Joseph Campbell

We had a wonderful session in September so let’s do it again! A Reiki Circle this is a gathering of Reiki practitioners who work in a group to provide Reiki treatments on each other. The main purpose of the Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, encouragement, and positive energy. We will share our wisdom and skills, socialize and make new friends in this Reiki community. Space is limited to 10 people. We will see if we need to grow or shrink from there. Let us know if you have and questions! See you there! Shaman Phil

Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there! Only 1 court 135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.

**Release and Renew: Finding Freedom Beyond the Negativity of Today’s World** In today’s world, the weight of negativity, stress, and constant change can feel overwhelming. This workshop offers a gentle space to pause, reflect, and release what no longer serves you. Through guided reflection and meditation, you’ll discover how to let go of heaviness and reconnect with the original peace and light of the soul. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for staying free from the pull of negativity while cultivating inner clarity and strength. Leave feeling lighter, renewed, and empowered to move forward with a greater sense of freedom and hope. Saturday, Dec. 20th 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at https://shorturl.at/kUd4C

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

**Life** Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born in 1646 in Leipzig. He had access to a substantial library early in life and is said to have taught himself Latin to read the Church Fathers and Latin Classics. He attended universities in Leipzig and Altdorf, earned a doctorate in law in 1667, turned down a faculty position, and went to work for the Elector of Mainz. In 1672 he had the opportunity to visit Paris to discuss his Egypt Plan, in which France would invade Egypt and leave Germany and the Netherlands alone. There he met several leading French thinkers, including [Nicolas Malebranche](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolas-Malebranche) and [Antoine Arnauld](https://iep.utm.edu/antoine-arnauld/), and studied mathematics under [Christian Huygens](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christiaan-Huygens) (discovering integral and differential calculus after about three years). He created a calculating machine and, based on this work, was made in 1673 a member of the Royal Society. In 1676 he began working in the court of the Duke of Hanover. He spent much of his life promoting science, libraries and learning and was the first president of the [Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_Academy_of_Sciences). Leibniz made contributions to not only mathematics but physics, theology, and philosophy. He sought to reconcile Catholicism and Lutheranism and, in his own way, modern science and philosophy to certain Aristotelian ideas, such as the substantial form and final cause. He died in Hanover in 1716. **Themes** Leibniz is regarded, along with Descartes and Spinoza, as one of the most important rationalist philosophers of his age. He wrote a work in response to John Locke arguing that some principles or ideas are in some sense innate. In metaphysics, he asserted the principle of sufficient reason, which says that things happen when there is more reason for them to happen than not, and claimed that, strictly speaking, all true statements are analytic (e.g., it can be truly predicated of Ceasar *a priori* that he crossed the Rubicon). Unhappy with atomistic and other accounts of substance, he argued that monads (dimensionless, soul-like entities) are fundamental, reflect everything that has ever happened or will happen, and are in sync with each other through a pre-established order chosen by God. From the conclusion that God has chosen this world, and that God can only choose the best, Leibniz famously claimed that this is the best of all possible worlds. The system Leibniz set up would seem to leave little room for human freedom, but he tried to argue that people were nonetheless free in some sense. Right or wrong, his views are complex and interesting. **Works and This Month's Reading** Leibniz wrote so much that the critical edition of his collected works, underway for several decades, remains unfinished. Much of this output consists of short works—letters, journal articles—rather than a magnum opus. His only book-length statement of his philosophy published in his lifetime is *Theodicy*. His other major works include *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. Except for *Monadology*, our readings this month are not from his most famous works; however, the selections in the *Shorter Leibniz Texts* are helpfully arranged, cover many of Leibniz's main claims, and, because the selections are short, can be read in coherent, manageable chunks. **Readings** · [The Shorter Leibniz Texts (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Leibniz-Texts-Collection-Translations/dp/0826489516/) · [Monadology (Google Books, pp. 215-271)](https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Monadology_and_Other_Philosophical_W/0IARAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1) – The Strickland version listed below is a good alternative. Both have more footnotes and explanatory text than text from Leibniz. **Optional** · [Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, IEP](https://iep.utm.edu/leib-ove/) – Summarizes Leibniz’s thought based on *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, *Theodicy*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. · [Leibniz's Monadology: A New Translation and Guide (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Leibnizs-Monadology-New-Translation-Guide/dp/074869322X/) – An alternative to the version on Google (above), this version also has relevant selections from *Theodicy*. · [Leibniz: Philosophical Essays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0872200620/?) – Contains Discourse on *Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, the Preface to *New Essays on Human Understanding*, and several other short works and letters. · [The Philosophy of Spinoza & Leibniz (YouTube) - Magee & Quinton, 1987](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7n7wfQOGaI) · [The Essence of Calculus (YouTube) - 3Blue1Brown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM) \- Quick intro\. · [Mathematical Treasure: Leibniz's Papers on Calculus (MAA)](https://old.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence/mathematical-treasure-leibnizs-papers-on-calculus) – If you’re curious what Leibniz’s calculus looked like. · [Mathematics - 19th Century, Algebra, Calculus | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/mathematics/Mathematics-in-the-19th-century) – History of math, with some math.

Saturday, December 20 · 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📍 Winter City Lights — Olney, MD
🛑 RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee entry.
🎟️ You must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite: 🎟️ Grab Your Ticket Here » https://brosandbesties_christmas.eventbrite.com
​ Need a holiday buddy to walk the lights with?
Bros & Besties is a cozy, campfire-style friendship night — complete with hot cocoa, snow tubing, and curated conversations under millions of twinkling lights at one of the top-rated holiday attractions in the country.
That’s right — Winter City Lights was recently named the #2 light show in the entire U.S. 🌟
With over 1 million lights, a 1.5-mile walk-through trail, massive glowing structures, and immersive themed zones — this is not your average holiday display.
Whether you're new to the DMV or just looking to build your circle this season, this night is about warmth, laughter, and finding your people (with a side of s’mores).
​ 🎁 Your Ticket Includes:
• 🎟 Entry to Winter City Lights ($38.99 value)
• ☕ One hot chocolate or cider
• 🔥 S’mores!
• 🛷 Snow tubing pass ($25 value)
• 🤝 A curated friendship match via Matchbox
• ✨ Campfire Circles with your match group — real connection in small-group format
​ 🕐 Event Schedule:
5:30–6:15 PM – Check-in at the heated Pavilion, grab your drink, complete your match quiz
6:15–7:00 PM – Campfire Circles: sit with your match group by the fire, enjoy s’mores, and dive into light guided conversation
7:00–7:30 PM – Meet your Bro or Bestie — walk the lights, snow tube, or keep chatting!
​ 🧣 Dress Code:
Festive winter layers are a must!
Earmuffs, scarves, gloves, and insulated jackets highly encouraged. The entire event is outdoors — please dress accordingly!
​ 🌍 Who It’s For:
All adults 21+ — whether you’re new to the area, here to grow your community, or just love the idea of fireside chats and light walks with new people.
This is a platonic, no-pressure event focused on seasonal connection and good energy.
​ 💡 Why This Event?
After 12 successful events this year, we’ve built something special:
✔️ Campfire Circles designed for meaningful, real connection
✔️ Relaxed, easy flow with no awkward icebreakers
✔️ Friendly hosts that guide, not force, the fun
✔️ A venue that’s pure holiday magic ✨
​ 📸 Photos & Social:
• Professional photos and video captured during the event
• Venue will share Instagram Stories and co-hosted Reels
• And yes — you’ll look amazing lit by 1 million lights 🎄
​ 🛡️ Access & Policies:
• Refunds available up to 4 days before the event
• This is a 100% outdoor event — please dress accordingly
• A smartphone with internet is required for matchmaking quiz
• Not all areas may be fully accessible — Contact Venue for additional accomodations if needed.
• This is a safe, inclusive space. Disruptive behavior = immediate removal
​ 🎟️ Tickets:
• Early Bird: $50 (through Dec 7)
• Regular Admission: $60 (through Dec 14)
• Last Call: $75 (through Dec 20)
Includes all experiences, taxes, and fees.
​ 🎄 Hot cocoa. Snow slides. New friends. And the #2 holiday light show in the country. 🎟️ Tickets are limited — grab yours now » https://brosandbesties_christmas.eventbrite.com

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st through 4th level characters. With war breaking out, the gnomes of Brastlewark in Cheliax can no longer cling to their carefree ways. Self-proclaimed King Drum Thornfiddle is eager to ingratiate himself to Queen Abrogail, and so conscripts the city's magical and creative resources towards the war effort. A few gnomes have broken free, and they have brought evidence of the various works being created in Brastlewark. They're no fighters, though. It'll be up to the Pathfinders to get them safely across the border to Andoran and freedom. Written by Elizabeth V Nold. Scenario Tags: Metaplot (Battle's Spark)

** Take note: This is not in Burke** Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! See you there! Shaman Phil

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? • 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**Please reserve your spot at [www.piesfitnessyoga.com.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./)** The session is offered both 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.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./) **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** **Harness the Energy of the Moon to Manifest Your Dreams** Have you ever felt a quiet pull to align your life with the natural rhythms of the Earth and sky? Or wondered how the moon’s cycles could guide you in achieving your dreams? Imagine setting intentions in a supportive circle of like-minded individuals, with expert guidance to help you turn aspirations into reality. **New Moon Visioning Circle** is a transformative 90-minute monthly workshop series designed to align you with the potent energy of each New Moon. Whether you're new to lunar practices or seeking deeper connection and accountability, this series offers a nurturing space to reflect, grow, and manifest in harmony with nature’s cycles. **What to Expect** Each session integrates scientific insights, ancient wisdom, and community connection to support holistic wellness across your physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual layers. Together, we’ll explore the following steps: **Sacred Sharing Circle** Begin with compassionate sharing, where you’ll connect with others in a supportive space that honors your dreams and challenges. **Lunar Insights** Discover how the moon’s current phase, zodiac sign, and elemental energies influence both personal and collective experiences. As a former meteorologist, Kristi weaves science into these astrological teachings, offering grounded, actionable insights. **Shamanic Yoga Nidra** Relax deeply with a guided meditation uniquely crafted to match the month’s lunar energies. This practice connects you to your inner wisdom, bringing clarity to your goals and dreams. **Intentional Writing** Transform your meditation insights into actionable steps. Through journaling, you’ll create intentions, realistic goals, and affirmations that resonate with your authentic path. **Manifestation Ritual** Conclude with a ritual tailored to the moon’s elemental sign. This practice anchors your intentions and infuses them into an optional token (such as a crystal or jewelry) to serve as a touchstone for the month ahead. **Who Is This For?** This workshop is perfect for you if you: * Feel drawn to working with lunar cycles for self-growth and manifestation, regardless of your experience level. * Value a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. * Seek a supportive group for compassionate accountability and insight into breaking through barriers to your goals. * Enjoy blending yoga, shamanic practices, and astrology into your self-care and personal development. **Participation Options** You can join us **in person** at PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in Old Town Alexandria or **live via Zoom**. **What to Bring** * **A yoga mat** for comfort during meditation. * **A notebook and pen** for intentional journaling. * **An optional item** (e.g., a crystal or piece of jewelry) to charge with your intentions. * **An open heart and mind** to embrace the transformative process. **About the Facilitator** **Kristi Schwickerath** is a certified yoga therapist, shamanic practitioner, and former meteorologist who brings a unique blend of science and spirituality to her teachings. As a senior staff member of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio’s Holistic Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapy Training programs, Kristi has spent over 15 years guiding individuals through yoga therapy, shamanic rituals, and lunar practices to cultivate clarity and alignment. Her work emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, helping participants transform their dreams into actionable steps while honoring their personal rhythms. Kristi’s compassionate and evidence-based approach empowers you to connect with your inner wisdom and the energy of the natural world. **About PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, **PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** is a welcoming space specializing in holistic wellness. This black-woman-owned studio has been a hub for inclusive and therapeutic yoga practices for over 15 years. With its accessible location near the King Street Metro station, it’s a nurturing space for growth and transformation. **Ready to Manifest Your Dreams?** Reserve your spot today and step into a year of intentional living, guided by the moon’s wisdom and supported by a compassionate community. **Sign up at** [www.piesfitnessyoga.com](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./). **Sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.**

The power of unity can easily be seen in how we come together in times of crisis. But what about after the immediate crisis has passed? Can spirituality help us harness the power of unity, regardless of circumstance, and despite our many differences? With each passing day, it seems like we are realizing more and more how interconnected we all are, how much we depend on one another. Old patterns of existence based on division aren’t working for us. Particularly in times of crisis, we see that we do better when we come together, when we’re able to support one another and draw strength from each other. But what if this power wasn’t limited to times of crisis? What if unity wasn’t just a lofty idea worth aspiring to but a strategy to be used in affecting positive change? Is there specific guidance we can follow, methods we can enact to help us create a more materially and spiritually advanced society? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the power of unity in helping us enact a social & spiritual transformation. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in helping us work with each other on the path towards the betterment of us all. “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. I've been hardware hacking a See N Say to make it say whatever I want - while the project is in progress still, it should be working by this meetup! I'll bring it for demo. [See N Say Project](https://github.com/cdeever/esp32-see-n-say) While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!