Transformation

**For this retreat you need to register via our website: https://www.maitreya.nl/nl/programma/another-world-is-possible** **Another world is possible with Ven. Amy miller** **Green Tara Practice as a Path of Compassion in Action** Our external world today often appears littered with division, violence, and alienation. Rather than grow dismayed by external experiences that show cruelty and heartlessness, let us explore how our vulnerability can become a source of resilience and positive change. This long weekend retreat offers a meaningful pause, a chance to reconnect with inner strength, inner wisdom and compassion. The beautiful Green Tara practice explores a path of inner transformation by being present with our pain, fear, and aversion. This retreat incorporates Lam Rim (Stages of the Path) meditation along with the sadhana and mantra recitation of Green Tara. By opening our hearts in kindness to ourselves and others, the potential exists for our external reality to shift more beneficially as well. Join us for this nourishing long weekend of practice, reflection, and renewal—and become part of a shared path of compassion that brings benefit both within and beyond ourselves. Venerable Amy Miller is a beloved spiritual teacher, practitioner and Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition. She has dedicated her life to sharing the profound teachings of Buddhism with the world. With her gentle presence, insightful wisdom and compassionate heart, she has touched the lives of many around the world, inspiring them to find inner peace and help transform their minds. For more information about Ven. Amy Miller, [click here](https://www.maitreya.nl/nl/leraren/ven-amy-miller). You can join this retreat at our beautiful Buddhist Retreat Center in the greens - Loenen (Apeldoorn) and online.

Maak je klaar voor je favoriete avond over het grootste onderwerp dat er is. Student? Registreer gratis! **De Nacht van de Ruimte 2026: Over moonshots en het belang van groot dromen.** Tickets+Info via: [www.nachtvanderuimte.nl](www.nachtvanderuimte.nl) Wat vandaag onmogelijk lijkt, is morgen misschien realiteit. Van missies naar de maan tot radicale oplossingen voor klimaatverandering: moonshots beginnen altijd met een idee dat groter is dan wat nu kan. Ideeën die schuren. Die onzeker zijn. Die misschien zelfs onhaalbaar lijken. Maar juist daar gebeurt het. Niet omdat we zeker weten dat het lukt, maar omdat het ons dwingt om anders te kijken, anders te handelen en grenzen te verleggen. Moonshots zijn geen eindpunt — ze zijn een motor. Voor verbeelding. Voor innovatie. Voor vooruitgang. Dus. Wat is jouw moonshot? Locatie: **Openluchttheater de Goffert, Nijmegen** Inloop: 19.45u. Start voorprogramma (live band): 20:00u. Start programma: 20:30u. Einde programma: ±22.15u. Borrel tot 23.00u.

**DDD Aggregates & Your ORM** **By Matthias Noback** Over time you've created lots of data models that are mapped to tables in your relational database. Now you want to untangle the "mess" using Domain-Driven Design practices and patterns. This is very exciting; you're planning to separate your business domain into smaller subdomains, implemented by so-called Bounded Contexts, with explicit boundaries. But you are using an ORM, and the ORM knows about Entities, but it doesn't care about Bounded Contexts. It allows you (and often requires you) to link remote concepts in the code, ruining those boundaries you imagined... In this presentation, we'll explore the real-world problems you'll run into when trying to apply Domain-Driven Design patterns in an average framework/ORM-oriented code base. We cover central DDD concepts, and indicate potential conflicts with the way frameworks and ORMs treat your data model. Of course, we'll also consider work-arounds and solutions. **PROGRAM** 18:00 - Doors open, pizza and drinks **19:00 - Talk & discussion** 20:00 - Drinks & networking **ABOUT** 🤝 This meetup is **free**. 🍕 Food and drinks are provided at **no cost**. 🇬🇧 The presentation is in **English**. 📸 We might take pictures at the event, to upload to the meetup page and the Full Stack socials. 📍[Europalaan 40, 3526 KS Utrecht, Avenue Building - 3rd floor (PAQT Office)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJdxchKTEoLuc5UeA) **ABOUT THE HOST** PAQT.com devises, builds, and maintains software from a business perspective. They develop software so organizations can evolve. For good software improves life. That’s the vision they commit to every day.

Two friends find themselves caught up in mayhem involving killers, monsters and supernatural creatures once again. We will meet inside the theater. HOW IT WORKS: Seats can be bought individually. Please do so yourselves. See you at the movies!

**⚠️ Notitie 1:** aanmelden loopt ***niet*** *via Meetup* maar moet op [https://con.infi.nl](https://con.infi.nl/) \- vandaar dat het even "vol" zal lijken op Meetup \(er is maar 1 "plek" hier\, voor de organizers\) **💡 Note 1**: this event is largely in *Dutch*. Na een paar jaar wachten is het weer zover! We hosten op **DONDERDAG 11 JUNI** **vanaf 13:00 (inloop vanaf 12:30)** weer een editie van Infi-Con: onze eigen kleine conferentie, compleet met internationale keynote spreker. **Aanmelden en info: [https://con.infi.nl](https://con.infi.nl)** (niet via Meetup dus) Wat je kunt verwachten: * 4 sprekers over "**Absurde en briljante tech**" (denk aan Roomba's met LIDAR, visualisaties met shaders, en meer!) * 1 keynote spreker (Engels), namelijk **Dylan Beattie**, over de **Rockstar** programmeertaal (er schijnt daadwerkelijke rock bij te komen kijken!) * **nerds** en tech-liefhebbers om mee te socializen (of tussendoor gewoon lekker chillen natuurlijk!) * een **borrel** met lekker stevige hapjes achteraf Zien we jullie op de 11e bij Infi? \-\-\-\- PS. The event is largely in Dutch, with a keynote and perhaps 1 or 2 talks in English. If you can follow spoken Dutch you're good to go (attendees probably happy to chat in English during breaks), but if you don't then it's possibly best to stay tuned for our upcoming Meetups which are quite often English-first.

Note: This speed date is only for singles with a university-level (HBO/WO) education. **Speed Dating Nijmegen** Do you want to meet many singles in a short time and see if there’s a spark? Then speed dating is perfect for you! During this speed date in Nijmegen, you’ll have about 15–20 meetings, each lasting 4 minutes. When the bell rings, half of the singles move on to the next table. On your date card, you indicate who you’d like to stay in touch with. **Location** The speed dating event takes place at the cozy Humphrey’s Restaurant Nijmegen. We’ve reserved a separate section of the restaurant exclusively for our event, so you’ll have full privacy while dating. **Matchmail** Within a day after the speed date, you’ll receive an email with the first name and email address of the singles you matched with. Didn’t feel a spark with anyone? No worries, your next speed date is free! More info & sign up: [https://aboutlove.nl/speeddaten-nijmegen/](https://aboutlove.nl/speeddaten-nijmegen/)

Hoi! Are you an international or an \*internationally minded Dutchie\* from Naarden, Bussum, Almere & surrounding villages? Do you miss the international vibes from Amsterdam or from your home country? Do you feel like meeting new internationally minded people? If so, we’d love to have you join our next free Meetup! 😀 We meet up every 6 weeks for a chat, a drink and/ or a bitterbal. There are normally around 10-15 people who assist our events, ranging from countries such as France, India, Netherlands, China, Sweden, Ukraine, South Africa, Russia, and we are still welcoming new countries every event. Some people are regulars and some are new to the event. Everyone is welcome! The location will be the beautiful Vesting Hotel in Naarden. Hope to meet you soon! Koen & Nicolas

## 🎨**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😁

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.

🌹 **A living room session for women to slow down, connect and set new intentions under the energy of the New Moon.** 🌙 The Gemini New Moon invites us to soften the mind, come back to our voice and reflect on what we truly want to express, create and invite into this new cycle. **Together we will gather in a small circle with ceremonial cacao from Bali, journaling, sharing and a soft sound healing.** You don’t need any experience with cacao, circles or sound healing. This evening is a gentle invitation to arrive exactly as you are. To be held, to feel supported and to reconnect with yourself and the women around you. 🌸 This session is for women only and will be held in **a small group with only 4 spots available**, so there is enough space to feel seen, heard and supported. **What to expect:** \- Ceremonial cacao \- Journaling \- Sharing circle \- Sound healing \- Soft connection with like\-minded women Please bring a journal, a pen and wear something comfortable. **Costs: €25,-** *A special first gathering price for this intimate living room session, including Balinese ceremonial cacao, journaling, sharing, sound healing and a small gift to take home* Sign up: [https://hipsy.nl/event/222850-new-moon-womens-cacao-sound-circle ](https://hipsy.nl/event/222850-new-moon-womens-cacao-sound-circle) Or contact me directly. 🫶🏼 About me: My name is Pati, founder of RAIVIDA Circle. I am a certified cacao ceremony facilitator and a Sound Healing Practitioner Level 1, 2 & 3, trained in Bali. During my travels, from learning about meditation while living with monks in Thailand to discovering the power of cacao, sound and women’s circles in Bali, I felt how healing it can be to gather, soften and support each other as women. RAIVIDA Circle was created from that same feeling. A warm and intimate space where women can connect, feel held, return to themselves and rise from within. Instagram: [@raividacircle](https://www.instagram.com/raividacircle/) I’m looking forward to sharing this space with you. With love, Pati

**Zaterdag 13 juni 2026, Houten** **Een dag vol muziek, inspiratie en gitaarplezier!** De EGTA GitaarFiësta is een dag waarop de klassieke, nylonsnarige gitaar centraal staat en deelnemers hun plezier in het gitaarspelen kunnen delen met medegitaristen. Op deze dag biedt EGTA-Nederland amateurgitaristen van alle leeftijden een podium waarop ze met een solo optreden muzikaal van zich kunnen laten horen. Iedere deelnemer ontvangt feedback van onze professionele coaches, een certificaat van deelname en een goodiebag. Daarnaast zijn er aanmoedigingsprijzen te winnen voor de meest bijzondere optredens. Beleef samen een onvergetelijke muzikale ervaring! 📍 Locatie: Cultuurhuis Schoneveld, Houten 🕕 Categorieën: t/m 12 jaar · 13–15 jaar · 16–21 jaar · 22+ 🎶 Repertoire: één verplicht werk + vrije keuze 🗓️ **Aanmelden: nieuwe deadline 30 april 2026** 💶 Inschrijfgeld: €37,50 Toegang voor publiek is gratis https://egta.nl/egta-gitaarfiesta-2026/

Click [here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/surya-kriya-cityprogram-East-jul-18th-2026-00-00-8f2d3ea5-7a0a-41ae-a8e6-280fc388bb85) to learn more and register This is a paid program. Traditionally available only to select groups of yogis, Surya Kriya is being offered by Sadhguru as a comprehensive spiritual practice that is ideal for the hectic pace of today's world. "Surya" means "sun", and "Kriya" means "inner energy process". It is a gentle, slow-paced, 21-step process and is a way of aligning yourself with the sun, the basic powerhouse for this planet. All life on this planet is solar powered, including yourself. Surya Kriya is an ancient, potent yogic practice that raises the solar heat in the system. It also balances your energy channels, leading to stability of the body and stillness of the mind. Benefits of practicing Surya Kriya regularly: Boosts vigor and vitality Balances hormonal levels in the body Improves posture and balance To learn more about Surya Kriya and its benefits: [HERE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UccxdrQCL-M) Anyone above 14 years of age can attend. No previous experience of yoga required. Sessions Timings Saturday, July 18th, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Sunday, July 19th, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Attendance to both sessions is Mandatory. .

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group gathering held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — 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). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

**Hi Everyone!** The DMV Nonduality Community (https://www.meetup.com/dmv-nonduality-community) is doing something a little different from their usual gatherings. On Sunday morning, June 21st, doors open at 10:30 AM for the meditation. We will explore the pathless path to spiritual awakening and enlightenment. In person, Jeff will be leading us through his Effortless Meditation & Beyond in our home. After the meditation, we can share our experiences of the meditation and, possibly, talk about what it's like to live an Awakened life. **EM&B is a unique, effortless, simple, direct, quick and effective tool:** 1. **to experience MUCH less anxiety, frustration, depression, stress and suffering due just to daily living and due to intensely life-long emotional issues** 2. **to experience MORE and MORE inner Peace, Joy, Freedom, Love, Compassion, Appreciation, Gratitude** 3. **to directly realize Spiritual Awakening \~ your True Self...** Jeff has taught EM&B to small and large groups for over 19 years. In addition, he served as a volunteer when he taught EM&B to inmates at a local jail for over 13 years. The results were remarkable! Generally, inmates experience enormous amount of frustration, anger, sadness, depression, anxiety and fear about things they have no control over on the outside, as well as concerns for themselves inside. Through EM&B, many experienced deep Peace... In April 2019, Jeff received an Excellence award for "Outstanding Volunteer" from the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Come connect with like-minded individuals from the DMV area and embark on an experiential journey of discovery of who we **really** are. **We're looking forward to being with you.** **Take care in This Peace and Compassion,** Jeff & Julie Address: 3 Briardale Ct. Rockville/Derwood, MD 20855 Plenty of parking on one side of Briardale Ct. or any space not marked "Reserved." 301-885-8259

⚡ 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)

Join us to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue at the entrance to the Peace Park, across the street from the temple. We will be chanting sacred mantras as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome! Please bring any percussion instruments you have - the more the merrier! If you don't have any drums, there are typically extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone. In the event of inclement weather, we usually drum as long as we can before the storm starts, or wait it out and start a little late. We hold out until the last minute to cancel so if the weather seems iffy, keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements. The DC region is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!

…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082) Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History "During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN) "Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature "In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19 “A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To “The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree “A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus “Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine "[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal ### About the Author Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.

🍇 Summer Foraging Walk: Wild Wineberries Join us for a relaxed summer morning outdoors as we explore local trails in search of wild wineberries, a bright red seasonal berry that usually ripens in late June and early July. Wineberries are an introduced invasive plant, so harvesting them can be a satisfying way to gather food while also helping create more room for native plants to thrive. They’re also delicious and can be turned into syrup, jam, sauces, and other seasonal treats. This Meetup will be a blend of hiking, berry gathering, shared learning, and enjoying time in nature together. — 🌿 About the Event — We’ll walk trails in the Germantown area while looking for wineberry patches. Along the way, we can talk about foraging, plant identification, sustainability, and practical ways to use what the land provides. If all goes well, I hope to bring homemade wineberry syrup for a simple pre-hike soda tasting before we head out. — 🥾 Difficulty — This will be an off-trail excursion. I've found a good patch of wineberries which will require hiking through wild and rugged areas. Expect uneven ground, roots, thorns, and using deer paths. — 📍 Location — Germantown We'll meet at my house which will be sent to the attendees closer to the event. — 🕚 Time — 11:00 AM start Approximately 3 hours — 🎒 What to Bring — • Container or bag for berries • Water • Snack if desired • Comfortable walking shoes • Long pants or outdoor clothing needed • Boots — ⚠️ Good to Know — We’ll review identification together, but please only eat anything you personally feel fully confident about. As with any summer outing, expect thorns, brush, insects, and possible poison ivy. After the hike, it’s always wise to wash up and do a tick check at home. More information on wineberries at https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2024/06/04/wineberries-are-a-tasty-treat-and-a-lesson-in-invasive-species-management/ — 🌈 Group Vibe — This group is for gay men interested in nature, community, sustainability, homesteading skills, and spending meaningful time outdoors together. Beginners are absolutely welcome. Come enjoy a summer morning, meet good people, and see what we can gather.