Holistic Health

This educational session explores essential strategies for managing and preventing hypertension. Participants will learn about risk factors, lifestyle modifications, and the impact of nutrition and exercise on blood pressure control. The workshop provides practical tools for maintaining heart health and reducing the likelihood of developing hypertension, empowering attendees to take charge of their well-being. Stay after the session for a free health screening! Ages 18 & up; FREE. **[Register here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=jj6G6I6V136R2B2C3F46404T5G545C5L015H415D5W6Z5J586S5W0C5V4E736I1V5U4N4N6H6N5H4I5S530Y5T4T6E6V080E4J6G5S096I5R505M1J6J4R5L640I726D6J&quantity=1&begindate=04%2F29%2F2026&enddate=04%2F29%2F2027&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&secondarycode=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260604&display=Detail&module=PST&multiselectlist_value=&pstwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

Join us for Opening the Heart, a sacred and serene gathering designed to guide you inward through gentle meditation and heart-centered inquiry. In this safe, supportive space, we will slow down, breathe deeply, and listen attentively to the whispers of our inner world. Together, we will explore a series of carefully crafted, heart-prompting questions—questions that gently invite us into the deeper corridors of our being. Through silent reflection and optional sharing, participants are encouraged to meet themselves with compassion and open vulnerably to the group if they feel called. This is not a space for fixing or analyzing, but for presence, authenticity, and courageous sharing. Whether you choose to listen or to speak, your presence is welcome and honored as we collectively tap into awareness. What to Expect: Guided heart-centered meditation Reflective journaling prompts Optional group sharing in a circle of trust Practices to foster self-connection and emotional safety Come as you are—bring a journal, a pen and a willingness to meet yourself and others with tenderness, love and respect. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. This also helps us to notify you in case of any changes. FIRST TIMERS: No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

Join us for Opening the Heart, a sacred and serene gathering designed to guide you inward through gentle meditation and heart-centered inquiry. In this safe, supportive space, we will slow down, breathe deeply, and listen attentively to the whispers of our inner world. Together, we will explore a series of carefully crafted, heart-prompting questions—questions that gently invite us into the deeper corridors of our being. Through silent reflection and optional sharing, participants are encouraged to meet themselves with compassion and open vulnerably to the group if they feel called. This is not a space for fixing or analyzing, but for presence, authenticity, and courageous sharing. Whether you choose to listen or to speak, your presence is welcome and honored as we collectively tap into awareness. What to Expect: Guided heart-centered meditation Reflective journaling prompts Optional group sharing in a circle of trust Practices to foster self-connection and emotional safety Come as you are—bring a journal, a pen and a willingness to meet yourself and others with tenderness, love and respect. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. This also helps us to notify you in case of any changes. FIRST TIMERS: No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

Mindful movement and flow: This class is a slower moving, strengthening and balance building practice based on mindfulness. We will bring our intentions to the awareness of our bodies and our breath in movement or in longer held poses. We will explore different breathing techniques that help clear out physical, emotional or mental energies allowing a sense of peace within. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Experience the ultimate relaxation with our 60-minute Yin & Restorative Yoga fusion class. This session combines the deep, meditative stretches of Yin Yoga with the soothing, supportive postures of Restorative Yoga. During this class, you'll explore longer-held poses designed to release tension from deep within the muscles and connective tissues, promoting flexibility and calm. The Restorative elements enhance relaxation by incorporating props to fully support your body in gentle, nurturing positions, allowing for complete surrender and rejuvenation. This practice is ideal for anyone seeking profound relaxation, stress relief, and a sense of inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to these styles, join us for an hour of blissful tranquility and restoration. **The session is offered InStudio only. Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Getting tired of the ordinary 9-5 grind? Want to experience having residual income as you go about life? Be a part of a team that will support you consistently? No ceiling to your earning potential ? Or even better…..Give a valuable and much needed asset to a your community and the nation as a whole? This is the place to be. Receive premium education and training to learn the principles of building generational wealth. Get a peak at your next best opportunity. We only have one life to live so let’s experience it all to the fullest! Please reach out to me if you’re planning to attend, it is by invitation only and I will need to secure your spot! Dress code: Business Casual

Let's talk films, too! We will be seeing "Pressure," starring Brendan Fraser, at the Regal Gallery Place, next to Capital One Arena. Afterwards, we will repair to Clyde's, to have a drink and talk about what we saw. Just like with the books, our focus is on good casual conversation. The film starts at 7:05 and run time is 1 hour 40 minutes. Let's meet near the main entrance at 6:45. Attendees will responsible for buying their own tickets; I highly recommend purchasing in advance.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .] Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion. Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer. She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change. Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes. Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

HeartFest will bring together a variety of wellness modalities including: * Yoga * Meditation * Sound Healing * Tai Chi * Ayurveda * Holistic wellness practices The event is designed as a welcoming community gathering where people can experience practical approaches to stress reduction, mental well-being, healthy living, and inner balance. 📝 Registration Link: [https://tinyurl.com/Heart-fest-registation](https://tinyurl.com/Heart-fest-registation)

Join us for **HeartFest 2026 – A Celebration of Yoga & Wellness**, a community event designed for anyone interested in exploring Yoga, Meditation, and holistic wellness practices in a welcoming and experiential environment. Whether you are: * Completely new to Yoga * Looking to deepen your practice * Interested in stress reduction and relaxation * Curious about Meditation, Ayurveda, Sound Healing, or Tai Chi …this event offers a wonderful opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and connect with a like-minded wellness community. ✨ Experience: * Yoga demonstrations * Guided Meditation * Sound Healing sessions * Ayurveda insights * Tai Chi and other wellness modalities 📅 Sunday, June 7, 2026 ⏰ 9:45 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Rollins Congressional Club, Rockville, MD 📝 Registration: [https://tinyurl.com/Heart-fest-registation](https://tinyurl.com/Heart-fest-registation) Come explore practical approaches to healthy living, mental well-being, relaxation, and inner balance in a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere 🙏🌸

# What About Artificial Sweeteners? When: Sunday, June 7, 2026. 11AM, Doors open at 10:45 for coffee Where: Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180 Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN, will review the history, uses, benefits and negative effects of these widely used chemicals. Please join us for Sunday Platform at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA After the meeting, we plan to go out to lunch together at Vienna Thai restaurant. For those who cannot come in person, this is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1 **Margaretha Backers-Netherton, RN BSN** Falls Church, VA Margaretha is a board certified member of the National Society of Health Coaches. She holds degrees in Biology, Education and Nursing and has experience as an ER, Home Health and Wellness Nurse. She works with employees of various business and organizations to improve their health and presents programs at various communities and veg fests throughout the country. She has been a vegan for over 30 years and holds a Plant Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell, certified as a Food for Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, has a Master Fitness Certification from the Cooper Institute and has two daughters and a grandson. We will be collecting for **City Wildlife**. If anyone has gently used linens, towels or cloths the animals always need them. If anyone has furs they're ashamed to have, they are welcome to turn them in for the rescued animals to bed in. They're always in need of recycled newspapers also. Doors open at 10:45 for coffee. Come early get coffee!

DMV’s longest running Mind-Body-Spirit-Eco event! 80+ exhibitors, 30+ workshops, new outdoor community building fun! $10, kids/parking FREE! **Join us for the mind-body-spirit-eco event of the season!** Explore and engage with 80+ exhibitors, attend any of 30+ workshops, and join the outdoor activities planned — all included in the price of admission - just $10 to stay all day! Kids 16 and under are [FREE...and](http://FREE...and) so is the parking! **[Our Summer 2026 Exhibitors..](http://%5Bhttps://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/%5D(https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/) "\[https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/\](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/)").** • Enjoy mini healing sessions to sample different methods (massage, Reiki, stretch, reflexology, hypnosis) • Get a psychic, Tarot, shamanic or Angel reading; take a pic of your Aura when you visit the Aura Camera • Learn about traditional, complimentary and alternative health & medicine • Shop crystals, clothes, jewelry, oils, skincare, candles, books... hundreds of metaphysical, natural, organic and other products and services for your beauty, home, health and wellness **Bill Sanda is offering mini-Akashic Record sessions throughout the day at Table #5. I will also be speaking at 1 pm on the Akashic Records and Light Language.** **[Summer 2026 Workshop Schedule...](http://%5Bhttps://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/%5D(https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/) "\[https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/\](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/)")** From alternative therapies and lifestyles, to spiritual, metaphysical and holistic health and wellness topics, our full day of workshops give you direct access to experts in several mind-body-spirit fields. Make connections and appointments, network with fellow attendees, and share in the energy only the Pathways Community can bring. Whether you're a seasoned natural living enthusiast or just beginning your journey, the Pathways Summer 2026 Natural Living Expo is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge, discover new products, and connect with others who are dedicated to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Stay connected through our [Summer Expo Main Page](http://%5Bhttps://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/%5D(https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/) "\[https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/\](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/)") ... and join us for a day filled with inspiration, education, and fun!

This is a drop-in event, please note: receiving a screening is not guaranteed. Screenings will be provided as time and resources allow. Take charge of your health! Join us for a FREE comprehensive health screening with Luminis Health, where you can get your blood pressure, glucose, A1C, and cholesterol levels checked. You will get all the results of your screening the same day. Based on the screening results, you will be provided educational resources to help improve your health. Ages 18 & up. For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Join us at Unity of Columbus for our Weekly Reiki Share, a peaceful and uplifting gathering for connection, healing, and growth. A Reiki Share is a time where Reiki practitioners and students come together to give and receive healing energy in a supportive and welcoming environment. These sessions will be moderated by Columbus Unity Reiki. Reiki is a hands-on energy healing method from Japan that first came to the United States in 1938. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is now widely practiced throughout the West. All levels are welcome, and you do not need to be a practitioner at Unity of Columbus to attend. If you are a Reiki practitioner, a Reiki student, or simply interested in becoming a Reiki student, we warmly invite you to join us. Come practice your healing techniques, learn new approaches, receive healing energy, and connect with a like-minded community in a space of relaxation, renewal, and positive energy.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us Sunday, June 7th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow in Goodale park with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded. All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat). A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute. The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Woodhouse Vegan for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over food and conversation 🌱

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.