Deeper Joy: Games, Songs, Activities and Practices for Community-Builders!

By Jennica Davis-Hockett

The Map to Deeper Joy is an evolving compilation of games, songs, activities and practices designed for community builders, activists, educators, and anyone interested in fostering inclusive, multigenerational communities.

Purchase a 16"x20" poster of the map

Intro to the Community Building Map to Deeper Joy (DOCX)

Orientation to the Community Building Map to Deeper Joy (DOCX)

A large white circle over the community building map to deeper joy with the text "Thursdays" "Open Studios" "9a AK / 11a MT / 1p ET" — Attend an Open Studio

Join others at a weekly drop-in to workshop games & activities for their most accessible & inclusive version.
UUA Calendar Event for Open Studios
**Thursdays at 9a AK / 11a MT / 1p ET**

Zoom Meeting Registration

The image shows a white music player interface displaying a playlist called "Deeper Joy Playlist" with the subtitle "Songs for conjuring JOY". The player is set against a background of the illustrated map to deeper joy. The cover image for the playlist is the image of The Healing Springs, a serene pool surrounded by trees and rocks. — Deeper Joy Playlist

New worlds are possible and this Deeper Joy playlist of soul-stirring songs will have you busting a move to bring them into being. These carefully curated tracks are designed to ignite your spirit and conjure a joyfulness that resonates long after the music fades.

Deeper Joy Spotify Playlist

Bonding Harbor
From Deeper Joy

The first step in building community is to identify some cohesiveness and a very low stakes sense of contributing to the collective.
Opening Up Beach
From Deeper Joy

When we share low risk or non threatening stuff about ourselves and our lives and feel like we are received, considered and valued our sense of safety increases.
Forest of Affirmation
From Deeper Joy

When we value other's experiences, witness their growth and support them in their tender moments our trustworthiness increases. These are the times we offer gratitude for each other and the group and celebrate our differences and our gifts.
Cliffs of Exclusivity
From Deeper Joy

Watch out for the jagged borders that actively or inadvertently keep others out instead of drawing the circle wider.
Covenant Lighthouse
From Deeper Joy

Like a red and white striped beacon in rough waters, the agreements we make with one another guide our way. Covenants are our UU theology of messing up & repair. They are what we can refer back to when we get lost. Like a lighthouse, our covenants create the conditions for safety.
Healing Springs
From Deeper Joy

When there is hurt or harm, the way we show up for each other matters. Repair, amends and recovery are vital on the journey to deeper joy.
Stretching River
From Deeper Joy

Trials, problem-solving opportunities and challenges can all bring a group closer to each other.
Canyons of Deeper Sharing
From Deeper Joy

With the right conditions and preparation, groups can support each other in the depths and heights of their spiritual growth. Sharing can mean stories about ourselves, sharing about our feelings and situations, or sharing experiences together, making shared memories, and sharing moments of awe.
Tepid Bay
From Deeper Joy

It might be tempting to endlessly paddle around in the Tepid Bay, the waters are calm and you’re a safe distance away from everything. But the waters are also shallow. And after the sun sets, it’s kind of lonely out there.