Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. — Robert Fulghum, author and Unitarian Universalist minister IN TODAY'S SESSION... we learned the importance of balance in the web of life. We considered...

Perhaps the most radical thing we can do is to stay home, so we can learn the names of the plants and animals around us; so that we can begin to know what tradition we’re part of. – Terry Tempest Williams IN TODAY’S SESSION… We spent a wonderful time getting inside animal homes of all kinds.

No shade tree? Blame not the sun but yourself. — Chinese proverb IN TODAY'S SESSION... we learned about trees' vital role in our lives. We used our bodies to build a tree and then experienced a guided meditation in which we grew from acorns to mighty oak trees. We represented our interdependence...

The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams. – Henry David Thoreau IN TODAY’S SESSION… During our discussions of finding home in a particular place, the Creating Home group learned about the homes of other animals and compared some of them to our homes. This session explored what...

Your deepest roots are in nature. No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation. — Charles Cook, founder and director of Wild Earth Adventures IN TODAY'S SESSION... we learned about some interesting partnerships in...

We see in the world around us many symbols that teach us the meaning of life. You could notice if you wanted to, but you are usually too busy. We Indians live in a world of symbols and images where the spiritual and the commonplace are one....

We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, We do to ourselves — attributed to Chief Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Nation IN TODAY'S SESSION... we heard the story, "The Grumpy Gecko," which showed that all living beings on the Earth are connected on...

I want to remind myself and others that our homes can become sacred places, filled with life and meaning. – Gunilla Norris IN TODAY’S SESSION… We began our exploration of home by talking about thresholds – places of entrance and exit where we begin and end our journeys. We created name...

Materials for Activity A copy of the story "The Mish-Mash Heart" A sample mish-mash heart made by a leader or participant in Activity 2 Card stock in a variety of colors Fabric pieces, ribbons, and other decorative items Glue sticks, scissors (including left-handed scissors), and hole punch(es)...

Tragedy calls and challenges us as people of faith. How can we make our children feel safe when we ourselves are deeply shaken? We simply do the best we can. We take small steps.

We Are Surrounded by Love Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider: What sounds can you hear where you are sitting? How...

Activity time: 40 minutes Materials for Activity Snacks and paper goods Any materials required for the games you choose Preparation for Activity Review past sessions of Sing to the Power and identify games the participants enjoyed....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl, half-filled with water Smooth stones Preparation for Activity Put water in bowl and set out stones where they can easily be reached. Make sure that bowl is on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out.

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl Smooth stones, at least one for each participant Preparation for Activity Fill the bowl half-way with water. Set the bowl on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out. Set out stones near the bowl,...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Computer with Internet access and a large monitor or a digital projector Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity If you will use the Internet to lead the children in researching water issues in your area, scout websites in advance....

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Bowls (one per participant) and large baking tray or cookie sheet Fine grain play sand Pitcher of water Plastic plates (one per participant) Preparation for Activity Set out materials in a space that will not be damaged by water or sand. If weather...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl Smooth stones, at least one for each participant Preparation for Activity Fill the bowl half-way with water. Set the bowl on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out. Set out stones near the bowl,...

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Tarp for collecting soap shavings One bar of soap per person Pencils to share Table knives, screwdrivers, orange sticks, nails, popsicle sticks and/or other soap-carving tools Preparation for Activity Make sure you are comfortable guiding participa...

Activity time: 7 minutes Preparation for Activity Clear an open space that will be safe for an active game. Description of Activity River water finds its way by flowing and giving way, all the while moving on its downward course toward the sea....