Washington, DC PHP Developers And Mission of Love Charities

Greetings and welcome to the DCPHP Blog . Whether you want to know what's going on, who's hiring, tips and tricks, or generally want to meet and talk with some other smart people, this is the place for you. We hope to be your one-stop shop for all things PHP in the Washington DC Metro region Mission of Love Charities, Inc is a community based non-profit geared towards building self-sustainability for families experiencing the effects of poverty.

Friday, 13 November 2026

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] Insight Dialogue Practice - Seeing Each Other Anew Sun, Nov 15, 7–8:30 PM

Hey Downtown Dharma!

In short: Join us this Sunday, November 15, from 7–8:30 PM for our monthly Insight Dialogue practice. Please (really!) register here!

Note: There won't be a virtual option this week. The Downtown Dharma Board made this decision given the low virtual attendance during Insight Dialogue sessions and to simplify things for our volunteers. We welcome your feedback!

A bit more...

A couple of years ago, I had a boss I really didn't like. A few times, I felt thrown under the bus by her, and on any given day, it was hard to predict whether I'd receive appreciation or disdain from her.

But toward the end of our time together, she acknowledged that she wished she'd done better and shared that she'd been going through a hard time. I noticed my heart soften. Maybe you've felt that shift, too, with someone in your life.

***

Our minds are really good at filling in the blanks about other people, whether they're strangers or people we've known for years. In fact, it’s necessary as we navigate busy and complex lives. And yet, we can miss things, too

As we approach the holiday season, many of us will gather with friends and family. What might it mean to see these familiar people anew, rather than through all the stories we've built up about them? And maybe, in the process, see ourselves anew, too?

This Sunday, I'm so excited to explore these questions through some meditation and Insight Dialogue. If you haven't practiced Insight Dialogue before, you're especially welcome! It's a lovely Buddhist practice that brings mindfulness into conversation. I've personally found it to be a powerful way to bridge the gap between meditation practice on the cushion and my life outside the meditation room.

A small note on timing: While the doors won't lock at 7, consider arriving 5–10 minutes early to settle in, connect with others, and not feel rushed. After all, a big part of these evenings is connecting with one another, and arriving early makes room for that! And if you do arrive late, you'll be warmly welcomed, too.

Details

When: Sunday, November 15, 7–8:30 PM

Where: Yoga District, 1910 14th Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC

Register in advance here — Please do! It really helps the Yoga District volunteers with check-in.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Alex

Slowmindfulness.com | Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram

Learn more about and order my new book Sometimes You Should Be Late

Are you a Buffer Jedi or Hopeful Optimizer? Find out with my Late Style Quiz!

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CAASZJTZfYn3EZttx4wNEc30p-35Ec84eo6LEJdGk6W_E-AGUxg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] Insight Retreat at Seven Oaks, March 11-14

Within us is a secret longing to remember this light [of being], to step out of time, to feel our true place in this dancing world. It's where we began and where we return.

- Jack Kornfield

Hi friends,

For the third year in a row, Dechen Ellen McSweeney and I will be offering a silent meditation retreat in March at Seven Oaks, in the quiet foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We'll spend our time getting to know our minds and hearts as they are. Seeing what the mind is doing while it does it gives us choices. We can catch an old habit before it runs its course, or meet a difficult emotion with compassion. Over time, we can see how the mind shapes what we experience.

If you're new to meditation, you'll learn to notice and name mind states as they arise, practicing alongside others from this community. If you've practiced for years, you can explore subtler states and learn to work with them. The days are silent: sitting and walking meditation, instruction and Q&A, and a dharma talk each evening.

All are welcome.

The details:
- When: Thursday, March 11, 3:00 PM, to Sunday, March 14, 2:00 PM
- Where: Seven Oaks Retreat Center, Madison, VA
- Cost: $595 shared room, $845 single room, $525 camping. Fees cover only room, meals and administration. The teachers are supported by dāna, donations offered at the end of the retreat.
- Scholarships: if cost is a barrier, apply before you register. Funds are limited, so apply soon.
- Rides: registration asks whether you can offer a ride or need one.
- Cancellations more than four weeks out are refunded, minus a $50 fee.

Register here: https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=1779

Reply to me with any questions. I look forward to practicing with all of you who can make it.

Devin

P.S. If you're not familiar with our teaching style, you can listen to some of my talks at https://devinmaroney.substack.com/ and read Dechen's essays

at https://incarnate.substack.com/

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CALVVC3LC-ewqXLD-BNgWHfQ8Oc20MBZhT%2BvHggeWn4ssuC8zTg%40mail.gmail.com.

Sunday, 8 November 2026

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] This Evening

Hi friends,

I'm looking forward to meditating and exploring the Dharma together this evening from 7:00–8:30 PM at Yoga District on 14th St and on Zoom.

In addition to our meditation and discussion, I'll be offering a talk on the dharma of power. I hope you can join!

Details:

• In-person: Sunday, August 30 from 7:00–8:30 PM @ Yoga District — 1910 14th Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC (please arrive 5–10 minutes early)
• Please! :) Register in advance here.
• Online via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/466237117?pwd=cGxHaTJlTVhBdldVSk8weDZuSW5udz09

Devin

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CALVVC3K7c2wDkD4aLYbELjfyexsdQRR4xqG9B3-9pP-%2BqpKJ9A%40mail.gmail.com.

Friday, 6 November 2026

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] Dharma Book Club: Let's Be Late this December

Fall greetings, Downtown Dharma friends,

We’re excited to gather again for a December book club, and this one is extra special: we’re reading a book written by one of our own sangha members, and the author is hosting us at his home!

We’ll be reading Sometimes You Should Be Late and talking about what it means to slow down and live with intention in DC, together with the person who wrote the book. I'm really excited!

Two lil sangha easter eggs to look out for: Downtown Dharma gets a shout-out in the acknowledgments and the book talks about one of the Insight Dialogue groups Alex is part of.

Details

Date: Saturday, December 5th from 2-4pm
Location: 1337 Spring Rd NW, Washington, DC
Reading: Sometimes You Should Be Late by (our very own!) Alex Snider
Food: Vegetarian potluck (vegan appreciated). Bring whatever veg snack or dish you like.
Accessing the book: You can get it online (audio or print) or at any DC independent bookstore. Here’s a handy guide.

RSVP
Please RSVP on the spreadsheet here: December Book Club RSVP

As always, I'm here for questions! 740-707-5642.

With metta,
Kerrigan

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CAC-LuFr47qKqsgQXCw1C8KYkLks1X7CJPJt7UNSau0LB-v7Bww%40mail.gmail.com.

Wednesday, 4 November 2026

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] 11/12 Downtown Dharma Board Meeting

Hi all,

On November 12th, we will continue our tradition of hosting a quarterly board meeting and shared vegetarian meal. These are open to the entire Sangha! It's a chance to gather and discuss new ideas or improvements for the community.

When: Thursday, November 12, 7:00pm

Where: 1460 Newton St NW, Washington DC, 20010 (It’s a row home; I’ll leave the door unlocked)

Please RSVP and feel free to add in any topics you’d like to cover in the meeting. I’m getting vegetarian Salvadoran/Mexican food catered from a neighbor (unclear exactly what it will be yet, probably pupusas/tamales). Please indicate if you’d like to chip in for the catering or prefer to bring a dessert or side. Thanks!

With metta,

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] Tell IMCW about your sangha experience!

From our affiliated/parent org, Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW):

“As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen sangha connection and to better understand the experience of community, IMCW is launching a Sangha Experience Survey. This survey is an opportunity to step back and listen to the collective experience of our sanghas so that we can make thoughtful, informed decisions about how we communicate, build community, support volunteers, and create pathways for people to deepen their practice and participation. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us”

Survey:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qbQtSBrywkevehaXX6AzyCzqh7u4vq5HsG_zlIe62-VUMFhFR0dDNzJOM1RFMkhDNko1QVgzNlJLUy4u

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CAKF7LBdYDXq5ye4LN1JTN%3Dn5UJ%2Bf3p52JZdX_HBsFt_nsBpq3w%40mail.gmail.com.

Monday, 2 November 2026

[Downtown Dharma Sangha Listserv] Re: Sangha Event: Autumn Haiku Hike!

Hi all!

A few folks have pointed out to me that I sent this with the wrong date and time--yikes! The real date will be Saturday, November 14, 11am-1pm. Apologies for any confusion!

Jude

On Sun, Nov 1, 2026 at 1:55 PM Jude L <judelavellewrites@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Downtown Dharma!

It's really starting to feel like fall... which means it's time for our annual autumnal haiku event 🍂🧡
What: Please join us for our Autumn Contemplative Haiku Hike through Rock Creek Park! Participants will learn how haiku relate to mindfulness and Zen Buddhism and receive brief instructions on how to write haiku. We will then take a mindful hike, taking breaks to write our own haiku about the nature we observe. (Haiku are short, accessible poems that typically evoke nature and contemplation of the present moment. Find examples of famous haiku here.)
When: Saturday, Saturday November 14, 11am-1pm (We will inform the sangha listserv and RSVP’d participants at least 24 hours in advance if the event will be canceled due to inclement weather.)
Where: We will meet at 11am near the Pierce Barn (2401 Tilden St NW) to gather for a ~15-minute introduction. Then, we will hike approximately 2.5 miles up the Western Ridge Trail to Boulder Bridge and loop back down the Valley Trail to end where we began. Lot parking is typically available near the start/end of our route. See the tentative route at the bottom of this email.
Who: Please RSVP on Partiful -

https://partiful.com/e/XEYiswGRcrCQ2Vmel1RY?c=M85pF4y6

(You can email if you don’t want to use Partiful.) All are welcome–no experience required! We have capped participation at 25 to ensure a great experience for everyone. While our pace will be slow and steady, this event is best suited for people who feel comfortable hiking more than 2.5 miles on park trails that are uneven and have some steep inclines and declines.

How: No experience necessary! We will go over simple instructions on how to write haiku. A handout on haiku will be provided. Please bring a pen and notebook.

Why: While haiku is not a strictly Buddhist form of poetry, haiku and Zen are closely linked historically and thematically. Haiku relies on the senses and encourages contemplation of the present moment, so both new and experienced meditators may enjoy practicing haiku as a way to engage with mindfulness. See additional resources at the bottom of this email for more info.

Questions? Please email Jude (judelavellewrites@gmail.com).

<3 Jude

Further Resources on Contemplative Haiku:
These are completely optional! No need to explore them before you attend.
Podcast: Writing and Haiku as Spiritual Practice (Tara Brach Interviews Natalie Goldberg)
Discussion on haiku, its relationship to spirituality, and Goldberg’s book Three Simple Lines begins in earnest at 10:35.
Article: Haiku: A Whole Lot More than 5-7-5
This comprehensive article covers a linguistic perspective on the differences between Japanese and English haiku, as well as some principles (“rules”) of haiku and the traditional haiku masters.
Article: Why Haiku Holds the Flavor of Zen
This brief article explores the Zen nature of haiku and connects the form to some principles from Western writing, if folks are more familiar with that.
Site: The Monthly Tricycle Haiku Challenge
This site is a hub for Buddhists interested in writing and sharing haiku, including submitting to a regular contest.

--
https://www.downtowndharmadc.org/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IMCW Downtown Dharma social/volunteer listserv" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to downtowndharma+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/downtowndharma/CAH99dSkkPKK0Kj%3Dd68hdYJ%3DK0VCqHWZ3n4y_8YVxTRU1KO9_3g%40mail.gmail.com.