Peace in the Middle East

Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the love and care that mothers give. Engage in a special meditation called “remembering the kindness of mothers,” in which we take time to recall the many ways our mother has nurtured and protected us from the very beginning of our life. This heartfelt reflection helps us strengthen our love and appreciation — qualities that bring deep peace and happiness to our own mind. Buddha also taught that we have lived countless lives, and in each of those lives we have had a mother who showed us great kindness. By expanding our gratitude outward, we begin to view everyone with the same warmth and affection we feel for our own mother. This opens the door to a universal love that is powerful, healing, and profoundly meaningful. **Cost** General: $12 Financial Hardship: $6 Members: Free, [learn more](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) **Registration** You can register at the door or [pre-register online](https://meditation-dc.org/event/a-heart-full-of-gratitude-remembering-the-kindness-of-mothers/). **Event Schedule** Sunday May 10th: 10am - 11am

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

This is the first event of the year where you can rent a canoe or kayak. Scroll down for more information on renting from Prince George's County. Postponing this by a week, so hopefully the forecast is warmer and less breezy. I've adjusted the times so there will still be plenty of water to explore Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We'll shove off from Bladensburg Waterfront Park promptly at 1:30pm and head downstream towards Kenilworth, about two miles downstream. We'll do a loop around the wetlands and hopefully see some early blooms and plenty of birds. Once everyone regroups, we'll turn around and paddle back to Bladensburg, arriving before 4pm to accommodate rental returns. This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. **RENTERS** The Prince George's County Parks Department rents single and tandem kayaks or canoes at this launch. You MUST reserve beforehand (several days before a nice weather weekend). Rentals run from 1pm-4pm. We will start paddling at 1:30 and be back at the ramp just before 4. **As a reminder, this group is geared towards paddlers with at least a modest amount of experience.** We do not offer instruction and highly advise against joining any of these events if you have never paddled before. [Double check the date and reserve boats here.](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=kU6I180Y6V00232Y1Q452Q4D5X5Z545S0A6Y605H5P73595T6I4G035O645C656Q5X4J5C576L5S4B6H4V6R5V4J6P5271544Z565805534O4X53016E4Q5A5A076S405G&begindate=05%2F10%2F2026&enddate=05%2F10%2F2026&type=&subtype=&category=&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+All&features=&quantity=1&secondarycode=&features1=&features2=&features3=&features4=&features5=&features6=&features7=&features8=&blockstodisplay=24&begintime=01%3A00+pm&endtime=04%3A00+pm&primarycode=BWP+Rentals&timeblocksearch=&display=Graphical&layer=42018&module=RN&multiselectlist_value=&rnwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Single Kayaks: $25 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $33 for non-residents Tandem Kayaks & Canoes: $30 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $39 for non-residents

**Hi everyone!** **It’s time for us to finally get together and put some faces to the names! I’m so excited to host our first meetup at The Perch in Tysons. It’s a beautiful sky park 11 stories up with plenty of space for us to relax and talk.** **The goal for this first one is simple: just a casual "meet and greet." Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to expand your social circle, we’d love to have you there.**

Shall we draw at Quill & Crumb, the cafe in the Folger's Great Hall? It's a gorgeous setting where we'll undoubtedly find many interesting things to draw. From the website: "Quill & Crumb is located in the Folger’s historic Great Hall, which was originally designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret to resemble a gallery within a 16th-century English home. The Great Hall features strapwork plaster ceiling, oak-paneled walls, and intricately designed terracotta floors." Look forward to meeting you there!

No one truly understands AI, not even experts, says Helen Toner, an AI policy researcher and former board member of OpenAI. But that doesn't mean we can't govern it. She shows how we can make smart policies to regulate this technology even as we struggle to predict where it's headed — and why the right actions, right now, can shape the future we want. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg) * ​During the event: We will discuss the following questions: 1. Because AI is changing so fast, it is hard to predict what new things it will be able to do next month. What steps can we take to stay open-minded and adaptable as these tools change how we learn and create? 2. There is a big debate about whether using AI helps us learn faster or makes us skip the hard work of thinking. How can we find a healthy balance between using these new tools and keeping our own minds sharp and active? 3. History shows that the people who use a technology should have a say in how it is shaped for the future. How can we ensure that our local communities have a voice in how AI is developed and used? \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

“When you open yourself to divine truth, the mere fact that you can identify a problem means that you have the solution within you. What you are attempting to achieve through the Spiritual Exercises of ECK is the expansion of consciousness whereby you can better see the solution to your problem.” ─ Harold Klemp, The Golden Heart, p. 88 You are Divine Soul – and have the godlike power of creative imagination within you. Using this power, you can find solutions for every problem and take charge of your own life. But how do you actually do it? How can you best tap the creativity of your true self, and manifest a happier and more productive life for yourself now? During a lively discussion, we’ll explore ways to more consciously connect with the Divine power, more effectively address our fears, and transform the way we identify and work with problems. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book, “ECK Wisdom on Solving Problems.” We look forward to seeing you there!

***Please join us as we continue a course of study on the spelling of the Hebrew letters. Our 10th session will be the spelling of Yod (Yod Vav Daleth) relating to Tarot Key 9. We will be exploring ideas about the spelling of Yod to illuminate our understanding of The Hermit.*** ***No prior preparation is needed and membership in B.O.T.A. is not required. We'll be providing handouts.*** ***Looking forward to sharing in the Ageless Wisdom as we grow in Understanding together!*** ***Fraternally yours in L.V.X.,*** ***Roger***

**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

Fun and uplifting stories about Lafayette Square’s many heroines and inspiring events. Come join us on this special Mother's Day walking tour of America’s most historic park, Lafayette Square, D.C.! e’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few femme fatales.) And tell the general history of the locale. When: Sunday, May 10, 4 pm! Where: MEET in the grand lobby of the Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How a future First lady saved the family of Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • Where a most famous anthem was written • Female spiritualists and ladies' seances • Where a most famous speech was authored • The woman who wrecked an entire presidential Cabinet • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • The most eligible women in the nation's history • How an opera diva brokered civil rights • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • The most effective lady spy of America's largest war • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • How Southern bankers and Northern belles conspired to save Mt. Vernon • The most effective female spy of the world's greatest war • Presidential humor • How Mrs. Grant escaped death • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Femme Fatalite: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We'll wrap up in time for you to take your mom to dinner. This tour makes for a great gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive day!

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!

Ausarian Tantra Yoga is a practice that infuses the spirit and power of enlightenment through synchronizing breath, movement, meditation, and silent affirmation. Ausarian Tantra Yoga incorporates postures that reflect some of the principles of the Kemetic culture. It is a practice wherein gradual and deliberate movement allows moments for the mind, body, and spirit to connect and express oneness. **Please reserve your spot at 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. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

“When you open yourself to divine truth, the mere fact that you can identify a problem means that you have the solution within you. What you are attempting to achieve through the Spiritual Exercises of ECK is the expansion of consciousness whereby you can better see the solution to your problem.” ─ Harold Klemp, The Golden Heart, p. 88 You are Divine Soul – and have the godlike power of creative imagination within you. Using this power, you can find solutions for every problem and take charge of your own life. But how do you actually do it? How can you best tap the creativity of your true self, and manifest a happier and more productive life for yourself now? During a lively discussion, we’ll explore ways to more consciously connect with the Divine power, more effectively address our fears, and transform the way we identify and work with problems. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book, “ECK Wisdom on Solving Problems.” We look forward to seeing you there! A flyer for this event is available for you at: https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Poster-for-May-10th-2026-Partnering- with-Spirit-to-Solve-Problems-Rev-1.pdf

**We will honor the birthday of Param Guru ji with an in-person service with kirtan chanting and meditation. All are welcome. 🙏🏼 🙏🏼**

**Self-Care Is the Way with Guest Speaker Psychiatrist Dr. Sara Eagger** Join us for a nurturing evening dedicated to emotional wellness, inner balance, and the power of caring for the self from the inside out. In a world that asks so much of us, self-care is not selfish, it is sacred. Dr. Sara Eager will share practical wisdom and gentle insight to help us restore calm, strengthen the mind, and reconnect with our inner peace. Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more cared for. ***Dr. Sara Eagger (MB, BS, FRCPsych)*** *is a retired consultant psychiatrist from Imperial College London and Chair of the Janki Foudation, a UK-based charity which promotes spirituality in healthcare. With over 45 years of Raja Yoga meditation practice, she teaches Mindful Self-Compassion and co-authored "Stillness in the Storm: 7 Tools for Coping with Fear and Uncertainty."* Tue., May 19th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/coWuE](https://shorturl.at/coWuE)

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

What becomes possible when different generations come together—not just to share perspectives, but to truly collaborate? This meetup invites participants of all ages to explore how intergenerational connection can strengthen communities, spark innovation, and create more sustainable solutions for today’s challenges. Each generation brings unique experiences, insights, and strengths—and when combined, they can become a powerful force for positive change. Through guided discussion and reflection, we’ll explore: * How generational perspectives shape the way we see the world * Where misunderstandings arise—and how to move beyond them * Practical ways to collaborate across age groups in our communities and work Whether you’re early in your journey or bring decades of experience, your voice matters in this conversation. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Our club meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. We are always delighted to see new guests -- please come about 5 minutes before start to help us get you introduced. It is a hospitable, supportive, and fun environment. Stop by and make new friends and plan on having a good time! We meet in the Youth Room on the top level of the Center. Park on the right side of the building and take the elevator all the way up. The Youth Room is just around the corner to your right as you exit the elevator. See you there!

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee is authentic, spacious, has a helpful staff, and I like their espresso. If you try this place on your own, they’re open early and late. This spot has been recommended a couple times and I think it’ll make a great stop on our journey. Come out Saturday morning for a relaxed convo. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)