Self-Knowledge

*Since the guided meditations for this event are in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

## Details **What is Toastmasters?** Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that’s been empowering people to become confident communicators and leaders since 1924. Worldwide, there are more than 266,000 members in over 14,200 clubs in 150 countries. In the Netherlands, there are over **40 clubs** across the country, including those in major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing program is sure to help you improve. You can visit Toastmasters clubs as a guest or become a member. **What does a meeting look like?** Some of the members give short, prepared speeches, which other club members later evaluate. A typical meeting also includes short impromptu speeches. In this improvisation part of the meeting, everybody gets a chance to speak, including guests, if they wish. We usually end the evening with a drink at the bar. **How do I become a guest at a meeting?** It’s easy! Simply RSVP for one of our upcoming meetings here on Meetup to let us know you’re coming. If you have any questions, contact us at [utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com.](http://utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com./) If you visit and like us, we can talk about membership! **Additional information** Our cozy venue has a maximum capacity of 30 people - perfect for an engaging. Please be on time to grab a seat and mingle before the speeches begin!

📍 AH to go, inside of the Hilversum Station, 11:00 → Pinetum → back by ~15:00 🚶‍♂️ Short walk (~20–30 min each way) 🎯 Main location: Pinetum Blijdenstein (€4 entry) This time we’re keeping it shorter and focusing on one beautiful spot: the Pinetum — a small botanical garden dedicated to pine trees, full of interesting shapes, textures, and quiet corners to sketch. We’ll meet at Hilversum Station at 11:00, walk together to the garden (arriving around 11:30), and spend about 2 hours sketching. There are some benches, but not many — please bring a foldable chair or something you can sit on, if possible. Around 14:00, we’ll head back toward the station. If people feel like it, we can grab coffee and maybe lunch at Mout before wrapping up around 15:00. Bring: Sketching materials Water Foldable chair No pressure on skill level — quick sketches, detailed studies, or just experimenting are all welcome. Come for the trees, stay for the sketches 🌲✏️

Please buy tickets for this show in advance via: [https://kingme.eventbrite.nl ](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/comedy-in-english-king-me-250-years-of-donald-trump-tickets-1990686363501?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawSVZrBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSbXVwd0N0MFFRTjdGUEFNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsxrSvevBCi62ihx-a0M6XwBf7dvxm9rcM1-bPDh6AMpt2g6G6bGtXWhF0Jp_aem_THBhZjpFq9dx6TOuWtW_7Q) **Meetup + Comedy at the Shed:** Dutch-American comedian **Greg Shapiro** presents a Tryout for his 9th solo show, **KING ME.** Let's meet in this cosy venue, a private theatre, for drinks before the show from 7.30pm then watch the show together at 8.30pm. Darla will be your host. **About the Show:** In 2026, on the 4th of July, the USA celebrates 250 years of independence – by bringing back the King. With Donald Trump in power, it feels like it’s been 250 years. ‘What a perfect time for another American Revolution,’ says Shapiro. Greg Shapiro is one of the originals at Boom Chicago theatre in Amsterdam. He has hosted *Comedy Central News*, and yes, he is known as the voice of Trump in the ‘Netherlands Second’ viral video with over 50 million views. Greg Shapiro dares to share a positive take on the USA. Perhaps Trump’s tyrant act won’t last long, especially if Europe is strong. Mark Rutte refers to Trump as ‘Daddy.’ But Ursula says, ‘Mama is boos.’ If the Epstein files prove anything, it’s that certain world leaders are attracted to anything but strong adult women.

Come play improv theatre in English and kick off your Friday evening with laughter, creativity and new people. This [drop-in workshop](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/) is open to everyone, whether you are trying improv for the very first time or you have played before and want to stay sharp. You do not need acting experience and you do not need perfect English. Many people join us for the first time each week, alongside regular players who keep coming back. The atmosphere is open, playful and supportive, with a real focus on having fun together. During the session you can expect: * Meeting internationals and Dutch players who enjoy playing in English * Fun and accessible improv games inspired by shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway and De Lama’s * Clear introductions to improv principles like listening, accepting ideas and playing together * Plenty of laughter and a few moments where you surprise yourself * A relaxed, social vibe rather than anything competitive or performative We play from 20:00 to 22:00. Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00 and you enter together via the side entrance on Troelstralaan. After the workshop, many people head to O’Leary’s nearby for a drink and a chat. Sign up by adding your name via [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5K0FVPivgkRn67BEoDofHkr7Es12_1bq4hDCggWDXNdpNhLZnzLNMNtrNdqw_aem_j1YiiuZaWNnyDZ5jbnCCBQ&h=AT2fpKsMMORdusQhpZ9iv0ed8772wQ5kPJcHxIGz5i8iQEJK0FVlSpqVqEh62oBzSisT7moNRPBSDvWIuZEL9WgLIXRbLyqXfXj7sE7CYyKbKxqnakD0W31HOEXSgK_5tuPYJFStscaUvrh-0pc&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3WQkDUYF4F66VuKR4XhsJ2afRvpjsAkK93Octb-hRh_JIzYk-7ePG7XSFfHFYxd9GLxqQgCwnPjN2yiYBNVADfb7VXyjFO1sHIArS4Jo43x4NQHr-b2RMtZUH_TIvYncgegRNFx3P2HDQbu5bCg5dzFhmaWlgHFa4). If you can no longer attend, please remember to remove yourself so someone else can join. The workshop works on a Pay What You Thought It Was Worth basis. Suggested donation is €10 to €20, but you are always welcome regardless of what you can pay. Contributions help cover the room and the professional trainer giving up their Friday evening. **About the teacher this week** This session is taught by [Steven Morgan](https://stevenmorgan.wales). Steven is a British comedian, improviser and teacher with a long international track record both on stage and in the classroom. He was the Head of Teaching at easylaughs in Amsterdam and was cast member of Impro Amsterdam for two years running. He previously organised the Bris Funny Fest in Australia, producing over one hundred comedy shows, and has performed stand up comedy in numerous countries and festivals including the Utrecht International Comedy Festival. Steven has also run corporate workshops for organisations such as Nike, Zoom and the Red Cross, and was one half of the improv duo Tru2U with Rogier Bak. His teaching style is playful, clear and confidence building, with a strong focus on connection, generosity on stage and enjoying the moment rather than trying to be funny. Whether you come to learn, to meet people, or just to have a joyful Friday evening, you are very welcome.

Join us for an evening of figure drawing in the heart of Almere, in Luna Nguyen Atelier. Whether you want to explore your creativity or refine your skills, this session offers a focused, welcoming environment. We will work from a live model through a series of timed poses, starting short and progressing to longer studies. This classic practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your drawing. Basic materials (boards, pencils, paper) are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Standing easels are also available; we are allowing non-toxic materials only. Photography is not permitted without permission. No formal instruction is given, though guidance (by LNA team) is available if needed. **When:** Friday, 12 June 2026 **Time:** 18:30–21:30 (including a 30-minute break in total) **Price:** €30 per person Your spot is only confirmed once the payment has been completed. Reserve your spot now! **Future event dates:** 14 August, 11 September, 9 October (same time and place / every second Friday evening of the month) We are looking forward to welcoming you in the atelier and to create together!

This hike is one you don’t want to miss! It offers a lot of variety on a relatively short distance. From train station Rhenen, we will cross the river and walk along it for a while, until we cross it again by ferry, taking us to the beautiful wetlands of the ‘Blauwe Kamer’, where we might encounter all kinds of wildlife. After a break, we will continue to climb the Grebbeberg, a 52 meter peak in the hilly forest, towering above the river. We will then return to Rhenen, with the option of visiting this pittoresque old town. **Where to meet**: we will meet at **10.30am** at train station Rhenen. This train station can be reached by Sprinter train from Utrecht Centraal. **This hike is fully booked.** [You may register for a place on the waitlist on my website.](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/)

We’re heading out for a beautiful 20 km loop hike from Afferden through the gorgeous Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. This route takes us through a striking Limburg landscape of forest, sandy paths, open heathland, river dunes, and wide views. Along the way, we pass the ruins of Kasteel Bleijenbeek and climb an uitkijktoren for a panoramic view over the Maasduinen landscape. One of the special features of this hike is that we cross the Maas river twice by small ferry. These crossings give the route an extra sense of adventure and connect the Maasduinen landscape with the village side of the river. After one of the crossings, we continue to the village of Vierlingsbeek, where we’ll take our longer break for a drink. After the break, we make our way back toward Afferden, completing a varied loop through forest, heathland, castle history, river scenery, ferry crossings, and quiet Limburg countryside. A hike with forest energy, open heathland, castle ruins, a lookout tower, two Maas river crossings, and a relaxed village drink stop. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Afferden, Veer naar Sambeek" https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcg4hBvRsHoUjBSa6 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After **4 km:** break at watchtower (5 min) After **7 km:** Having a lunchbreak at ruins of Castle Bleijenbeek (25 min) After **13 km:** Ferry over the Maas After **14 km:** Drinks at bar in Vierlingsbeek (50 min) After **20 km:** Ferry back over the Maas (bring small change to pay the ferry) I still need to confirm or make a reservation at the bar. **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. Please pay here: [https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71](https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71) **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 5 June at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks and enough water * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Ik organiseer wederom Verraders en Geesten! Midden in de natuur spelen we dit, wat vooral erg gezellig samen is en met veel vrijheid. 3 Verraders in de groep. Kan jij ze eruit pikken? Geheel verzorgd. Super tof om dit samen te doen🥳 ik ben de spelleider en de sfeer en dynamiek bij zo'n dag zijn altijd top! Kaartjes kan je kopen op de website van WeekendHet(.nl), daar staat ook veel meer uitleg van wat het inhoudt. Mochten er vragen zijn laat maar weten! Er komen ook mensen van buiten MeetUp om samen een mooie dag te beleven😁

*Since the event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

⚡ Reset your direction. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with fresh clarity. Join us for a relaxed **small-group afternoon event** that blends a light **Inner Coach conversation experience** with a **community potluck lunch**. In February we hosted our first **Inner Coach event**, and many attendees said it helped them notice something powerful — the voice inside that quietly guides better decisions when life gets complicated. This event builds on that idea. Instead of overthinking the past, we’ll explore how to **reset direction for what’s next** — through thoughtful conversation, new perspectives, and the kind of questions that spark real insight. We’ll start with a few short conversation rounds designed to spark reflection, humor, and perspective — and then continue the discussion over food and relaxed conversation. Think **good food, grounded people, and real conversations about what comes next in life.** Held in our **Startup Garage** — a bright, comfortable living-room style space inside a single-family home. (Couches, food, conversation — **not an actual garage** 😊) *** ## **🥘 Potluck Lunch** If you're able, bring something small to share. Homemade or store-bought — both welcome. A dish you enjoy making. A dish that always works Or simply something easy from the store If you're busy, come anyway — the goal is **community, not perfection**. We’ll share a relaxed **afternoon potluck lunch** while continuing meaningful conversations with people navigating their next chapter. *** ## **What You’ll Experience** • Light conversation rounds designed to spark insight • Fresh perspectives from people navigating similar life transitions • Humor, perspective, and grounded conversation • A relaxed environment where ideas and connections happen naturally *** ## **Who Typically Attends** • Professionals in their 30s–40s–50s • Entrepreneurs and builders • Divorced or separated individuals navigating what’s next • People who prefer thoughtful conversation over surface-level small talk Whether you're **resetting direction, building something new, or simply meeting grounded people**, this event is designed for honest connection and fresh perspective. *** Most attendees are navigating life and growth with **curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.** 📍 Hosted in a spacious living-room setting inside a single-family home (Ashburn – 20147). Full address and parking details are emailed **2–3 days before the event.** 🌐 Learn more about the community [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) *** If you're curious about the **Inner Coach vs Inner Critic concept**, here’s a short introduction: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI)

***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

***\*Both In-Person & Private Live-Streaming*** **The word anatta** – which means no permanently abiding self – is at the very heart and core of Buddhist meditation practice, yet it is one of its most misunderstood concepts. **When we explore anatta** through our meditation practice, it doesn’t mean we’re trying to get rid of who we are; it means we’re becoming more and more willing to see through the small, false, often negative ideas or beliefs of what we call “self.” **In actuality,** we are so much bigger than who or what we think we are. In fact, we are not only vast, but constantly fluid and changing: new in each moment, and dying in each moment … much like waves on the ocean. **During this silent meditation retreat,** we’ll be exploring anatta through various teachings, along with meditations designed to help us loosen our tenacious grip on the ego and sense of “self,” so that we can experience more freedom, peace, and ease in our lives. **The format will include** both guided and silent meditation, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own. **We’ll be gathering for our retreat on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m** in the beautiful St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, VA. The peaceful interior is filled with large bright windows overlooking the great lawn and a canopy of trees. The expansive grounds include a special labyrinth, and many natural places to sit and walk. **The format will include both guided and silent meditation**, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own. **THE TEACHER:** Shell Fischer, founder and guiding teacher of Mindful Shenandoah (**[www.mindfulvalley.com](http://www.mindfulvalley.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVFptRkN5cmpUVW9NWnlUaQEe04iYiwuuRDHGb8miRSO1_bG8Pdo-W2qefvsF41ER-Wr-PKZ7WKNnD_q03mg_aem_Hqz8SeHgbqFCh-0cegrr6Q)**) offers more than 30 years of extensive mindfulness training, study, and teaching. She is a Buddhist teacher, trained in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition at Naropa University – the nation’s leading contemplative university – and in the Theravadan Vipassana (Insight) tradition by Dr. Tara Brach – one of the world’s foremost Insight teachers. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher-training program led by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR and the Stress Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Prior to teaching, Shell wrote about mindfulness and yoga for national magazines. **While offering the teachings of Insight Meditation**, Shell places great emphasis on the metta (loving-kindness) practices. Her hope is to guide you in nurturing even more kindness and compassion for yourself, others, and for all the situations you find yourself in throughout your life, through the heart-teachings and practices of mindfulness meditation. **Shell warmly welcomes the inclusion and participation** of people of diverse identities, including those of all races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, classes, religions, abilities, and ages … with the aspiration that all feel welcome, safe, and respected as we practice together in community. **When:** Sat., June 13, 2026, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (also available online) **Where:** St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 **Fee:** $85 in-person/$40 online **[LEARN MORE HERE](https://www.mindfulvalley.com/retreats/june-13-2026-meditation-retreat-no-self-no-problem-exploring-anatta/)** ## Attendees 2 [Host](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Shell Fischer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Organizer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274) [Chloe](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118) [Member](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118) ## Photos 0 No photos for now! You'll see them here once they're added. ## Start the conversation Communicate with event participants to ask questions or share information.  Send as a private comment (Visible only for attendees) [See more events by Mindful Shenandoah Valley - Meditation Community](https://www.meetup.com/winchester-insight-meditation/events/) ## Related topics [Events in Great Falls, VA](/find/us--va--great-falls/) ## You may also like [](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Empowering Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Fri, Mar 20 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by New York Empowering Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/new-york-empowering-yourself/events/313708607/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Why It’s Easy to Show Up for Others but Hard to Show Up for Yourself](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Thu, Mar 19 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by Burlington NLP & Personal Change Group](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/burlington-women-personal-development-meetup-group/events/313166171/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) ### [Courageous Conversation: Say the Hard Thing Without Starting a Fire](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Wed, Mar 18 · 7:00 PM EDT](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [·Online](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [by Attachment Pathway](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events) [Online](https://www.meetup.com/attachment-pathway-your-gps-for-secure-relationships/events/312835545/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events)

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Rockville with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Rockville, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Rockville.

Life will always bring moments of uncertainty, change, and challenge, but within each of us is a quiet strength that can remain steady no matter what is happening around us. Join Sister Jenna for an uplifting and empowering workshop designed to help you reconnect with your inner resilience, restore clarity, and strengthen your spiritual foundation. This session will explore how to stay calm under pressure, protect your inner peace, and respond to life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and stability. Come discover how to become unshakeable from the inside out. Sunday, June 14th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl Suite 200, 2nd floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event. Sister Jenna is the director of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museums in Silver Spring, MD and Chantilly, VA.

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM at VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

踏入《广论》研讨班，对许多人来说是开启生命转变的契机。或许您也会好奇：在繁忙的工作与生活之余，投入时间研读佛教经典，究竟能为人生带来哪些实质的成长与收获？ 《广论》研讨班秉持着日常老和尚以心灵提升、圆满生命的目标，提供大众身、心、灵健康的学习环境与循序渐进的佛法课程。学员通过听师父的录音带和研讨交流，对佛法建立整体认识，全面的理解，同时学习如何将佛法智慧运用于生活中，打造幸福人生。 **《菩提道次第广论》简介** 佛法大全，给与您心灵滋养，人生方向 次第井然，引领您脚踏实地，步步向上 心智科学，帮助您认识自己，了解他人 幸福教育，教会您正确取舍，离苦得乐 生命教育，陪伴您创造希望，走向美好