Parenting Teens

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

## **THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS?** **Attend and find out.** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13306#tix) To find more fun events: Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283) Join: [https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/](https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/) Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)

**Cost: $35 through March 8 ($45 after). Use discount code MEETUP for an additional $10 discount.** Register at: https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/794969//1771177535 A focused **self‑defense workshop for women & teen girls**. Proceeds go to **Maryland Therapeutic Riding**. Training includes: * **Avoidance** — staying safe and aware * **Escape** — getting out of dangerous situations * **Fighting Back** — simple, effective defensive moves From a grateful mom: “Your workshop helped my daughter escape an attempted abduction.” Co‑ed college class offered in July/August; private group sessions available. Registration for the self-defense workshop is also available at https://jingying.org/Chinese_New_Year.htm

ike Turkey Run Park- Pho Lunch, VA Sunday March 8 With winter weather receding, this is a great way to fight cabin fever and head back outside with views of the Potomac. This is a 3 to 4 mile loop hike along the Potomac River just below the American Legion bridge off the GW parkway. The trail is mostly easy and flat, but there are some slightly rocky areas. Be aware that this time of year where segments along the river can be muddy and there are some rocky areas we must maneuver around. Bring a mascot! The park is dog-friendly, but must be on a leash. For more info and maps (see side links): [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm) What to Bring: Good hiking shoes Water Meet: 9:00 am Where: Parking Lot C-1. (First parking lot when entering park. See map at link below for details) Park Trail Map: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf) Departure: 9:10 sharp. We should return to the parking lot no later than 11:15 am. For those interested, we can later head over to nearby Pho 75 (1721 Wilson Blvd) for a great hot pho - one of the best in the area. **Note: Cash Only!** **In the comments section please indicate if you need a ride. If you are coming by car and wouldn’t mind picking someone up at a convenient metro stop, please indicate how many people you can take. Hopefully we’ll have enough room for everyone. I can pick up three at the Braddock Road metro (yellow), located in Alexandria, VA. Or, I can pick up folks at Rosslyn metro (orange/blue). Carpoolers, please chip in generously for gas.** Note: This event is cross-posted with other Meetup groups.

Please read for the safety of those participating on this ride and on the trails, we will not be doing this ride if it is raining or if the trails and bridges are slippery due to previous rain. **Meetup time is 9:30am and the Pre-ride briefing is at 9:45am, and the roll out time will be 10:00am. Be sure to check in when you arrive.** Join **"Vintage Steel Cyclists"** for an (Easy Like Sunday Morning Ride) for a partial Trail and Street ride from Hains Point out to "The Village at Shirlington and back. This is a no drop ride, at a social party pace average between 12 to 15 mph on flats, and it will be slower on hills, and we'll wait and regroup at the top of all hills. We'll make sure no one is left behind. You must have a steel bike to participate in this ride. This ride will be approximately 25 to 30 miles round trip, and we'll grab a bite to eat at one of the many places in Shirlington. **Please Read:** **When you RSVP to participate in this or any "Vintage Steel Cyclist" ride or event, you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must and required to participate in any of our events event, and you ride at your own risk. Please be sure to have all proper equipment needed in case of flats or mechanical issues. Multi-tool, two spare inner tubes or CO2 cartridges, patch kit, and pump. Front and rear lights, eye protection, gloves, water bottles that fit your bottle cage or camelback, ID and money. Also please make sure that your bike is in good working condition before the ride. After all, these are Vintage Bikes.**

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

**Spring Coed Kickball Newbies Open Play** **Sunday\, March 15th \| 1:00pm \- 4:00pm** Henson Creek Park/5601 Old Temple Rd. Camp Springs, MD 20748 Sunday is kickball day and we're inviting everyone to come out and learn how to play coed kickball at our Newbies Kickball Open Play. All skill level players are welcomed and participants will learn how to kick, catch and run. Please make sure you dress in play clothes and prepare to have fun! *We will also have three more open plays: March 22nd \| March 29th \| April 5th*  **OPEN PLAY IS FREE WHEN YOU RSVP AT WWW.GOOMBAY.NET** ***Click the direct link to sign up:*** [http://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/events/4909344-spring-coed-kickball-open-play-1-2026](http://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/events/4909344-spring-coed-kickball-open-play-1-2026) **__________________________** **League Information:** If you're interested in playing in our upcoming Spring Coed Kickball League, go to [www.Goombay.net](http://www.Goombay.net) and register as a Free Agent or Team Player if you already know which team you're playing with. The cost is $90 for the season and the league begins on Sunday, April 12th at Tucker Road Sports Complex. Games are 50 minutes and each team will play 7-8 games (1-2 games per week).  **For more information contact Butch at (202)210-1957 or Godwin at (240)476-2224.**

**THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS!** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center.

**Spring Coed Kickball Newbies Open Play** **Sunday\, March 15th \| 1:00pm \- 4:00pm** Henson Creek Park/5601 Old Temple Rd. Camp Springs, MD 20748 Sunday is kickball day and we're inviting everyone to come out and learn how to play coed kickball at our Newbies Kickball Open Play. All skill level players are welcomed and participants will learn how to kick, catch and run. Please make sure you dress in play clothes and prepare to have fun! *We will also have three more open plays: March 22nd \| March 29th \| April 5th* **OPEN PLAY IS FREE WHEN YOU RSVP AT WWW.GOOMBAY.NET** ***Click the direct link to sign up:*** [http://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/events/4909344-spring-coed-kickball-open-play-1-2026](http://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/events/4909344-spring-coed-kickball-open-play-1-2026) **__________________________**  **League Information:** If you're interested in playing in our upcoming Spring Coed Kickball League, go to www.Goombay.net and register as a Free Agent or Team Player if you already know which team you're playing with. The cost is $90 for the season and the league begins on Sunday, April 12th at Tucker Road Sports Complex. Games are 50 minutes and each team will play 7-8 games (1-2 games per week).  **For more information contact Butch at (202)210-1957 or Godwin at (240)476-2224.**