Knowledge Sharing

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

**\*\*\* NOTE change of library space - We're meeting at Dolley Madison Library in McLean VA for this meeting \*\*\*** *theme:* **Power\, Voice & Stable Strength \| The Way of the Superior Man** Well explore themes from David Deida's book **The Way of the Superior Man** & his other teachings To simplify **David Deida’s approach** to owning your power, voice, stability, and strength, think of it as moving from performing a persona to radiating your deepest truth through an open body and a clear purpose. * **Owning Your Power**: Stop Resisting the Moment The Concept: True power isn’t about control; it’s the force that flows when you stop hiding from your fears. The Action: Unclench your body. Soften your belly and jaw so your energy isn't trapped. Reclaim your "dark masculine"—the warrior spirit that is willing to face death for the sake of love. * **Owning Your Voice**: Speak to Open Hearts The Concept: Your words are a musical instrument designed to change the energy of the room. The Action: Maintain integrity. Speak with absolute clarity and make sure your actions always match your word. Use your speech as a gift to open the hearts of those listening. * **Owning Your Stability:** Be Uncollapsable The Concept: Stability is being grounded in the "mystery of life and death" rather than surface-level tasks. The Action: Remain unperturbed. Don’t let your partner’s emotional storms or the world’s chaos "sag" your life. When tested, stay centered in your purpose rather than collapsing for approval. **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish Light snacks, candy & water provided. Dolley Madison Library is in McLean, VA near I-495 beltway exits 44, 45 or 46. **Meeting Room** **#2** is 2nd door on immediate right after entering.

Young Professionals Social Club: Nationals Home Game Socials (20s & 30s) ​Are you in your 20s or 30s looking to expand your social circle, grab a drink, and catch some live baseball without breaking the bank? This is the group for you! ​We are a vibrant community of local young professionals who meet up for every single Nats home game. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just in it for the social scene, you’ll fit right in. If the Nats are playing at home, we are there! ​What We Are About ​Our events focus on high-energy, low-stress environments. We love utilizing standing room only tickets and affordable season passes to keep things budget-friendly, but regular ticket holders are always welcome! ​Standing room areas (like the outfield bars and concourse decks) give us the freedom to move around, mingle, and actually talk to each other—no being stuck in a single stadium seat all night. ​Every Home Game: No guessing when the next meetup is. If there is a game at the stadium, we are gathering. ​Socialize: Meet new friends, network with fellow local professionals, and find your crowd. ​Eat & Drink: We always kick things off with pre-game drinks or hang out at the stadium's best social spaces. ​Zero Pressure: You don’t need to be a baseball expert. Come for the game, stay for the conversations. ​Who Should Join? ​If you are in your 20s or 30s, live in the area, and want a fun, consistent way to get out after work or on the weekends, hit that "Join" button. ​Check the schedule, grab your tickets, and we'll see you at the ballpark!

A biweekly open-table **West Marches Shadowdark campaign** based mainly on a collection of OSR adventures written by G. Hawkins. **What You'll Need:** 1. *(Recommended):* A laptop, tablet or phone (I will bring a power strip for charging). We will be using a virtual table-top (Owlbear Rodeo), which does not require installation or an account. Alternatively, players can forego the VTT and play using a "Theatre-of-the-Mind" approach. 2. *(Optional)* The *Shadowdark RPG Core Rulebook* or a downloaded copy of the free *[Player Quickstart Guide](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf))))*[.](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf)))) 3. **Character design:** Players will roll character stats in person, either with physical dice or using the character-creation-rolls channel in my Discord server. Characters start at level 1. Players can create a stable of up to three characters to choose for use in sessions. If a character dies, a new character can be created (at level 1) as above. I recommend that created characters be entered into the online Shadowdark character creation resource *[[Shadowdarklings.net](http://shadowdarklings.net/)]([https://shadowdarklings.net/create](https://shadowdarklings.net/create))* for long-term storage and updating between sessions. 4. You can bring physical dice or use the VTT built-in dice roller.

Come join us for the weekly open mic night and enjoy a mix of comedy, poetry, and music!

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Sit back and relax as Tibetan & crystal bowls (and other instruments) help bring you back into alignment thru sacred sound therapy. This is a great way to clear yourself and recharge for the week ahead. For those interested, it can also assist in achieving deeper stages of meditation. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. Once you have joined us for an event, you are welcome to text to confirm your spot. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. 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 driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (5 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 on zoom call zoom from your phone free at 1929 436 2866; meeting id is 896 0197-4108 that's all, see you today 3rd Sunday at 12:45pm 2-15-26 ask for Howard!

Socrates Cafés are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the Socratic Method; the idea that we learn more when we question, and question with others. Although this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Those attending decide upon the questions of the night. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, moral issues, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

### Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands **You are cordially invited to join in the conversation to catch the positive vibe... a cup of coffee, or another of your favorite refreshment.** **At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS on 3rd Saturdays, Monthly** **Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878** **Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362** ===== **New Hope Workshop**: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation **"Star Points Meal Deal"** If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.

It's time for another luncheon get together. If you have got a passport full of stamps, a bucket list a mile or block long, or just a love of or passion of exploring the world, come on out and join us for lunch. We will exchange travel stories, dream destinations and hidden gem recommendations with fellow travel enthusiasts. Check out the menu here: [Arlington, VA | Ruthie's All Day | Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant in Arlington, VA](https://www.ruthiesallday.com/arlington-va/) Ruthies All Day 3411 5th Street Arlington, VA 22204 703-888-2841

The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot; over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards... Park Facts: Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

We're planning a hands-on technical session focused on building AI solutions in ServiceNow - think skills, agents, and real-world use cases. If you’re curious about AI on the platform, RSVP now and stay tuned for more details. Let's build together!

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. Please RSVP via [Microsoft Build //localhost:columbus | Microsoft Reactor](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27247/).

**🌻 Toledo Singles Online: Speed Dating, No Apps Required** > Think of it as your social life, upgraded. Live Zoom rounds with Toledo singles hand-picked by age and personality — all from your living room. **Here's your roadmap:** 🔹 Drop your details and zip through a quick personality quiz 🔹 Log into Zoom right at go-time 🔹 Cycle through short one-on-ones with Toledo singles 🔹 Check your inbox tomorrow — your matches will be waiting --- **Ready? Find your bracket and sign up:** 🔸 **Ages 18-32** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) 🔸 **Ages 30-46** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) 🔸 **Ages 40-58** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) 🔸 **Ages 55+** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) _Reminder: RSVP on Meetup doesn't get you a seat. You need to register through your age link and complete the quiz. Numbers are capped._ --- Come ready to be surprised, Toledo. 🥳

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.