Thich Nhat Hanh

* In these turbulent times, it is crucial that we develop peaceful minds to enable the emergence of a more harmonious world. The format of this class was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche so that people have a special method to create the causes for world peace. Classes include a short teaching and advice for life, two guided meditations, and inspiring prayers for world peace. After the class, join us for a pancake breakfast, coffee, tea and other delicious treats! Feel free to browse our bookstore for unique items. Everyone is welcome. Prayers for World Peace is free, you are welcome to make a donation. The pancake brunch following Prayers for World Peace is $7 a person. **Advice from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 2001** “World peace is very important; we cannot ignore this now. Once something happens, it will be too late. This world is now, as you know, very delicate, very fragile, and very sensitive. It is almost as delicate as the life of a single person; the world situation is so delicate. This is because there are so many disagreements. Political leaders are ready to fight; everybody is preparing weapons ready to fight, and are challenging each other. So we religious practitioners need to offer prayers because prayers are very powerful. This is because of our pure motivation, the powerful words of the prayers themselves, and especially at such times enlightened beings will bestow their blessings upon us, our environment and other living beings. So we should pray for world peace. We have had two world wars. If there is a third world war this will almost destroy the world because every country has very powerful weapons, and it is very easy to destroy the world. So I would like to suggest that every center organizes prayers for world peace at any time when local people can gather and pray for world peace.” **Cost** Free – Donations Accepted Optional Brunch $7 * Event Schedule Sun., Feb. 22 10am-10:45am Meditation & Prayers for World Peace 10:45am: Pancake Breakfast

Sensei Bob Ertman leads Reading & Writing Haiku (& other forms of short poetry) as the practice of attention & connection. This is not a class but a peer group of writers/explorers who may like to share something with the group or may simply sometimes like to encounter haiku. Beginners are welcome. You may enter at any time, since it is not a class, but your questions are welcome. Message us for the link & password. Time is actually the Zoom 40 min.

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

Come practice all the languages of the world - all are welcome! Join us from 4-7pm on Sunday the 22nd. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. We ask attendees to exercise their best judgment and do not attend if they feel unwell. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come to an organizer. Fostering an open minded, safe community is our utmost priority.

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Part 2 of our celebration of the Year of the Horse finds us at Q by Peter Chang in Bethesda. Here's the link if you wish to peruse their menu: [https://www.qbypeterchang.com/menu](https://www.qbypeterchang.com/menu) We really want to try and fill out our tables with attendees, so we ask that you be diligent with managing your RSVPs. The RSVP mechanism will close 24 hours before the start of the event, so make your decisions by then so that we can give the restaurant an accurate head count! Disclaimer that we have to say even though we don't want to.........Just a heads up that we may have to give out "No Show" labels to those who don't follow our attendance protocol, but we know you don't want that Scarlet Letter, so don't let it be you! Also, please do not show up if you are not in the field of attendees! You will only anger the horse! As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Class on Discovering, Recognizing and Celebrating Your Abundant Spirit - lead by Sue Bracey

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

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 and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and 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.

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

Curious about spirituality beyond traditional religious boxes? You’re warmly invited to explore **Unity**, a spiritual movement that blends practical Christianity with metaphysical wisdom, personal growth, and inclusive theology. Unity is grounded in the idea that each person has an innate spiritual nature, that love is the essence of all faith traditions, and that our thoughts, intentions, and practices shape our lived experience. Rather than focusing on doctrine or dogma, Unity emphasizes spiritual principles you can *apply*—right where you are, exactly as you are. On this first Sunday of the Lenten season, guest speaker and former Unity of Fairfax Senior Minister **Rev. Donna Johnson** invites us into a reflective and empowering journey centered on **release and renewal**. Lent, in this context, is not about guilt or deprivation, but about consciously letting go of what no longer serves us and creating space for deeper alignment, clarity, and spiritual awakening. Whether you’re spiritually curious, deconstructing old beliefs, or simply seeking a meaningful way to engage the season, this gathering offers a thoughtful, compassionate entry point into an untraditional faith tradition that honors both inner wisdom and shared humanity. All are welcome—no prior experience with Unity required. Come as you are and explore what might be ready to be released… and renewed. 🌱 [Learn more](https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity).

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!

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library 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. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.

Topic details coming soon. AGENDA: 7:00pm - Opening announcements 7:10pm - Main Topic 7:50pm - Q&A

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

Join us at **Unity of Columbus** for *Spa for Your Soul*, a restorative and inspiring workshop designed to nourish your spirit, awaken your inner wisdom, and reconnect you with the sacred rhythm of life. Drawing from the rich spiritual insights of **Matthew Fox** and the timeless theological wisdom of **Thomas Aquinas**, this workshop invites participants into a deeper experience of spirituality rooted in compassion, creativity, and divine presence. Together, we will explore spirituality not as something distant or abstract, but as a lived, embodied experience—one that honors joy, justice, beauty, and the inherent goodness of creation. Through guided reflection, gentle spiritual practices, discussion, and contemplative moments, *Spa for Your Soul* offers a sacred space to release stress, renew clarity, and remember the divine spark within. This is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and tend lovingly to your soul—much like a spa experience, but for your inner life. Whether you are seeking spiritual refreshment, deeper understanding, or simply a peaceful space to be present, this workshop welcomes you exactly as you are. **Come, rest, reflect, and renew—your soul deserves it.**