These two upcoming events are an opportunity to unite for innocent people in desperate need and to practice some always important self-healing.

One for Humanity Dinner

While we’re getting ready to celebrate the holiday season with our families and friends, busy planning which decadent Thanksgiving feast to attend and what presents to buy, more than 11,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza. Families have been torn apart, homes have been destroyed, and lives have been forever changed.

As we acknowledge the privilege of our lives in Beijing, we take a moment to extend a bit of love to people who need it the most.

Families in Gaza need our help and although we are a world away, it’s important to remember that we’re all human and it’s our duty to humanity to give back.

On Sun, Nov 26, bring your friends and family to light a candle and sing and dine in unity.

It’s easy to hide behind our busy schedules and ignore atrocities since it doesn’t affect our daily lives here where it’s safe. But that’s a privilege that two million people no longer have. So although it may be difficult to let your guard down and feel the immense amount of grief and devastation, we need to be brave and set an example for our children.

Date & Time: Nov 26, 4pm-6.30pm
Location: La Medina Restaurant, Sanlitun
Price: RMB 333 (includes a light dinner). ​Children under age 12 are free.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to humanitarian aid efforts. Carve out a few hours this Sunday to make a difference in humanity. 

To join or donate to the event, scan the QR code below.

Divine Spark Full Moon Ceremony With Masooma

So, who is Masooma?

Masooma Kachelo is Pakistani by birth and a wanderer at heart. She has been an expat all her life and loves adventure in all its forms! 

She began her healing journey at a support group for “Adult Children of Alcoholics” when she was 20. Masooma grew up in a home where there was intense suffering and violence. The impact of this generational trauma fostered her commitment to healing so that the generations who follow don’t have to suffer. She has been on a journey of nurturing the scared little girl inside herself, and it is with this intimate knowledge of pain and personal transformation that she is able to guide others back into their heart.

With the support of her incredibly generous husband, Masooma has traveled the world studying under dynamic teachers like Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. She is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher through the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program (Greater Good Science Center University of Berkeley), Mindful Schools in California, & UVA Minds in the Netherlands. She is currently studying compassionate inquiry with Dr. Gabor Mate to support people working through their deepest trauma. She also has an master’s in psychology from the US and a bachelor of laws from the UK.

Masooma organizes regular full moon ceremonies at her home where she leads the group in celebrating their essence.

Confused about what a full moon ceremony is? Don’t worry! The first time we heard about it so were we…

As Masooma explains, it’s an evening where the women work on their breathwork, dance, play instruments around an open flame, and open themselves up. The way jingkids understands it is that Masooma’s full moon ceremony is a spa treatment for your soul.

If you’re anything like me, opening up to someone is difficult, and the idea of opening up to a group of people you don’t know is nearly impossible. But at the same time, even though I’m an introvert, I’m still curious about this experience. Masooma says: “I always tell everyone who comes for the first time that if you’re not a little bit nervous that would be weird. It’s a very new experience. There’s not a lot of talking. It’s about our energies being together.”

The next full moon ceremony will take place on Dec 9 at 7pm. To join, scan the QR code below.

Images: Masooma Kachelo

Enjoy the best that Beijing has to offer this weekend. As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info.

Friday, Nov 13

Need to blow off some steam on Friday night? One of our favorite ways to enjoy family time together is to go bowling, and we recently rounded up some of our favorite alleys in the city. Most locations don’t require any advance reservation (although you may have to wait), and you’re sure to find a spot near you. Click here for all the details.

Saturday, Nov 14

Diwali Dhamaka at Punjabi Indian Restaurant

Diwali — also known as Deepavali and Divali — is here! The five-day Hindu festival of lights is one of the most popular festivals of the year, and celebrates “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Given the tough year we’ve all had, we think that the timing couldn’t be better. This Saturday, Punjabi Indian Restaurant and Cultural Center is celebrating with a DJ, dancing, a lucky draw, and, of course, an absolutely incredible feast.

7-10pm. Punjabi Indian Restaurant and Cultural Center. RMB 158 adults, RMB 80 kids.

Jashn-e-Diwali

Not to be outdone, 3 Color Lotus Indian Restaurant is also hosting a big celebration with a huge range of dishes, live entertainment, henna painting, dances, and other surprise activities that you’ll have to attend to discover.

6.30pm onwards. 3 Color Lotus Indian Restaurant. RMB 128 adults, RMB 80 kids. 

Saturday Market at Riviera Country Club

Every Saturday, the verdant Riviera Country Club hosts a special Saturday Market, with plenty of food and drink, gift ideas, and a big bouncy castle for the kiddies.

11am-5pm. Riviera Country Club. Free

Sunday, Nov 15

Explore Ancient Villages in the Suburbs of Beijing

With the weather rapidly cooling down, there aren’t many weekends left to get out and comfortably explore the countryside. Take advantage of the spectacular fall colors with a self-guided trip out to the countryside this Sunday. We rounded up four of our favorite ancient villages on the doorstep of the city for you to explore with the whole family. Click here for all the info. 

KEEP READING: Put Your Trust in Beijing’s Best Local Tour Guides and Agencies

Images: Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash, courtesy of the event organizers

Enjoy the best that Beijing has to offer this weekend. As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info.

Friday, Nov 6

Instagrammable Photo Walk

Here’s one for the slightly older kids, especially if you’ve got a budding photographer in your family. On this fun photo walk by the Lost Plate team (who you may already know for their fantastic food tours) you’ll be guided through some of the most iconic and photogenic locations in Beijing (covering both the ancient imperial city and modern skyscrapers), and coached on how to get the perfect shot.

9am-12pm. Departs from Chaoyangmen Subway Station. RMB 249

Saturday, Nov 7

Montessori Oceanwide Campus Open Day

If you would like to explore Montessori early childhood education for your little one, come along to the open day this Saturday at the Oceanwide campus, which is also the oldest Montessori Kindergarten in Beijing.

9:30-11am. Montessori Oceanwide Campus. Free.

Saturday Market at Riviera Country Club

Here’s one for Shunyi residents in particular: every Saturday, the verdant Riviera Country Club hosts a special Saturday Market, with plenty of food and drink, gift ideas, and a big bouncy castle for the kiddies.

11am-5pm. Riviera Country Club. Free

Applying Mindfulness in the Classroom

There is a lot of talk about mindfulness these days, but how does one harness it to improve our kid’s classroom experiences? This Saturday, the founder of the Beijing Mindfulness Center, experienced coach, author, teacher, and TEDX speaker Dalida Turkovic will host a workshop on the topic. A great opportunity for educators and parents alike.

3-5pm. 170 Beiyuan Road, Chaoyang Qu. RMB 99

Xiangtun Village Kids Club Hike

Get out into the mountains with the kids this Saturday and explore the Xiangtun Village area with Beijing Hikers. The main attractions of this route are the mostly-repaired section of the Longquanyu Great Wall, and the ‘Big Cloud’ Canyon, a deep canyon with a small stream running down the middle, as well as the tasty picnic at the end! As always, this is great for kids ages 6 and up. Younger kids could walk in places but would need to be carried for most of the hike.

8.30am. Pickup from Liangmaqiao and Lido. RMB 360 / RMB 325 members / RMB 180 for kids 7–12 / RMB 160 for kids 4–6

Sunday, Nov 8

All You Can Eat Vegan Brunch

Whether you and your family are confirmed vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, or just curious, this event on Sunday is a brilliant way to treat your tastebuds and learn even more about the many fantastic healthy vegan options available in Beijing. All ages are welcome, and the all-you-can-eat brunch will be 100% plant-based and includes options for free-flow alcohol for the adults.

10am-3pm. Cafe Zarah. RMB 198-298 adults, RMB 98 kids 6-12

KEEP READING: Put Your Trust in Beijing’s Best Local Tour Guides and Agencies

Images: Pexels, courtesy of the event organizers