Islam & Sufism

**Setbacks happen…but so do restarts!** Come hang out **IN PERSON** at Shift & Sip for a casual hour of mindset shifts, life systems exploration, and good conversation with like-minded people. Bring a notebook and your awesome energy...we’ll supply the cuppa and snacks! **The Mayfair, Kaikōura** 12 March \| 7–8pm Koha appreciated

**Setbacks happen…but so do restarts!** Come hang out **IN PERSON** at Shift & Sip for a casual hour of mindset shifts, life systems exploration, and good conversation with like-minded people. Bring a notebook and your awesome energy...we’ll supply the cuppa and snacks! **The Mayfair, Kaikōura** 12 March \| 7–8pm Koha appreciated

Today's Meaningful Conversation explores the role of spirituality in eradicating and healing from the spiritual disease of racism. We will begin our exploration of this topic with a selection of passages from the Bahá’í Writings, which will help us consider the following questions: * How does a spiritual outlook on racism help us better understand and address this vital issue? * What changes in mind and heart will offer an effective antidote to racism? * How can each of us contribute to true and lasting healing and transformation? *“If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to mankind…”*

What role do the arts play in building strong, vibrant communities? How can creativity bring people together across differences, spark dialogue, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging? Join us for an open, engaging discussion on how visual art, music, theater, literature, film, and public art contribute to community life. Whether you’re an artist, arts supporter, educator, organizer, or simply someone who values culture, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore questions such as: * How do the arts create connection across cultural, generational, and social divides? * Can creative expression help communities heal after conflict or crisis? This is a dialogue — not a lecture — designed to surface diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Expect thoughtful conversation and opportunities to imagine new possibilities together. **All are welcome.**

**Welcome to our Free weekly course to start your spiritual journey with Kundalini Meditation!** Join us at the **Gum Spring Library (Meeting Room A/B/C)** for an enlightening experience. This in-person event will introduce you to the ancient practice of Kundalini Meditation, guiding you towards self-discovery and inner peace. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this course is designed for all levels. Come and explore the transformative power of Kundalini Meditation with us! FAQs **What is the cost for the events?** All Sahaja Yoga meditation events, classes, and workshops are offered free of cost and are open to all. Just as one cannot pay nature to sprout a seed, in the same way, Sahaja Yoga is a living process that cannot be paid for. **What should I wear?** We do not have a dress code, but recommend any decent, comfortable wear or smart casual wear. **What do you typically do at a workshop or event?** Our events are varied and diverse ranging from music and meditation to cultural and spiritual exhibitions and other creative explorations. We offer meditation at all our events. Depending on the event, our workshop focuses on a particular topic and then we provide guided meditation and offer simple techniques to maintain balance. These techniques may include the use of elements such as water and light that make the meditative experience very enjoyable. We also have time for questions and individual queries and teach how to meditate at home at each workshop.. **Do I need to bring anything?** No, you’re fine. Just walk in and enjoy the event! **I haven’t RSVP’d, can I still come for the event?** Yes, you can, although we recommend you Register to make sure we have seats for you. **I’ve attended a workshop. What next?** To take full advantage of your experience with meditation, the next step would be to attend any of our regular meetings as we offer ongoing classes. Consider that when a plant is given water, it grows strong and healthy. In the same way, meditation cleanses and harmonizes one’s being, so attending a weekly collective meditation is the best way to bring lasting peace and well-being. We still encourage you to attend our diverse events that may appeal to you. There is always something interesting going on, so keep stopping by or checking our website. **What is Sahaja Yoga?** Sahaja Yoga is a meditation breakthrough founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970 and is based on ancient principles for the modern world. It begins with the awareness of one’s individual energy called, ‘kundalini.’ Once the kundalini is awakened within, the process of meditation becomes effortless and spontaneous, and this leads to complete peace and balance in life. With balance comes lasting joy and well-being of mind, body, emotions and spirit. **Where can I attend a Sahaja Yoga event or class?** You can check this website for upcoming events. Our free classes are offered nationwide and internationally. For classes in the D.C. Metro Area (Maryland, Virginia and D.C.), please visit [local ](http://%5Bhttp//www.dcsahajayoga.org/weekly-classes.html%5D(http://www.dcsahajayoga.org/weekly-classes.html) "\[http://www.dcsahajayoga.org/weekly-classes.html\](http://www.dcsahajayoga.org/weekly-classes.html)")[classes](http://%5Bhttps//www.dcsahajayoga.org/%5D(https://www.dcsahajayoga.org/) "\[https://www.dcsahajayoga.org/\](https://www.dcsahajayoga.org/)") If you’re looking for classes out of state or abroad, you may visit [sahajayoga.org](http://sahajayoga.org/) Still have questions feel free to contact us at 623-734-5952

Hello Adventurous Hikers!!! Welcome to another alternate Saturday hike at 8:30 AM! This hike is planned for the coming Saturday (sorry for the short notice) and **will NOT be at Great Falls Park.** We will meet at the Roosevelt Island parking lot at the end nearest the entrance. Note that this lot is accessible ONLY from the northbound George Washington Parkway. If you will be coming from Virginia on I-66, you will have to cross the Roosevelt bridge, exit onto Independance Ave, make a quick U-turn and re-cross the bridge back to Virginia to access the NB GW. The parking lot entrance comes up almost immediately on the right once you enter the parkway. **Note that the start time is 8:30 to ensure a parking spot.** The hike will be from the parking lot north along the river on the Potomac Heritage trail to Chain Bridge - about 9 miles roundtrip. There are a couple of stream crossings that are not difficult and one rock scramble (with "handrail" - see photo). If anyone has enough energy left, we can then hike onto and around Roosevelt Island if you have never done so. That trail is flat and a lot of it is on a boardwalk. If anyone from Herndon, Reston, or Sterling wants to carpool with me, I can accomodate 3 hikers! Please ask me directly if you have any questions. Hike may be cancelled if there is not sufficiant interest so sign up soon! Thanks Dick

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.

Spring has long been seen as a season of renewal—when longer days, new growth, and fresh energy invite us to reflect on our own lives. In this discussion, we’ll explore the idea of spring as a time for personal and spiritual renewal. What does renewal look like in our lives? Are there practices, habits, or perspectives we want to refresh as the season changes? Together we’ll share reflections, experiences, and ideas inspired by the themes of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. This is an open, welcoming conversation. Whether you come with thoughts to share or simply curiosity to listen, you’re invited to join the dialogue. **All are welcome.**