Unity Spiritual Community

Please join us for our next **Friday gathering** on **April 10, 2026** for an evening of warm fellowship and insightful discussion. We'll start at **7:00 pm** with **refreshments** at the **Alexandria Bahá’í Center**. The discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. **Education as an Act of Hope - Constructive Response to Suppression.** This is a story about what happens when ordinary people respond to injustice not with despair, but with determination to build something better. Join us for an inspiring evening with **Kamran Farid**, co-founder of the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), as he shares a powerful story of resilience, courage, and hope. **About the Discussion:** In 1987, when Bahá'í students and professors were expelled from all Iranian universities simply because of their faith, a group of educators made a bold choice: they would create their own university. For nearly four decades, BIHE has operated underground in Iran, offering degree programs to students denied the fundamental right to education. Kamran will explore a compelling question: *How does access to education sustain hope in communities facing systematic oppression—and what happens when that access is denied?* **About Our Speaker:** Kamran Farid holds degrees in electronics and communication engineering. As a BIHE faculty member and administrator, he was arrested in 2011 and imprisoned for five years—his "crime" was teaching. Since his release in 2016, he continues to support BIHE's mission as a consultant, ensuring new generations can pursue their dreams of higher education despite ongoing persecution. **All are welcome.** No background knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and an open heart.

Join the DMV Bible Study's prayer night for an evening of connecting with the Holy Spirit through a corporate prayer. Dive deep into the teachings of the Bible, specifically exploring topics related to Christian theology, spirituality, and the significance of doctrine in our faith journey. This session will be an enriching opportunity to study the Word of God, reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and connect with fellow Christian men and women in a supportive environment. Through interactive discussions, prayer sessions, and group activities, participants will have the chance to enhance their understanding of key theological concepts, deepen their spiritual connection, and foster a sense of community. Whether you are a seasoned Bible study enthusiast or just beginning to explore Christianity, this event welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs to come together for a night of growth, reflection, and fellowship. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Christian doctrine!

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301)439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

* **Are you seeking your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Would you like to connect more deeply with the source of life?** Join us for the **Friday HU Chant** and discover how this simple, sacred sound can bring **love, happiness, and inner stability**. **What to Expect:** * 20 minutes of chanting HU, either aloud or silently, whichever feels right for you * Gentle contemplative time afterward * Friendly conversation with others of like heart Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to chanting or have been practicing for years. Come and experience the uplifting sound of the HU!

How can we effectively engage and empower junior youth during a critical stage of development—when young people are forming their identity, expanding their capacity for independent thought, and becoming increasingly aware of the world around them. We’ll discuss practical approaches that help youth strengthen key capabilities such as: * **Critical thinking and moral reasoning** * **Expressing ideas with clarity and confidence** * **Building strong, supportive peer relationships** * **Developing a sense of purpose and contribution to their community** Through guided conversation and shared experiences, participants will examine how to create environments where junior youth feel seen, heard, and challenged to grow. We’ll also explore the role of mentors in fostering both intellectual and spiritual development—helping young people navigate challenges while recognizing their potential to contribute positively to society. This is an interactive discussion designed for parents, educators, mentors, and community builders who are interested in supporting youth not just to succeed individually, but to develop as thoughtful, capable contributors to a more just and unified world. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on what we can do to empower youth to contribute to a better world. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

Compassion is a profoundly peaceful mind that arises when we observe the suffering of others and sincerely wish for them to be free from pain. Authentic compassion never exhausts or discourages us. It transforms our heart, strengthens our inner qualities, and empowers us to respond to suffering with wisdom and courage. When we allow discouragement, anger, or hopelessness to dominate our response to pain in the world, we unintentionally add more suffering to an already difficult situation. Compassion provides a new way to relate: a positive, resilient, and deeply meaningful response that protects our own peace of mind while guiding us to help others effectively. Explore how to cultivate a pure compassion that uplifts rather than overwhelms, and how this inner change becomes the real solution to both personal and collective suffering. Through practical meditations and teachings from the Kadampa tradition, participants will learn how to develop a compassionate heart that brings lasting peace, confidence, and purpose to daily life. Join us to discover why compassion is not a burden, but the source of our greatest inner strength. **COST** $12/Financial Hardship: $6 Members: Free Dinner Included (Donations Appreciated) **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Please read all details: Join us for the opening night of the Music and Drama Club's production of the ***Moon Over Buffalo***. This is the theater group sponsored by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MAD. Continue scrolling to see plot description, ticket prices, link and venue. **Plot description**: Ken Ludwig’s ***Moon over Buffalo*** is a comedy about a husband-and-wife acting duo, George and Charlotte Hay, who are performing in repertory in Buffalo, New York in 1953. Their careers are on the brink of disaster when they learn that famous film director Frank Capra might be coming to see their show, giving them a potential last chance at Hollywood stardom. However, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. With slamming doors, mistaken identities and costume malfunctions, this hilarious play has all of the classic elements of a farce. Parental Guidance suggested: some material may not be suitable for children. (Scroll down). A live musical cabaret will entertain us as we gather and socialize before the play begins. The play begins at 7p.m. I've listed the start time as **6:30 in order to get seats together** and listen to the cabaret. **Prices:** There's a $4.00 Discount on Opening Weekend Regular prices are: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (60+)/military, $12 for children/students/interns **[https://madtheater.org/](https://madtheater.org/)** and click "Tickets on Sale now!" link. **Venue Location:** The Barney and Bea Recreation Center 9998 Good Luck Rd, Glenn Dale, MD 20771 **Why parental guidance?** Because the humor depends on marital strife, an extramarital affair, alcohol abuse played for comedy, and suggestive farce situations—plus sharp arguing and rough physical antics—many theaters and schools choose to post a content note so parents can decide if it fits their expectations for their children’s maturity level. Message me with your cell phone if you want me to send you the detailed results of my search on perplexity.ai.

Let's do a co-writing session at Panera. Bring whatever you're working on on your laptop or notebook. We're open to all genres - essays, poetry, fiction. (But this is primarily for working on writing projects, not journaling.) Schedule: 3:00 - meet and chat 3:30 - work on your project 4:30 - chat 5:00 - close

Have you ever had a moment where everything suddenly *clicked*? An unexpected realization… a quiet inner knowing… a simple insight that changed how you see yourself or your life. These are epiphanies—powerful “wake-up calls” that reveal our gifts, illuminate new possibilities, and gently uncover what may be holding us back. Join us this Sunday with **Rev. Sandra Butler** as we explore the transformative power of epiphany moments. Through a Unity lens, we’ll reflect on how these flashes of insight can guide us toward greater clarity, purpose, and spiritual growth. You may even begin to recognize (or rediscover) your own epiphany story. Whether you’re on a spiritual path or simply curious about personal growth, you are warmly welcome. Join us in person, or watch our livestream at unityoffairfax.org

How can a spiritual perspective help us make sense of the times in which we live? Despite efforts by many well-intentioned people, it seems more true now than ever that the problems humanity is facing sometimes seem to be getting worse not better. Divisions appear to grow deeper day by day, social relationships can feel strained, our institutions often appear unable to meet the needs of the world today, and even the viability of the natural environment around us seems threatened. So in the midst of these turbulent times, where can we turn to for sources of hope? In times of crisis, are there actually new opportunities for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable way of life? How can we help build those new patterns in our communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how to promote constructive change in these difficult times. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role spirituality can play in our efforts to construct a new, more meaningful path forward in the midst of social turmoil. *“The world of mankind is in the throes of evolutionary activity indicating the passing of the old conditions and advent of the new.”* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

**[In-person workshop this Sunday April 12 from](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/)**[ ](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/) **[1 to 5 pm ET at the Teal Center, Arlington VA.](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/)** *Systemic constellation* work explores the path of inner freedom and fulfillment by uncovering and releasing trauma. Harrison is honored to be the guest facilitator (standing in for Randy) at the Teal Center for this monthly event. As pointed out on the Teal website the constellation process: *"...doesn’t just uncover wounds; it reconnects you to inner resources—strength, belonging, dignity, ancestral support—that were always present but obscured.* *From this place, genuine movement becomes possible. The work tends to feel less like “fixing” and more like remembering who and what you already are, creating conditions for profound healing, clarity, and moving forward."* **[The workshop is 65 USD](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/)** Your workshop facilitator is **[Harrison Snow.](http://%5Bhttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Fharrison-snows-bio%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315067681%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U34UZK3UfL0AfKBHYY6HZwbr5rA89wu9PanJgcVjdk8%3D&reserved=0%5D(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Fharrison-snows-bio%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315067681%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U34UZK3UfL0AfKBHYY6HZwbr5rA89wu9PanJgcVjdk8%3D&reserved=0) "Protected by Outlook: \[https://changedynamicsinternational.com/harrison-snows-bio/.\](https://changedynamicsinternational.com/harrison-snows-bio/.) Click or tap to follow the link.")** He has over 20 years in depth experience **[facilitating systemic constellation work](http://%5Bhttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Ftestimonials%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315079992%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nLsKclGAVsoDg%2B%2FZJyffkPuCpZmXeB5qHzch92nJTVs%3D&reserved=0%5D(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchangedynamicsinternational.com%2Ftestimonials%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315079992%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nLsKclGAVsoDg%2B%2FZJyffkPuCpZmXeB5qHzch92nJTVs%3D&reserved=0) "Protected by Outlook: \[https://changedynamicsinternational.com/testimonials/.\](https://changedynamicsinternational.com/testimonials/.) Click or tap to follow the link.")** as a coach and group facilitator and 50 plus years of meditation practice. Check out his book on systemic work for leaders, ***[Confessions of a Corporate Shaman: Healing the Organizational Soul.](http://%5Bhttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2FgVeGu1S&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315092457%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xzboJJW8zTPgNOX8b4ZaRj99BnxK59g5xZFm%2ByA0EzA%3D&reserved=0%5D(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2FgVeGu1S&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5e545437b3164b8784ce08de9353ce80%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639110185315092457%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xzboJJW8zTPgNOX8b4ZaRj99BnxK59g5xZFm%2ByA0EzA%3D&reserved=0) "Protected by Outlook: https://a.co/d/gVeGu1S. Click or tap to follow the link.")***

**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

**Finding Hope in Chaotic Times (Free Event)** **How can a spiritual perspective help us make sense of the times in which we live?** **Despite efforts by many well-intentioned people, it seems more true now than ever that the problems humanity is facing sometimes seem to be getting worse not better. Divisions appear to grow deeper day by day, social relationships can feel strained, our institutions often appear unable to meet the needs of the world today, and even the viability of the natural environment around us seems threatened. So in the midst of these turbulent times, where can we turn to for sources of hope? In times of crisis, are there actually new opportunities for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable way of life? How can we help build those new patterns in our communities?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how to promote constructive change in these difficult times. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role spirituality can play in our efforts to construct a new, more meaningful path forward in the midst of social turmoil.** **“The world of mankind is in the throes of evolutionary activity indicating the passing of the old conditions and advent of the new.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Sunday service at Unity of Fairfax will leave you feeling inspired, blessed and empowered to experience the fullness of life. **On a Spiritual Journey** Our community is made up of people, like yourself, who have been led to Unity by Spirit. We are all here because we’re on a spiritual journey to become all that we were created to be. **Welcome to Everyone** Unity welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. We welcome people of all creeds, sexual orientation and social background. There are no exceptions in our welcome to everyone. **We Offer Tools** In Unity we don't tell people what to think; rather, we offer tools that individuals can use to create lives of meaning and purpose. **What We Believe** To review what we believe, go here: https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

This group is for anyone who wants to explore Buddhist meditation in a relaxed and supportive setting. Each session includes a short meditation, a simple teaching from Buddhist psychology, and an open discussion about how these ideas show up in everyday life. While our foundation is Buddhist practice, we love weaving in wisdom from other traditions whenever it helps us grow, find peace, and support each other. Members of our community come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to attend. All are welcome. The session runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with doors open from 6:30 to 9:00. Come early or stay after if you’d like to enjoy some quiet reflection or casual conversation with the community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a potluck meal. Bring a dish if you’d like, but the most important thing you can bring is yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

We all go through times when it feels like the ground is being pulled out from under us. What we relied on as steady and solid may change or even appear to vanish. In this era of global disruption, threats to our individual, social, and planetary safety abound, and at times life can feel overwhelming. Not only are loss and separation painful, but even positive changes can cause great stress. Yet life is full of change: birth, death, marriage, divorce; a new relationship; losing or starting a job; beginning a new phase in life or ending one. Change is stressful, even when it is much desired or anticipated—the unknown can feel scary and threatening. In We Were Made for These Times, the extraordinary mindfulness teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo imparts accessible advice on navigating difficult times of transition, drawing on Buddhist teachings on impermanence to help you establish equanimity and resilience. Classroom 1 and via **[Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88912244670?pwd=jtR4LLF3bM6YkuFgevZXlJtM9tGZL2.1),** Meeting ID 889 1224 4670, Password 488104

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free sessions and everyone is welcome to join.