Spirit in Practice

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

By Erik Walker Wikstrom

Spirit in Practice was created to help Unitarian Universalists develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand it. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Whether participants follow a path they identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or any of the other paths we follow in our diverse congregations, the Spirit in Practice workshops offer a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich their faith journeys.

Acknowledgments
From Spirit in Practice

The author expresses his gratitude to Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, New York, for its “Eight Gates” model upon which this workshop’s central organizing principle is based. The developmental editor wishes to thank Adrianne Ross for her tireless project coordination for the Spirit in…
Preface
From Spirit in Practice

Developed in response to many Unitarian Universalist adults’ desire to engage in life-giving spiritual practices, the ten workshops of Spirit in Practice provide avenues for deepening spirituality and affirming spiritual growth in the congregation. Participants are invited to reflect, share, and…
Introduction
From Spirit in Practice

The Program The idea of spiritual practices encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual development by spending time working on it, deliberating on its meaning and how best to pursue it, seeking to understand the sacred through reading and the counsel of others, and seek…
Program Structure
From Spirit in Practice

All ten workshops in the Spirit in Practice program follow a similar structure. Between an opening and a closing ritual, participants engage in up to five activities. The opening includes a chalice lighting, and the closing includes an extinguishing of the chalice….
Implementation
From Spirit in Practice

Each congregation has its own approach to structuring adult programs. Some congregations offer programs on Sunday mornings, gathering adults before the service, after the service, during a second service, or between two services….
Before You Start
From Spirit in Practice

Determine the schedule. Decide whether you will offer the program for ten consecutive weeks, once a month for ten consecutive months, or on another schedule. Set the dates and times. Take holidays and three-day weekends into account to ensure that most participants can attend all scheduled…
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Spirit in Practice

We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
Participant Feedback Form
From Spirit in Practice

We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
Workshop 1: Toward a Rich and Meaningful Unitarian Universalist Spirituality
From Spirit in Practice
Workshop 2: Personal Spiritual Practices
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Workshop 3: Communal Worship Practices
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Workshop 4: Spiritual Partnerships
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Workshop 5: Mind Practices
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Workshop 6: Body Practices
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Workshop 7: Soul Practices
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Workshop 8: Life Practices
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Workshop 9: Justice Practices
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Workshop 10: Looking Back and Moving Forward
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Stories in Spirit in Practice
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Handouts in Spirit in Practice
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Leader Resources in Spirit in Practice
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