Philosophy

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

"Deep down inside each of us is a deepest desire. A desire is a want, a feeling that something's lacking or missing. We all feel it, but we interpret it in various ways: love, security, meaning, unity, peace of mind, and so on. Similarly, that's where true happiness is found. It's your true nature, your original face before your parents were born. Sound too simple? That's because the mind loves complexity. The answer has always been closer than your heartbeat, closer than your breath. It's right here. right now ... what you're looking out from ... what's aware" -- [Art Ticknor](https://selfdiscoveryportal.com/index.htm), from the book "[Solid Ground of Being](https://www.amazon.com/Solid-Ground-Being-Arthur-Ticknor/dp/0979963052)" \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

Curl up with a good book and a hot cup of your poison of choice. Maybe start a book club to talk about your favs and read together.

Games night is back! With our favorite local game store opening back up, Games night will come back starting Monday June 7th! We are an lgbt+ games group that’s been going for nearly 3 years now! We welcome anyone in the lgbt+ community to come play board games every Monday with our fun and chaotic crew! If you’re brand new to board gaming and looking to make some friends or if you love playing 4 hour space operas and are looking to make some rivals, we’re the group for you! We are an lgbt+ group that focuses on creating a safe lgbt+ community. Non-lgbt+ individuals are welcome when attending with an lgbt+ friend, family member, or partner. Huzzah hobbies currently follows cdc guidelines, where customers who are vaccinated are allowed to not wear masks indoors. With their current hours on Mondays, they are open until 9pm; if they change hours and remain open later, games night will continue until close. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to message us here!

Learn Kali at OSMA in Herndon, VA: a beginner-friendly Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) class that builds coordination, timing, and confidence. 🔥 Experience FMA training through **partner drills**, **movement flow**, and **practical self-defense applications**. In this session you’ll: * Train classic **FMA weapon systems** such as **rattan sticks**, **training knives**, and **empty-hand applications** of Kali and Arnis. * Develop **coordination**, **timing**, **range awareness** and **reflexes** through **practical drills** drawn from Filipino Martial Arts traditions. * Improve your **conditioning**, **speed**, and **agility**: FMA’s weapon-based flow patterns and hand-to-hand transitions push both **mind** and **body**. Join a supportive community of martial arts enthusiasts in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) \-\- whether you're new to weapons training or experienced\, this class is designed to **challenge** and **reward**. This class is **open to all levels** and emphasizes **safety**, **precision**, and **continuous learning**. Whether you’re looking to explore **Filipino Martial Arts** (FMA) for **[self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense)**, **coordination training**, **weapons fluency**, or simply finding a **unique**, **dynamic workout** in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) -- *this is your class*. 👉 Come build real **skills**, boost **conditioning**, and ***train with great people*** \-\- j**oin us today and explore the flow and discipline of [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)!** The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, **payable on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** — let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest.

This will be our last meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please read: Chapter 7: The Empire of Reason **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I recommend using an AI tool like ChatGPT to ask these questions: * What does Matthew Stewart say about the empire of reason in his book Nature's God? I hope to see you there! Fred

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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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?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.

The topic(s) this month will be voted on by attendees. Anyone can submit a topic. We'll then vote on 2 to 3 topics we want to discuss that evening. So, come ready with ideas! Feel free to post topics in the comment section, along with any links. As usual, we'll socialize for about an hour before the discussion begins. I encourage everyone to bring food to share!

Please note **that** although the park address is 7300 MacArthur Blvd., the **main parking lot is near 5900 Oxford Rd., Glen Echo, Maryland**. Then walk across the bridge to the park. Washington Revels will kick off the celebration with a festive musical procession throughout the park (11:00 a.m.). Following the parade, all are invited to take part in some joyous dancing around the Maypole. Join us (**rain or shine!**) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for a festival event in celebration of Glen Echo Park's 105-year-old Dentzel carousel as it opens for the season! In addition to [riding the carousel](https://glenechopark.org/carousel) **($2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass)**, visitors will enjoy many FREE activities throughout the Park, including performances, hands-on art projects, open studios & galleries, and more! Food options include **[Praline Café](https://glenechopark.org/praline)** and **Money Muscle BBQ** food truck, as well as cold treats from **Ben & Jerry's** and **Pacha Mama Juice Co.** [https://glenechopark.org/carouselday](https://glenechopark.org/carouselday) Glen Echo Park is home to a community of artists, educators, dancers, & performers who share their knowledge and expertise with more than 350,000 people each year. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture manages the arts and cultural programs and maintains the historic buildings at the Park. Popcorn Gallery & Stone Tower Gallery The Popcorn Gallery is located on the first floor of the Arcade Building, across from the carousel. The Stone Tower Gallery is located on the Stone Tower's first floor, next to the Glen Echo Park neon sign. Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park View Gallery The Park View Gallery is located on the second floor of the Arcade Building. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. GLEN ECHO PHOTOWORKS Gallery Hours SAT: 1–4 PM & SUN: 1–7 PM Darkroom & Digital Hours: SUN: 1–7 PM GLEN ECHO PARK, MD T: 301-634-2274 https://glenechopark.org/ Afterward, we could have a meal at the Silver Diner in Tysons Corner (8101 Fletcher St, McLean, VA 22102).

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026043014) is required for admission. **Description:** Join us for a community-led developer event focused on AI-assisted coding with GitHub Copilot. This event brings together developers to explore practical workflows, real-world use cases, and hands-on experiences using GitHub Copilot. Whether you are new to GitHub Copilot or already using it, this event will help you better understand how to apply AI-assisted coding techniques in everyday development. **Speakers/Topics:** \- Reynald Adolphe\, Microsoft\. \- Christopher Harrison\, GitHub Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746) was a pivotal early figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, a movement which strongly embraced empiricism and concentrated on the study of human nature and the relationship of individuals and society. Born in Ireland to a line of Scottish Presbyterian ministers, Hutcheson was educated by dissenting Irish Presbyterians in Ulster before matriculating at the University of Glasgow, where he studied philosophy and theology. In 1719 he was licensed to preach in Ireland, but rather than adopting the more traditional views of his forefathers, he gravitated toward the tolerant and liberal “New Light” Presbyterianism. Instead of further pursuing the ministry for which he had trained, he put his efforts into founding a dissenting academy in Dublin—a successful venture that occupied him for the next ten years. While teaching in Dublin, he moved in intellectual circles, and it was there that he wrote the four early treatises—collected into two books, the *Inquiry* of 1725 and the *Essay* of 1728—that quickly established his reputation as a philosopher. On being appointed chair of moral philosophy at his alma mater, he left Ireland for Glasgow in 1729. Contemporaries described Hutcheson as a popular and animated professor—the first at Glasgow to deliver lectures in English rather than exclusively in Latin. His most famous student was Adam Smith (enrolled 1737-40). Hutcheson's influence on Scottish thinkers was considerable. With his emphasis on the primacy of feeling over reason in our moral perceptions, he inspired David Hume’s moral sentimentalism. His analysis of natural rights and property in the *Inquiry* (Treat. II Sect. VII) as well as in his later works directly influenced Smith. The Scottish school of common sense realism derived partly from Hutcheson's explication of moral sense theory. His influence also made its way to colonial America, where his works were included in college curricula beginning in the mid-1700s. John Adams and other signers of the Declaration of Independence are known to have read Hutcheson. In the *Inquiry*, he takes up Locke’s epistemology of sense perception and broadens it into a theory of the “internal senses”—faculties of perception as powerful as the commonly designated five external senses. Elaborating Lord Shaftesbury’s notion of a “moral sense” and the earl's analogy between beauty and virtue, Hutcheson divided his *Inquiry* into a discussion of the sense of beauty and of the paramount moral sense—both being internal senses which operate without depending on mediation by the will or reason. Like Shaftesbury and the philosopher Richard Cumberland, Hutcheson held a strong distaste for the Hobbesian worldview. In the vein of the former two, he promoted a vision of humans as naturally benevolent and innately interested in the welfare of others, maintaining that others’ good brings us no less pleasure than our own good. Notably, he also sowed the seeds of utilitarian thought with his phrase “the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers” (Treat. II Sect. III). **Main Reading** The reading below is available at the Online Library of Liberty: * The [Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004), comprising the first two of Hutcheson's four early treatises (we are reading the 1726, or 2nd edition, of the book): read the [Preface](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_019) and Treat. I: Sections [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_051), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_071), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_088) (Art. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_101) is optional), ([V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_109) is optional), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_137), [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_158), [VIII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_165); and Treat. II: [Intro](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_032) and Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_181), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_205), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_228) (Art. XI, XII until “Intention, foresight” optional), [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_258), [V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_275), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_296), and especially [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_324). * Hutcheson's lecture upon his appointment at Glasgow, “[On the Natural Sociability of Mankind](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/hutcheson-logic-metaphysics-and-the-natural-sociability-of-mankind#lfHutcheson_head_238)." The first 3 paragraphs, until footnote 10, are optional. * The beginning of the fourth treatise [Illustrations](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_230), Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_head_019), and Sect. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_296). Note that the ebook page on OLL can take a few moments to load. **Secondary resources** [IEP - Hutcheson](https://iep.utm.edu/hutcheso/) [SEP - Hutcheson](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hutcheson/) Liberty Fund: Editor’s [Intro to Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/hutcheson-on-liberty-and-happiness). [SEP - Scottish 18th C. Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/scottish-18th/) [Wiki - Scottish Enlightenment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Enlightenment) [Hutcheson and private property](https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/matson-hutcheson-property-virtue-march-2022) Routledge: [1](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/life-and-works-43333), [2](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/the-foundations-of-morality-and-the-moral-sense), [3](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/practical-ethics-and-influence)

256 pages [Technology] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=614113 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "[Co-Intelligence] is a solid explainer. Convincing…a blueprint…smart and well informed…"— The Wall Street Journal "A sharp and good-humoured guide to how to make the most of generative AI. Mollick follows his own prescription for success, 'inviting AI to the table' and running his own experiements into its creative and problem-solving potential." * Andrew Hill, The Financial Times "Generative AI has an oracle, and his name is Ethan Mollick. Lucky you: our oracle has written a lucid, succinct, and eminently practical guide to navigating the revolution that is right now unfolding at an astonishing pace. Co-Intelligence is the very best book I know about the ins, outs, and ethics of generative AI. Drop everything and read it cover to cover NOW." — Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit "Ethan Mollick has been a leader with the hands-on exploration of AI's evolving capabilities. In Co-Intelligence, he masterfully navigates the landscape of AI advancements with insightful and informative commentary, presented with remarkable clarity and precision. This book is an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive gide to current trends and future expectations in AI. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving technology." — Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft “In today’s cacophony of ‘AI hot takes’, Mollick has distinguished himself as the leading voice of reason on the implications of AI for work and education. Anyone seeking a basis of practical knowledge to understand the coming massive changes should read this insightful book right now." — Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI "Co-Intelligence brilliantly captures the essence of our evolving relationship with AI. With lucid explanations and useful examples, Mollick shows how we can enlist this technology's astonishing power to build a more intelligent and humane future." — Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and A Whole New Mind “Embark on a transformative journey with Co-Intelligence, Ethan Mollick’s page-turning must-read for those at the helm. Mollick’s work will help CEOs and leaders harness AI’s enormous potential as a catalyst for elevating the capabilities of any team and any organization. Brilliant, authoritative, and educational.” — Jim M. Citrin, Leader, Spencer Stuart CEO & Board Practice, author of You’re in Charge, Now What? and The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers ### About the Author Ethan Mollick is a professor of management at Wharton, specializing in entrepreneurship and innovation. His research has been featured in various publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the creator of numerous educational games on a variety of topics. He lives and teaches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-05-09-exploring-street-photography Street photography is very popular now more than ever because photographers have access to high quality cameras in mobile phones and smaller high resolution digital cameras. A camera’s ease of access and proliferation raises the issues of ethics and privacy in public places and the difference between a snapshot and a street photograph. This hands-on class will explore the unique aspects of the street photography genre. Michael Koren will be your guide as you create compelling photographs that go beyond the ordinary snapshot. First, you’ll learn pro level tips and techniques and discuss privacy issues associated with street photography. Then, with Michael’s guidance and direction, the group will head out to photograph near the White House in Lafayette Square. You’ll create photographs that demonstrate your personal vision while using your own gear optimized for street photography. We'll then head back to the classroom for image reviews and feedback. Topics include: -Proper techniques and settings for street photography -Pro tips and techniques for capturing compelling images -Create captivating images using anticipation, patience, composition and visualization -Hands-on image capture -Privacy and ethics concerning street photography -Image review and feedback Recommended gear: -Although any camera will do, for best results we recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls -Lenses in the range of 28mm - 70mm (zoom or prime) -Fully charged camera battery with an optional spare -Camera instruction manual (paper or electronic) -No tripod, no flash Class size is very limited *** • Important to know **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-05-09-exploring-street-photography

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

**Atisha: 7-doors to Meditation: Osho Meditation Retreat** *Osho Nirvana is delighted to invite you to this deep inner exploration and meditation retreat with Videha.* Based on “The Book of Wisdom”, Osho’s commentary on Atisha teaching “Seven Points of Mind Training” These ‘Seven Points of Mind Training’ are the fundamental teaching that Atisha gave to Tibet. They are of immense value. They are the whole of religion condensed. They are like seeds, but they contain the infinite. The moment you move into the statements deeply, when you contemplate and meditate and start experimenting with them, you will be surprised, you will be going into the greatest adventure of your life… *“…Meditate on Atisha, listen to His advice; they are of immense value. It is not a philosophy, it is a manual to discipline yourself, it is a manual of inner transformation. …These sutras are golden. Keep them in your heart; they will nourish you, they will strengthen you, they will transform you. … It is the teaching that can help you grow into Wisdom.”* Osho **Some of the main topics in this retreat** * The Preliminaries * Atisha Meditation, “Tong-Len” (“Giving and Taking” in Tibetan), also known as “Heart Meditation.” * The arising of Bodhicitta * The base of mind functioning and the illusion of the ego * The four bodies (Kaya) * The essential meaning of witnessing * The difficulties and fundamental points of the awareness process * The meaning of “Compassion.” * The meaning of “Wisdom.” * The transcendental function of the five senses * The “Three principal causes” and “The three treasures.” * The authentic meaning of “Freedom.” **About Videha:** Osho disciple since 1980. Initiated into the Mevlevi Sufi Order of Konya (“The Whirling Dervishes”), Videha integrates the Sufi Path into Osho’s vision and love. For years as a Zazen practitioner, he has traveled and trained in Turkey, Mongolia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, Central Asia, and Tibet, where he received many initiations. He has been leading groups, seminars, camps, and meditation retreats around the world for more than 35 years, uniting the path of Love with the path of Meditation. ​ **How to Participate?** Dates: May 9 (7:30 PM) – 16 (12:30 PM), 2026 Register [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJdX8kHAuDzKWZnNEx5EpUGxOpp1oEBMa5wtzKKOyV-cLqKQ/viewform?usp=dialog) Participation Contribution: $849 Link to pay: [https://bit.ly/atisha2026tickets](https://bit.ly/atisha2026tickets) (on the final page, for platform support fees (they are optional), select “other” and type 0) **Full participation is required!**

Socrates Café meets on the first Saturday of each month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian