Purposeful Living

**Finding Meaning in Life’s Difficulties (Free Event)** **Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities?** **When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress.** **“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

**Planting Seeds of Peace** What happens in this theater of life is the result of actions planted in the past. Let us now plant seeds of peace to create a life of serenity. Wed., Jan. 28th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl., Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/OelS7](https://shorturl.at/OelS7)

Join us every Friday night for an unforgettable evening of live Latin music at Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar. Join us every Friday night for an unforgettable evening of live Latin music at **Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar**. Experience the vibrant sounds of the **Javier Arias Orchestra**, delivering high-energy rhythms, soulful vocals, and classic Latin favorites that set the perfect tone for dinner, drinks, and dancing. From romantic melodies to lively dance-floor hits, this weekly live performance transforms your Friday night into a cultural escape filled with passion, flavor, and sound. 🕖 **Live Music:** 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM 📍 **Location:** Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 🎶 **Featuring:** Javier Arias Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, elevated cuisine, and an elegant atmosphere while immersing yourself in the rhythm of Latin music. 🎟️ Reserve your table early — seating is limited. Complimentary tickets on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-latin-performance-at-greenhouse-kitchen-bar-tickets-1981021387297)

Meet at the Lake Audubon Pool parking lot at *2070 Twin Branches Road in Reston*. We’ll hike the Twin Branches trail for 2.5 miles, followed by a 3 mile walk on the Glade Stream Valley Trail. We’ll then drive to the nearby South Lakes Village Center for lunch. NO HIKE IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER OR RAIN! Alternative date 31 January.

### ***Stepping Back from Work to Lean into Our True Self*** In today’s society, retirement is often viewed as a time to slow down, travel, or finally do the things we never had time for. Yet for many, this transition can also bring unexpected questions about relevance, identity, and purpose, just when we have the wisdom, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful contribution. In this engaging and reflective program, **Sister Jenna will interview Michael Skoler**, former journalist and Aspen Institute executive, in a heartfelt conversation exploring what purposeful retirement can truly look like. Together, they will examine how stepping away from a career can become an invitation to step more fully into our authentic self, using our life experience to serve, mentor, and support others. This session offers a fresh perspective on retirement, not as an ending, but as a powerful new chapter of inner freedom, contribution, and conscious living. ***(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)*** Sat., Jan. 31st, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z](https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z)

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. \*\*\* 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147). Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \*\*\* **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • A mix of new faces in every rotation • A warm, friendly space — not surface-level, not heavy \*\*\* **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \*\*\* 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)

The [Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern Virginia](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/study-circle) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Led by participant-driven discussions, our circle is designed to foster connection and support as members share their experiences, wisdom, and insights on simplifying their lives. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia, we aim to bring together like-minded people who are passionate about mindful living and environmental care. Whether you're new to the journey of simplicity or looking to deepen your practice, we invite you to join us in this nurturing and inclusive environment.