Natural Soap

## About the Event Join us for a special Open House at Vedic Health Center from **5:00–7:00 PM**! This is a relaxed, drop-in event—come anytime during the two-hour window. While registration is requested, all are welcome. Enjoy a **complimentary dinner**, explore our beautiful center, and meet our caring team of practitioners. New visitors will also have the opportunity to receive a **free Ayurvedic pulse reading** with one of our practitioners to experience this traditional wellness assessment. During the open house, you can: * Tour the center * Meet our staff and learn about our services * Enjoy a free dinner with our community * Receive a complimentary pulse reading (new visitors) Guests are also warmly invited to **stay for our All-Levels Hatha Yoga class at 6:00 PM**, taught by **Ranjini**, immediately following the open house. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the healing environment of Vedic Health Center.

We meet typically from 12:15 to 1:15 PM on the second and fourth Fridays of the month in Conference Room 2E908 at the National Cancer Institute http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/ For details on Directions and Security Check-in: http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Seneca Park has some of the best Bluebell fields in Northern Virginia. We did a shorter version of this hike last Friday, 3 April 2026, and the bluebell fields were spectacular. Go take a look athe photos posted for the 3 April 26 Bluebell hike if you'd like a preview. They should be in their full glory next week. This is an enjoyable \~ 7.3 mile hike with \~780 feet of elevation gain. We'll start by hiking through a full growth hardwood forest of Elm, Ash Trees, and Tulip Poplars, the tallest deciduous tree in North America. We'll then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail with its wildflowers and massive Sycamore trees. The hike is a loop with an "out and back" tail. Part of the hike will be along the Patowmack Channel created by a series of islands in the river. We hike at a pace of aprox. 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. There are no formal restrooms available at the Park. GPS Coordinates:39.03'00.1"N 77.20'04.3"W for the Trailhead. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Willem Janssen cell 202-280-4307 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd)

Enjoy a vibrant and engaging dance experience that blends global rhythms and diverse styles. This class combines elements of Bollywood, Latin, and other dance forms into a smooth, easy-to-follow flow designed to get you moving and grooving at a comfortable pace. Perfect for all levels, this class focuses on fun, relaxation, and connection with the music while giving you a gentle workout. Join us for a refreshing and enjoyable dance session! (Please wear socks). Friday, April 10th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum – Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Place, Suite 200, Chantilly, VA. **FREE EVENT - Registration Required at [https://shorturl.at/KJoXv](https://shorturl.at/KJoXv)** *Support the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum with your tax-deductible* *contribution.* **[CONTRIBUTE](https://www.meditationmuseum.org/contribute.html "https://www.meditationmuseum.org/contribute.html")**

Native plants add beauty and interest to your garden year-round and provide habitat for wildlife. At Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Spring Native Plant Sale, you’ll find a diverse selection of flowers, vines, trees, shrubs, and ferns from five outstanding local nurseries: [Hill House Farm & Nurser](https://www.hillhousenativeplants.com/)y, [Nature By Design](https://www.nature-by-design.com/), [Seven Bends Nursery](https://www.sevenbends.org/), [Watermark Woods Native Plants](https://www.watermarkwoods.com/), and [Yellow House Natives](https://www.facebook.com/yellowhousenatives/). Our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to help you choose plants suited to your space and goals. Be sure to visit the Native Plant Information Center for expert talks offered throughout the day on topics like native plants for beginners, transitioning to a native garden, and managing invasive species. Enjoy a cup of coffee from a local vendor while you explore tables hosted by nonprofit partners working to protect and restore native ecosystems. You’ll also learn about our programs and how to get involved in local conservation efforts. **Native Plant Talks and Demos – 10:00am-1:00pm** Join us at our Native Plant Information Center for talks and demos from native plant experts from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Whether you’re new to natives or expanding an existing garden or meadow, we can tell you about some of our favorites for sun or shade, wet or dry spots—and more. Plus, we’ll have native plants and pictures on display to help you decide what you want to add to your home garden’s habitat. **9:00 – 10:00 am – Meet the Natives** We’ll have pictures, brochures and plants on hand as we answer general questions about natives and the plant sale. **10:00 – 10:45 am – NoVa’s Native Plants: From Ecological “Why” to Backyard “How”** Think globally; act locally in your own yard! This talk by Jim Knowles of **[Abernethy & Spencer Garden Center](https://abernethyspencer.com/)** will feature the eco-benefits and planting tips for Northern Virginia native staples. **10:45 – 11:30 am – “Wilding” Your Property: LWC’s Wildlife Sanctuary Program** Whether you’re battling invasive English Ivy or looking to replace a thirsty lawn, get free advice on how to “rewild” your land with both beauty and purpose. **[Wildlife Sanctuary](https://loudounwildlife.org/2016/12/wildlife-sanctuary-program/)** ambassadors Brian Magurn and BJ Lecrone tell us how we can bring our land back to life, one property at a time. **11:30 am – 12:15 pm – They Don’t Belong Here: Identifying and Removing Invasive Plants** Learn how to identify NoVa’s invasive plants (including those in your own backyard), why they’re harmful, and how to remove them effectively. You’ll also learn from **[LIRA](https://www.loudouninvasives.com/)** founder Mike Littman how invasive plants inspired a major “grassroots” movement in Loudoun-and how you can be a part of it. **12:15 – 1:00 pm – Native by Design: Creating High-Style, Low-Maintenance Gardens** Thank “native” means “messy”? Think again, Join award-winning **[landscape designer John Magee](https://www.john-magee.com/)** for a fresh look at how to use Virginia’s local flora to create sophisticated, structured and stunning outdoor spaces. If you have boxes for carrying your plants, please bring them. If you have extra boxes, bring them for others to use. ***Questions:*** *Contact [nativeplantsale@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:nativeplantsale@loudounwildlife.org)*

…Elizabeth Johnson, 496 pages [Environmentalism] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=617949 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “With a thoughtfully curated series of essays, poetry, and conversations, Johnson has assembled a group of dynamic people who are willing to imagine what seems impossible, and articulate those visions with enthusiastic clarity. The problem of climate change is a significant one, but What If We Get It Right? reminds us that with passion and ingenuity, there is so much we can accomplish.”—Roxane Gay “This book had me at its title. Through a collection of thoughtful essays and interviews, Johnson explores the possibility of getting it right with a visionary group of environmental leaders, activists and other big thinkers working on the front lines. Johnson, who has become a prominent voice on climate solutions, reminds us that there is also joy in working toward a future where we can all thrive.”—Los Angeles Times “This is the book we’ve been waiting for—a brilliant mix of creativity and wisdom that feels like we’re eavesdropping on intimate conversations with the world’s most brilliant change-makers. In What If We Get It Right?, Johnson weaves together art, poetry, and expert interviews into a deeply human exploration of the interconnected challenges we face. The result is a vision of a future filled with joy and possibility, where fixing one problem helps us solve many more.”—Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist, author, and UN Champion of the Earth “An optimistic bent and eager embrace of solutions… these conversations are as much about ‘getting it right’ as they are about what we are currently getting wrong. Johnson is a top-notch interviewer, and her guests are insightful and candid.”—Scientific American “An entirely credible (and entirely enchanting) voice… Ayana Johnson is no Pollyanna. She’s a hard-nosed and extremely competent scientist who has not shied for a minute from facing the hard truths.”—Bill McKibben “Rigorous, elucidating, and hopeful in the most catalytic sense, this volume will stiffen your political will and open your mind and heart. It could arrive at no better moment.”—Rebecca Traister, bestselling author and writer for New York magazine “I believe that this is a book that the young among us have been waiting for. It is certainly the reset that we as societies and as elders owe to coming generations of humanity—and to our magnificent natural world.”—Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, a National Humanities Medalist, and a New York Times bestselling author “The climate crisis is terrifying, but also exhilarating—exhilarating because spectacular new ideas, approaches, and values are arising to address the terrifying stuff… Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's fantastic new anthology lets you listen to dozens of them.”—Rebecca Solnit, author, feminist, environmentalist “Critically, What If We Get It Right? reminds us of the most important solution of all: protecting and restoring nature, the magic of photosynthesis and water cycle. If you need a kick in the pants to roll up your sleeves on climate solutions, this book is for you.”—Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia “If you are enamored with possibility, as I am, let the perspectives gathered in these pages fill you up and propel you on. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson has prepared a genuine feast for us. Savor every ‘what if’ for our shared future.”—Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson, co-editor of All We Can Save and lead writer of Drawdown ### About the Author Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She co-­founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. Dr. Johnson co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-created and co-hosted the Spotify/Gimlet podcast How to Save a Planet, and co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. She serves on the board of directors for Patagonia and GreenWave, and on the advisory board of Environmental Voter Project. Above all: She is in love with climate solutions.

**Registration required;** [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-april/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*

🌞 **Sculpt & Yoga – Strong Body, Calm Mind** 📍@ Mind Body Paloma – Oakton, VA (cul-de-sac near Vale Rd) 📩 Exact location shared upon RSVP Join us **every Saturday at 10:30 AM** for a refreshing session that combines full-body sculpting with gentle yoga to stretch and restore. Breathe in the fresh air, move with intention, and leave feeling strong, balanced, and renewed. 🧘‍♀️ **What to Expect:** – Energizing full-body workout to tone and sculpt – Gentle yoga movements to stretch all major muscles – Fresh air + uplifting community vibes ✨ **What to Bring:** Yoga mat + blanket or towel (to protect your mat) + water bottle 🎟️ **First time is** **FREE!** Registration required: 👉 [https://events.humanitix.com/sculpt-and-yoga-saturdays-10-30am](https://events.humanitix.com/sculpt-and-yoga-saturdays-10-30am) Let’s move, breathe, and enjoy the outdoors together! 🌿💪💛 Price after 1st time: Buy 5 class passes for $125 or 10 class passes for $230

Welcome to all who identify as women—those in their wisdom years and those journeying toward them, embracing cycles of growth, transformation, and deepening self-awareness. This space honors women celebrating the strength, creativity, and wisdom that unfold through each season of the feminine path. In this circle, a crone is not defined by age but by attitude - someone who carries or seeks the wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge that comes with lived experience. You are invited to join the Crone’s circle of women coming together to share wisdom, experience, and inspiration. This gathering offers a welcoming space for reflection, storytelling, and meaningful conversation about life’s journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you seek connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace among kindred spirits, this meeting is an opportunity to nurture your inner strength and celebrate the wisdom within us all. Come as you are. To guide and enrich our time together, we will be using books and other creative means—such as rituals ceremonies, journaling, art, and shared activities—to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire personal growth. Naming of the group will be done in circle. Please bring a journal for our journey. Books can be bought through Sticks and Stones. The first book will be: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina G. Bargiel Host: Cat Entrance cost: $15 Cat Cat began her spiritual journey in her late twenties, drawn to the transformative power of self-discovery and holistic healing. Trained in meditation, earth-based spirituality, yoga, massage, and energy work, she weaves together practices that nurture balance and connection. Her creative spirit finds expression through continued learning, ceremony, rituals, movement, art, crafts, and journaling, which she uses as tools for reflection and transformation. Deeply committed to creating community, Cat fosters spaces where individuals can share, heal, and grow together. Through her work, she continues to explore the harmony between energy, creativity, and the natural world.

Do you have goals focusing on your health this year? In this group, be de-influenced by internet trends and companies making a quick buck and join fellow pagans, witches, and heathens in creating practices that build your connection to your body and wellness. **The focus of this group:** -Share on your own experiences with health topics, whether that is food wellness, strength building, mobility training, and coordinating group walks and physical activities. -Lean into our spiritual practice as a tool in manifesting our health goals. -Mindfulness activities that can improve your body-spirit connection. -Share your own thoughts and struggles in an advice-centered and solutions oriented space that is respectful, intentional, and empathetic. Have you heard about a new trend you want real life opinions on? Are you looking for strategies **About your facilitator:** Merlin is a local practitioner in Massage Therapy, Reiki, Group Fitness, and is interested in all around wellness. He has focused on his own health and wellness over many years and recognizes how much supportive community and intentional self-love is for finding value in a health journey. If you are seeking a supportive community with the intention of bravely sharing, being heard, and being present with others, please join us!

### 🌑 *** 🌸✨ **Pink New Moon Soundscape: Recharge, Renew, Reborn** ✨🌑 📍 **Location:** Mind Body Paloma – Oakton, VA (full address shown after registration) 🗓️ **Date:** Thursday, April 16th ⏰ **Time:** 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM The Pink New Moon invites us into a beautiful space of **new beginnings, renewal, and reflection**. If you’ve been craving a moment to slow down, reconnect, and reset your energy, this evening is for you. Join me for a 90-minute experience designed to help you **calm your nervous system, release what feels heavy, and align with the fresh energy of spring.** ✨ **What the evening will include:** • Intention setting • Gentle, grounding yoga • A deeply soothing soundscape This is a space to soften, breathe, and reconnect with yourself—while exploring the balance of **feminine softness and grounded masculine energy**. Come as you are and leave feeling more **recharged, renewed, and centered** 🌿✨ 💫 **Sliding Scale Pricing:** $65 Abundance $55 Balance (code: **BALANCE**) $50 Accessibility (code: **ACCESSIBLE**) Space is limited to keep the experience intimate 💛 🎟 Register here → https://events.humanitix.com/pink-new-moon-soundscape If you’d like to book a **private or small-group soundscape experience**, reach out — I’d love to create something special for you. 🌿

Come out and enjoy hiking amongst the spring flowers blooming along the Potomac this time of the year. We will hike about 6 miles on the Billy Goat Trail section B & section C. Billy Goat Trail section B re-opened this spring after being closes since after a flood in 2018 We will do an 8 loop alternating hiking on the Billy Goat trails and on the towpath, we will be on natural terrain trails, Billy goat trail is pretty rocky with some rock scrambling and stream crossing, C is easier with a 2d stream crossing, the towpath is flat and graveled. Meet: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366) At 8:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 9 am. Bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, hiking shoes for a good grip on the rocks. Hiking poles for the stream crossing if needed. Weather-appropriate clothing. There is a portable toilet on the Carderock north parking lot. For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore. Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own. To participate in this event, you must: 1: Read the liability waiver (officially, the Sierra Club Participation Agreement) http://bit.ly/3Qd4F1B 2: Tap ATTEND at the bottom of this event 3: When prompted, type ’I accept’ to the liability waiver, your first and last name, your contact cell number, and an emergency contact number – Example: I accept, Jane Doe, (703) 555-5555, (301) 666-6666”

**As a proud sponsor of the Fairfax Vegfest,** the [Veg Society of DC ](https://vsdc.org/)(VSDC) encourages our members to attend this free, outdoor, all-vegan event with great speakers and delicious food! It is happening on Sunday, April 19, from 11 am to 5 pm, in Herndon, Virginia. VSDC has scheduled this meetup event to: 1\. publicize the Fairfax Vegfest so more people will attend\. For details, go to the [Vegfest event page here](https://marketspread.com/market/35820/fairfax-vegfest/events/84760/) 2\. encourage volunteers to sign\-up for shifts at the VSDC Table\. RSVP on this page and select which shift you would prefer. 3\. refer people to the Fairfax Vegfest organizers to volunteer with them\. Go to the [Fairfax Vegfest volunteer page here](https://forms.gle/HfNd2WYAbgKAtVVk8) ***We do need volunteers at the VSDC table so PLEASE do sign up. When you RSVP, please provide your first and last name, email, and shift preference (10am-12:30pm, 12-230pm, 2-430pm, 4-6pm, or ANY shift). Only the VSDC organizers will see this info.*** Confirmed speakers include: Neal Barnard MD Gene Baur Milton Mills, MD (many more to come!) **Why you don’t want to miss Fairfax Vegfest:** * **A full day of vegan food, shopping & discovery** Enjoy incredible plant-based eats, local makers, wellness brands, and eco-friendly businesses—all in one place. * **Something for everyone** Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love good food and good vibes, Fairfax Vegfest is welcoming and inclusive. * **Family-friendly & community-focused** A fun, positive atmosphere with activities, education, and space to connect with like-minded people. * **Meet the makers behind the brands** Talk directly with chefs, founders, and creators who are passionate about what they do. * **Support small & mission-driven businesses** Every purchase helps support ethical, sustainable, and compassionate businesses. * **Feel-good vibes all day long** Come hungry. Leave inspired. 💚 **Location** Northwest Federal Credit Union (parking lot in the back) 200 Spring St. Herndon VA 20170 A $5 donation per person is requested to help the organizers offset the costs for the event. Parking in the adjacent garage / lot is $5 per car. Join many of your friends from VSDC and our vegan meetup group who will be attending this fun and educational event! **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Herbs and the natural world are the foundation of many rituals, spells, and other workings in the craft. In a new series by Carmilla of "Dark Magic for Dummies," we go back to basics, learning all we can about the powerful plants just under our feet. Carmilla is an art historian, academic, and practicing witch for over six years. Taught by Grannymoon in herbology, crystals, and many other tenets of the craft, much of that time has been spent practically, with years of client experience and spellworking under her belt. Fee: $25 No admittance under 18. DISCLAIMER: In no way is this class supplemental for medical advice, treatment, or care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please seek medical attention. All herbalism in this class is entirely for spiritual and entertainment purposes only.

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served. \*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](mailto:robert@humanactivation.com) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44)\. \|

Come join us atthe Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling, VA. There will be pickle inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer, and live music. THIS IS NOT A TICKET: Tickets can be found on the link below and general admission is $5 + credit card fee Buy ticket here: https://www.crookedrunfermentation.com/pickle-international-food-festival-2026