Sober Activities

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray 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?

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, January 18 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Paint and Meditate Whether you’re an experienced artist, new to painting, or simply open to discovering how meditation can unlock creativity, Paint and Meditate is for you. Art of Living, 2401 15th St NW, DC Jan 18th 11:30 AM–1:00 PM Fee: $10/person RSVP: [tiny.cc/PAINT-MEDITATE](tiny.cc/PAINT-MEDITATE) All materials will be provided Come as you are—no experience needed. #artoflivingdcmetro #skybreathmeditation

So, the world of meditation has a lot to offer, and you have heard it all. This Meetup is about discovering the EXPERIENCE of meditation. Come check us out - volunteer meditation instructors from the Maryland Community will help lead you into the East's best kept relaxation secret, meet like-minded people, and in general have a fun time. As an added bonus, you will also get to experience some of the Art of Living Foundation's breathing programs and get an insight into what makes the Sudharshan Kriya tick. Try saying it 10 times in a row for some tongue twister fun! Anyways, your group lead is likely to be young, fun, a professional who does this on a volunteer basis, might have an accent, smiles a lot (yeah, meditation does that to you)... and at the end of the day, is a meditation instructor par excellence. We are trying to hold meetups across MD but, for now, we will stick to the one free venue we have. Let us know if you want to host one of the meditation Meetups at your venue.. somewhere in MD though!

Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/8/e/8/600_400350952.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/e/e/600_400351982.jpeg

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-and-karaoke-all-you-can-eat-bottomless-mimosa-tickets-272275432147). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-and-karaoke-all-you-can-eat-bottomless-mimosa-tickets-272275432147). ABOUT THE EVENT **Join us for a Brunch filled with food and hair of the dog drinks!** **The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and All-You-Can-Drink Bottomless Mimosa, including tax & gratuity! This is UNBEATABLE! For foodies, this doesn’t get any better as we throw this party! Please be on time for the grand festivities!** **It is accompanied by Karaoke! Come and have some fun, food, music, and cocktails! Song Book is available online, but we provide tablets as well. Signing up to sing is contactless via internet. It can be done through a person's smart phone or our tablets. We have a 3 step sanitation process which involves disinfecting the mics, giving them an ultraviolet bath, then applying a disposable microphone cover.** **EAT, DRINK & SING! This is ideal for a birthday celebration.** **BRUNCH :** **Session One : 11AM - 2PM** **Session Two : 2PM - 5PM** **Brunch Buffet Includes :** **FOOD** 1.HANGOVER BURRITO Eggs, queso, ranchero sauce, refried beans, shoestring potatoes, crema, guacamole, flour tortilla served with breakfast potatoes Choice of protein: Chorizo / Bacon / Chicken / Barbacoa (Short Rib) / Mushrooms 2\. BREAKFAST TACO TRIO Eggs, cheese, rebel sauce, shoestring potatoes, flour tortilla Choice of protein: Chorizo / Bacon / Chicken / Barbacoa (Short Rib) / Mushrooms 3\. REBEL WAFFLE Large waffle, maple syrup, crema, strawberries 4\. AVOCADO TOAST Pepitas, sweet peppers, queso fresco, poached eggs,served with breakfast potatoes 5\. CHURRO BITES House made dough fried perfectly for a toasty outside and soft warm center dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Drizzled with rich Nutella and sweetened crema 6\. CHIPS AND SALSA 7\. CHIPS AND GUAC . . . and many more!! **Drinks:** **Bottomless Mimosa** **\- All other drinks would be cash bar \(which means\, you pay as you go\)** **Drink Responsibly** **\- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in your life with us** **\- For bottle specials and table reservation email \(info@[merevents.co](http://merevents.co/)m) OR text 202-368-1878** **\- Event is 21\+** **#Epicbrunch presented by #merevents** **\- Come one\, come all \- YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:\) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\!** **\- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member** *Payment Instructions :* 1\. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. 3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\. 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO : U Street Metro Station is literally under the building (Take 13th St. Exit). Street Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking and we highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES**

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-and-karaoke-all-you-can-eat-bottomless-mimosa-tickets-272275432147). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-and-karaoke-all-you-can-eat-bottomless-mimosa-tickets-272275432147). ABOUT THE EVENT **Join us for a Brunch filled with food and hair of the dog drinks!** **The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and All-You-Can-Drink Bottomless Mimosa, including tax & gratuity! This is UNBEATABLE! For foodies, this doesn’t get any better as we throw this party! Please be on time for the grand festivities!** **It is accompanied by Karaoke! Come and have some fun, food, music, and cocktails! Song Book is available online, but we provide tablets as well. Signing up to sing is contactless via internet. It can be done through a person's smart phone or our tablets. We have a 3 step sanitation process which involves disinfecting the mics, giving them an ultraviolet bath, then applying a disposable microphone cover.** **EAT, DRINK & SING! This is ideal for a birthday celebration.** **BRUNCH :** **Session One : 11AM - 2PM** **Session Two : 2PM - 5PM** **Brunch Buffet Includes :** **FOOD** 1.HANGOVER BURRITO Eggs, queso, ranchero sauce, refried beans, shoestring potatoes, crema, guacamole, flour tortilla served with breakfast potatoes Choice of protein: Chorizo / Bacon / Chicken / Barbacoa (Short Rib) / Mushrooms 2\. BREAKFAST TACO TRIO Eggs, cheese, rebel sauce, shoestring potatoes, flour tortilla Choice of protein: Chorizo / Bacon / Chicken / Barbacoa (Short Rib) / Mushrooms 3\. REBEL WAFFLE Large waffle, maple syrup, crema, strawberries 4\. AVOCADO TOAST Pepitas, sweet peppers, queso fresco, poached eggs,served with breakfast potatoes 5\. CHURRO BITES House made dough fried perfectly for a toasty outside and soft warm center dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Drizzled with rich Nutella and sweetened crema 6\. CHIPS AND SALSA 7\. CHIPS AND GUAC . . . and many more!! **Drinks:** **Bottomless Mimosa** **\- All other drinks would be cash bar \(which means\, you pay as you go\)** **Drink Responsibly** **\- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in your life with us** **\- For bottle specials and table reservation email \(info@[merevents.co](http://merevents.co/)m) OR text 202-368-1878** **\- Event is 21\+** **#Epicbrunch presented by #merevents** **\- Come one\, come all \- YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:\) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\!** **\- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member** *Payment Instructions :* 1\. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. 3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\. 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO : U Street Metro Station is literally under the building (Take 13th St. Exit). Street Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking and we highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES**

A unique worship experience for adults looking to engage their mind, body, spirit, and taste buds! Sundays, 5PM Join us each Sunday for a guided time of stretching, meditation, and mindfulness (think Yoga Church) – followed by a free mocktail and conversation! It’s a great day to end one week – and begin another. No reservations needed; just show up. (Invite a friend!) [https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip](https://www.thevineva.org/stretch-sip?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5PvfHVivaZWvu3F4k-dNoYLoXZ9EkAZKcaOcJ2fBP09QM_svyEG0tkZgIH-w_aem_GVuOBm_3I478NQM3Lkqe0A) 2501 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Namaste and Blessings! We welcome you to join us for a House Kirtan Concert on **Sunday, Jan 18** in **Silver Spring MD** (address below) ***4:00 - 6:00 pm. (****mask optional)* ***We chant the Hanuman Chalisa at 4 pm – after which there is a break and regular chanting begins at 4:30 pm*** \~\~***Doors open at 3:45 pm - come early to get settled*** \~\~ **Please note:** This kirtan will be live-streamed using **Facebook Live** on this page: Bhakti Chant Kirtan (from 4 to 6 pm) **So about kirtan in Silver Spring** \- this is a private residence \- open to the public \- all are welcome \- bring a friend\, the family\, the kids\, the parents\, the spouse \- comfortable setting\. If you want to sit on the floor, it might be wise to bring something to sit on - Zafu or pillow or the like. *This is chanting with meditation* - we chant in Sanskrit and English, mantras and bhajans, honoring the many aspects of the Divine. ***Feel free to bring a percussion instrument***, if you are moved to do so. (This will be percussion by committee!) 
***Donation***: Suggested $10-20 (no one turned away) **On Paypal:** [paypal.me/RufusJuskus](http://paypal.me/RufusJuskus) **On Venmo**: Rufus-Juskus \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Snacks afterwards!** Many thanks -- peace and blessings to all! -Rufus Juskus **Address:** **9516 Pin Oak Drive** **Silver Spring MD 20910** The event page for this event on Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCXR47yRb/

This meetup is for Japanese learners who want to practice speaking in a relaxed, supportive environment without pressure or perfection. It's also a great place to meet people with similar interests! If you’ve studied vocabulary or grammar but freeze when it’s time to speak, this session is designed to help you bridge that gap. **What we'll do:** * Simple self-introductions in Japanese * Guided speaking prompts (you won’t be put on the spot) * Light pair or small-group practice * Optional review games or activities to support speaking Mistakes are expected and encouraged. You’re welcome to use notes, look things up, or listen more than you speak. **Who this is for:** * Beginner to early-intermediate learners * People who want to practice speaking without pressure * Anyone who feels like they “know the material” but struggles to use it No high-level Japanese required. Just come as you are.

Y’all are invited to a boot-stompin’, toe-tappin’ country line dancing night with Social Sips & Bites. We’re bringing together good music, a lively dance floor, and even better company for a night full of classic country vibes. The night kicks off with a line-dancing lesson, so no experience is needed. Whether it’s your first two-step or you already know a few classics, you’ll be guided through the moves before the open dancing begins. After that, it’s all about country hits, cold drinks, and enjoying the rhythm together. Come learn the steps, feel the country vibes, and dance the night away with Social Sips & Bites.

We’re heading to Ned Devine’s Irish Gastro Pub, and we’d love for you to join us! This will be our group’s first time visiting, and it’s easy to see why it’s a great choice, vibrant artwork, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for mingling and making new connections. Whether you’ve joined us before or this is your first Social Sips & Bites event, you’re in for a great night. **Plus, the energy picks up with DJ music after 10 PM.** Come sip, chat, laugh, and unwind with some of the best people around. Bring a friend or come solo-either way, you’ll be in great company. Let’s make it a night to remember at Ned Devine’s!

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.