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Sister Dr. Jenna is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, a group of thought leaders from diverse disciplines in service to conscious evolution and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015. She is the author of “Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices,” a profound compilation featuring insights from over 30 contributing authors and she contributed to “Mr. President – Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama,” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity. Sunday, Apr 12th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl. Suite 200 2nd floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event.

Have you ever had a moment where everything suddenly *clicked*? An unexpected realization… a quiet inner knowing… a simple insight that changed how you see yourself or your life. These are epiphanies—powerful “wake-up calls” that reveal our gifts, illuminate new possibilities, and gently uncover what may be holding us back. Join us this Sunday with **Rev. Sandra Butler** as we explore the transformative power of epiphany moments. Through a Unity lens, we’ll reflect on how these flashes of insight can guide us toward greater clarity, purpose, and spiritual growth. You may even begin to recognize (or rediscover) your own epiphany story. Whether you’re on a spiritual path or simply curious about personal growth, you are warmly welcome. Join us in person, or watch our livestream at unityoffairfax.org

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

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

We all go through times when it feels like the ground is being pulled out from under us. What we relied on as steady and solid may change or even appear to vanish. In this era of global disruption, threats to our individual, social, and planetary safety abound, and at times life can feel overwhelming. Not only are loss and separation painful, but even positive changes can cause great stress. Yet life is full of change: birth, death, marriage, divorce; a new relationship; losing or starting a job; beginning a new phase in life or ending one. Change is stressful, even when it is much desired or anticipated—the unknown can feel scary and threatening. In We Were Made for These Times, the extraordinary mindfulness teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo imparts accessible advice on navigating difficult times of transition, drawing on Buddhist teachings on impermanence to help you establish equanimity and resilience. Classroom 1 and via **[Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88912244670?pwd=jtR4LLF3bM6YkuFgevZXlJtM9tGZL2.1),** Meeting ID 889 1224 4670, Password 488104

This is the day after the official park sponsored Bluebells festival, so hopefully not too crowded! Please join us (Patricia and Jennifer) at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at [Riverbend Park](https://www.fxva.com/listing/riverbend-park/246/), 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, Virginia. If you'd like a ride from the East Falls Church metro station please message Patricia, thank you! We built in some time to linger after the hike if folks want to BYOL and enjoy a picnic together. Note that if it's a gorgeous day, the parking lot could be full. In that case we will pivot to a different hiking plan. Please be sure we have your cell number to coordinate in that case! We will hike either up or down the river as agreed on by the group, for about 1 hour / 3 miles total. Difficulty is easy/moderate (a few places where we need to walk on rocks and up and down small hills). If rain is falling or there are high winds, we will postpone -- again, please include your cell number when you sign up so we can reach you. Bring: Layers, water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes that can handle some rocks and muddy areas. Note: if you want to invite other female guests over 50 (or thereabouts), that would be welcome, let us know! Hope you'll join us!

…Elizabeth Johnson, 496 pages [Environmentalism] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=617949 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “With a thoughtfully curated series of essays, poetry, and conversations, Johnson has assembled a group of dynamic people who are willing to imagine what seems impossible, and articulate those visions with enthusiastic clarity. The problem of climate change is a significant one, but What If We Get It Right? reminds us that with passion and ingenuity, there is so much we can accomplish.”—Roxane Gay “This book had me at its title. Through a collection of thoughtful essays and interviews, Johnson explores the possibility of getting it right with a visionary group of environmental leaders, activists and other big thinkers working on the front lines. Johnson, who has become a prominent voice on climate solutions, reminds us that there is also joy in working toward a future where we can all thrive.”—Los Angeles Times “This is the book we’ve been waiting for—a brilliant mix of creativity and wisdom that feels like we’re eavesdropping on intimate conversations with the world’s most brilliant change-makers. In What If We Get It Right?, Johnson weaves together art, poetry, and expert interviews into a deeply human exploration of the interconnected challenges we face. The result is a vision of a future filled with joy and possibility, where fixing one problem helps us solve many more.”—Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist, author, and UN Champion of the Earth “An optimistic bent and eager embrace of solutions… these conversations are as much about ‘getting it right’ as they are about what we are currently getting wrong. Johnson is a top-notch interviewer, and her guests are insightful and candid.”—Scientific American “An entirely credible (and entirely enchanting) voice… Ayana Johnson is no Pollyanna. She’s a hard-nosed and extremely competent scientist who has not shied for a minute from facing the hard truths.”—Bill McKibben “Rigorous, elucidating, and hopeful in the most catalytic sense, this volume will stiffen your political will and open your mind and heart. It could arrive at no better moment.”—Rebecca Traister, bestselling author and writer for New York magazine “I believe that this is a book that the young among us have been waiting for. It is certainly the reset that we as societies and as elders owe to coming generations of humanity—and to our magnificent natural world.”—Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, a National Humanities Medalist, and a New York Times bestselling author “The climate crisis is terrifying, but also exhilarating—exhilarating because spectacular new ideas, approaches, and values are arising to address the terrifying stuff… Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's fantastic new anthology lets you listen to dozens of them.”—Rebecca Solnit, author, feminist, environmentalist “Critically, What If We Get It Right? reminds us of the most important solution of all: protecting and restoring nature, the magic of photosynthesis and water cycle. If you need a kick in the pants to roll up your sleeves on climate solutions, this book is for you.”—Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia “If you are enamored with possibility, as I am, let the perspectives gathered in these pages fill you up and propel you on. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson has prepared a genuine feast for us. Savor every ‘what if’ for our shared future.”—Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson, co-editor of All We Can Save and lead writer of Drawdown ### About the Author Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She co-­founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Dr. Johnson co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-created and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet podcast How to Save a Planet, and co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. She serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and GreenWave, and on the advisory board of Environmental Voter Project. Above all: She is in love with climate solutions.

## 🥞 **Special Note – April Brunch Update** **Please note:** Our April brunch has been moved to **Sunday, April 12** (instead of April 5) due to Easter. We hope this makes it easier for more of our community to join us — and we look forward to seeing you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What's better than brunch? Brunch with the LGBTQ+ community, of course! Join the Dulles Triangles at 11:00 AM for a dazzling brunch at **[Amphora Diner](http://amphoragroup.com/amphoras-diner-deluxe/)**, located at **1151 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170**. This is your chance to catch up with old pals, make some new ones, and bask in the glory of a Sunday well-brunched! Amphora’s menu is as diverse as our community, offering everything from omelets and pancakes to divine bakery treats. Seriously, their pastries are more irresistible than a shirtless Ryan Gosling holding a puppy! **RSVP Required!** Amphora needs a headcount beforehand, and adding seats at the last minute is like trying to squeeze into last year’s pride outfit—tricky! To ensure you get a seat at the brunch extravaganza, RSVP on Meetup or in the Dulles Triangles Facebook group by the day before. Those who RSVP get priority seating, and we promise not to judge if you show up in sequins. Remember to ask for Dulles Triangles when you arrive. Use the links below to RSVP and secure your spot faster than you can say "mimosas." This event is usually held on the first Sunday of each month, but check for updates because we like to keep things as flexible as our dance moves. Keep an eye on the current schedule so you don't miss out!

**Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike** This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells. Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge. NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091 The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066. We meet at the visitor’s center. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls Fees: no fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here.](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/364d3859a63a971c3f6e12df21a16dac0e2edb52dedff598122b3f4ba7349ada) **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM at VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

**When Life Feels Stressful…Come Home to Your Inner Peace with Sister Jenna** There are moments in life when stress becomes overwhelming, when relationships feel fragile, and when the future feels uncertain. In those moments, what we need most is not more noise…but a space of truth, peace, and genuine care. Sister Jenna warmly offers a rare and intimate **Meditation & Healing Experience** at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Virginia. This gathering is lovingly created for those who are: * Carrying stress, fear, or emotional exhaustion * Facing challenges in marriage, relationships, or family * Feeling pressure, confusion, or imbalance at work * Quietly searching for peace, clarity, and strength Through her gentle guidance and powerful spiritual presence, you will be guided into a space of deep stillness and renewal. What makes this experience truly special…is the opportunity to be personally seen, heard, and supported by Sister Jenna. This is more than an event…It is a sacred encounter with your own truth, reflected through a powerful spiritual guide. Come as you are… and leave as who you truly are. **Limited seating to preserve the depth and intimacy of the experience.** ***Sister Dr. Jenna*** *is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum located in Maryland. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Sister Dr. Jenna is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, a group of thought leaders from diverse disciplines in service to conscious evolution and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015.* *She is the author of “[Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices](https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Meditation%3A+Intimate+Experiences+with+the+Divine+through+Contemplative+Practices&qid=1753065633&sprefix=meditation+intimate+experiences+with+the+divine+through+contemplative+practices%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Medita"),” a profound compilation featuring insights from over 30 contributing authors and she contributed to “[Mr. President – Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama,](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+Perspectives+on+the+Historic+Presidency+of+Barack+H.+Obama%2C&qid=1753065692&sprefix=mr.+president+interfaith+perspectives+on+the+historic+presidency+of+barack+h.+obama%2C%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+P")” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity.* Thu., April 16th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/svqiI](https://shorturl.at/svqiI)

Mindfulness Meditation group practice every Wednesday evening at Unity of Gaithersburg. Mindfulness practice is not about achieving some special state of mind; it is more about noticing the experience you are having without trying to change it. This interesting video suggests why you might sit and watch your mind wander off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmmBF8eTl18 This noticing tends to shift your nervous system from a 'fight-or-flight' state to a more relaxed and receptive state. In this receptive mental state, you begin to see your own experience differently and, over time, see other people and the world differently. Also, it is good for you: "the effect of regular meditation on the cortex was so profound that fifty-year-old meditators had a prefrontal cortex that looked like that of a twenty-five-year-old" [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT) Here is an interesting and funny take on meditation by Ajahn Brahm: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs). If you arrive on time, there will be an introduction at the beginning, if you arrive late, find a chair and join us. There will be some discussion after. This is a free event, but contributions to the church's expenses are welcome. You can just show up this Wednesday or subsequent Wednesdays. More information at [https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org](https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org/)/

New to practicing? Interested in mythology and pagan practices? Join Carmilla in her new series tackling different deities from pantheons all around the world. Each class will focus on one deity, their correspondences, portfolios, stories, and worship. Deity work can be challenging and difficult to research, but in this class we offer facts and fun while discovering a new potential ally. Taught by Carmilla Harker, also known for her herbology, dark magic, and history classes at Sticks and Stones. She has been practicing witchcraft for six years and counting. She has her degree in art history and a fascination with the occult to tackle the fascinating world of belief and deitywork. Bring a notebook/pencil! Fee: $25 No admittance under age 18.

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Last time we got together to learn about and practice some methods of divination in-person, we ran out of time. So let's pick up where we left off and explore palmistry, oracle and tarot decks, scrying, and more! As this day is also the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, we may also check to make sure that Voldemort's return isn't foretold in the cards. Bring your favorite method to show off if you have one. Note: this is a joint meetup of DADA and Sacred Wheel, the pagan group at the church where we'll be meeting.

**Staying Centered in a Changing World with Sister Jenna** With constant change, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm becoming the norm, many people feel stretched, unsettled, and searching for stability. How do you stay grounded when everything around you feels unpredictable? Join Sister Jenna for a calming and empowering workshop designed to help you reconnect with your inner center, the place of clarity, strength, and peace within. we will explore how to remain steady amidst change, respond instead of react, and navigate life with greater resilience and grace. When you are centered within, no storm outside can shake you. ***Sister Dr. Jenna*** *is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum located in Maryland. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Sister Dr. Jenna is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, a group of thought leaders from diverse disciplines in service to conscious evolution and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015.* *She is the author of “[Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices](https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Meditation%3A+Intimate+Experiences+with+the+Divine+through+Contemplative+Practices&qid=1753065633&sprefix=meditation+intimate+experiences+with+the+divine+through+contemplative+practices%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Medita"),” a profound compilation featuring insights from over 30 contributing authors and she contributed to “[Mr. President – Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama,](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+Perspectives+on+the+Historic+Presidency+of+Barack+H.+Obama%2C&qid=1753065692&sprefix=mr.+president+interfaith+perspectives+on+the+historic+presidency+of+barack+h.+obama%2C%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+P")” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity* Sun., April 26th, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wvf5R](https://shorturl.at/wvf5R)

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served. \*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](mailto:robert@humanactivation.com) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44)\. \|