Progressive Trance

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

This is a paid event, $50 — please purchase your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKUCR You’re invited to an unhurried afternoon of tea and inner listening. We’ll start with organic tea, prepared and shared slowly. Once the room settles, we will watch a 45-minute video presentation - an introduction to the Deck and how to use it in a grounded way. Then you’ll do your own simple practice: draw a Card see what it stirs, and share with us only if you want to (quiet participation is completely welcome). sageharrow.com

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

Come along and enjoy, with humour, an actual experience of conflict resolution that has no need for anyone to compromise, even if the other person is acting in way that upsets you. Jenny Pearce recently spoke at the Dowsing Society of Victoria in November last year. Her alternative journey started 33 years ago, and it was a horse that set Jenny on the path as a Holistic Alternative Therapist.

Join Edward Sinclair as we read, explore, reflect and study together some fascinating Theosophical texts. This session we will be reading from a theosophical text titled: **Theosophy: An Introductory Study Course** by John Algeo *‘Have you ever wondered about the “big” questions of* *life?* *Who am I really?* *Why is the world the way it is?* *Where did I come from?* *What am I doing here?* *What comes next?* *When will I find out all these things?’* This book covers many fascinating topics such as karma, reincarnation, life after death, and the purpose of life to name a few. This is an introductory book but is a fascinating exploration for all. Open to TS members and non-members - all are welcome. For persons wishing to find out about membership of the The Melbourne Theosophical Society, we invite you to attend this study group, after the session there will be an opportunity to ask questions concerning membership. Non Members $5 Entry, T.S. Members Complimentary.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

Our next meetup event will focus on the topic of Highly Sensitive People. Before our meeting please watch this podcast on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhrDqtxjvLg Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Roughly 1 in 5 people have the HSP trait, and in this meeting we will explore what it really means to be highly sensitive. Take the official Highly Sensitive Person quiz, share personal stories, and break down the science behind sensory processing sensitivity. Learn how emotional overwhelm, sensory overload, and even trauma can intensify sensitivity and why being an HSP is often misunderstood. Discover the best careers for highly sensitive people, how to navigate relationships as an HSP, and the powerful connection between high sensitivity, introversion, and neurodivergence. Whether you identify as a highly sensitive person or love someone who does, you’ll find practical tools, coping strategies, and surprising insights to help you thrive in a loud world.

I spent 23 years chasing enlightenment and fell into numerous spiritual traps which kept me running in circles for years. If you're walking the path, you'll meet these traps too. The ego can subtly hijack the desire for spiritual awakening. It masks itself as progress to maintain control. In this session we will go deeper into the 4 most dangerous traps you will encounter which can keep you stuck for years. When these traps are seen, not discussed but actually seen, you can finally encounter the truth you have been longing for. **Schedule** * Talk by Rajiv followed by open Q&A * Guided Meditation * Spiritual networking. Make friends with others on the spiritual path **About Rajiv** Rajiv dedicated years of his life seeking enlightenment. His pursuit for truth, reality, emptiness and self-discovery took him through the profound depths of mysticism. He meditated 14 hours a day, stayed with monks, lived in the Himalayan caves, learned from wise sages and researched every major spiritual system, including Zen, Non-Duality, Yoga, Buddhism etc. Then one momentous morning in 2005, he experienced his first shift into higher states of consciousness, an inner spiritual awakening. This was followed by days of infinite ecstasy and bliss. Finally, the years of seeking culminated and he realised his own true nature. He now shares his deep insights to help seekers progress on the path of awakening & meditation. His approach is secular, based on personal experience. You can read about his spiritual journey here — [https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/](https://innerspiritualawakening.com/rajiv-agarwal/my-journey/) **Venue** Kathleen Syme Library 251 Faraday Street, Carlton, VIC We will be in Multipurpose Room 1. We may take some photos to capture the moment. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the organiser know at any time. This event is free and open to all adult seekers (18+). For inquiries please email Manpreet — mysteriousmk@yahoo.com

Like Improv Storytelling, Music or singing? In this session we will combine these elements to create an improvised musical blending the story of theatre, the fun of improv and the magic of music. We'll start off with some singing and improv warm up activities, do a quick rundown of story structure, suggest a topic and then get into exploring the world and characters a (musical) scene at a time, hopefully reaching some sort of satisfying conclusion! This time I would like to practice having a clear and simple chorus. Based on interest, we'll take turns acting and singing in the scene or being musicians.Some level of experience to improv theatre, music, role-playing games or similar is recommended (but not compulsory). for people who want to do music- If you know basic chord progressions you're qualified enough to do music! I will bring a keyboard and acoustic guitar, but BYO other instruments, voice and snacks. Last time it was a lot of fun, so we hope to recreate that magic again! attendance fee is $10, payable on the day Also, if you do plan on coming, us know instrument if any you're wanting to bring! However just bringing your voice is fine as well See you there! 🙂

**Dying Consciously** \- it's not something most of us think about very much\. But some ancient teachings tell us that our state of consciousness at the time of death will determine the conditions of *our next destination*. And this idea is indeed supported by *some parapsychological evidence*. **In this unique interactive session,** Candace Ohanessian will walk us through the many considerations and questions one needs to align this most important life-event with our innermost values and wishes. **Candace will introduce us** to the key foundational concepts, parapsychological aspects of dying, and then the practical foundations of a preferred (conscious) death. She'll then cover in depth what conscious dying is all about, how to be in a supporting role with others who may be dying, and then finishing with some closing reflections and discussion. Certainly **a thought-provoking and eye-opening** discussion, and one you rarely get the opportunity to explore in a safe space with an experienced expert in the field. When we face up to our greatest fears, we become empowered. **About Candace:** * End-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and registered funeral provider * Believes that preparing for death is a most life-affirming achievement * 20+ years’ experience with people in transition - addiction recovery, end-of-life planning and care, and families in grief. * Helps people plan for and have their preferred death * Helps families embrace and support the dying person and each other, optimally * Cert IV in Doula Studies, BA in Human Development, MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology. * Member of [Dying With Dignity Victoria ](https://www.dwdv.org.au/)and [Palliative Care ](https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au/)Australia, * Committee member of [Natural Death Advocacy Network](http://ndan.com.au/) * Board of Directors for the end-of-life doula peak body “HELD” **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

**Dying Consciously** \- it's not something most of us think about very much\. But some ancient teachings tell us that our state of consciousness at the time of death will determine the conditions of *our next destination*. And this idea is indeed supported by *some parapsychological evidence*. **In this unique interactive session,** Candace Ohanessian will walk us through the many considerations and questions one needs to align this most important life-event with our innermost values and wishes. **Candace will introduce us** to the key foundational concepts, parapsychological aspects of dying, and then the practical foundations of a preferred (conscious) death. She'll then cover in depth what conscious dying is all about, how to be in a supporting role with others who may be dying, and then finishing with some closing reflections and discussion. Certainly **a thought-provoking and eye-opening** discussion, and one you rarely get the opportunity to explore in a safe space with an experienced expert in the field. When we face up to our greatest fears, we become empowered. **About Candace:** * End-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and registered funeral provider * Believes that preparing for death is a most life-affirming achievement * 20+ years’ experience with people in transition - addiction recovery, end-of-life planning and care, and families in grief. * Helps people plan for and have their preferred death * Helps families embrace and support the dying person and each other, optimally * Cert IV in Doula Studies, BA in Human Development, MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology. * Member of [Dying With Dignity Victoria ](https://www.dwdv.org.au/)and [Palliative Care ](https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au/)Australia, * Committee member of [Natural Death Advocacy Network](http://ndan.com.au/) * Board of Directors for the end-of-life doula peak body “HELD” **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

\*\*\*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](http://mailto:robert@humanactivation.com/) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44).

We are now Meeting at ResQ BBQ in Leesburg \*\*help us track guest attendance, please register here please: https://www.bniconnectglobal.com/web/open/visitorRegistration?chapterId=16801 \*\* *** Thanks for visiting our meetup group for information for BNI Potomac Business Alliance where I am honored to hold the Title Insurance seat. During this meeting you will meet other local business professionals from a wide variety of industries who commit to providing excellent service to people within our shared networks. We will pass over 1.5 million dollars of business in 2022-2023. and we want you to consider applying to be a part of our referral network. So come out, enjoy an excellent breakfast, learn a little more about me and Title Insurance, and consider being a part of a fantastic group of business professionals. Be prepared to tell everyone about your business in about 30 seconds or less. We want to know what you do but have to keep it short so we can complete the meeting's agenda, we want to honor your time! • 30 second elevator speech? What do I say?! Your Name Your Company's Name What your company does (in basic form) One key difference maker (deliver on-time, on budget. or We close complicated cases. or We can sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Etc...) Who you would like to meet in the room or in the area (so we can refer you business :-) ) Keep it short and sweet, there will be plenty of time after and before the meeting to get to know other people in the group and even opportunities to schedule "one to one/1:2:1" meetings. We love to grab our coffee and go out to a spot in the lobby afterwards in one on ones to discuss how we can work together, get to know each other, get business done! So plan a little extra time to meet if need be.

We all go through times when it feels like the ground is being pulled out from under us. What we relied on as steady and solid may change or even appear to vanish. In this era of global disruption, threats to our individual, social, and planetary safety abound, and at times life can feel overwhelming. Not only are loss and separation painful, but even positive changes can cause great stress. Yet life is full of change: birth, death, marriage, divorce; a new relationship; losing or starting a job; beginning a new phase in life or ending one. Change is stressful, even when it is much desired or anticipated—the unknown can feel scary and threatening. In We Were Made for These Times, the extraordinary mindfulness teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo imparts accessible advice on navigating difficult times of transition, drawing on Buddhist teachings on impermanence to help you establish equanimity and resilience. Classroom 1 and via **[Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88912244670?pwd=jtR4LLF3bM6YkuFgevZXlJtM9tGZL2.1),** Meeting ID 889 1224 4670, Password 488104

**Every 3rd Saturday of the Month** **Swing'n Saturday Den** \- West Coast Swing Dance Party \+ Lessons Where: Elegant Dancing, 11230 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 ​When: 3rd Saturday (no dance if it lands on or a day before/after a major Holiday) Time: 7:45pm- Beginner Level 1 Lesson (No experience needed) - In Ballroom B 7:45pm - Intermediate Level 2 /3 Lesson - In Ballroom A 8:30pm - 11:30pm-Dance Social Cost: $20 - Lesson + Dance Social \*Must Register in advance \*No partner needed

### 🌑 *** 🌸✨ **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. 🌿

New Date and Time starting in May 2024. Sunday Night Chess is now Saturday Night Chess! Casual Chess: informal skittles games or optionally with Clocks (Blitz, Rapid, Quick, or custom time controls). Meetups of Ashburn Chess Club are held on 2nd floor of the Wegmans supermarket, 45131 Columbia Pl, Sterling, VA 20166, located in the Dulles Centre Shoppes Plaza which is just off the Waxpool Road Exit on Route 28 expressway. To find the chess games, take the elevator or stairs up to the 2nd floor mezzanine level. If there are RSVP the host will usually arrive a few minutes early to set up tables in the center mezzanine section located near the Kids Room with the TV. Guests, walk-ins, kibitzers are all welcome too; we request minor children to be accompanied by an adult, and we request only chess players RSVP, members and guests who are attending to play chess, so we have an accurate count of chessboards needed to set up.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free sessions and everyone is welcome to join.