Mediterranean

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Let's sneak in one more event prior to Christmas! I’m inviting the group to an evening at **Succotash Prime (Penn Quarter)**, the DC home base of celebrity chef Edward Lee, for his take on Southern cooking with an Asian twist, cocktails, and bourbon. **→** **This Event's final 'Change Your Mind' RSVP Cutoff is 10a Friday, 12/19**. Our **[No-Show / Late Cancel policies](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BU0ZjQNdMwTjIkZVGlOlw8rTIia5xWhE/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107783167750249492259&rtpof=true&sd=true) apply**. **FOOD:** Succotash Prime is the DC outpost of Chef Edward Lee, a James Beard Award winner and former Top Chef contestant who made his name in Louisville, Kentucky. The menu blends Southern comfort with Korean influenced touches. Recent diners and the restaurant’s own highlights focus on shrimp ‘n’ grits, chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and Jamie’s cornbread with hot honey, along with a serious bourbon list and strong happy hour program. Save room for dessert! There's a very rich Chocolate Bourbon Pecan pie and classic Hummingbird Cake with coconut and candied pecans. The bar program stands out with bourbon forward cocktails and seasonal Southern riffs. Many attendees end up starting with craft cocktails and then moving into wine or bourbon flights during dinner. The Bourbon and Rye list is impressive. → Check out the full dinner menu: [https://www.succotashrestaurant.com/menu](https://www.succotashrestaurant.com/menu) → Visit the restaurant site: [https://www.succotashrestaurant.com/](https://www.succotashrestaurant.com/) **SPACE**: Succotash Prime sits inside a former early-1900s bank building, and they kept the scale and structure intact instead of boxing it in. The main dining room opens into a tall atrium with a mezzanine level wrapping the room, so you get open sightlines across multiple levels no matter where you sit. The marble details, vaulted ceiling, and original architectural elements give the room real presence without feeling stiff. There are large central and balcony-level bars, plus smaller carved-out rooms built from former bank areas, including a converted vault. The layout works well for conversation, drinks before dinner, and lingering after the meal. +++++++++ **→** Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (no exceptions) **→** Limited to 8 slots **CLOSEST METRO**: **Metro Center** (Red/Blue/Orange Line) – approx 9 minute walk. exit around 12th Street & G Street NW. Walk east then south toward F Street NW and 9th Street NW until you reach 915 F St NW. **Gallery Place / Chinatown** (Red/Green/Yellow Line) – quick walk. Head south on 7th St NW toward F St NW, then walk west toward 9th Street NW along F Street NW to 915 F St NW For trip planning, try WMATA’s “Plan a Trip” feature at www.wmata.com **PARKING:** Street parking is tight during dinner hours—consider Metro, rideshare, or garage options in the area. *** ***Attendance Notes:*** * **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up**. With 5,800+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant. * **No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply** (see links below). * **Can’t get a slot?** Join the Waitlist and check back frequently—spots often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your inbox. * **Billing Reminder**: Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total. This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. * **New Members / 1st Timers**: [Visit our FAQs](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C0GeZMWGwc1akHj63aViQ_5n1YpBqPt_/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107783167750249492259&rtpof=true&sd=true) and [No-Show Policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BU0ZjQNdMwTjIkZVGlOlw8rTIia5xWhE/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107783167750249492259&rtpof=true&sd=true) if you're unfamiliar with how we run things. Looking forward to dining with you! – JoeN

Join us for all or part of our weekly program to practice and study the dharma together - In-Person or Online. All experience levels welcome. Schedule was: 10:00 am - 10:30 am Chenrezig practice\* 10:30 am - 10:45 am Break 10:45 am - 11:30 am Silent Meditation *Two 20min sessions with a 5min break* 11:30 am - 12:90 am Study & Discussion \*Chenrezig practice is led via video by HH the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The practice is recited in Tibetan with English subtitles. For text and information go to: [https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/](https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/) **In-Person** Fellowship Hall at the [Unitarian Universalist Congregation](https://www.uucr.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0ZQVFBCdmJ3MzNOWEJoRwEeSoPXSHNPf_pRRTPn-UbSRXubgBfGor06l14v9_Z1cMfvxShmdngQDTcV-ao_aem_4x2F8VhluNx_5QC2unwCkw) of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 ([[https://www.uucr.org/](https://www.uucr.org/) **Online via Zoom** (for Zoom information, click on the relevant tile for that Sunday’s meeting): [https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events](https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events) BodhiPath Washington DC is supported by donation.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

**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

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!

**[Click Here To Reserve Your Table Now At Now](https://TheContinentDCBrunch.eventbrite.com/?aff=ACMU)** **🍳 BRUNCH REIMAGINED. AFRICA-INSPIRED. UNFORGETTABLE.** Welcome to the Afro-Fusion Brunch at The Continent DC — the city’s boldest all-you-can-eat brunch experience. Every Saturday & Sunday from 12PM to 5PM, we're serving up an indulgent buffet spread where Africa’s most beloved bites meet brunch classics in a flavorful fusion. **Sundays from 12PM TO 5PM** Enjoy a full-service brunch buffet with chef-attended stations, serving everything from suya-spiced omelettes to jollof rice bowls, pancakes, and more. Our menu blends the familiar with the flavorful for a culinary journey you won’t forget. 🥘 Endless dishes to explore 🍾 Bottomless mimosas that keep pouring 👨🏾‍🍳 Live chef stations with curated Afro-fusion delights 🌞 Indoor & outdoor seating for the perfect weekend vibe 🎶 Afrobeats, amapiano & laid-back rhythms all day Whether you're brunching with friends or celebrating something special, this isn’t your average brunch — it’s a whole experience. 📍 Reserve your table now at www.thecontinentdc.com and come brunch like you mean it.

Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well. We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences, using the Socratic Method of inquiry (asking and answering questions). Today, there are hundreds of such gatherings, coordinated by volunteers, worldwide. Though this may be considered a "philosophy" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Please post any questions you would like the group to consider on the meetup event's page; in the comments section. Several days before the meetup I will post a link to a voting form in the comments section, and everyone can vote on their preferred questions. The questions with the highest and second highest number of votes will be discussed. Hope to see you there! -Brian

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

Join us for pizza, drinks and conversation! Gatto’s Pizza began in a small shop on North High Street in the neighborhood of Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio. It was 1952 and the brothers, Joe and Jimmy Gatto, opened the pizzeria to serve their community, using family recipes to make fresh dough, sauces, meatballs, and Italian sausage.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.