Holistic Parenting

**🌞 CORE Yoga – Activate Your Powerhouse!** 📍 *Mind Body Paloma Studio – Oakton, VA (near Vale Rd)* 📩 Exact address shared upon RSVP Join us **every Tuesday evening** for a dynamic fusion of **yoga and Pilates-inspired movement** designed to fire up your core and awaken your **solar plexus chakra**. This class blends mindful breath with functional movement to build strength, improve mobility, and help you reconnect with your inner power. 🧘‍♀️ **What to Expect:** – Core-focused yoga asanas – Pilates-inspired strengthening exercises – Hip mobility and full-body stretches – Intimate small-group setting (Max 10 people) ✨ **What to Bring:** A yoga mat and positive vibes 🎟️ **Your first class is FREE!** Visit: [www.mindbodypaloma.com/services](https://www.mindbodypaloma.com/services) for class passes and pricing. 💻 *Can't make it in person? Join us online!* 🔗 **RSVP to secure your spot** and receive the exact studio address: https://events.humanitix.com/core-yoga-tuesdays-7pm-d3np535b Let's strengthen from the inside out—see you on the mat! 💛🌿

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Germantown's evening Toastmasters club. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm at Northwest High School, classroom 232. We offer opportunities to give a speech, practice impromptu speaking, participate in a leadership role, evaluate a fellow speaker, participate in speech contests, and organize Toastmasters events. There is never any pressure. This is a very kind group of people dedicated to improving their communications and leadership skills and helping others to do the same. You're welcome to visit as many times as you'd like for free. If you would like to join Toastmasters and get started on your public speaking and leadership path, you can do so at any time. Dues are just $51 for a six-month membership + $20 New Member Fee (one time only). Hope to see you soon! IMPORTANT: When Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the club will not meet.

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

The Lewis Smith Toastmasters is a local club under Toastmasters International. We improve our communication, public speaking and listening skills by working with others in a fun, enjoyable and supportive environment. People join Toastmasters for all sorts of reasons. Some join to strengthen their job related presentations. Others join to develop confidence speaking and listening in English. Yet others join to develop skills such as leading and conducting meetings, skills that are helpful for both volunteer work and in the work place. We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 3820 Aspen Hill Rd Silver Spring MD 20906 (St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church -directly behind Aspen Hill Giant), at 7:30 PM. To learn more about our club, please visit: https://lewissmith.toastmastersclubs.org

We will meet up inside the Restaurant, there is a reservation made under Zander's name. Only ask for the name, and they will show you where to sit. They have a great selection. Most of us usually order something to eat and drink, so feel free. We find it is best to park in the parking lots. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/yC67wxa9tQ5g5aHXA](Uncle Julio's)

Ed and Gail's Tuesday Night Dance for Everyone With Guest Instructors Mal and Linda Zerden! Mal and Linda are Diamond Showcase Champions, and have been teaching for decades, so they know what they're talking about! 7:00-7:20 Country Western Two-Step Basics 7:20-8:00 Intermediate Country Western Two-Step 8:00-10:00 Dance (Variety: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country, Everything!) $15 No partner necessary!

🌿 **Half-Day Meditation Retreat: Slow Down & Rest Deeply** 🌿 Life moves fast… sometimes too fast. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or just running on autopilot, this morning is for you. Join us for a gentle pause—a space to breathe, rest, and reconnect with yourself. **What We’ll Explore:** ✨ Guided breathing to melt tension ✨ Meditative movement to settle the nervous system ✨ Active + silent meditations for clarity ✨ Deep-rest practices to release exhaustion 🗓 **Date:** Sunday, January 18,2026 ⏰ **Time:** 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM 📍 **Location:** DhyanYoga Meditation Center, Centreville, VA 💵 **Contribution:** $20 **Reserve your spot here:** 👇👇👇 [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/half-day-retreat](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/half-day-retreat) *Come as you are—tired, curious, or ready for a break.* 🕊️

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

A Path Forward – Grand Opening & 2-Year Anniversary Celebration! Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of A Path Forward’s new Leesburg studio and mark two years of supporting mothers through every stage of motherhood. A Path Forward is a maternal wellness studio offering integrated lactation support, strength-based fitness, nutrition coaching, and restorative therapies designed to help moms rebuild strength, confidence, and balance — not just “bounce back.” This open-house style event is an opportunity to: * Tour the new studio space * Learn about our services, including Red Light Therapy * Meet the founder and local providers * Ask questions and explore how A Path Forward can support you in your current season * Enjoy light refreshments sponsored by Robin with 'Keeping It Real' Real Estate * Community Connection **Give-A-Ways!** We wil be doing 2 give-a-ways at the top of every hour. * 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM and 1:00PM Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, a toddler mom, or simply ready to prioritize your own wellbeing again, this celebration is for you. Come celebrate a new chapter, a new space, and a shared commitment to supporting moms in our Loudoun community. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Dear all, This meditation session is for folks that have already attended the beginner and intermediate levels. Please confirm with your instructor before joining this session. We are having this mediation from 9-10am. Looking forward to meeting you in person and online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7551126133?pwd=TmJVc3VnQlUvVU9qUzBPdU1SaWRqUT09 Directions : From Stoneridge on Rt 50 come past Rt 28, turn right on Sullyfield, it is on left past Westmorefield Dr. From Fair Oaks, take left on Sullyfield after crossing Walney and it is on Left after crossing Westmorefield

**Seeing Life Through New Eyes with Sister Dr. Jenna** ## **Join renowned speaker, Sister Jenna, at our new Brahma Kumaris location in Chantilly, VA for this powerful event!** ## ***See life differently. Live differently.*** In a time when many feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, this session offers a powerful pause and a fresh perspective. Seeing Life Through New Eyes invites you to gently step back from old narratives, emotional fatigue, and habitual reactions, and rediscover life through a lens of clarity, meaning, and inner strength. Guided by Sister Dr. Jenna, we will explore how your perception shapes your experiences, relationships, and sense of purpose. By awakening empathy, curiosity, and compassion. for yourself and for others, you’ll begin to see situations not as limitations, but as opportunities for growth and understanding. When perception shifts, stress loosens its grip, relationships open, and new possibilities emerge. This is an invitation to see differently, feel differently, and live with greater peace, resilience, and hope starting from within. ***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),” 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)” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity.* Thursday, Jan. 15th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wkJfe](https://shorturl.at/wkJfe)

Casual coffee and food hang at Caboose Commons for expectant and new parents. Drop in anytime, bring kids or come solo, and stay as long as you’d like. No agenda — just good conversation.

# Emotional Reset - A Journey of Release & Renewal 🗓️ **Date:** **January31\,2026\,Saturday \| 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM** 📍 **DhyanYoga Meditation Center, Centreville, VA** 💝 **Suggested Contribution:** $20 🔗 **Reserve Your Spot:** [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/emotional-reset-a-journey-of-release-and-renewal](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/emotional-reset-a-journey-of-release-and-renewal) Emotions are energy in motion — when they’re not fully felt, they get stored in the body. Over time, this can lead to emotional fatigue, heaviness, or even numbness. **Emotional Reset** is a powerful yet gentle half-day workshop designed to help you release stuck emotional energy, reconnect with joy, and return to a place of calm and clarity. Through guided practices that include emotional expression, laughter, and silent reflection, you’ll be supported in a safe and accepting space to let go of what no longer serves you and make room for lightness, freedom, and inner peace. No need to explain or analyze. Just show up — your body already knows how to heal. *** ### What We’ll Explore: * Guided emotional release through sound and movement. * Joyful release through spontaneous laughter. * Deep rest and inner stillness through silent sitting. * Simple integration practices for grounding and clarity. *** ### Who Is This For? This workshop is ideal for anyone who: * Feels emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. * Is navigating grief, burnout, or emotional fatigue. * Desires a deep emotional cleanse without needing to talk about it. * Is curious about experiential inner healing practices. *** 🗓️ **Date:** January31,2026,Saturday **\| 🕘** 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM **📍 Location:** DhyanYoga Meditation Center, Centreville, VA **💝 Suggested Contribution:** $20 🪔 **Spaces are limited** – reserve your spot early. *** ### What to Bring: * Comfortable clothing. * A water bottle. * A journal (optional). * An open heart and willingness to explore.

**The Frequency of You: Tuning into Your True Self with Sister Jenna** ## **Join renowned speaker, Sister Jenna, at our new Brahma Kumaris location in Chantilly, VA for this powerful event!** ## ***Align with your authentic energetic signature.*** Every person carries a unique energetic frequency that reflects their essence. This session helps you tune into your authentic vibration and explore how your energy influences your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Through sound, movement, and energetic awareness practices, you'll learn to recalibrate your frequency and live in greater alignment with your true self. **Key Takeaways:** * Discover your unique energetic signature * Learn how to shift and elevate your frequency * Explore the connection between energy and emotion * Align your inner and outer life with authenticity ***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),” 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)” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity.* Tuesday, Jan. 20th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/BF9au](https://shorturl.at/BF9au)

Join us for a playdate at the Wheaton Library! There is a nice area for children to engage in free play while the parents get to know each other. There is a cafe on-site (coffee, pastries and light fare), but food and beverages aren’t allowed in the play area. Not a Montgomery County resident? We’re residents but have never been asked to show our card. We simply walk in and go directly to the children’s section (after you walk into the library turn left and head all the way back). Address 11701 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20902 Parking An underground parking garage provides free parking. By Metro Red Line From the Wheaton Station walk 6 blocks north on Georgia Avenue. Library is on the right at the corner of Arcola and Georgia.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Young Birders Walk at Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/young-birders-gilberts-corner-jan/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk exclusively for young birders at [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie. With a combination of scrub, brush, and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Note: This program is exclusively for young birders ages 10-18; a parent/guardian is welcome. **Registration required*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Young Birding Program Coordinator Patrick Lewis at [plewis@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:plewis@loudounwildlife.org).*

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theatre of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)