J. Krishnamurti

This is the first of several meetings on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read the first three chapters (pages 1-129 in the paperback). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I hope to see you there! Fred

* In these turbulent times, it is crucial that we develop peaceful minds to enable the emergence of a more harmonious world. The format of this class was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche so that people have a special method to create the causes for world peace. Classes include a short teaching and advice for life, two guided meditations, and inspiring prayers for world peace. After the class, join us for a pancake breakfast, coffee, tea and other delicious treats! Feel free to browse our bookstore for unique items. Everyone is welcome. Prayers for World Peace is free, you are welcome to make a donation. The pancake brunch following Prayers for World Peace is $7 a person. **Advice from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 2001** “World peace is very important; we cannot ignore this now. Once something happens, it will be too late. This world is now, as you know, very delicate, very fragile, and very sensitive. It is almost as delicate as the life of a single person; the world situation is so delicate. This is because there are so many disagreements. Political leaders are ready to fight; everybody is preparing weapons ready to fight, and are challenging each other. So we religious practitioners need to offer prayers because prayers are very powerful. This is because of our pure motivation, the powerful words of the prayers themselves, and especially at such times enlightened beings will bestow their blessings upon us, our environment and other living beings. So we should pray for world peace. We have had two world wars. If there is a third world war this will almost destroy the world because every country has very powerful weapons, and it is very easy to destroy the world. So I would like to suggest that every center organizes prayers for world peace at any time when local people can gather and pray for world peace.” **Cost** Free – Donations Accepted Optional Brunch $7 * Event Schedule Sun., Feb. 22 10am-10:45am Meditation & Prayers for World Peace 10:45am: Pancake Breakfast

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

The Oscar Awards Ceremony is one of the best ceremonies, where fashion designers show off their talent. Let us watch it together. The full list of nominations for the 2017 Oscars (http://oscar.go.com/nominees). Every nominee, every category, every detail you need is right here. What was nominated for Best Picture (http://oscar.go.com/nominees/best-picture)? Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight all secured Best Picture nominations. The nominees for Actor in a Leading Role (http://oscar.go.com/news/nominations/best-actor-nominations-2017-oscars) include Casey Affleck, Andrew Garfield, Ryan Gosling, Viggo Mortensen and Denzel Washington. For Actress in a Leading Role (http://oscar.go.com/news/nominations/best-actress-nominations-2017-oscars), Isabelle Huppert, Ruth Negga, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone and Meryl Streep were nominated. Check out the complete list of nominations below. Let the glitz, glamour and prestige begin! Watch The Oscars LIVE! OSCAR SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26 7e|4p on ABC. Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress who has appeared in the films Capital Letters (2004) (also released as Trafficked in some countries), Isolation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_(2005_film)) (2005), Breakfast on Pluto (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakfast_on_Pluto_(film)) (2005), Warcraft (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_(film)) (2016) and Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_(2016_film)) (2016). She has also played roles in television, such as in the BBC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC)'s mini-series (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-series) Criminal Justice (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Justice_(TV_series)), RTÉ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RT%C3%89)'s Love/Hate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love/Hate_(TV_series)), E4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E4_(channel))'s Misfits (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misfits_(TV_series)), and ABC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company)'s Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel%27s_Agents_of_S.H.I.E.L.D.). In 2016, she began a starring role as Tulip O'Hare in AMC (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_(TV_channel))'s Preacher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preacher_(TV_series)). For her portrayal of Mildred Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_v._Virginia) in Loving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_(2016_film)), Negga was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Actress), Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Actress_in_a_Motion_Picture_-_Drama), Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Spirit_Award_for_Best_Female_Lead), Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critics%27_Choice_Movie_Award_for_Best_Actress), and a BAFTA Rising Star Award (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAFTA_Rising_Star_Award). http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/f/b/600_458018907.jpeg We will have the whole venue by ourselves, with a humongous projection screen and several TVs. Drinks and food specials (5-7pm) : - Domestic Beers and Wings Pairings $ 1 0 - Mer-Tini $ 8 - Bottle Service (Bottle of Ciroc with Chicken Platter) $ 250 http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/9/e/f/600_446699887.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/8/e/600_442471886.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/b/9/600_442471929.jpeg METRO & PARKING INFO : Stonefish Grill is a short block away from Farragut North Metro Station (take the L St. exit) and two blocks from Farragut West (take 18th St. exit). Street parking might be difficult. But there are parking garages around. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/1/e/600_442472030.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/4/e/600_442472078.jpeg

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Class on Discovering, Recognizing and Celebrating Your Abundant Spirit - lead by Sue Bracey

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

Curious about spirituality beyond traditional religious boxes? You’re warmly invited to explore **Unity**, a spiritual movement that blends practical Christianity with metaphysical wisdom, personal growth, and inclusive theology. Unity is grounded in the idea that each person has an innate spiritual nature, that love is the essence of all faith traditions, and that our thoughts, intentions, and practices shape our lived experience. Rather than focusing on doctrine or dogma, Unity emphasizes spiritual principles you can *apply*—right where you are, exactly as you are. On this first Sunday of the Lenten season, guest speaker and former Unity of Fairfax Senior Minister **Rev. Donna Johnson** invites us into a reflective and empowering journey centered on **release and renewal**. Lent, in this context, is not about guilt or deprivation, but about consciously letting go of what no longer serves us and creating space for deeper alignment, clarity, and spiritual awakening. Whether you’re spiritually curious, deconstructing old beliefs, or simply seeking a meaningful way to engage the season, this gathering offers a thoughtful, compassionate entry point into an untraditional faith tradition that honors both inner wisdom and shared humanity. All are welcome—no prior experience with Unity required. Come as you are and explore what might be ready to be released… and renewed. 🌱 [Learn more](https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity).

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 and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and 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.

**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. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. 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?

So, the world of meditation has a lot to offer, and you have heard it all. This Meetup is about discovering the EXPERIENCE of meditation. Come check us out - volunteer meditation instructors from the Maryland Community will help lead you into the East's best kept relaxation secret, meet like-minded people, and in general have a fun time. As an added bonus, you will also get to experience some of the Art of Living Foundation's breathing programs and get an insight into what makes the Sudharshan Kriya tick. Try saying it 10 times in a row for some tongue twister fun! Anyways, your group lead is likely to be young, fun, a professional who does this on a volunteer basis, might have an accent, smiles a lot (yeah, meditation does that to you)... and at the end of the day, is a meditation instructor par excellence. We are trying to hold meetups across MD but, for now, we will stick to the one free venue we have. Let us know if you want to host one of the meditation Meetups at your venue.. somewhere in MD though!

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

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

We'll start with social time over drinks from 8:00-9:00pm. Then we'll get funky with a great live MJ/Bruno Mars/Prince style cover band, the [Fabulous Johnson Brothers](http://www.thefabulousjohnsonbrothers.com/) (they even have a horn section)! ***No cover***. Attire: dressy casual. **FOOD AND DRINK**\*: Drinks. No food service. Bring your own or order in.\* As usual, I'll have a basket of SNACKS on hand. Parking in lots surrounding the big red barn (property community center off Hayden Run). [[https://livethebarn.com](https://livethebarn.com/)]