Poetry

"When we are walking with Spirit, we have a life of action. This is the way of Divine Love." --Harold Klemp, Love--The Keystone of Life, p.66 * Opportunity to learn how to walk with God in your spiritual consciousness * ● Get a deeper perspective of your physical life and your spiritual life * Learn to see God’s love for Soul in all that is around you * Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom. **Attend in person at:** The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 **Join Zoom Meeting:** [The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1) Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995 Passcode: 403417 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org) Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR. Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.

The District Language Exchange meets every Sunday evening around central DC or Arlington. Come practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and more! This Sunday April 5th, we will be meeting at Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw from 4-7pm. Dacha is a 21+ bar, so please be sure to bring ID. Check us out on social media to find out where the week's exchange will be! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a 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 Falls Church 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?

Capoeira (capo-way-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is unlike any other martial art. Capoeira incorporates flowing movements with kicks, dodges, and some acrobatics. It is often mistaken for a dance for those reasons. Since it’s origins in the 17th century, it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration. It is great for the body and mind! In addition to gaining strength and flexibility in class, students learn about Brazilian culture, history, and language (Portuguese). On November 26, 2014 capoeira was granted a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. No need to have a Capoeira background to join this class, just an open mind to try out a new way to move! Beginners welcome. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered InStudio only. **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 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Join us after the walk for dinner at Royal Durbar Kitchen, a cozy Nepalese spot known for its rich flavors and warm atmosphere. Come hungry and ready to unwind with great food and even better company.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/3/8/event_83263832.jpeg NOTES 1. The conversation course is a continuing education, designed to excel students' French conversation skill. 2. The course runs for twelve weeks. 3. Class cancelled due to 'Force Majeure', will be recovered at the end of the course. 4. Arriving by Metro: The closest metro stations are Farragut West and Farragut North. 5. Meter parking is also an option. It is about $ 0.25 for 8 minutes. 6. The school entrance is at the end of the parking lot of the United Church. 7. The payment for each class is $ 15.00 per person per hour. It will be $ 20 per person per hour for walk-ins. However, it is depending on availability. 8. Students can bring friends and pay $ 20 for 2 persons per hour. But it has to be an advance payment. Please, don't hesitate to contact the organizers, if you have any questions.

Higher Grounds – Arlington 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 Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

New (old) location - La Madeleine at 500 King St! Hope to see you there

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

**HYBRID EVENT** **What would it feel like to walk with God—not just in quiet moments, but throughout your entire day?** Join us for a relaxed and uplifting conversation on what it means to \*\**walk with God*—\*\*not in a formal or religious way, but as a natural, personal experience of love, guidance, and inner awareness. This is a space to explore spirituality in a practical, down-to-earth way—no pressure, no expectations, just meaningful conversation and insight. ✨How to walk with God in your daily spiritual awareness ✨Get a deeper perspective of your physical life and your spiritual life ✨Learn to see God’s love for Soul in all that is around you 💫Come as you are—bring your questions, your curiosity, or just yourself. 🔗 More info : [https://eckankarmaryland.org/events/how-to-walk-with-god/](https://eckankarmaryland.org/events/how-to-walk-with-god/)

Join us for a discussion of ***Thick: And Other Essays* by Tressie McMillan Cottom** Here's the summary: Tressie McMillan Cottom, the writer, professor, and acclaimed author of Lower Ed, now brilliantly shifts gears from running regression analyses on college data to unleashing another identity: a purveyor of wit, wisdom—and of course Black Twitter snark—about all that is right and much that is so very wrong about this thing we call society. In the bestselling tradition of bell hooks and Roxane Gay, McMillan Cottom’s freshman collection illuminates a particular trait of her tribe: being thick. In form, and in substance. This bold compendium, likely to find its place on shelves alongside Lindy West, Rebecca Solnit, and Maggie Nelson, dissects everything from beauty to Obama to pumpkin spice lattes. Yet Thick will also fill a void on those very shelves: a modern black American female voice waxing poetic on self and society, serving up a healthy portion of clever prose and southern aphorisms in a style uniquely her own. McMillan Cottom has crafted a black woman’s cultural bible, as she mines for meaning in places many of us miss and reveals precisely how—when you’re in the thick of it—the political, the social, and the personal are almost always one and the same. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

WE ARE SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE CANCELLING TODAY'S SKATE DUE TO EXPECTED HAVE RAIN Since Freedom Plaza is closed for renovations, we meet at the corner of 14th and E st NW, right across form the Willard Hotel. An early America's 250th Birthday-themed skate lead by Ian! We're skating all throughout the city on the streets that share their names with the original 13 colonies of America. We'll start by taking Pennsylvania Ave towards the Capitol. We'll move around the Capitol from the West side to the East side, using Delaware Ave. From there, we'll then head towards Providence Park, then zigzag to Lincoln Park using South Carolina Ave, Penn Ave (again!), and North Carolina Ave. We'll go counter-clockwise around Lincoln Park and head towards Union Station, using Massachusetts Ave and Maryland Ave. We'll continue past Union Station, then take New Jersey Ave to K St. After a short trip on K St, we'll take 7th St for awhile where it eventually turns into Georgia Ave. We'll then go East on V St before taking New Hampshire Ave to Dupont Circle. Then, we'll take Connecticut Ave until a right turn on M St before returning to New Hampshire Ave and taking that to its end. From there, we'll spend a small bit on Virginia Ave before a nice stretch on G St until we hit the White House. We'll then cut up to Rhode Island Ave using 17th St. Then, we take Rhode Island until 9th St, taking that until a right turn on New York Ave. After that, we'll take a quick downhill on 15th St and we're back where we started. We'll be skating in the road for all of this skate. Some of the streets we're on have bike lanes. Hills are all manageable on this route, with no incline larger than 3-4%. We'll have breaks/re-groups at the East side of the Capitol, Stanton Park, V St/Georgia Ave, Dupont Circle, and Farragut Square. The route: [https://onthegomap.com/s/g1m35k66](https://onthegomap.com/s/g1m35k66?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSUo1MTN0VHRJQ3AwRVNOT3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5JNFSYeV_dpFkAJHYuOByGwCxjU4vAJuq6VloCjyoHNrMhALecmKBfG0HzJQ_aem_iyw2X5C-7XPcO5-vTJX0yQ) Meetup at 10:00, roll at 10:10! See you there. For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

☀️ **Shake Off the Winter Chill** **\- Bowl With Us\! 20% off for NEW bowlers\!** Our 6-week spring social bowling league starts in **April** \- trade social hibernation for strikes\, beers\, and new friends\! Whether you're looking to unwind after work\, meet new people\, or just have a fun night out with pals\, this league is perfect for everyone\! Chill times\, cold drinks\, and plenty of chances to connect with others\. No matter your skill level\, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends\. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $79 *(while Early Bird is active)*** **🚨NEW to the league??** Use discount code (**MU2P26**) for 20% off - $63.20 *during Early Bird* **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Gutter Domination 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/24llxdx8 Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $79 Early Bird registration - **NEW bowler?? Get 20% off with code: MU2P26** ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MU2P26 to save 20% 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**