Alternate Activity 1: Wisdom From The World's Religions (30 minutes)
Materials for Activity
- Slips of paper with different "wisdom readings" cut out from Leader Resource 1: Wisdom Readings for the Basket
- Writing paper for all participants
- Pens and pencils for all participants
- Basket
- Bell
- Clock, watch, or timer that shows seconds
- Optional: Cordless microphone
Preparation for Activity
- Read Leader Resource 2: Wisdom Readings for the Basket and print out two or three copies.
- Cut the "wisdom readings" on the Leader Resource 2 into strips.
- Place one copy of each "wisdom reading" in a basket.
Description of Activity
Introduce the activity with these or similar words:The wisdom of the world's religions calls us to care and to act, to move through our fears, and to set healthy limits. We are called to take care of and replenish ourselves, and to respect our neighbors as we respect ourselves.
Ask participants to choose a slip of paper from the basket as it is passed. You may say:
Anyone who wants to read can choose a reading. If you do not feel moved to read today you can let the basket pass you by.
Invite the first participant to share his/her quotation with the group. Pass the microphone if you have one available.
After each reading, pose these questions:
- How can we live this?
- What do we need to change?
- Take a few responses and move to the second reader. Continue this process with each reading.
After all have read who want to, offer a minute or two for silent reflection and meditation. Ring a bell to open and close this time.
If you have time, conclude the activity by discussing the same questions, slightly adapted:
- How can we live this wisdom from the world's religions?
- What will you change in order to do that?
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
