Qabalah

**In Search of True Friendship** *** Why do so many of us feel like we are alone when we have so many more ways of connecting with others than ever before? Are we missing out on forming true friendships by failing to consider the spiritual impulse for those connections? It seems to be our instinct – and need – to be connected to others. But we also seem to have created increasingly fractured and isolating social structures that don’t actually require us to build those connections – much less with anyone who may look or think differently than we do. So how might recognizing our reality as spiritual beings, as all of us being part of one human family, help us understand where this instinct comes from – and what we need to fulfill it? How might it inform the types and qualities of relationships we look for – and who with? And beyond our individual relationships, what would it look like to reconfigure our communities to make finding and building connection easier for all of us? How can we create a culture of community that supports everyone in this search, that allows every individual to thrive not despite but with and because of the larger diversity of people around them? What are the spiritual principles and qualities we need to build and nurture these diverse, inclusive, and connected communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the search for true friendship. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can build true community together. “*Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path*.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there! Only 1 court 135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Imagine stepping into a divine feminine experience—a stunning, female-owned home venue transformed into an immersive, tantra-inspired Temple. Created by women, for women, trans women, and non-binary femme bodies to gather, explore, learn, dance, connect, and play. On **May 30th**, the **Temple of Eden** opens once more for our final experience of the season. Step into a space where desires, exploration, growth, kink, and music become a portal of sisterhood, joy, connection, and authenticity. **Expect four expansive floors, multiple rooms, choose-your-own adventure activations, demos, dancing, nourishing treats, and spontaneous adventures unfolding throughout the night.** We'll have designated cuddle spaces, a large play room with a dance pole, outdoor space with a fire pit, a dance studio + temple room featuring ecstatic dance by DJ Electrocute, and more TBA! **This experience expands on our previous temples, diving deeper into the practices you’ve been asking for, with more intentional curation, more rooms to explore, and more time for free play.** **Please note, this is a vetted event. If you have not attended a Temple of Eden before, submit an application [HERE](https://forms.gle/N12bZxUQUB2gtb7dA)** **We have limited spots and we expect to fill up quickly.** ***Submit your application or reserve your spot soon!*** ### **WHAT TO EXPECT** * **A fully immersive experience** \- not a passive workshop or wellness seminar\, but a feminine\, embodied portal of play\, pleasure and community * **Grounding arrival practices:** Playful connection activities and guided tantra practices designed to warm your heart, soften your body, learn new skills, and ground into community * **Somatic + embodiment workshops** focused on movement, pleasure, nervous system regulation, and practices held in a container of bravery, community, and reverence * Plenty of open time for movement, kink, shibari, and connection—featuring wrestling mats for erotic play, cozy cuddle spaces, an outdoor lounge, and an all-femme ecstatic dance set by DJ Electrocute. The night is yours to explore with a choose-your-own-adventure experiences all night long. * **Deep sisterhood & connection:** Time and space to bond with the feminine beings you’ve journeyed with, cultivating new friendships and intimate community. * **Snacks and water** will be provided. Please note, a fridge or cooking area are not available to guests. * Ample room for storing shoes and bags and plenty of free parking available **Come be held. Come be seen. Come be transformed through movement, play, and the magic of the feminine in its full, inspired expression.** **Want to learn more? Listen to our podcast interview on "[Girls Done Deep: Inside the Temple of Eden. All Femme Play Parties & Sexuality Beyond the Male Gaze featuring Eden](https://tr.ee/zcchmPcxOp)" or on the Sex Reimagined Podcast [here](https://www.sexreimagined.com/blog/women-only-tantra-retreats-temple-eden-philadelphia).** **DETAILS** **Date:** Saturday, May 30th **Doors open:** Arrival begins around 7 pm. Doors close promptly and we do not allow late arrivals. This arrival window may be tweaked slightly. Guests are welcome to leave at anytime but must arrive before doors close. Closing circle is around 1:30at 2 am. More logistics details will be sent once confirmed. **Location:** Falls Church, VA. 20 minutes outside of DC and 1 hour from Baltimore. Overnight accommodations are not included, but participants are encouraged to support out of town guests. **Ticket:** Community members receive first access and discount: $150 including fees Early bird is $166 including fees until May 16th OR until sold out. General Admission is $182 including fees. **WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO WEAR** * Dress to express. Wear whatever makes you feel sensual, authentic, comfortable, and Goddess-glam ✨You’re invited to bring both a comfortable look and an eros look - think sweet-to-spicy vibes, or anything that feels true to you. As the evening unfolds, kink wear, lingerie, and topless and nudity are welcome and lovingly encouraged. * A water bottle is necessary. A sarong or pashmina for sitting on * Any snacks or medication you need for the day (light snacks provided) * Any toys or items that support your safety and experience. Space is limited - **please only bring what you need. One small bag per person is encouraged - think airplane personal item 🎒** * Bring no expectations, a curious heart and open mind **MEET YOUR FACILITATORS**  **Eden** is a relationship and intimacy coach, tantrika, event producer, and DJ. She is the visionary behind the Temple of Eden and the co-founder of Tantra Philly, a tantra temple and conscious kink space in Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience in somatic healing, business management, and facilitation, she curates immersive events, mentorship containers, and tantric experiences that guide femmes and couples into their most authentic, liberated, and deeply embodied selves. Like the garden, Eden is more than a name; it’s an invocation to awaken pleasure, embody presence, and cultivate your personal paradise. **Instagram:** [@EmbodiedwithEden](http://instagram.com/embodiedwitheden) **Websites:**[ TheEdenEra.com](http://theedenera.com/) & [TantraPhilly.com](http://tantraphilly.com/)  Leora is a pleasure coach, mother, and facilitator, working at the intersection of kink, sensuality, and healing. With an extensive background in trauma-informed somatics and tantric bodywork, she has trained with renowned experts in relational and power dynamics. Leora is dedicated to using pleasure as a modality and pathway to reclaim intimacy and deepen self-connection in and out of the bedroom, with self and others. She weaves shibari, ritual, and energy play into profound, transformational journeys. Coming from more than 20 years of feminist-oriented social justice work, her background inspires her methods and purpose as a leader, educator, and space holder. You can catch her leading crafted and curated workshops, sessions, and parties across the DMV—including AcroSexy, a tantra, acroyoga, and play fusion. **Website:** [www.healinginservice.com](http://www.healinginservice.com/)  **Aruna** is a multifaceted artist and embodiment practitioner devoted to movement, healing, and authentic expression. A model, mother of three, insured performer, and energy worker, she blends a rich spectrum of lived experience with deep intentional training. She co-founded Celestial Dragons, a femme-led performance troupe merging ceremony with fire and aerial performance art. Rooted in tantra, movement, somatics, conscious kink, and rope, Aruna guides others into deeper presence, safety, sensuality, and emotional release—honoring the body as a living temple and inviting people home to themselves. **Instagram:** [@earthtomysoul](https://www.instagram.com/earthtomysoul/) **Portfolio:** [https://beacons.ai/celestialart](https://beacons.ai/celestialart)  **ELECTRO⚡️CUTE (she/they)** is local DJ and producer known for sampling global music mixed with organic, driving, and funky electronic beats as an homage to her multicultural ancestry. You can expect to hear many of these cultural influences and every language throughout her sets as she takes you on an ethereal musical journey all over the globe through many eras and genres that will have you both twirling and twerking on the dance floor. As a certified Usui/Holy Fire Reiki practitioner, she infuses her music with healing energy and loving intention. ELECTRO⚡️CUTE creates conscious dance and meditation events in the DC area, and co-founded **Soul Flow**, a nightlife initiative merging her passions for wellness, music, and social justice advocacy. **Instagram:** [@electrocute](https://www.instagram.com/dj_electrocute/) & [Ecstatic Dance Arlington](https://www.instagram.com/ecstatic_dance_arlington/) & [Soul Life Experiences](https://www.instagram.com/soulfire_experiences/) **AGREEMENTS OF THE TEMPLE** When you step into our temple, you’re entering a space of care, play, and intentional connection. To keep the container safe and nourishing for all, we ask that you honor the following: ✨ **Consent is mandatory.** Touch only happens with clear, enthusiastic yes’s, and we celebrate boundaries as a gift. You’re also responsible for tending to your own comfort and limits-everything here is optional. ✨ **Substances & energy.** This is not a house party. To keep the energy clean and present, please arrive and remain sober. ✨ **Who’s welcome.** Our space is open to femmes, women, thems, queers, and beloveds in that spectrum. Cishet men are not part of this container. This is a vetted event - only those who have been vetted by the deadline will be welcome into the container. ✨ **Privacy & presence.** Phones away while participating in the event, other than a designated phone area available at your convenience. This also helps us uphold confidentiality; what happens in the Temple, stays in Temple - please only share details of your own experience outside of the space. ✨ **Arrivals & flow.** To protect the integrity of the container, please arrive on time. Late arrivals cannot be admitted and tickets are non-refundable. ✨ **Inclusivity & respect.** We welcome all ages, races, bodies, and relationship styles. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 🌙 Our gatherings are designed for connection, exploration, and play. You are always free to move at your own pace, participate as you wish, leave at anytime, and honor your body and heart. By attending, you take full responsibility for your own well-being. **IMPORTANT NOTICE** The exact address will be sent to ticket holders the week of the event. Tickets are non-refundable. Temple of Eden is designed for educational and entertainment purposes. By attending, you agree to take full responsibility for your personal well-being, practice your own risk awareness, and hold the facilitators and space harmless for any personal discomfort that may arise. Presenting your legal ID and signing a waiver are required for entry. ***Thank you for co-creating a brave and intentional space with us.***

Cost: free Court Type: Outdoor Sand Level: Social (everyone is welcome) Transportation: Parking will be right in front of the courts. What to bring: a ball if you have one. This is a social volleyball which means as long as you played volleyball before and can keep some rally going you can attend. The point is to practice being a team player, have fun, be social, and make friends. We should try to have 2 passes before sending the ball over on most plays. Let's get everyone involved in the game.

Join us for reading the classic "Man And His Symbols" by Carl Jung! To make the discussion the best it can be, please read as much of the book as you can before attending the meeting. We'll start the meeting with each person sharing their name and something they found interesting or helpful, then have open discussion. Here's the Amazon description: "The landmark text about the inner workings of the unconscious mind—from the symbolism that unlocks the meaning of our dreams to their effect on our waking lives and artistic impulses “What emerges with great clarity from the book is that Jung has done immense service both to psychology as a science and to our general understanding of man in society.”—The Guardian “Our psyche is part of nature, and its enigma is limitless.” Since our inception, humanity has looked to dreams for guidance. But what are they? How can we understand them? And how can we use them to shape our lives? There is perhaps no one more equipped to answer these questions than the legendary psychologist Carl G. Jung. It is in his life’s work that the unconscious mind comes to be understood as an expansive, rich world just as vital and true a part of the mind as the conscious, and it is in our dreams—those personal, integral expressions of our deepest selves—that it communicates itself to us. A seminal text written explicitly for the general reader, Man and His Symbols is a guide to understanding our dreams and interrogating the many facets of identity—our egos and our shadows, “the dark side of our natures.” Full of fascinating case studies and examples pulled from philosophy, history, myth, fairy tales, and more, this groundbreaking work—profusely illustrated with hundreds of visual examples—offers invaluable insight into the symbols we dream that demand understanding, why we seek meaning at all, and how these very symbols affect our lives. Armed with the knowledge of the self and our shadow, we may build fuller, more receptive lives. By illuminating the means to examine our prejudices, interpret psychological meanings, break free of our influences, and recenter our individuality, Man and His Symbols proves to be—decades after its conception—a revelatory, absorbing, and relevant experience. "

**MLK Library - Room 401A** Why do so many of us feel like we are alone when we have so many more ways of connecting with others than ever before? Are we missing out on forming true friendships by failing to consider the spiritual impulse for those connections? It seems to be our instinct – and need – to be connected to others. But we also seem to have created increasingly fractured and isolating social structures that don’t actually require us to build those connections – much less with anyone who may look or think differently than we do. So how might recognizing our reality as spiritual beings, as all of us being part of one human family, help us understand where this instinct comes from – and what we need to fulfill it? How might it inform the types and qualities of relationships we look for – and who with? And beyond our individual relationships, what would it look like to reconfigure our communities to make finding and building connection easier for all of us? How can we create a culture of community that supports everyone in this search, that allows every individual to thrive not despite but with and because of the larger diversity of people around them? What are the spiritual principles and qualities we need to build and nurture these diverse, inclusive, and connected communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the search for true friendship. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can build true community together. *“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

* Workshop: ***Resonate to the God Current Within You*** * Video Presentation by Sri Doug Kunin ***The Quest For God Consciousness*** * Keynote talk by Guest Speaker Bob Lawton ***Spiritual Keys For Your Journey Home to God*** * Discussions, creative arts, panels * Catered Lunch Included 👉 Free for Guests (Limited Seats) Pre-register by May 21st, 2026 👉For the full program and to Registration go to: [eckankarmaryland.org](https://eckankarmaryland.org/) **Maryland ECK Center, Third Floor** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 314** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **Suggested donations, which include lunch, are listed on the registration page.** **[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER](https://eckankarmaryland.org/2026-day-of-eck/)** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Flag Football Game! Bring Cleats and water. We will supply the flags. Hit me up if interested and for more information....301-758-5251

Apostolic Word Of God Church Freewill Prophetic Worship Service. Apostle Dr. David and Prophetess Dr. Marguerite Carter are inviting you to join our Sunday Worship Services. Optional Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83705862326?pwd=OVZHMFB6U0lrOUlIT1gxSDZ3c2w1QT09 Meeting ID: 837 0586 2326 Password: 667084 Optional one tap mobile +13017158592,,83705862326#,,,,,,0#,,667084# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,83705862326#,,,,,,0#,,667084# US (Chicago) The Purpose Of Our Worship Of God The purpose of our worship is to glorify, honor, praise, exalt, and please God. The nature of the worship God demands is the prostration of our souls before Him in humble and contrite submission. Jesus says in John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."It doesn’t say we can worship God any way we want, but we "must worship Him in spirit and in truth". The word "must" makes it absolute. There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. God seeks true worshippers, and He identifies them as those who "worship Him in spirit and in truth". Worshipping God in spirit means that it must be done from the heart. Worshipping God in truth means that it must be done according to God has specified in the Bible. Come with Expectations: Expect to experience the Presence of the Lord. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and flow in the spirit. Expect "Soaking Time" This is your personal time seeking the Lord while listening to prerecorded music, as directed by the Holy Spirit. Come 15 to 30 minutes early for soaking time. Expect an atmosphere of freedom to worship and liberty in Christ Jesus. Expect the Holy Spirit to administer Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ: The Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues (languages), interpretation of tongues (languages), 1 Corinthians 12. Expect singing and praying in the spirit with understanding, 1 Corinthians 14:15 Expect to be filled with the spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20 Expect anointed teachings/preaching of the Word Of God. Expect to lay prostrate while seeking the Lord (bring a throw blanket). Note: The above is freely administered by the Holy Spirit, subject to change, and is not all-inclusive. There is much more, but cannot be written here. Remember God sent you here for a purpose. Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 We love you in Jesus's name. Apostle David and Prophetess Marguerite Carter, Pastors Apostolic Word Of God Church Inc. 13413 Marburg Lane | Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-4318 Phone: 301.780.3707 | Fax: 301.780.3708 AWOGC website address: http://www.awogc.org david.carter@awogc.org marguerite.carter@awogc.org Donate On-Line at http://www.awogc.org

Imagine stepping into a divine feminine experience—a stunning, female-owned home venue transformed into an immersive, tantra-inspired Temple. Created by women, for women, trans women, and non-binary femme bodies to gather, explore, learn, dance, connect, and play. On **May 30th**, the **Temple of Eden** opens once more for our final experience of the season. Step into a space where desires, exploration, growth, kink, and music become a portal of sisterhood, joy, connection, and authenticity. **Expect four expansive floors, multiple rooms, choose-your-own adventure activations, demos, dancing, nourishing treats, and spontaneous adventures unfolding throughout the night.** We'll have designated cuddle spaces, a large play room with a dance pole, outdoor space with a fire pit, a dance studio + temple room featuring ecstatic dance by DJ Electrocute, and more TBA! **This experience expands on our previous temples, diving deeper into the practices you’ve been asking for, with more intentional curation, more rooms to explore, and more time for free play.** **Please note, this is a vetted event. If you have not attended a Temple of Eden before, submit an application [HERE](https://forms.gle/N12bZxUQUB2gtb7dA)** **We have limited spots and we expect to fill up quickly.** ***Submit your application or reserve your spot soon!*** ### **WHAT TO EXPECT** * **A fully immersive experience** \- not a passive workshop or wellness seminar\, but a feminine\, embodied portal of play\, pleasure and community * **Grounding arrival practices:** Playful connection activities and guided tantra practices designed to warm your heart, soften your body, learn new skills, and ground into community * **Somatic + embodiment workshops** focused on movement, pleasure, nervous system regulation, and practices held in a container of bravery, community, and reverence * Plenty of open time for movement, kink, shibari, and connection—featuring wrestling mats for erotic play, cozy cuddle spaces, an outdoor lounge, and an all-femme ecstatic dance set by DJ Electrocute. The night is yours to explore with a choose-your-own-adventure experiences all night long. * **Deep sisterhood & connection:** Time and space to bond with the feminine beings you’ve journeyed with, cultivating new friendships and intimate community. * **Snacks and water** will be provided. Please note, a fridge or cooking area are not available to guests. * Ample room for storing shoes and bags and plenty of free parking available **Come be held. Come be seen. Come be transformed through movement, play, and the magic of the feminine in its full, inspired expression.** **Want to learn more? Listen to our podcast interview on "[Girls Done Deep: Inside the Temple of Eden. All Femme Play Parties & Sexuality Beyond the Male Gaze featuring Eden](https://tr.ee/zcchmPcxOp)" or on the Sex Reimagined Podcast [here](https://www.sexreimagined.com/blog/women-only-tantra-retreats-temple-eden-philadelphia).** **DETAILS** **Date:** Saturday, May 30th **Doors open:** Arrival begins around 7 pm. Doors close promptly and we do not allow late arrivals. This arrival window may be tweaked slightly. Guests are welcome to leave at anytime but must arrive before doors close. Closing circle is around 1:30at 2 am. More logistics details will be sent once confirmed. **Location:** Falls Church, VA. 20 minutes outside of DC and 1 hour from Baltimore. Overnight accommodations are not included, but participants are encouraged to support out of town guests. **Ticket:** Community members receive first access and discount: $150 including fees Early bird is $166 including fees until May 16th OR until sold out. General Admission is $182 including fees. **WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO WEAR** * Dress to express. Wear whatever makes you feel sensual, authentic, comfortable, and Goddess-glam ✨You’re invited to bring both a comfortable look and an eros look - think sweet-to-spicy vibes, or anything that feels true to you. As the evening unfolds, kink wear, lingerie, and topless and nudity are welcome and lovingly encouraged. * A water bottle is necessary. A sarong or pashmina for sitting on * Any snacks or medication you need for the day (light snacks provided) * Any toys or items that support your safety and experience. Space is limited - **please only bring what you need. One small bag per person is encouraged - think airplane personal item 🎒** * Bring no expectations, a curious heart and open mind **MEET YOUR FACILITATORS**  **Eden** is a relationship and intimacy coach, tantrika, event producer, and DJ. She is the visionary behind the Temple of Eden and the co-founder of Tantra Philly, a tantra temple and conscious kink space in Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience in somatic healing, business management, and facilitation, she curates immersive events, mentorship containers, and tantric experiences that guide femmes and couples into their most authentic, liberated, and deeply embodied selves. Like the garden, Eden is more than a name; it’s an invocation to awaken pleasure, embody presence, and cultivate your personal paradise. **Instagram:** [@EmbodiedwithEden](http://instagram.com/embodiedwitheden) **Websites:**[ TheEdenEra.com](http://theedenera.com/) & [TantraPhilly.com](http://tantraphilly.com/)  Leora is a pleasure coach, mother, and facilitator, working at the intersection of kink, sensuality, and healing. With an extensive background in trauma-informed somatics and tantric bodywork, she has trained with renowned experts in relational and power dynamics. Leora is dedicated to using pleasure as a modality and pathway to reclaim intimacy and deepen self-connection in and out of the bedroom, with self and others. She weaves shibari, ritual, and energy play into profound, transformational journeys. Coming from more than 20 years of feminist-oriented social justice work, her background inspires her methods and purpose as a leader, educator, and space holder. You can catch her leading crafted and curated workshops, sessions, and parties across the DMV—including AcroSexy, a tantra, acroyoga, and play fusion. **Website:** [www.healinginservice.com](http://www.healinginservice.com/)  **Aruna** is a multifaceted artist and embodiment practitioner devoted to movement, healing, and authentic expression. A model, mother of three, insured performer, and energy worker, she blends a rich spectrum of lived experience with deep intentional training. She co-founded Celestial Dragons, a femme-led performance troupe merging ceremony with fire and aerial performance art. Rooted in tantra, movement, somatics, conscious kink, and rope, Aruna guides others into deeper presence, safety, sensuality, and emotional release—honoring the body as a living temple and inviting people home to themselves. **Instagram:** [@earthtomysoul](https://www.instagram.com/earthtomysoul/) **Portfolio:** [https://beacons.ai/celestialart](https://beacons.ai/celestialart)  **ELECTRO⚡️CUTE (she/they)** is local DJ and producer known for sampling global music mixed with organic, driving, and funky electronic beats as an homage to her multicultural ancestry. You can expect to hear many of these cultural influences and every language throughout her sets as she takes you on an ethereal musical journey all over the globe through many eras and genres that will have you both twirling and twerking on the dance floor. As a certified Usui/Holy Fire Reiki practitioner, she infuses her music with healing energy and loving intention. ELECTRO⚡️CUTE creates conscious dance and meditation events in the DC area, and co-founded **Soul Flow**, a nightlife initiative merging her passions for wellness, music, and social justice advocacy. **Instagram:** [@electrocute](https://www.instagram.com/dj_electrocute/) & [Ecstatic Dance Arlington](https://www.instagram.com/ecstatic_dance_arlington/) & [Soul Life Experiences](https://www.instagram.com/soulfire_experiences/) **AGREEMENTS OF THE TEMPLE** When you step into our temple, you’re entering a space of care, play, and intentional connection. To keep the container safe and nourishing for all, we ask that you honor the following: ✨ **Consent is mandatory.** Touch only happens with clear, enthusiastic yes’s, and we celebrate boundaries as a gift. You’re also responsible for tending to your own comfort and limits-everything here is optional. ✨ **Substances & energy.** This is not a house party. To keep the energy clean and present, please arrive and remain sober. ✨ **Who’s welcome.** Our space is open to femmes, women, thems, queers, and beloveds in that spectrum. Cishet men are not part of this container. This is a vetted event - only those who have been vetted by the deadline will be welcome into the container. ✨ **Privacy & presence.** Phones away while participating in the event, other than a designated phone area available at your convenience. This also helps us uphold confidentiality; what happens in the Temple, stays in Temple - please only share details of your own experience outside of the space. ✨ **Arrivals & flow.** To protect the integrity of the container, please arrive on time. Late arrivals cannot be admitted and tickets are non-refundable. ✨ **Inclusivity & respect.** We welcome all ages, races, bodies, and relationship styles. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 🌙 Our gatherings are designed for connection, exploration, and play. You are always free to move at your own pace, participate as you wish, leave at anytime, and honor your body and heart. By attending, you take full responsibility for your own well-being. **IMPORTANT NOTICE** The exact address will be sent to ticket holders the week of the event. Tickets are non-refundable. Temple of Eden is designed for educational and entertainment purposes. By attending, you agree to take full responsibility for your personal well-being, practice your own risk awareness, and hold the facilitators and space harmless for any personal discomfort that may arise. Presenting your legal ID and signing a waiver are required for entry. ***Thank you for co-creating a brave and intentional space with us.***

**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?

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.